"I am currently staying at Experimental Marais in Paris, formerly known as The Sinner, and I feel compelled to share honest feedback about how dramatically the experience has changed since the rebranding.
When it operated as The Sinner, the hotel had a strong identity. It paid attention to detail. It had character, atmosphere, and a sense of theatre. Today, while the price has increased, the quality of service and overall experience has noticeably declined.
The concept that once made this hotel distinctive now feels diluted. It has become another expensive boutique hotel, but without the soul that once justified the rate. You pay more, yet receive less value.
With the new branding , they took away the air fluffed extra duvet, added bulky room key, and made it more towards dad and mom are going to send a night at an expensive boutique hotel!
Cleanliness & Maintenance Concerns
There are several issues that should not exist at this price point:
Mug rings were left on the bedside tables upon arrival.
The bathroom tissue box was EMPTY. The house slippers were too small for a man's feet, and when i asked for a bigger size , they staff member told me thats the only size. but the following day when i asked about a bigger size, it was magically searched and found , then delivered.
The coffee table was not properly cleaned.
The rug did not appear freshly vacuumed.
The bed linen had a strong detergent smell that was unpleasant rather than luxurious.
In Room 205, the paint is peeling from the shower ceiling.
These are basic maintenance matters that undermine the perception of a luxury property.
When I arrived, the AC in my room was not functioning and could not be repaired until the following day. My only temporary option was to use Room 101, the accessible room for guests with disabilities. I was uncomfortable taking that room, as it should be available for someone who genuinely needs it. Meanwhile, my own room had a noticeable vanilla and tobacco odor, and during the afternoon there were also kitchen smells drifting into the room. Without working air circulation, these odors lingered and became more pronounced. I was advised to open the window, which is not something one expects to hear in a hotel that positions itself as luxury.
Dyson Hair Dryer Experience
There is now a standard hair dryer in the bathroom drawer. If you would like a Dyson hair dryer, you must sign a form acknowledging receipt, after which one unit is brought to the room.
The staff member who delivered it did not speak English, which made communication difficult and diminished the service experience. More concerning, the accessories of the Dyson contained hair from a previous guest. That immediately raised questions about hygiene standards and attention to detail. I had initially requested both the Dyson hair dryer and the straightener, but after seeing the condition of the attachments, I declined. If the accessories are not cleaned properly between uses, this is a serious oversight.
In most five-star hotels, premium hair dryers are simply placed in the room, and guests are charged if they remove them. Requiring a signed form for a hair dryer feels unnecessary and inconsistent with a high-end positioning.
Loss of Identity
Under The Sinner, the hotel had a unique scent and atmosphere. The music outside the rooms differed from the music inside. Staff uniforms were distinctive. The experience felt curated.
Now, the music is the same throughout. The signature scent has been toned down or removed. The staff attire no longer conveys a strong identity. The toiletries have changed from something that felt unique to something very common. Even the bathrobes now simply display the hotel name, which feels more commercial than refined.
Previously, when you passed the hotel, you didn't know it was The Sinner. There was no presence. Now, it blends into the street. Outdoor seating has been added, yet the surrounding neighborhood is not particularly suited for people watching. It does not enhance the concept.
Service & Operations
Service has slowed. When I requested plant-based milk, it took a considerable amount of time.
The WiFi process was unnecessarily complicated. Even when I called reception, the staff member was unsure whether the password required capital or lowercase letters and asked me to try multiple variations. In Room 101, the phone did not clearly indicate which number to dial for reception.
These may seem like small details, but luxury is defined by seamless execution.
Positioning & Value
The hotel promotes environmental messaging with cards encouraging guests to reuse towels. While sustainability is important, when guests are paying premium rates, the emphasis should first be on service and comfort. At this price point, guests come to feel cared for and indulged. The experience should not feel like a standard commercial chain.
Today, Experimental Marais feels like an expensive hotel without a distinct reason to choose it. I was initially planning to stay longer, but I will not be extending my stay. The emotional impact and “wow” factor that once defined The Sinner are no longer present.
Previously, I would enthusiastically recommend this hotel to friends. Now, I cannot. I could have chosen the InterContinental Paris Le Grand or the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra, earned loyalty benefits, enjoyed potential upgrades and breakfast privileges, and likely received a more consistent luxury experience.
Unfortunately, choosing Experimental Marais after its rebranding feels like a mistake. I sincerely hope management reflects on what made The Sinner special, because at present, the hotel has not only changed its name, it has lost its identity."
