I'll try to moderate my opinion, but it's important to put it in writing.
After four years at Hiptown Bordeaux, first in the Perspective building, then at Emergence on Quai de Paludate, I'd like to share my experience following my recent eviction, notified by mail while I was on vacation, even though I'd met with the site manager the day before I left. Upon my return, I was left with no time to spare and barely 15 days to find a new place to live. Their sense of timing is remarkable.
To put it simply, Hiptown is a Parisian company with a ruthless approach. Their logic is clearly business-first. When a more profitable opportunity arises, existing tenants can be relocated without any real consideration or foresight—at least, not in my case. Customer relations naturally take a back seat, a concept that is clearly optional in this instance.
Unfortunately, the staff's lack of managerial and commercial courage leaves little room for doubt. If you need anything at all, it's best to have it explicitly stated in your contract… and that your company is of a sufficiently “interesting” size to warrant attention.
As for services, the picture is rather bleak: no soundproofing in the offices, no coffee or water cooler on the 5th floor, and a very unreliable heating system.
There is, however, a pleasant view and a weekly fruit basket, religiously announced on the WhatsApp group. I would have preferred to have been informed with the same thoroughness of your intention to host a large company during their renovations and to relocate everyone in the process for a hefty fee. Incidentally, this is space that will need to be refilled once their work is complete…
In short: if you're looking for a temporary, well-located space for a meeting, at an exorbitant price, and you're not too concerned about the quality of service, then this is the place for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a reliable, committed, and long-term partner, I sincerely encourage you to continue your search.
No hard feelings, it's all fair game. Let's just not forget that when your offices remained practically empty for a year and a half, it was the first tenants who helped cover a portion of your expenses and rent. So, in a way, you reflect your success: average.
