Hotel De La Paix

The hotel is located in the heart of Lille - only a few minutes from the Grande Place. That is its only saving grace! There is nothing else TO like, unless of course you are a fan of 60s decor. For the price I paid, I could have had a modern room in any top tier city in the world. My room was styled in the 1960s - if not before. It was dark and oppressive with dreadful bedding and an equally poor bed. The 'over the bath' shower and the general style of the facilities made the place look run-down and impoverished. For 136 Euros - $150 I stayed in a room at the intercontinental in Saigon two weeks ago. Air conditioned, walk-in shower, choice of pillows, 42" television with film channels, wonderful breakfast etc. The room I had here, I would have 'valued' at $40 - MAXIMUM. It made me so sad, because I couldn't help but think of all those international travellers who come to france expecting a wonderful experience - something stylish and truly 'French' - and are then offered such a room. Dark, dingy, no air-con, stuffy, old style, a 14"TV perched on top of a cupboard... Frankly, the Hotel, Lille and France ought to feel ashamed. Yes, it's the market price - supply and demand - caveat emptor etc etc - but honestly - my stay here was appalling. Even now, a day later, I can't get over what I paid for the room... Oh, and I haven't yet mentioned the party in the house behind the hotel which went on until 1:30 a.m. Honestly, if you can't find a cheap chain hotel (Premiere classe, Mr Bed etc) or a proper international hotel group for your stay in this city - I would avoid it until it joins the rest of the hotel world in the 21st century.

Everything. How is it possible for this hotel to score a 2.9 when I give it such a bad report? What should I change so it gets a 1?