Review of Hotel Americain 2*

SLEEPLESS IN PARIS! The room was minuscule. The front desk staff were terse and not terribly helpful. To say that the front desk staff speaks English is a stretch, they know a few phrases but cannot converse in English. We asked them to call us a cab and there was a long delay before they even called and then he said he could not get us a cab. On another occasion they called us a cab but it was a very expensive ride (6.5 E base fare! ) There was no hairdryer in the room as stated on the site and no place to hang the shower head, so you were left to lather up and hose down, not exactly an relaxing experience. Our 'double' room was actually two twin beds made up separately and pushed together, not ideal for a second honeymoon! The room only had 1 tiny garbage can, no dresser, and the tiny TV could not be adjusted up to a normal volume. The website also claims the hotel is newly soundproofed. NOT! Our room was on the 1st floor facing the street. The hotel is located at the intersection of 5 streets: on the other corners are a public plaza with a lit billboard, an elementary school, a high school, and a business. It was VERY noisy as the kids were arriving for school and when they were let out for recess, which seemed like most of the day! The plaza is a gathering spot for youth who drink and party (and rap) rather loudly until 3 am. There is heavy traffic, mostly scooters, going through this intersection day and night. We could not leave our window open and sleep at the same time. We complained to the front desk about the noise and were told that there had been an arts festival going on and that's why it had been so noisy and that it had ended and should be better. It was not. They never offered to switch us to a quieter room (if there is such a thing). We were there for a week and hardly slept at all. Breakfast is a roll and croissant with juice and very strong coffee every morning, no variety. The hotel is a 10 minute walk to the Republique Metro Station but it's not a great line. We had to take 2 trains to get anywhere popular. The only redeeming quality this hotel has is that it is very clean. The housekeeping staff do a great job. We would not stay here again.