Campanile Paris X - Gare Du Nord - Paris, France     

We stayed at the Campanile Paris x for one night on our way back from the Campanile Gard Part Dieu in Lyons - an excellent hotel. By contrast this Campanile is very disappointing. The distance from the Gare du Nord is greater than one might expect from the description and would be onerous to walk with heavy luggage. In reality it is nearer to the Gare de l'Est. We were allocated a room which was not clean - even though we did not arrive until 4pm.- only the bed had been prepared. Dirty cups, tea tray and work surface, hair in the plug holes of the sink and shower unit, no clean towels, no tea, sugar etc in the room and no toiletries and all this on only a cursory inspection! We complained and were told to leave our luggage and come back when the housekeeper had put things right. We were tired and refused and asked for another room. No apology was given. The replacement was fine - clean and tidy, so why were we not given this room initially? There was a great deal of noise inside the hotel - loud conversation, drunken singing until midnight - no attempt made by the security staff to solve the problem. Also much noise from outside, although this is not surprising given the situation in a busy city centre. The area is cosmopolitan, but seemingly safe. Breakfast was adequate, but basic. There was no 'normal' tea - only fruit and flavoured, although after a discussion, some did arrive. The hot water was luke warm and did not make for a good cuppa! There is a small garden at the rear which is a pleasant addition, and breakfast can be taken outside in good weather. Rooms advertised at 115 euros a night, excluding breakfast, seem overpriced for a budget hotel, even by Paris price standards. We shall not be staying here again - there are better and quieter hotels nearby.

The hotel is 10 - 15 mins from Gard de Nord but closer to Gard de L'est. It is on a busy corner opposit Louis Blanc metro station which is handy. The area is respectable working class area and very French including a good selection of food shops. I found the reception very friendly and efficient but the one lift was rather slow. The room was up to standard with all the usual services, including coffee making facillities which are not very usual in 2 star hotels in Paris. There was also a half bath and shower. Despite comments by others I found the breakfast with more choice than is usual in 2 star hotels but as I was always down to breakfast early I perhaps saw it at its best. My only complaint about this hotel is the noise from police sirens, I would suggest that an investment in efficient double/triple glazing would enhance the quality of this attractive hotel.