The phrase "Cecil Hotel reviews" often conjures images of the infamous Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, known for its dark history and pop culture notoriety. However, there are several hotels around the world bearing the name "Cecil," including properties in Athens, Greece, and Paris, France. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into Cecil Hotel reviews from reliable sources, focusing on guest experiences, pros, cons, and current status. Whether you're researching for travel planning or curiosity, we'll draw from verified traveler feedback to provide an balanced overview. Note that the Los Angeles location is no longer operating as a traditional hotel, shifting the focus for current stays to international options.
The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles: Historical Reviews and Current Status
The Cecil Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, originally opened in 1924, has a storied past marked by numerous tragedies, including suicides, murders, and the high-profile case of Elisa Lam in 2013, which inspired Netflix's Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. As of 2025, the property is not open to the public as a hotel. It reopened in December 2021 as an affordable housing complex managed by the Skid Row Housing Trust, providing units for approximately 600 low-income residents, many formerly homeless. Renovations began in 2017 but were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to ongoing issues like mold, vermin, and maintenance problems reported in 2023. The building was listed for sale in 2024, and its future remains uncertain.
Historical guest reviews from when it operated as a hotel (under names like Stay on Main) are mixed but predominantly negative, reflecting its location near Skid Row and budget accommodations. On Yelp, it holds a low rating (around 1.5 stars based on older feedback), with guests citing its eerie atmosphere and historical allure as draws for some. Key themes from past reviews include:
Pros:
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Affordable Pricing and Central Location: Many appreciated the low cost and proximity to downtown attractions, making it a budget option for short stays.
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Historical Appeal: Adventurous travelers enjoyed the "cool old building" vibe and its connection to LA history, with some staying specifically for the notoriety. One Reddit user in 2022 described living there as "pretty cool" with "never a dull moment."
Cons:
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Safety and Cleanliness Concerns: Reviews frequently mentioned dirtiness, noise, and a sketchy neighborhood. Guests reported "creepy noises," feelings of being watched, and poor maintenance like broken fixtures.
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Uncomfortable Experiences: Common complaints included small rooms, bad odors, and unsettling incidents, with some calling it "the dirtiest hotel" or "complete trash." Tripadvisor forums from years ago echoed fears about safety.
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Service Issues: Staff were sometimes described as unhelpful, though others found them friendly.
Recent mentions on X (formerly Twitter) in 2025 highlight the hotel's legacy for humor or curiosity, with one user suggesting googling reviews for a laugh. However, since it's no longer a hotel, new guest reviews are unavailable. If you're interested in its history, consider documentaries like the Netflix series, which has mixed critic scores (50% on Rotten Tomatoes) for focusing on conspiracy theories over facts.
Cecil Hotel in Athens, Greece: Positive Feedback for Budget Travelers
The Cecil Hotel in Athens is a 2-star property located in the heart of the city, near Monastiraki Square and the Acropolis. It's a popular choice for budget-conscious visitors seeking a central base. Based on aggregated reviews from 2025, it earns strong ratings for value and location.
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Overall Rating: 8.6/10 on Booking.com, with praise for its neo-classical building and family-run vibe. Tripadvisor rates it around 4/5, with over 1,000 reviews noting its charm.
Pros:
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Prime Location: Guests rave about the walkable access to sights, metro, shops, and restaurants. One recent reviewer called it "perfect for a short stay" with a "romantic and simple" atmosphere.
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Cleanliness and Staff: Rooms are described as clean with comfortable beds and daily housekeeping. Staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating, often allowing luggage storage. Breakfast is included and seen as a solid start to the day.
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Value for Money: Affordable rates with basic but adequate amenities, including free Wi-Fi. Reviewers appreciate the historic elevator and rooftop views.
Cons:
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Basic Amenities: Not luxurious—some find it dated or with limited breakfast options. Noise from the busy street can be an issue for light sleepers.
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Room Size: Smaller rooms may feel cramped for groups.
Recent verified reviews (2024-2025) emphasize satisfaction for prudent travelers, with one Facebook group member praising it as "great friendly hotel" for solo trips. If you're planning a visit, book via Booking.com for the latest deals.
Cecil Hotel in Paris, France: Mixed to Negative Older Reviews
The Cecil Hotel in Paris is a budget option near major attractions, but reviews are outdated and generally unfavorable, suggesting it may not be a top recommendation in 2025. Most feedback dates back to 2006-2010, indicating possible changes or closure—verify current operations before booking.
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Overall Rating: 2.1/5 on Tripadvisor based on 31 reviews, with low scores across the board. Other sites like Agoda and Expedia echo similar sentiments, though some note charm in public areas.
Pros:
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Location: Consistently praised for being central, with easy access to sights (rated 3-4/5 in older reviews).
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Value and Basics: Some found it clean and comfortable for the price, with friendly staff in a few cases.
Cons:
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Cleanliness and Maintenance: Overwhelming complaints about dirt, mold, broken items, and bad odors. Rooms were called "disgusting" or "dated," with tiny showers and uncomfortable beds.
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Service: Rude or unhelpful staff, poor breakfast, and noise issues were common. Reviewers from the UK and US described feeling unsafe or overcharged.
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Overall Experience: Many labeled it "terrible" or a "disgrace," with no recent positive updates to counter this.
Given the age of reviews, check sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com for any 2025 updates. Alternatives in Paris with better ratings include nearby budget chains.
Final Thoughts on Cecil Hotel Reviews
When searching for "Cecil Hotel reviews," context matters— the LA property's haunting legacy overshadows functional hotels like the one in Athens, which offers reliable value for explorers. For trustworthiness, we've relied on verified platforms like Tripadvisor, Yelp, Booking.com, and Expedia, avoiding unsubstantiated claims. If planning a stay, prioritize current ratings and consider factors like location and budget. For the LA Cecil, it's more a site for history buffs than accommodations. Always cross-reference multiple sources for the latest info, and safe travels!
Sources
Tripadvisor – Cecil Hotel Paris Reviews
Expedia – Cecil Hotel Athens Overview
Yelp – Cecil Hotel Los Angeles
Tripadvisor Forum – Cecil Hotel Los Angeles (Page 1)
Reddit – I Live at the Cecil Hotel
Rotten Tomatoes – Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel
Tripadvisor Forum – Cecil Hotel Los Angeles (Page 2)
Tripadvisor Forum – Cecil Hotel Los Angeles (Page 3)
Booking.com – Cecil Hotel Athens Guest Reviews
IMDb – Reviews of “Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel”
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