The name Ritz Paris carries a lot of weight. It is one of the most famous hotels in the world, the kind of place people save for years to visit. So when @crazyforlalaa booked a night there on her way to Monaco, she expected to be wowed. Her honest review of what she got tells a more complicated story.
She only stayed one night, since the trip had to continue the next morning. She says rooms there start at $3,500 Canadian, and that she thinks she even got a discount. Check-in, she said, was super smooth and easy. That was the high point for a while.
@crazyforlalaa
The 103 Euro Breakfast
Breakfast was supposed to be included with her stay, so she and her group headed down to the breakfast hall and ordered a bunch of things. In the end, they only had juice and croissants. The bill came to 103 euros.
She was confused. And the food did not make up for the surprise. The croissants were dry, and the hot chocolate was not good. She wondered whether it is just a French thing to serve hot chocolate with milk and sugar, but whatever the reason, she called it 103 euros down the drain, and said she was sad about it.
A Room That Felt More Old Than Chic
When it was finally time to see the room, she wasn’t thrilled with the long walkway to get there. It is a long trek, and she called it horrible in her Louboutins.
The room itself was super small and, as she put it, super chic, though she guessed that the vintage look was simply old. But then things went wrong. In the bathroom, the TV did not work, and neither did the hot water. Someone was sent to fix the hot water while she waited it out.
The location was a plus. She loved that all the stores are side by side, and she said they walked to Chanel and were done shopping fast.
One Bright Spot of Service
She did bring the problems to the staff, and she said the woman she spoke to was very kind. That employee went so far as to book dinner reservations for her, and the group ended up going out to eat that same night. The pastry, she said, was really good.
Taking everything into account, she gave the hotel a 6.5. It was not the best hotel she has ever stayed in, she said.
How to Avoid a Sticker Shock Breakfast
The 103 euro tab is the part of this story that many travelers will recognize. When a hotel says breakfast is included, it is worth finding out exactly what that means. Here is how to protect yourself.
- Ask what “included” covers. At some hotels, it means a set buffet. At others, it is a credit toward the menu or a limited selection. Ask when you check in.
- Look at the menu prices before you order. At very high-end hotels, even simple items can cost much more than they would across the street. If prices are not listed, ask.
- Request the bill before you sign. If you are charging to a room, look at the total first. It is much easier to correct a mistake at the table than at checkout.
- Save your receipts. If something looks wrong, a paper trail makes it much easier to dispute.
- Consider a local bakery. In Paris and many other cities, a short walk can lead to a fresh croissant and coffee for a fraction of a luxury hotel price.
What to Do When Something Breaks
A broken television or a lack of hot water is not what anyone expects from a top-tier hotel. If you run into trouble, the best approach is a calm and immediate one.
- Call the front desk right away. Do not wait until morning. The sooner they know, the sooner they can fix it.
- Ask for a solution, not just a sorry. You might request a different room, a repair within a certain time, or a credit toward your bill.
- Be kind, but clear. As this story shows, a friendly front desk employee can turn a bad evening around, and it usually helps to start from a polite place.
- Share feedback afterward. A fair review helps future guests and gives the hotel a chance to improve.
Does a Famous Name Guarantee a Great Stay?
Reputation is a powerful thing, and a legendary hotel name can set expectations sky high. @crazyforlalaa’s review shows that even at a famous address, little details like a surprise tab, dated rooms, and equipment that does not work can leave a guest feeling underwhelmed. When you pay several thousand dollars for one night, you should expect the basics to work.
Before booking any splurge stay, read recent reviews, not just the brand’s reputation. Look for comments about maintenance, noise, and service, and decide what matters most to you. A hotel can be a landmark and still miss on the day-to-day details, and her fair 6.5 rating is a good reminder of that.
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