Hotel Prince de Paris

The buffet breakfast had plenty to choose from, and as a vegetarian I found it a great way to start the day. Dinner, though, was nothing special. Service was good. The hotel’s location suited me well: five to ten minutes on foot to the local market, and about half an hour walking to the famous mosque. My room was big and comfortable, with an amazing bed. But the walls were so thin I could hear my neighbor’s phone call. After a shower, condensation on the windows left the room wet, and the window couldn’t be opened for safety, so there was no fresh air. The bathroom towels were up on a fairly high platform, reachable only through the bathtub. A wet tub and high step could be dangerous.

The first room we got at check-in was filthy: dusty air and pillows, two cockroaches, a leaking bathroom, and no fridge. The receptionist kindly moved us, but the next room was no better. The whole hotel smelled of cigarettes, and the people next door smoked through the night. The fumes came through the connecting doors, and now I have a sore throat from breathing them in. The location is okay for being close to the city center, but good restaurants are limited. Horrible sums it up.

At the hotel nightclub, they quoted one price for beer and wine when I came in, then charged me three times as much on the bill because I was a tourist. After that, they got aggressive. Tourists, avoid this place at all costs. It’s a scam, and they just want to rip you off.

The location is excellent, only a short walk from United Nations Square, and the room stayed surprisingly quiet despite the busy avenue. Ours was small and cozy on the 3rd floor, with a pretty decadent look. The bathroom was fine, but the walls and linen could use some refreshing. A good option for budget travel.