Boutique Hotel Le Mareuil, Paris: how Valpas bed bug-safe certification became a competitive advantage loved by owners and guests
“I met the CEO, Martim Gois, years ago when he visited our hotel. It is funny, I am not a tech person, but I have a good instinct and I can recognize an opportunity when I see it. I realized this as soon as I heard about Valpas. As an avid traveler and having lived in different countries, I knew how bed bugs spread with all travelers. Valpas looked like the ‘gold pot’ discovery to me. I hope that in the future, every hotel will have this amazing standard, and we can make worldwide travel safe so every guest can have sweet dreams at night!”
Julie Réal
General Manager
The recipe to reach the top 2% of all hotels
Hotel Le Mareuil nestles on a historic street in the Haut Marais district, close to Oberkampf and Place de la République. Out of more than 1,800 hotels in Paris, it consistently ranks among the top 40 on Tripadvisor.
What makes it so special?
“I think it is the service we offer. Our team is always there for our guests. Our rooms might not be the biggest ones, but we offer comfortable beds — we buy the mattresses from a French family-owned manufacturer — in very comfortable, pleasant and bed bug safe rooms with wonderful colors that guarantee total rest.”
“The front desk team and the concierge team are eager to give the best tips about what to do in Paris and to help with any needs that arise,” Julie adds.
She has always personally welcomed guests, ensuring they feel at home. That leadership style is part of what drives the hotel’s exceptional ratings.
Valpas contributing to the bottom line
Hotel Le Mareuil became Valpas-certified after experiencing firsthand how costly and disruptive bed bug incidents can be.
“When I came to work in this hotel, they had bed bugs, and I still remember how some rooms were locked, and they were calling pest control to try to resolve the problem. The investor did not want to go with Valpas at first, as they were a new company… In October 2021, bed bugs arrived again during a busy time for the hotel, and the owner lost a lot of money, as some rooms had to be closed for days and days. We finally got Valpas, but I wish we had used them before!”
Since certification, the hotel has avoided room closures and reactive pest control costs during high-demand periods. For a 54-room boutique hotel in central Paris, operational continuity matters.
Julie also highlights guest reaction. Knowing they are staying in a Valpas-certified bed bug-safe hotel reassures guests that they can travel and return home without Why hoteliers should not say no to Valpas
Julie understands the hesitation some hoteliers may feel.
“They may think they have never had bed bugs and they are safe, but this is not the case because bed bugs can arrive with anyone at any time. By then, it is too late as the infestation has already begun. I have seen with my own eyes how expensive and embarrassing it can be, especially when you have guests in other rooms.”
“Hoteliers may also think that Valpas is expensive, but it is not if you compare it to pest control and what you have to do if bed bugs arrive,” she adds, referring to lost revenue from closed rooms, online reputation damage, and operational stress.
“Hoteliers might also think that Valpas is difficult to install, but it is not, and we got full assistance when we decided to invest in it. I could even install and use it!”
For Julie, Valpas certification is not an expense — it is protection of brand equity.
A visionary hotelier building her success story
“I am 35 years old. I consider myself a young woman with experience, but still eager to learn and improve the hotel experience for my clients,” Julie says.
Originally from the Alps, she studied hospitality before moving to Paris for an MBA in hotel management. After years of dedication, she became general manager.
“I have always loved challenges and when I got here, they were expanding and renovating… I had to create a good marketing and social media strategy to distinguish ourselves on the market.”
Le Mareuil’s positioning as a boutique oasis in central Paris reflects that strategic thinking.
Technology that elevates, not replaces, hospitality
Le Mareuil means “a meadow” in old French — a peaceful green space.
“We have always been proud of our location and that we are an oasis in the heart of a busy and touristy Paris, but still isolated and peaceful,” Julie explains.
“We are open to some modern technology, but only if it does not ruin the vibe,” she says. “For us technology must be sexy and appealing, making our guests feel that they are not just numbers. And Valpas is totally part of this philosophy for us.”
Installing Valpas was straightforward, and Julie appreciated the guidance provided.
“The team explained step-by-step how to install the bed legs and also gave us some important details on how to ensure Valpas works as a permanent solution to bed bugs. For example, we had bed skirts, and we learned that it was important that they not touch the floor to ensure 100% effectiveness.”
For Le Mareuil, Valpas certification supports their promise of comfort, safety, and design without compromising the personal connection that defines boutique hospitality.
Tips from a Paris insider
Julie’s love for Paris is evident.
“For recommendations in Paris, I would start with the crêperie, Chez Imogene… I love the Musée Carnavalet in le Marais… Finally, I would visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges… It’s a French-style food court!”
Her passion for local culture reinforces the hotel’s authenticity.
A new adventure — and Valpas continuing
“I am leaving Paris in the next few days to start a new adventure in Lyon… They have 14 hotels all in France, and I hope to introduce Valpas soon there too,” Julie says.
She concludes:
“I have already spread the word in Paris about Valpas! I hope that in the future, every hotel will have this amazing system, and we can make worldwide travel safe so every guest can have sweet dreams at night!”
For Boutique Hotel Le Mareuil, Valpas certification is not just about protection. It is about leadership — setting a visible, trusted standard that supports guest loyalty and long-term success.