Hotel Tronchet, Paris

This was not my first time at the Hotel Tronchet and was so excited that they had vacancy. The location is second to none and interestingly, I was in the same room I was in before so it was like being home! Even though my room was smallish, I had two windows that looked out over rue Tronchet but the new windows ensure that it was quiet for sleeping. The same staff always welcomes me and the warm and cheerful breakfast staff is a wonderful way to start the day. The rooms are great by European standards and newly renovated. Their wifi, which is usually working was down the whole time I was there which made it tricky for business, but they directed me to a great internet cafe.

The only thing going for this hotel is its situation! Our room bore no resemblance whatsoever to those shown on the internet - so small with strange wrought iron 'four poster' single beds. These made the room very difficult to move around as space was at such a premium. We barely had room to open our suitcases! The carpet was filthy. The bathroom was also tiny. Half a bath with an unusual tap/shower system which we only managed to get working properly with the help of the night porter on our third evening. There were 'jacuzzi' jets in the bath which were dirty and black at their joins - horrible. The breakfast was passable. Staff very abrupt and rude - taking away crockery that we probably weren't going to use from under our noses tipping our food on to the plate below - unbelievable! One morning I asked for extra pan chocolat and they were brought from the kitchen and offered to me in her bare hands! We no longer felt comfortable having any food there again. Other guests in the hotel were incredibly noisy - particularly our neighbours and we asked reception to ask them to be quiet in the mornings. They started making noise before 7 am every morning - our request had no difference. I have never stayed in such a noisy hotel. Overall, our stay at the Tronchet was a disaster. Our first visit to Paris was to celebrate my daughter's 16th Birthday. Her father died not so long ago and I wanted it to be special. I am trying to make up that disappointment by going to London for a few days before Christmas. But I should not be having to do this. I would not recommend anyone to stay at the Tronchet and in future I will be very reluctant to believe what I read and see on some hotel reservation internet sites. VERY DISAPPOINTING.