Our group of 20 high school students from America had a deeply disappointing experience at Hotel Novotel. After a long journey from the airport, the students were exhausted and hungry. They simply wanted to sit down and quickly eat the pizzas they had brought for dinner. Also, theres no one even at the hotel which makes its more ridiculous.
Instead of even a hint of hospitality, the front desk staff was shockingly rude. We were abruptly told that we could not eat in any public area of the hotel; not even quietly and respectfully. When we politely asked if we could at least have some napkins, and bring the food upstairs the staff member told us we would have to pay for them. He spoke down to us the entire time, made us feel unwelcome, and ultimately treated our students as though they were a burden rather than guests.
For many of these students, this is their very first time in France. What should have been a warm and memorable welcome turned into an embarrassing and unprofessional encounter. No hotel especially one that claims to be accommodating should treat guests this way.
I cannot recommend this hotel to anyone, and I would strongly advise school groups or large parties to look elsewhere for lodging. This experience was unacceptable from start to finish. If I could rate it a 0 I would. read more