The gargantuan FIAP Jean Monnet - with nearly 500 beds - feels more like a hotel or large dormitory than a cozy backpacker cottage. Complete with cafeteria, tourist information desk, lounge with live music events, and a disco in the basement, this FIAP ain't for the faint-hearted, either. In other words, it can be a bit noisy at night, especially if there's a youth group staying there. But - the Jean Monnet supplements its partying with educational French-language classes for the ambitious traveler, and check-out's 9AM so you're forced to get up early to explore the city!
I recently stayed here and my overall experience was ok but not great. The food was my first test for my overall impression. The selection is average and the effort was nothing short of sad. You could tell that most of the food was made in a flash and the taste was bland as a result of it. The hostel was overall clean and tidy and maids tidy your room daily. ** WORD OF WARNING ** Secure any items of value and lock your suitcase. The maids dont only clean your room but also your suitcase and anything they like out. My gifts and small change happened to be misplaced after my room was cleaned. My bag is always closed fully and i doublechecked to make sure it was and when i returned it was wide open. The staff are not very welcoming and when i alerted them about the maids they couldn't speak any english all of a sudden and then during the middle of the conversation with the manager, he walked off and answered the phone and left me there to wait 20 minutes. I wouldnt go there again and it is not suitable for a long stay to any visitors looking at this hostel.
I stayed summer 2006 for 32 days and summer 2007 for a week. The place is clean, the food at the FIAP is especially delicious and you get great value for your money. The location is very central and whether you want to shop at the local market for cheese and bread and then drop by the local wine shop, or go to dinner at the nearby restuarants or travel on the Metro to go away for dinner, the area is well situated. The buses are close-by, the Metro is a short walk away,shopping and food stores are everywhere. Also the Metro Prix is within walking distance and is the place to get everything!!The only thing I didn't like was the way the shower operated and that is just being nit-picky. I would return at any time!!! I enjoyed the place tremendously!
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