I went to this expensive hotel for 3 days specifically to watch the 9/11 commemoration ceremonies on a good tv. Big mistake. The only English channel, BBC News, jumped around and zoned out constantly for the entire 3 days. There would be periods of up to an hour when it would be ok, but not many. I complained constantly, and the staff were totally indifferent, saying it was the satellite’s fault not theirs. They even implied many times it might be my imagination. In the end it turned out to be an adjustment required at the hotel’s receiver. I demanded two free nights and eventually got one. I considered myself lucky and fled. I’ve stayed at many Ibis hotels, but never again this one. Incredibly arrogant and rigid staff. No manager at the hotel during my stay.

Paris is the main attraction for most tourist, but traveling through France (we did it by car) was the perfect complement to that experience. France is a richly and diverse country where each region present you with its own peculiarities and food is star in most of them. Going through the Auverge region (South Central), we found the city of Clermont Ferrand, one the oldest of France. Following a great advise I friend gave us, while traveling through Europe we tried to find IBIS Hotels. Not all of them have the same quality and standards unfortunately, but many of them are a great economical option in Europe. The IBIS HOTEL of Clermont Ferrand was a great option. Fare price (low compare with Paris and other cities), clean and confortable. They just had two course for dinner (they do not have a formal “restaurant”, more like a “cafe”), but the Buffet they serve for breakfast is fantastic and with many “Regional Options” as they describe them: cheeses, breads, croissants, patisseries, ham, fruits, etc. If you venture to go beyond Pais and explore France, take advantage of this lovely city and the IBIS hotel.

The room was dirty, the food was inedible and the receptionist was rude, childish and extremely ignorant. She seemed very emotionally unstable and had no customer service skills whatsoever! Do not stay at this hotel!