Hotel RBX - Roubaix Centre

We left after the first night, even though we’d booked three. The refund we hoped for never came, as we’d suspected, and I’d strongly warn people away from booking here. The room smelled strongly of cigarettes, was mouldy, and the bed was badly made. Ashtrays are fixed to the walls outside each room, which could raise a fire safety concern. The overgrown grounds and neglected bushes added to the impression of poor upkeep. Anyone could walk in and out, which felt especially worrying given the area’s social challenges and the need for safety. The reception and what we took to be the restaurant were both deeply unwelcoming.

The staff were welcoming and polite, but the place needs updating. The room was empty when I arrived early, yet they wouldn’t let me have it unless I’d arranged early check-in in advance, which also costs extra. That’s not a good way to build a business. There was water all over the floor because the sink leaked underneath. The bed was comfy, ooh lala, but check the pillows first, they were dirty and smelly.

The bed was so uncomfortable, with the springs right under me and no soft mattress topper. And the toilet didn’t even have a seat, which made using the bathroom disgusting. I stayed one night and won’t be back.

I stayed for a week, and nearly all the staff were welcoming and really nice. One man, though, was super rude. After I’d reached the airport, I called to say I’d left a few good books behind and asked if they could be donated to charity or a library. He said it wasn’t his business, told me to come back the next day to collect them, and said they wouldn’t do anything for me. I didn’t expect that from hotel staff. I don’t know his name, but I’d take off a point just for him. Everything else was good.