2/10 Shocking Discrimination at Breakfast – Avoid if You’re AsianShocking Discrimination at Breakfast – Avoid if You’re Asian
I am appalled by the blatant discrimination based on my skin color at Crowne Plaza Paris during breakfast on February 12, 2025, at 8:30 AM. As an IHG Diamond Elite member, I expected fair treatment, but instead, I witnessed a problematic and racist seating system that placed Asian guests in a separate, inferior section while white guests enjoyed a better dining area.
What Happened?
Upon arrival, I provided my room number (338). The staff checked a list that included membership status, then deliberately escorted me and my friend (a white Finnish woman) to an area where only Asian guests were seated.
When I requested the table in the nicer area (the same table that we sat at for the past two days), I was told, “That table is reserved. Someone came to reserve it yesterday.” (A lie). I then asked, "Isn't breakfast buffet style? How can someone reserve a table?" The waitress then said, "Yeah, I'm sorry but this has been reserved. If you want this table, you have to come here and tell us in advance." (Another blatant lie).
However, when my white friend returned with her food, a staff member immediately stopped her and said, “I can give you an even nicer table”—the same table I was just denied. Clearly, they did not believe she was with me, and she was offered better treatment simply because of her race.
Management’s response was even Worse.
After breakfast, I escalated the issue to the restaurant manager, who:
• Refused to acknowledge the problem.
• Ignored me (who is the one raising the concern). And 80% of the time spoke at my white friend.
• Justified the discrimination by saying, “We usually seat Chinese groups separately because they are loud and may disturb other guests.”, and "My staff may have just assumed you come with a big group of Chinese"
• Dismissed my complaint by claiming, “Our employees are people of color, so discrimination is impossible.”
This is not an isolated incident. I see a denial of what had happened to me and an attempt to gaslight me by bringing up irrelevant things, like "oh they proabbly just thought you are part of the big group". The problem:
• White guests were freely seated in the premium section—no reservation needed.
• Asian guests (even Diamond Elite members) were placed in a separate, crowded section.
• Management openly exhibited stereotyping of Chinese guests.
• My complaint was only taken seriously when my white friend spoke up.
This was one of the most humiliating experiences I’ve ever had at a hotel. If you are Asian, think twice before staying at Crowne Plaza Paris—I refuse to support a hotel that practices discrimination based on how people look. I will be escalating this complaint to IHG Corporate, French anti-discrimination authorities, and international media.
Discrimination thrives in silence. But I will speak up.
haimengz2021Feb 17, 2025
10/10 Excellent StayWe were greeted with a warm smile by Erika at check in. We were able to get into our room early, which was much appreciated after a long, overnight flight. We booked the hotel for four nights using points and were given an upgrade based on my husband's status from the IHG credit card. We were checked into an executive King room, which as spacious. We had requested a quiet room and faced the lovely courtyard.
The hotel staff was excellent. We interacted with staff at the front desk and bar area. The room was very clean. The mattress is very hard, which my husband loved. I found it a bit difficult to sleep on.
There was one protest at the Republique during our stay. We could not hear it from our room. It seemed very peaceful and well-organized. We only knew about it because we headed out to dinner one evening. By the time we returned several hours later, the protest had ended.
The location is perfect. We are right next to the Metro. We each purchased a Nagivo card and ten rides, and used it to travel to all of our destinations. Behind hotel, the Canal St. Martin is a few blocks behind the hotel. There are a number of restaurants and stores near the hotel, but do get out and explore the neighborhoods.
We would highly recommend this hotel for an excellent stay in Paris.
M4783SQnicolewMar 25, 2025
10/10 An effortless stay in an ideal hotel in Paris.We stayed at the Crown Plaza, Place de la Republique, Paris for 7 days. We were given the choice of a quiet room or a noisy one. We chose the latter. It was great to sit people watching, the window wide open on to the square, a drink in hand. The breakfasts were fabulous, the staff very attentive and helpful and any problems addressed promptly. It was an excellent experience and thanks are necessary to the management team and hotel for making our stay special. The hotel is very central and ideal for getting about. We hope to return and would recommend this hotel to everyone who wants an effortless stay in Paris. Thankyou.
NewmillersMar 15, 2025
8/10 A great stay in ParisWe recently stayed here for several days as a part of our time in Paris. The hotel is not in the center of the city near the big monuments, but for us, this is a plus as it's a little less crazy. That being said, it is literally right next to a metro station, and there are tons of restaurants and bakeries right around the hotel. Additionally, there is a restaurant in hotel and a nice breakfast buffet (not included in room price). The room was spacious for a European room and was modern. Housekeeping did a great job each day. The staff all spoke English and were helpful. We really enjoyed staying here.
rkmay0Mar 21, 2025
9/10 We left the hotel as satisfied and happy guests.Excellent breakfast, good location, clean, comfortable beds, friendly and smily staff, specially very helpfull concierge with my need to name M. Olivier with his help in providing information and more than that being personally involved in smootly assisting from distance for solution in a trouble (not related to the hotel) that we had faced.
JozefFeb 27, 2025
9/10 Fab stay in a great location for exploring ParisFantastic hotel - we needed twin beds as I was travelling with my daughter and had nice double bed each and a really good sized room for a central Paris hotel. Breakfast was busy but efficient and tasty. Great location for exploring Paris from.
SophieFeb 24, 2025
8/10 Very good hotel in in good location.The staff, location, comfort were all very nice. The breakfast omelettes cooked to order were v good.
NiamhMar 26, 2025
10/10 Great hotelThis hotel was great and did exactly what it said on the tin! It’s in great area of the city with loads of bars and restaurants around the local area. Travel is simple as the metro is literally outside the door. Staff were lovely, room was comfortable and we had no issues.
zotarFeb 23, 2025
6/10 A slight disappointmentThe hotel has a wonderful location. This is probably the only good thing I can tell about it.
YuriiApr 5, 2025
9/10 EnjoyableVery friendly courteous staff in both the reception and restaurant areas. Our room was large and comfortable. Excellent breakfast with lots of choice.
DerekMar 29, 2025
8/10 Lovely hotel in great locationLoved the location, convenient to a metro stop and within easy walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre etc. Very good breakfast.
SineadApr 22, 2025
10/10 Friendly, comfortable home-from-home.Very relaxed comfortable surroundings. The staff were very welcoming and eager to make sure you had a good stay.
PeterFeb 20, 2025
10/10 Perfect location, cozy room and delicious breakfast!Everything was great. Especially welcoming and reserved table for breakfast. However more bottle of waters would be in the room cause we were 4. (2x50cl is not enough)
ErhanApr 5, 2025
8/10 Crowne Plaza at the PDLRWas OK, although a bit top heavy price wise.
DocApr 10, 2025
10/10 The hotel is excellent. I highly recommend it. The staff are brilliant.The hotel staff were absolutely excellent and so friendly.
DavidMar 15, 2025
10/10 Great!Fantastic location, clean room and wonderful staff. Menu not so good at the restaurant but would certainly stay there again. Easy to access too
LilianMar 9, 2025
10/10 Wonderful location to explore for a trip to ParisBeautiful hotel with lots of character but also lots of modern style. Wonderful checking in experience and Gaylord was a joy to deal with.
KareymcMar 23, 2025
6/10 OK for a two night stay but there are fresher options for the same moneyStaff was very helpful
AlexeiMar 30, 2025
10/10 Great hotelThis hotel is very well located. The metro and buses are right outside the door. Lovely staff, very clean and great breakfast. I couldn't fault it
EricaFeb 22, 2025
10/10 ExceptionalExcellent location, very good breakfast, deluxe large room, friendly staff! It’s me favorite place in Paris
NikoletaApr 11, 2025
10/10 ExceptionalGreat hotel, very nice room, excellent breakfast
MeronMar 20, 2025
9/10 Does what is says on the tinHelpful staff
DavidApr 18, 2025
10/10 ExceptionalYes
MarceloMar 9, 2025
8/10 Good location in a good hotelLocation, staff
AliFeb 16, 2025
8/10 Warm and invitingThe room was great.
PaulMar 5, 2025
8/10 As expected. Clean. Comfortable. Location.Location was great
SophieFeb 17, 2025
9/10 SuperbStaff friendly. Breakfast well organised and well stocked.
PhilippaMar 21, 2025
8/10 Greatest experienceLocation, clean comfort very nice staff
KatieMar 10, 2025
8/10 Very good
RobertMar 2, 2025
7/10 Crown plaza parisRoom was a bit tired.
DocMar 31, 2025
10/10 Good staff and nice room.Clean
ThomasMar 15, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
MichaelApr 4, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
JurijsMar 6, 2025
8/10 Very good
BastianApr 22, 2025
10/10 Excellent !
SurendraFeb 19, 2025
8/10 Very good
JoeApr 20, 2025
8/10 Very good
UlviyaMar 29, 2025
8/10 Very good
AntonMar 28, 2025
8/10 Very good
MarkMar 7, 2025
8/10 Very good
NaimFeb 20, 2025
8/10 Very good
EvangeliaFeb 17, 2025
9/10 Superb
KaterinaApr 17, 2025
6/10 Pleasant
EmmaFeb 9, 2025
9/10 Superb
ObafemiApr 9, 2025
8/10 Very good
AnnaFeb 5, 2025
9/10 Superb
KevinApr 1, 2025
9/10 Superb
MartinaMar 31, 2025
9/10 Superb
GokceMar 24, 2025
9/10 Superb
JurjenMar 3, 2025
7/10 Good
SashaMar 24, 2025
3/10 Terrible experienceThe cleaning staff was nice
FabensonDec 26, 2024
1/10 spoils the France reputationjust breakfast
RaghunandanDec 11, 2024
8/10 Very goodThe breakfast was excellent. Even kids loved it. Staff were wonderful. Easy access to all locations via metro. Close to the Cirque d'Hiver which we loved.
ShqipeDec 6, 2024
5/10 I hope the hotel management will alert guests that parking is not availableالإفطار جيد والمكان جميل
BadihJan 30, 2025
8/10 It’s alright…Good room size for Paris. Nice lobby and bar area.
AndrewDec 2, 2024
7/10 GoodGreat location, facing directly to the Republique subway station. Staff is polite and helpful, the downstairs restaurant was also very lively
CaioJan 3, 2025
6/10 PleasantThe location is close to supermarkets and restaurants, Also the hotel is near the metro.
AljouharaJan 7, 2025
10/10 Exceptionalperfect location as there are shops, cafes and places to eat right outside the hotel. Also there is a metro station right outside
EratoNov 20, 2024
8/10 Very goodVery close to the center, nice view, nice Buffett
AlexandrosDec 16, 2024
9/10 SuperbThe breakfast was exceptional, with many varieties.
The room was clean, the bathroom was spacious and modern.
The location is superb, very close to the Metro.
MalikaNov 25, 2024
9/10 Perfect location ,the food was ok ,staff very friendlyThe location
JulieNov 21, 2024
10/10 Excellent location and great hotel for families.Staff were fantastic and really looked after us considering how late arrival and early departure.
JulieJan 4, 2025
10/10 Wonderful place to stay in Paris if you are traveling with petsThey were incredibly accommodating with our pets!
AmandaDec 1, 2024
1/10 UnderwhelmingSleep
ColumDec 19, 2024
10/10 ExceptionalFront desk was amazing and took very great care to accommodate us arriving a little earlier than expected
BerghoffJan 30, 2025
10/10 Excellent hotel in a great location.Room was excellent, location was fantastic and the breakfast was amazing
MichelleDec 21, 2024
9/10 Good location, solid hotel.High quality
BenNov 28, 2024
10/10 ExceptionalLocation, friendly staff and clean, 10 feet from metro station
SerjJan 1, 2025
6/10 Too pricey for the size and locationComfortable beds
EmadDec 28, 2024
10/10 Lovely clean hotel, with amazing staffGreat location, very helpful and friendly staff.
JasminkaJan 16, 2025
10/10 ExceptionalThe hotel was fabulous and all staff were outstanding.
AntheaJan 13, 2025
7/10 GoodBreakfast excellent. Room not bad.
BiretaDec 28, 2024
8/10 Great stayGreat location and friendly staff
LooiDec 22, 2024
8/10 Very goodThe Breakfast was excellent
HildurFeb 2, 2025
9/10 SuperbGreat location and hotel!
StephanieJan 10, 2025
10/10 Excellent hotelSo central
GaryDec 30, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
SotirDec 19, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
StephanieDec 16, 2024
8/10 Very good
JordanFeb 2, 2025
8/10 Very good
SamanthaJan 26, 2025
8/10 Very good
PeterJan 11, 2025
8/10 Very good
AdamJan 10, 2025
8/10 Very good
SoonkoonDec 12, 2024
8/10 Very good
ConderDec 2, 2024
9/10 Superb
Emma-kateJan 31, 2025
9/10 Superb
JordanJan 28, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
GurcharanNov 25, 2024
9/10 Superb
JonathonJan 21, 2025
8/10 Very good
LarsNov 20, 2024
8/10 Very good
LarsNov 20, 2024
9/10 Superb
LucyJan 14, 2025
9/10 Superb
RobertoJan 4, 2025
9/10 Superb
KhaledJan 3, 2025
9/10 Superb
ParidhiDec 26, 2024
7/10 Good
SarahJan 29, 2025
9/10 Superb
SamirNov 23, 2024
7/10 Good
UlviyaJan 3, 2025
7/10 Good
DavidDec 24, 2024
7/10 Good
MobinaNov 21, 2024