Avoid Jules Ferry Hostel in Paris

Dear all,

On Thursday, June 21, 2007, I checked into Auberg de Jeunesse Jules Ferry (having chosen it because it is an HI Hostel and because it was close to Gare due Nord and Gard de l´est). On Thursday night, I started to itch and by Friday night I had red bite marks all over my arm and leg and back. Went back to the hostel on Friday night, asked the front desk if he had seen this problem before and he said it was mosquito bites. Went back to the room and could not slept Friday night because the bites have extended to my hands and feet. Could not stay in the hostel anymore because by then I am certain that my bites had something to do with my bed (was staying at room 23) so I took a cab and checked into a hotel for the night.

On Saturday morning, went back to the hostel to speak to the management. They said no problem, they had seen these bites before but not for the last three months. I asked them what is was and they said little mosquitoes. They then refunded me the 48 Euros for Saturday and Sunday nights which I had paid for but obviously was not going to stay.

Went to the pharmacist on Saturday afternoon and the pharmacist told me that the bites were from puces (bed bugs) and told me that I need to contact the hostel and have them clean the bed. I then emailed the hostel and HI asking them to please clean the room and have not gotten any replies. Please avoid Auberge de Jeunesse Jules Ferry eventhough it is one of the hostel recommended by the shoe string guide. It has now been one week and the bites are getting better after taken medication and using cream but I would not wish this on anyone.