Starwood Preferred Guest - Le Meridien Montparnasse, Paris [Master Thread]

Just wondering if anyone has stayed here and how it is? Also is there a decent fitness center in the gym? If not, is there a decent fitness center close by?

Thanks

Spent a few hours there last week between two meetings. It is a large conference hotel. Check-in desk staff is efficient. Bell staff is bored and uninterested. I did receive my amenity (fresh fruit) as well an upgrade to a double queen room on a high floor (19th), but did not even sample breakfast as I had to rush to my next meeting.

The parking underneath is undergoing renovation and you need to switch elevators in order to reach the hotel if you are not on the first level down of the underground parking.

Sorry, I had no time to see if there is a fitness centre.

My stay was credited promptly, which is still not the case from my stay at the Royal Meridien Bristol in Warsaw two weeks ago.

I see that you are from Paris. By any chance, do you know of any Fitness Centers close to this hotel? Thanks

Sorry, I don't know whether there is a fitness center, but I did stay there in March 2006 and everything was pretty good. Desk staff were efficient, got an upgraded room, breakfast was OK (somewhat expensive, but c'est la vie).

I had a couple of issues that I raised with SPG regarding points etc, and they were not only handled very well, but I received a nice note from the manager as a follow up.

As the last poster said, a large, conference type hotel, but I'd certainly recommend it and I do plan to return.

It's kind of a tired old hotel. It actually used to be a Sheraton about 10 years or so ago. It's not really in a hip neighborhood so I don't know of any fitness centers nearby. But it's a kilometer or less from Luxembourg gardens which is a great place for jogging.

Based on the reviews, it's possible to get a renovated room or an unrenovated room. When I was there in 2004, I seemed to get a renovated room and everything was pleasant, clean, and in good repair, and I had a good view looking north towards Sacre Coeur. My main complaint was that the bathroom was terribly slippery, the tub was deep and narrow, and the shower temperature was erratic. I visited another floor which seemed to be in rather worse shape than mine. I liked the lobby (apart from the smoking), the piano bar, and the general ambience. It's also very near to four metro lines, and to a major bus loop, so transport around Paris is very easy.

I see that you are from Paris. By any chance, do you know of any Fitness Centers close to this hotel? Thanks

if there is any consolation for you, as far as I can remember, hotel has fitness room (which is exactly a room with all furniture removed and some fitness equipment installed). you need to ask staff where it is as room is not marked anyhow and I don't remember where it is.

AX

What is the easiest way to get to the hotel from CDG?

The Air France bus. Takes you directly across the street from the Meridien.

The Air France bus. Takes you directly across the street from the Meridien.
That's Le Meridien Etoile. For Montparnasse: A brisk walk to Port Royal RER station (RER B to CDG), or Metro to Denfert-Rocherau where you change for RER B. Don't change at St.Michel.

That's Le Meridien Etoile.

Nope. There is an AF bus that goes to Montparnasse too. As Braindrain said, it stops across the street from the hotel.

I serached and couldn't seem to come up with anything. I will be in Paris for 2 nights in November and will probably do 1 paid and 1 on points.
Thanks

_______________________________________________

I recently stayed in Paris for a week. After two nights at Le Meridian Montparnase, I checked into Prince de Galle on Avenue George V - a much better location and far superior hotel.

Of course being a Luxury Colleticon property it was a bit expensive but much better value in my opinion.

November should be a quiet month, see if Prince de Galles has any special offers or use 1,000 points for an SPG 50 discount.

Cowboy

I wonder if the people who don't like the LM Montparnasse are Platinum? As Platinum I got a large two-room suite upgrade recently at this hotel and I'll likely be back next week. Great platinum recognition. A manager came up to my room to personally greet me and gave me 4 breakfast passes even though there were only two of us.

I for one like this area of town. Not as many tourists. ;)

I was a platinum when I stayed there and basically no_one acknowleged my status. maybe beacsue it was only a moth after the switchover.



I wonder if the people who don't like the LM Montparnasse are Platinum? As Platinum I got a large two-room suite upgrade recently at this hotel and I'll likely be back next week. Great platinum recognition. A manager came up to my room to personally greet me and gave me 4 breakfast passes even though there were only two of us.

I for one like this area of town. Not as many tourists. ;)

I stayed at the LM Montparnasse earlier this year and it was fine, nothing outright amazing but nothing bad. What I did like, however, was the front desk service and overall attitude - we were escorted up to our room, and the desk agent was just genuinely friendly (Mme. Picq in case you run into her) so it set the right tone at the start.

There was one service issue that I sent the hotel email about, and the issue was addressed quickly and I received a nice note from the manager on the subject.

I was Platinum, received an upgrade and a fruit & cheese tray, not a suite but a nice room. I was only there for about 12 hours so the upgrade wasn't a big priority for me.

Overall, the service attitude was great, and I would stay there again on business in that area.

For more of a luxury experience, or a vacation spot, there are other choices I would probably make (the K. K. Cayre is excellent, as noted above, PDG as well but a bit pricier, and also as suggested above I tend to try smaller places in St. Germain for holidays), but for a business stay at a good value, I'd recommend the LM Montparnasse.

I'm looking to go to Paris in mid September 06. Both Le Meridien's have great prices, however I seems the location of the Westin and Price De Gaulle are superior. If the Le Meridien's location is acceptable we would prefer that as the prices are fantastic and if they are not, I have enough points to burn at the Westin or Price De Gaulle. I will be taking my girlfriend and she has never been to Paris, I was last there about five years ago. Thank you for your help.

The locations are fine, both very convenient to the metro, but if you do a search on this board you'll find a lot of rather negative opinions on these two properties as a whole. If you can afford to, you'd be MUCH better off treating yourself and your girlfriend to the Westin or PDeG, especially since it's her first trip to Paris (of course, wouldn't want to spoil her! :-) )

Well, yes, it is convienient to the Metro-- but who wants to ride the metro all the time? I stayed at the LMM numerous times as a flight attendant, and it is a real hike to most of things one goes to Paris for.

I second what another poster said-- Paris isn't the city for a large chain experience. Stay someplace small, near the river.

I have searched, by the way ;)

Does anyone have the email addresses for the above properties please ?

I will be in Montparnasse in a week, and Etoile again before Christmas.

Thanks in advance ....

Etoile:
guest.etoile@lemeridien.com

Montparnasse:
meridien.montparnasse@lemeridien.com

I have not stayed at Le Meridien Montparnasse and would love to hear experiences.

I did stay at Le Meridien Etoile in Paris and was very disappointed with the quality of the room I got, and I am a Plat! But for punishment I am returning this week, then thinking of switching to Montparnasse. Is this a mistake??

Nope. There is an AF bus that goes to Montparnasse too. As Braindrain said, it stops across the street from the hotel.


Will the AF bus go to all the terminals at CDG? or just the AF ones?

Will the AF bus go to all the terminals at CDG? or just the AF ones?

Here are the stops in CDG for AF coaches :
- joint 2A/2C stop : gate C2
- joint 2B/2D stop : gate B2
- joint 2E/2F stop : in the "Galerie" between 2E and 2F
- terminal 1 : gate 34, arrival level

There is no stop at the LCC terminal, CDG3.

Thanks for that info. AC is in T2 so this is perfect.

Can you tell me what the rooms are like in the Le Meridien Montparnasse. I stayed at L'Etoile and was very disappointed with the quality of the rooms.

Thanks for that info. AC is in T2 so this is perfect.

Can you tell me what the rooms are like in the Le Meridien Montparnasse. I stayed at L'Etoile and was very disappointed with the quality of the rooms.

I am afraid I only stayed there once, last year, for a short night. No complaints about the room I was upgraded to: large enough, looked renovated. The atmosphere in the lobby, on the other hand, is typical of a large hotel that receives coaches full of tourists.

Does the Montparnasse have a lounge?

Nope.

The atmosphere in the lobby, on the other hand, is typical of a large hotel that receives coaches full of tourists.and lots of airline crew.

Thanks for that info. AC is in T2 so this is perfect.

Can you tell me what the rooms are like in the Le Meridien Montparnasse. I stayed at L'Etoile and was very disappointed with the quality of the rooms.

I stayed there 2 weeks ago and I have to stay this is my worst experience since making Plat last year, this is the only time I have not received a Suite or real Executive Floor upgrade in some 30 stays. I was allegedly "upgraded" and received a room on the 26th floor (I think). It had twin queen beds (despite a King preference) and was utterly anonymous. If the room had been renovated I would be surprised, it reminded me of a reasonably attractive US Motel room. I would have had a fight about my lack of Suite/Attractive room upgrade, but it was 10.30pm and I was travelling with another consultant working seperately for my client. My room also afforded no view of anything interesting whatsoever despite being high up within the building. On the whole I was very disappointed and as I will be travelling to Paris regularly over the next few months I will be looking for an alternative property. The one upside is that the property was quite convenient for my client's office.

So in summary I have one word for this property AVOID.

A whole lot of us always get suite upgrades at this hotel so maybe something was unique about your experience? Maybe the suites were all taken? Maybe you paid a super cheap rate that doesn't qualify. In either case I would hardly avoid the hotel for these reasons.

A whole lot of us always get suite upgrades at this hotel so maybe something was unique about your experience? Maybe the suites were all taken? Maybe you paid a super cheap rate that doesn't qualify. In either case I would hardly avoid the hotel for these reasons.

The hotel was booked at a corporate rate via a client's agency (which never seems to offer ultra cheap rates except at LHW properties, where although rates are not cheap they are much cheaper than those normally available). I settled the bill myself which came to c. €150 as a room rate so hardly a bargain rate. In any event I have never been denied an upgrade on the basis of rate at any other Starwood I have stayed in. I received full Starpoints etc. so I would be surprised if the rate was the issue.

I arrived late so perhaps this was a factor, but the hotel seemed full of tourists (predominately Asian it seemed) rather than business travellers, thus I would suspect that all suites were not fullly occupied (especially given the size of the property). I also paid €20 for breakfast and was not offered free breakfast coupons, which your earlier post suggested was the norm.

How are the suites at this property anyway? Is it worth giving them another chance?

I always get a multi-room suite. But it's still a business class hotel. Not luxury. Maybe it was the late hour check in that was the problem. Next time ask them for a suite if they don't give one to you. And ask for the breakfast coupons. Maybe you got a newbie clerk. When I check in they tell me they have upgraded me to a suite.

I always get a multi-room suite......And ask for the breakfast coupons.

I use this hotel frequently and nearly always get one of the suites (they're the XX42 rooms on each floor). When I was there earlier this week, I noticed that on the morning of my check-in day my reservation on spg.com had already been changed from the regular room I had booked, to the suite...so on this occasion the suite upgrades had been pre-allocated and it didn't matter what time I checked in.

In all my stays I have NEVER been offered a breakfast coupon, and did not know these were a "secret society extra" : thanks for the insider info Stimpy.

Next time ask them for a suite if they don't give one to you.

SPG is generally a great program, but to me, the most unpalatable aspect is the endless threads we see here on Flyertalk where people have to ask/beg before they are given the benefits they are entitled to.

SPG is generally a great program, but to me, the most unpalatable aspect is the endless threads we see here on Flyertalk where people have to ask/beg before they are given the benefits they are entitled to.

You are right and what I meant and what I do if I feel I need a suite is kindly ask "Is it possible for an Platinum upgrade" if they don't specifically tell me I'm getting one. I don't complain if they say no. As we all know, many front desk clerks are lacking training and experience and it can't hurt to remind them of the benefits. Often that is all it takes.

Does every guest need to show an ID before being allowed into the hotel room? I heard European hotels are monitoring room occupancy closely.

Does every guest need to show an ID before being allowed into the hotel room? I heard European hotels are monitoring room occupancy closely.

Of course not. Nothing of the sort exists in Europe.

Many EU countries have laws that limit the occupancy to 3, but I've never seen them monitor that seriously.

In my limited personal experience, all guests had to show ID at check-in the few times I was in Italy. In Spain, I was alone and also had to show an ID. In the past, they even kept it for the first night. They were not really monitoring occupancy but checking thoroughly the ID documents.

Showing ID at check in is one thing. Many, but not all hotels in Europe do this. But asking for ID for people walking into the hotel is unheard of.

I stayed at that hotel last summer. They front desk apologized that a suite was not available. The room that they gave me was quite reasonable. It included a Plasma television as well as a DVD player. As long as you remember that its a business hotel, not a luxury hotel, you should be fine.

Any SPG gold experiences?

Any update on the breakfast? I just got here and they said it's not provided for Platinums, but 'depends on the rate'. I'm paying 190E which I think is kind of high considering other rates but not too bad.

I heard a few people say they got breakfast coupons as Platinum. What were your rates?

Any update on the breakfast? I just got here and they said it's not provided for Platinums, but 'depends on the rate'. I'm paying 190E which I think is kind of high considering other rates but not too bad.

I heard a few people say they got breakfast coupons as Platinum. What were your rates?

I have never had a free breakfast when I have stayed at this property and the only time I have had a suite is when I argued for it. The last time I was told "they didn't realise I was a Platinum" despite my corporate travel maager clearly showing my SPG number on the booking.

To be honest you won't really miss much at breakfast, service is poor and the "justine" restaurant is crowded and unpleasant. I am not sure if there are other breakfast options available.

I only stay at this property to up my stay count and grab a few SPG points, I actively prefer Sofitel's for my Paris stays (even they as business hotels are a couple of notches above the Meridien Montparnasse IMHO).

I've stayed here a few times recently, as a Plat got a suite upgrade every time but never free breakfast.

I took a couple of breakfasts in the Justine Restarant, both of which were rather underwhelming experiences : the place is a bit of a scrum with all the package tourists taking breakfast at about the same time (as me!) and the food was distinctly average too.

Far better to cross the street to the SNCF Montparnasse main line railway terminus station where there are many places to get a better, cheaper breakfast with the locals.

Any update on the breakfast? I just got here and they said it's not provided for Platinums, but 'depends on the rate'. I'm paying 190E which I think is kind of high considering other rates but not too bad.

I heard a few people say they got breakfast coupons as Platinum. What were your rates?

I paid less than you and always get the breakfast coupon. However I haven't stayed there this year yet so perhaps they changed their policy? Or you just need to escalate to the SPG coordinator for the hotel.

Some people say that nothing comes for FREE, some people say the best things in life are FREE. But at Le MERIDIEN Montparnasse we say our rooms are FREE!

It's so simple this summer, book two nights, arrive Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and we will throw in a third night for FREE.

To enjoy this exclusive offer, simply click on the "Free nights" button.

Summer at Le MERIDIEN. It's irresistible.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_detail2.html?promoCode=Z3H&propertyID=1920&EM=sgc_md_1920_2960540_Z3H_EN_LM_1920_PAR_NWE_eame

dp

I just spent one night at the Le Méridien Montparnasse in Paris. The lobby is currently under construction so things were a little hectic in the make-shift reception area. Anyways, as a Plat I was "upgraded" to an executive room, and the on-duty manager was called over to be introduce himself to me. He then escorted me up to my room - one of two such rooms, that he referred to as an experiment...

The room door had a shiny/polished metal strip down the side to differentiate it from other rooms. And the inside was radically different from any other LM room I've ever seen. Ultra modern. Best I can compare it to is the "W" I've stayed in a few years back on Times Square NYC. No bath-tub, shower only. (Very nice shower though - two jets in front as well as one overhead.) Glass walls around the bathroom, with blinds, instead of solid walls. No swing doors, only rolling doors. Very large flat screen tv on the wall in front of the king bed.

Overall the room felt somewhat cramped and "cold"... It's definitely not what I expected from an LM... Anyone else encounter one of these rooms?

Will.

I just spent one night at the Le Méridien Montparnasse in Paris. The lobby is currently under construction so things were a little hectic in the make-shift reception area. Anyways, as a Plat I was "upgraded" to an executive room, and the on-duty manager was called over to be introduce himself to me. He then escorted me up to my room - one of two such rooms, that he referred to as an experiment...

The room door had a shiny/polished metal strip down the side to differentiate it from other rooms. And the inside was radically different from any other LM room I've ever seen. Ultra modern. Best I can compare it to is the "W" I've stayed in a few years back on Times Square NYC. No bath-tub, shower only. (Very nice shower though - two jets in front as well as one overhead.) Glass walls around the bathroom, with blinds, instead of solid walls. No swing doors, only rolling doors. Very large flat screen tv on the wall in front of the king bed.

Overall the room felt somewhat cramped and "cold"... It's definitely not what I expected from an LM... Anyone else encounter one of these rooms?

Will.

I wish, my last two stays have resulted in crap tiny rooms with terrible beds and mechanical issues with the air conditioning. So bad our last stay at 325 bucks a night or 220 euros, that I actually filled out a comment card. I got a nice note from the GM and hopefully my next stay in March will result in a better room.

Other that then nice box of chocolates and Hermes soap that we get and the proximity to the Air France bus, I don't know why I continue to abuse myself by staying here.

Overall the room felt somewhat cramped and "cold"... It's definitely not what I expected from an LM... Anyone else encounter one of these rooms?


Nope. I was there in March and I had a rather large renovated room (at least 50% larger than the tiny rooms in LM Etoile) that looked modern and a lot nicer than their old rooms from last year.

I am chasing the current LM promo, and need stays. I read this thread carefully before going to LM Montparnasse, and was hoping I could sweet talk myself into the stimpy experience. Sadly, it was not to be.

We arrived rather late on a Sunday night by taxi with large suitcases. The entry does not appear to be the normal one, as there is a large area that is blocked off for reconstruction. Our taxi could not pull up in front due to congestion, and we were given no help with our bags.

At check in, I asked about my upgrade. I was told that every morning, the hotel looks at the list of platinums who are checking in that day. They determine who hasn't received an upgrade for the longest time, and give those people the suites. Thus, there were no suites for us, new guests. Rather, we had been upgraded to a large room, which proved to be very close to the elevator on I believe the 33rd floor.

I filled out the form for my 500 points, and asked if there were any other benefits accorded to platinums. I was told there would be a welcome treatment in our room. We were not entitled to breakfast; our rate wasn't sufficiently high. However, they mentioned that they are building a lounge where platinums will get breakfasts in the future.

Our room looked like 1970s vintage Holiday Inn. The blanket wasn't double sheeted, was brown, and well worn. There was a small CRT TV. There was no VIP treatment, whatever that was meant to be, not even a bottle of water.

We called and asked for our VIP treatment, as well as Hermes soap. The soap was brought quickly, but nothing else. We went to dinner with a friend, then learned we could get free wireless on the restaurant and conference room floors.

My husband asked about the VIP treatment at least twice more, continuing to be assured it was coming. At 1am, he called and announced we were going to bed. In the space of 5 minutes, we had 3 people arrive. Two were carrying bathrobes and slippers; the third a bottle of water and a bottle of wine.

Thank God, in the morning, we were moving to the Park Hyatt Vendome. On checking out, I was asked about my stay, and said cheerfully it had been very disappointing. The agent quickly got the duty manager, to whom I explained the above.

The hotel subsequently proactively sent me an email, apologizing for my disappointment - but what they have offered is what I should have received as a platinum anyway - an upgrade if available and the VIP treatment.

The hotel caters to conference and group travelers. Individual travelers should stay far far away.

Having said that, the next time a LM promo rolls around, I'll be staying - promo junkie that I am.

I am chasing the current LM promo, and need stays. I read this thread carefully before going to LM Montparnasse, and was hoping I could sweet talk myself into the stimpy experience. Sadly, it was not to be.

Sorry you didn't get the Stimpy experience. :-:

I always pay the cheapest *corporate* rate. So perhaps that is why I get the nice treatment?

Hi all

It's my first time posting to this particular board. Be gentle... :D

I've been an SPG Gold member for a couple of months (something BA's marketing department organised, I think - not that I'm complaining). I get 500 BA Miles per stay, which is fine in theory, but historically I had no opportunity to use any of their hotels as they weren't on my company's approved hotel list for Paris or any of the other cities I frequent on business.

That is, until now - the Le Meridien Montparnasse just got added at such a ridiculously cheap rate that I better not tell you all for fear it's commercially confidential...

I've now stayed there twice in the past month (with two other 'no shows' due to flights being cancelled, but I still paid and expect to get the SPG points awarded). The hotel is far superior to any of the other horrible hotels in the area in which I've been forced to stay, such as the Concorde, Ibis, Accor, etc - all of which are so bad, I'd rather sleep in my Paris office on a camping bed!

I was offered an upgrade to an 'executive' room on the 16th floor on my first actual stay. It was a decent-sized 20' x 13' room with an old TV, dated furniture and two queen sized beds (nice pillows though) and a bathrobe or two (can't remember how many). They gave me some odd-looking chocolate-covered nuts and a bottle of mineral water.

The second time, I asked whether I would get an upgrade but was told no. They told me they'd upgrade me for €50, which I refused. They then offered it to me for €30, which I accepted. The 15th floor room looked roughly the same but a king sized bed (actually two normal beds joined together - I hate this!) and no bathrobe.

My corporate room rate includes breakfast in 'Level A' (although I've not made it yet as I've been rushing to the office in a hurry both times) so I didn't ask whether there was complimentary breakfast.

I'm likely to do approx 30 nights per year in my hotel of choice in Paris and provided I get treated reasonably well, am an easy customer and reckon this hotel and I have a promising future together.

I have a couple of questions. I'm an SPG newbie, so please accept my apologies in advance:

- Is it better to get 500 BA Miles per trip rather than taking SPG points? (I don't really need the BA Miles, but don't know how good SPG is)

- Does my SPG points balance affect my likelihood of getting an upgrade to a decent room?

- Does my ridiculously-low corporate room rate affect my likelihood of getting an upgrade to a decent room?

- I am a HHonors Diamond customer with >250,000 base points (and can prove it with statements). Will SPG comp me to their highest level?

Kind regards
/MHL

I stayed last week and was originally upgraded to an executive room. Then I asked, in French, if I could get a suite and after conferring with management I got my large two room suite. Just like the last two times. I also got my Platinum breakfast coupons.

- Is it better to get 500 BA Miles per trip rather than taking SPG points? (I don't really need the BA Miles, but don't know how good SPG is)

The SPG points are worth much more than BA miles.

I think your rate may have something to do with upgrades, but your point balance does not. Of course getting Platinum level would help a lot too but I don't know any shortcuts.

I have a couple of questions. I'm an SPG newbie, so please accept my apologies in advance:

- Is it better to get 500 BA Miles per trip rather than taking SPG points? (I don't really need the BA Miles, but don't know how good SPG is)

- Does my SPG points balance affect my likelihood of getting an upgrade to a decent room?

- Does my ridiculously-low corporate room rate affect my likelihood of getting an upgrade to a decent room?

- I am a HHonors Diamond customer with >250,000 base points (and can prove it with statements). Will SPG comp me to their highest level?

Kind regards
/MHL

MHL

SPG Points are more valuable than BA miles

Some FT'ers have reported that point balance can be a factor, I rarely have a problem obtaining upgrades with SPG and I never have a points balance above 60 to 70k.

Rate should not matter for upgrades, however I stayed at this property on a low corporate rate a number of times last year as it was on my client's approved hotel list and was reasonably convenient for their office location. On my early stays I did not receive much of an upgrade, from my third stay I seemed to be treated much better and have always had a suite there since then.

I first made SPG Plat as a status match from HH Diamond, there is a seperate thread on this forum (search for Diamond status") on how this can be done (it is normally achieved very quickly).

You really have not missed very much in terms of breakfast at this hotel, the main restaurant (Justine) is crowded with tour groups and the service is really quite poor.

Mrs LoM and I stayed at the property last Friday and I assume that the current ground floor refurbishment will extend to the guest rooms in due course.

One other property you may wish to consider in the wider area (depending on where your office is located) is the Sofitel Bercy. This is a very pleasant newer property located south west of the city in an area which feels a little like Southwark in London (i.e. old wine warehouses etc.). It is much nicer than either of the Meridien properties in Paris, if the location works for you, but then you do not receive SPG points (and I have never found much use for Sofitel privilege points).

Thanks LoM et al.

I contacted SPG and they've agreed to give me Platinum as soon as I send my HHonors Diamond statement (I made >250k HHonors base points in the last twelve months, so it shouldn't be a problem).

I'll change my earning preference from 500 BA Miles per stay to SPG points from now on (I'm back over 1 million BA Miles, so can easily afford to diversify).

I'm very new to SPG points. Can someone please point me in the direction of a decent starting point to learn the basics?

Cheers
/MHL

...I'm very new to SPG points. Can someone please point me in the direction of a decent starting point to learn the basics?

Cheers
/MHL

This would be my first stop:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/legal/spg_terms.html

Followed by this one:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=699676&referrerid=4179

Welcome to SPG!

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

just reading the last few replies makes me doubly happy that I decided to use some Hyatt points and stay at the PH versus paying 219Euros a night to get the room that Sandiego1K experienced.

However, I have never had an issue with having my slippers, robes and amenity and very good turn down chocolate getting delivered.

The rooms remind me of a nicely done up 2** I used to stay in by the Jardin de Luxembourg for 540 ffranc a night. The bathrooms are nicer, though I still question the strange little shelf in the toilet room.

Just wanted to add my two cents...

We stayed there in early January, using an SPG award, and had a lousy experience. As others have mentioned, the furniture is old, there are no bathrobes and the bed isn't double sheeted. Plus, the two pillows(!) were lumpier than any I've encountered. Oh, and the thermostat didn't work.

Before I had a chance to write a letter, I was asked for fill out an online survey and rate my experience. I was brutally honest, and just recently the manager contacted me to offer 500 SPG points in apology. I pointed out that I'd paid 10,000 points for my room, and asked for a complete points refund, or, alternatively, one free night in the future. They responded, offered me a free night and told me to book it through the manager's assistant. I hope that will help us get a better room in the future. I was satisfied with their response, though I chuckled at the note I received, which emphasized that our room would *not* include breakfast!

The irony is, I'd convinced my BF that we should stay at Le Meridien Montparnasse based on an awesome experience at Le Meridien Brussels. I'd stayed there last summer, and have since recommended it to countless friends and colleagues. It was a beautiful hotel, and I mistakenly believed that I'd encounter the same at Le Meridien Montparnasse. (Yes, I'm a bad FTer and neglected to search before I booked the hotel!)

One other property you may wish to consider in the wider area (depending on where your office is located) is the Sofitel Bercy. This is a very pleasant newer property located south west of the city in an area which feels a little like Southwark in London (i.e. old wine warehouses etc.). It is much nicer than either of the Meridien properties in Paris, if the location works for you, but then you do not receive SPG points (and I have never found much use for Sofitel privilege points).

The Sofitel Bercy is indeed a much nicer and newer property. I have stayed there many times, however it also hosts large groups and conferences. A MUCH better Sofitel choice is the Lord Baltimore. But both of those Sofitels cost much more than the LM Montparnasse.

The Sofitel Bercy is indeed a much nicer and newer property. I have stayed there many times, however it also hosts large groups and conferences. A MUCH better Sofitel choice is the Lord Baltimore. But both of those Sofitels cost much more than the LM Montparnasse.

I spent much of last year at a client site in Daumesnil the Bercy was a very good location for that office. The corporate rates I had at the Sofitel were lower than those at the Meridien Monparnasse so YMMV, I still stayed a lot at the LM as I benefitted from the SPG promos, but for this I would have taken the Sofitel every time. The room and the bed were of very good quality however, I would rate the bed similarly to the Westin Heavenly Bed, so clearly a massive leap forward from the beds at the LM Montparnasse.

I spent much of last year at a client site in Daumesnil the Bercy was a very good location for that office. The corporate rates I had at the Sofitel were lower than those at the Meridien Monparnasse so YMMV, I still stayed a lot at the LM as I benefitted from the SPG promos, but for this I would have taken the Sofitel every time. The room and the bed were of very good quality however, I would rate the bed similarly to the Westin Heavenly Bed, so clearly a massive leap forward from the beds at the LM Montparnasse.

Another thing to consider is that both hotels have good rooms and less than good rooms. If you get an executive room upgrade at the Sofitel Bercy you will be very happy. The normal rooms aren't quite as nice. While I've never seen a poor room at the LM Montparnasse, judging by some of the posts here they obviously exist. But I always get upgraded to a nice room and I've never had a poor bed at this hotel.

As of about 2006, most Sofitels have exceeded the bed quality of Starwood hotels. In fact, probably the finest bed I've ever slept in is at the Sofitel St. James in London. Other Flyertalkers agree. To me, it's a better bed than I've had at any Westin, Four Seasons, Ritz, etc. with the notable exception of the flagship Ritz Buckhead.

Can anyone who's stayed there recently speak to the advantages/disadvangtes between the LM Montparnasse, and the LM Etoile? I see that the Montparnasse is category 4, while Etoile is 5. I would think the Etoile would be signficantly better... but I realize that that's probably a subjective question!

The categories are purely based on price, not quality. I've stayed at both as SPG Platinum and been treated very well at both. At the Montparnasse property I always get large suites, but I think that is because they have a lot more suites than the Etoile where I got an executive room the last time I was there.

I stayed at Etoile two weeks ago and Montparnasse about 6 weeks ago. Both are undergoing construction, which is a minor incovenience - although Etoile has floor renovations, which can be a pin if you're located close to the construction.

As a Plat, I was upgraded to the President Club at Etoile. The main attraction was private checkin/checkout/concierge, and a club lounge which offered breakfast, dinner snacks, and coffee/espresso/soda complimentary. Very nice.

At Montparnasse, the second floor has a large open area with free wifi. Very nice for working or meetings... I was once upgraded to a very interesting new concept room; the other time just a slightly larger room...

Either way, both are pretty good.

I stayed at Etoile two weeks ago and Montparnasse about 6 weeks ago. Both are undergoing construction, which is a minor incovenience - although Etoile has floor renovations, which can be a pin if you're located close to the construction.

As a Plat, I was upgraded to the President Club at Etoile. The main attraction was private checkin/checkout/concierge, and a club lounge which offered breakfast, dinner snacks, and coffee/espresso/soda complimentary. Very nice.

Thanks for responding. I'm probably going to go with Etoile since Montparnasse doens't seem to be avail for the dates i wanted... any tips on what floors to avoid at Etoile? I guess I can call SPG and request that i want a quieter room!

I'm only SPG Gold... and will be redeeming points for this stay, so alas, no President club for me :(

Sorry... I've only been there the once - and as I said, it was great. It's also in a good location vis-a-vis metro, restaurants, etc. (Although there is a fantastic restaurant two blocks from the Montparnasse - Monsieur Lapin.)

Good luck! And have fun.

Mrs LoM and I spent time in both properties a few weeks ago while trying to max out the Meridien free night promo.

To be honest I really disliked the Etoile. The location was good and as another poster mentioned there are lots of nice restaurants around the corner including one which offers an exceptional value all in menu for 2 at €35 a head including decent wine. However the room was just way to small and not at all what I would expect from a Starwood property, although the decor was pleasant enough, the room was not dissimilar in overall size to a Holiday Inn Express.

The Montparnasse feels much more tired, but I have had a suite upgrade on my last 5 visits and the extra space is great. Montparnasse is also within easy reach of St Germain and the variety of restaurants there.

The ideal scenario would be a refurbished Montparnasse but I suspect that will take nearly 2 years and the property will probably then cease to be a Meridien ;)

The ideal scenario would be a refurbished Montparnasse but I suspect that will take nearly 2 years and the property will probably then cease to be a Meridien ;)

The Montparnasse is being updated right now. Some people may remember the last time it was updated. It used to be a Sheraton!

And I too highly recommend Monsieur Lapin!

So I checked in today, having booked an executive room, and I got...an executive room, no suite upgrade available. No breakfast coupons because of corporate rate either. Oh well.

On the plus side, there was a bowl of fruit in the room, and the executive room is relatively nice. Horrid view of nothing though!

-simon

And I too highly recommend Monsieur Lapin!

Same here ^

What can I say? This hotel sure likes me. I'm now in the largest suite I've ever had here. Fantastic views. Huge TV. Large meeting table and a silk room divider that drops from the ceiling. My breakfast coupons were in the key envelope at check in.

Simon if you are still here, PM me if you want to see the suite.

What can I say? This hotel sure likes me. I'm now in the largest suite I've ever had here. Fantastic views. Huge TV. Large meeting table and a silk room divider that drops from the ceiling. My breakfast coupons were in the key envelope at check in.

Simon if you are still here, PM me if you want to see the suite.

Thanks, I'll pass but only because I'll just get upset! Perhaps it's because I checked in relatively late (10:30pm) but the staff just didn't want to do anything at all for me. I'm actually checking out tomorrow morning (a day early) for a different hotel, and I've moved my reservation for next week from the Montparnasse to a Hilton instead. What can I say, upset me and I leave ;-)

Usually when I find I'm in the same hotel as another flyertalker I'd suggest that we at least meet up for a drink, but I'm so ridiculously busy tonight that I've even ordered the TV dinner instead of going out (and the steak wasn't too bad).

Glad the hotel likes you though - good for you!

-simon

What can I say? This hotel sure likes me. I'm now in the largest suite I've ever had here. Fantastic views. Huge TV. Large meeting table and a silk room divider that drops from the ceiling. My breakfast coupons were in the key envelope at check in.

Simon if you are still here, PM me if you want to see the suite.

Not only have I never had a suite like that but in almost 10 stays I have never had a free breakfast either. I wouldn't pay for the crappy breakfast in the Justine restaurant either it is a shocker fighting through waves of oriental tourists.

Thinking of staying here for a trip to Paris in September. I have the Westin Paris booked on C&P for 40K points and $750 (5 nights). The Montparnasse is available for 40K points all-in (4+1 free night redemption).

This is my first time in Paris. I am planning on doing a bunch of the sight seeing stuff. Is Montparnasse too far out of the way, or should I suck it up and pay the $750 for the Westin (from reading the threads it seems like the Westin is better situated for tourists and a generally nicer hotel.)

Any other suggestions to minimize points/spend and maximize touristing?

Thanks,

E

Thinking of staying here for a trip to Paris in September. I have the Westin Paris booked on C&P for 40K points and $750 (5 nights). The Montparnasse is available for 40K points all-in (4+1 free night redemption).

This is my first time in Paris. I am planning on doing a bunch of the sight seeing stuff. Is Montparnasse too far out of the way, or should I suck it up and pay the $750 for the Westin (from reading the threads it seems like the Westin is better situated for tourists and a generally nicer hotel.)

Any other suggestions to minimize points/spend and maximize touristing?

Thanks,

E

I would pay the extra $750 myself. Montparnasse is not terribly out of the way and you can access the main tourist sites quite easily but it is not the most attractive area. It is however reasonably close by metro to the major attractions and very close to the Eiffel Tower and St Germain.

mrEzE. have a look at this thread (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=841657) which deals with the same question.

Montparnasse is not terribly out of the way and you can access the main tourist sites quite easily but it is not the most attractive area. It is however reasonably close by metro to the major attractions and very close to the Eiffel Tower and St Germain.

Just a note to anyone expecting to stroll from the Meridien Montparnasse to the Eiffel Tower : it is actually about 3.5km : 7 stops on the metro.

Thanks for the feedback and thread link.

Stayed at the Montparnasse in March and enjoyed it. The immediate (1 block around) neighborhood is fairly commercial, but there are wonderful walking blocks in almost every direction. And Paris is IMO the most walkable city in the world: wide sidewalks, long blocks, gardens and boulevards almost everywhere (and comfortable cafes where you can take a break whenever you want). So spend the $750 on excellent wine, a dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant, and sightseeing.

I recently stayed (two weeks ago) at LM Montparnasse and got a very poor experience.

Small room (1532) doomed by a communicating door with very noisy neighbours (I could not really sleep before they switched off the TV at 2 am). Virtually no soundproofing between the rooms.

I am SPG Gold and was told at check-in that upgrades were only for Platinum members. They have nearly 1000 rooms but they could not find a better one for me.

After complaining about the noise at the check-out, my 9 euro minibar bill was generously cancelled...

I will try to avoid the place in the future and will probably stick to my good old Pullman (ex-Sofitel) Paris Bercy.

Selected dates for the rest of the year. I was able to find dates other than the ones mentioned.
Fully cancellable. Books into an Executive room.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/international-hotels/458431

If someone has stayed at Le Méridien Montparnasse - Paris hotel recently, can you confirm if they have lounge ? If not, do they give complementary breakfast to Platinum members ?

-SSPDX

If someone has stayed at Le Méridien Montparnasse - Paris hotel recently, can you confirm if they have lounge ? If not, do they give complementary breakfast to Platinum members ?

-SSPDX

The answer can be found here
Le Meridien Montparnasse, Paris [Master Thread] (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=553791)

sspdx, I've merged your question into the Master Thread. I've stayed at this hotel, so will answer your questions from my personal experience.

1. There is no lounge.

2. I am platinum and was not given a complimentary breakfast.

Selected dates for the rest of the year. I was able to find dates other than the ones mentioned. Fully cancellable. Books into an Executive room.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/international-hotels/458431

Thanks very much! I made good use of that offer and booked a 132 EUR room for last weekend - as my favourite Paris hotel (Pullman Bercy) was quoting 210 EUR.

Checking-in at the hotel was complicated and involved a long phone conversation between the clerk and someone else. It seems that they were reluctant to give me an Executive Room (even though the Travelzoo promo booked into that category). Quite funnily, the clerk was asked something like "does he know that he booked an Executive Room?" - and she answered that yes, I had made that clear.

I was not impressed by the room (15th floor but no view on Paris). The bottle of water and box of "pâtes de fruits" that I got the other time (as an SPG Gold) were promised to me - but never delivered to my room.

The Travelzoo offer included a 10% voucher for the Galeries Lafayette (which was never given to me) and a late check-out (but i did not need that).

All in all, another disappointing experience - but this time, a cheap one!

Just a quick update after a recent stay : the lobby refurbishment is complete and its now a rather relaxed and funky open space done out in various shades of brown and tan, with loads of sofas and easy chairs to chill out in. There's even a huge flame-effect fire thingy at one end. The lobby has free wireless, but very few wall power outlets.

The 'Justine' buffet restaurant has been made over in a similar fashion, and is, IME, a significant improvement. The dinner buffet (Eur42), and also the service, was much better than before too.

No lounge, no free breakfast, and only an 'executive' room as an upgrade, though they do present plats with a coupon for a coupe of (genuine) champagne to be taken with dinner.

I for one like this area of town. Not as many tourists. ;)
I agree.

I stayed there for 4 nights last year and it was acceptable, but the area of town is quite good and only a short (and very interesting series of walks) to the St. Germain area, e.g., rue du Cherche Midi is brilliant. It's a hotel that seems to enjoy catering to business folks and is certainly not a Georges V, but hey, this is Paris. Get out and about and spend your time doing other things than hanging in the hotel.

Cheers,
PS

I knew that there would be issues when I tripped down the two stairs leading into the check-in area and face-planted in front of a group of horrified guests.

After pulling together the remaining shreds of my dignity, we made our way to the the desk and checked in. Somehow, they had managed to book us into a smoking room, but they changed it to a non-smoking room. The room turned out to be a mini-suite, which was essentially a very large single room with a curtain that descended from the ceiling to separate the room. Quite nice.

Then, I was introduced to the light switches. In most European hotels, you insert a key in a switch to activate the lights. Not so in this one. You hit one of the 47 switches and hope that it corresponds to a light that you want. I hit the lights outside the bathroom and the living room went on. The living room led to the bedroom lights, the bedroom lights to the lamps, the front hallway to the bathroom and a random set of switches that seemingly did nothing but did have an effect on the lights at the top of the Eiffel Tower. My wife preferred to sit there and laugh at me. I finally decided that the easiest approach was to turn on all the lights and unplug the ones I didn't want on. One set of switches seemed to activate the phone, since the front desk called to make sure that everything was okay as soon as I hit them.

Actually, it wasn't. The room was beautiful but the toilet didn't flush. The desk sent up a maintenance person right away, who also couldn't make the toilet flush. There did appear to be a box in the hallway outside the room that controlled the water flow, since he could hit a switch in the corridor and make the toilet flush. In and out he went, but couldn't get the toilet flushed. Since I had no interest in taking the risk that I would lock myself out of the room in my underwear while trying to flush the toilet, we decided to switch rooms.

The next room was also nice, although it wasn't a suite. It was on the Executive Level, but there was no lounge so, as wise as I am, I'm not sure why this level was different from all the other levels. Fortunately, the room had lights that worked by sticking a key in the switch, so that problem was solved. Also, the toilet flushed. The manager apologized for the room errors (the last room, not the fact that the toilet and lights worked in the new one)and offered us a bottle of wine. We asked for breakfast instead, which they gave us. She mentioned that the keys she gave us only worked for the lights, so someone would come up in a few minutes with keys that worked for the door. We knew the new keys worked, since he came in without bothering to knock. Apparently, one set of keys wasn't good enough because, a few minutes later, someone else came up with a second set of keys. And five minutes after that, a third person came up to apologize for our troubles with...a plant. We weren't sure what we were supposed to do with the plant, so if you are staying at the Le Meridien Montparnasse, in room 2116, and have a pretty plant in your room, feel relieved. The light switches and the toilet work.

Mike

Recently stayed there, on a Sat. - Tues. Agree with the above post to watch out for the suttle one- & two- small steps here & there in the lobby...came very close to similar face planting.

Prior to this stay, I was on the phone w/ the Plat concierge about a couple of other reservations, and while she was in "checking over my reservations" mode, she gladly looked over this one & assured me all was in order.

A room w/ two separate beds had been reserved. Arrived in the morning, not expecting a room to be ready, willing to drop off luggage & go see Paris. The agent said that we were given a room w/ one-bed, & was requested to look into correcting this for the two-bed room reserved.

Came back in the afternoon, and they said the room was ready...but, it was the same one-bed room discussed in the morning. I asked if a two-bed room was ready, they said they had none available. I tried another route: asked if I had rec'd a Platinum upgrade. They said no, because none was available, & started handing me my keys. I asked if any kind of upgrade-able room had become available during the afternoon. They said to have a seat in the lobby & wait a few minutes. SEVERAL minutes later, I returned to the desk & asked at the desk if they had located an upgrade possibility. The agent (different agent) said such a room had been ready all along & had no idea why her colleague asked us to wait. We then went to retrieve our bags from the bellman---had to wait SEVERAL minutes again. We were repeatedly told it would only be another minute or two, otherwise we would have just asked them to send them up. We were about ready to just do this when the bags were produced. (I'd say this whole afternoon wait in the lobby for room & bags was a total of an hour).

The room we finally ended up in was actually a nice two-room suite, typical Le Meridien decor, across the hall from the fitness center (which is also on one of the higher floors). One living room with a fold-down queen-size "Murphy" style bed, along with a couch, loveseat, coffee table, & chairs, & table & TV, with its own bathroom, & the other a king-size bed with a chaise lounge chair, a study desk (which couldn't really be used as a desk since it also had the TV on it) and its own bathroom. Both beds were a mattress on a platform. Both beds were just fine, neither was more/less comfortable than the other. The "bedroom" room had the Hermes products and a set of the Le Meridian ones (pretty much covering the counter in bath products...I guess one can't have enough of these :) ) in its bathroom, whilst the living room bathroom had the "standard" Le Meridien-branded ones. There was a pre-printed thank-you-for-staying-with-us note on the coffee table, attached to a complimentary box of chocolate covered raisins.

Sure, the hotel is not "right in the middle of things" as others have noted. BUT, it is a very short walk from the Montparnese train & metro station (short, as in, across the street & around the corner), as well as a couple of other nearby metro stations. Versailles was about 30 minutes, the Eiffel Tower about 20 minutes, the Arc De Triumphe & the Champs D.L. about 20 minutes, & the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. about 15-20 minutes, the ORY airport about an hour.

when I tripped down the two stairs leading into the check-in area

I've fallen down those steps too. :o

I think groups of Japenese tourists gather there to watch the show.

Well, yes, it is convienient to the Metro-- but who wants to ride the metro all the time? I stayed at the LMM numerous times as a flight attendant, and it is a real hike to most of things one goes to Paris for.

I second what another poster said-- Paris isn't the city for a large chain experience. Stay someplace small, near the river.

Who would want to ride the Metro, ever?

I got this hotel via priceline (price was $120USD/night) so not too bad. I read mixed feelings about siteseeing from this hotel. How is it? How is the metro? I don't mind using it, always do in London so nothing new to me.
Whats the best way to get from the train station to the hotel? will be arriving via eurostar.

I knew that there would be issues when I tripped down the two stairs leading into the check-in area and face-planted in front of a group of horrified guests.

Best I can work out the entry to the hotel is designed to deliberately cause this to happen - I suspect they video it and sell it off to France's Funniest Home Videos.

Best I can work out the entry to the hotel is designed to deliberately cause this to happen - I suspect they video it and sell it off to France's Funniest Home Videos.

I'm a proud member of the "I've fallen for the LM Montparnasse" Club (but otherwise really liked the hotel). Maybe they can work it into a promo of some kind: "With our new lobby design, you'll fall in love again with Paris...literally at the LM Montparnasse."

I got this hotel via priceline (price was $120USD/night) so not too bad. I read mixed feelings about siteseeing from this hotel. How is it? How is the metro? I don't mind using it, always do in London so nothing new to me.
Whats the best way to get from the train station to the hotel? will be arriving via eurostar.

Actually, this hotel is a very, very long walk from the number 4 metro which is the one that goes to Gare Du Nord (Eurostar terminus). It is not fun if you are carrying bags. But if you want to try it, you walk in the direction of the TGV (Grande Lignes) and when you get into the actual main train station at Montparnasse, and you are looking directly at the trains, turn left and walk outside. You will see the LM across the street and on your right.

Actually, this hotel is a very, very long walk from the number 4 metro which is the one that goes to Gare Du Nord (Eurostar terminus). It is not fun if you are carrying bags. But if you want to try it, you walk in the direction of the TGV (Grande Lignes) and when you get into the actual main train station at Montparnasse, and you are looking directly at the trains, turn left and walk outside. You will see the LM across the street and on your right.

Would you then recommend a cab? any idea on cost?

Would you then recommend a cab? any idea on cost?

If you have more than just a small bag, then yes it would be much, much easier to take a taxi. If you avoid morning or afternoon traffic peaks, then it should be less than €50 from CDG. Less from ORY.

However if you are traveling with 2 or less people, there is another option which is perfect for this hotel. The Air France Montparnasse bus stops right across the street from the LM. I think it costs something like €14 per person.

If you have more than just a small bag, then yes it would be much, much easier to take a taxi. If you avoid morning or afternoon traffic peaks, then it should be less than €50 from CDG. Less from ORY.

However if you are traveling with 2 or less people, there is another option which is perfect for this hotel. The Air France Montparnasse bus stops right across the street from the LM. I think it costs something like €14 per person.

Except that he said he's coming from Gare du Nord... I can't imagine that a taxi from there would be more than 15 euros (which may vary depending on time of day, traffic, amount of baggage, etc.).

D'oh! I don't know why I had CDG on the brain.

D'oh! I don't know why I had CDG on the brain.

Well, you did say Gare du Nord in your previous post, and it is good advice for anyone else coming from CDG or Orly. :)

Well, you did say Gare du Nord in your previous post, and it is good advice for anyone else coming from CDG or Orly. :)

Yup, coming in on Eurostar. I think depending if we leave our bags or not I will have 1 bag + 1 carry-on and same with my brother. Seems easier with a cab

Yup, coming in on Eurostar. I think depending if we leave our bags or not I will have 1 bag + 1 carry-on and same with my brother. Seems easier with a cab

If it were me and it was between 4pm and 8pm, I might lean towards the metro. I don't mind a good walk and the number 4 metro goes direct all the way to Montparnasse. During those peak afternoon hours, there will be a lot of traffic above ground for the taxi to fight.

The other consideration is that you often have to wait in a long queue for a taxi at Gare Du Nord. Or you can pre-book a taxi, but that will add to the cost.

If it were me and it was between 4pm and 8pm, I might lean towards the metro. I don't mind a good walk and the number 4 metro goes direct all the way to Montparnasse. During those peak afternoon hours, there will be a lot of traffic above ground for the taxi to fight.

The other consideration is that you often have to wait in a long queue for a taxi at Gare Du Nord. Or you can pre-book a taxi, but that will add to the cost.

Coming in at 7pm, so probably better off with metro? It all depends on if I can leave my bags at either the london hotel or somewhere in Kings cross.

If it were me and it was between 4pm and 8pm, I might lean towards the metro. I don't mind a good walk and the number 4 metro goes direct all the way to Montparnasse. During those peak afternoon hours, there will be a lot of traffic above ground for the taxi to fight.

I've done this trip many times arriving at Gare du Nord then taking the line 4 metro (single ticket is Eur1.60) to the 'Montparnasse Bienvenue' metro station : it's a 25 minute ride. From there it is a 10 minute walk to the hotel. There's a fair number of steps to negotiate en route, and the metro too will be very busy between 4pm and 8pm, so probably not the best option if you have anyting larger than a small wheely-bag.

I've done this trip many times arriving at Gare du Nord then taking the line 4 metro (single ticket is Eur1.60) to the 'Montparnasse Bienvenue' metro station : it's a 25 minute ride. From there it is a 10 minute walk to the hotel. There's a fair number of steps to negotiate en route, and the metro too will be very busy between 4pm and 8pm, so probably not the best option if you have anyting larger than a small wheely-bag.

Not to mention a very long queue just to purchase a metro ticket at Gare du Nord! I always carry a few metro tickets in my wallet, and shake my head at the long lines of tourists waiting to purchase tickets or fumbling with the machines which don't work with American or non-chip credit cards. But then again there will be quite a long queue for a taxi at 7pm. If you can't reserve a taxi in advance, you'll have a tough commute either way.

Quick Question... are all rooms renovated now at this hotel?

The 'Justine' buffet restaurant has been made over in a similar fashion, and is, IME, a significant improvement. The dinner buffet (Eur42), and also the service, was much better than before too..

What is the cost of the breakfast buffet?

Also, was there a coffee maker in the room?

Thanks

MO

Sorry, I don't drink coffee and I get free breakfast at this hotel, so I don't know the price.

For the first time ever I didn't get a large suite upgrade here. They up'd me to an Executive room which was fine with me. Maybe they were full as it seemed quite busy.

They have changed out the bathroom amenities it seems. http://www.cinqmondes.com/english.html is now what they are sporting.

Will see whether they upgrade me to an Exec Room or Suite for my 4 nights stay during Easter. The new bathroom amenities look to be good.

They have changed out the bathroom amenities it seems. http://www.cinqmondes.com/english.html is now what they are sporting.

This seems to have replaced Hermes and the Thai Basil Meridien tolietries. I had those at the Meridien Piccadilly London and very nice they were too, quite citrusy and refreshing smelling.

What is the cost of the breakfast buffet?


Email from the hotel today tells me 25 Euros.....

Sorry, I don't drink coffee and I get free breakfast at this hotel, so I don't know the price.

Do you get free breakfast because of your SPG status or through other means? I'm an SPG Platinum and was not offered free breakfast during my stay last summer. :mad:

Just back from a weekend in Paris at this hotel. Have to say I was very impressed overall. Had two rooms booked, one C&P, the other prepaid revenue. We drove there, not the best fun arriving at 4pm on a Friday but large carpark under the hotel and easy parking. 28 Euros/24 hours. Reception busy but well staffed. Both rooms upgraded to executive and near each other. 21st floor with AMAZING views over Paris, one of the best views I have ever had. Nice room with very comfortable bed. Welcome card and small gift waiting in both rooms. Got a call from the GM shortly after to apologise for not being at front desk to greet us, and to check all was ok. Nice touch. No prob with late check out either in both rooms. Friendly staff.
This stay was pretty much a perfect Platinum stay. Nothing OTT, just everything done correctly and nicely with no hassle. I quite liked the area too, little bit out of the main tourist area but no big deal. Gaite I think is the easier Metro, but not on as many lines as Montparnasse. Supermarkets nearby and a number of nice bistros etc.
We had a really good meal at this restaurant: Millesimes62. Come out the hotel, turn left, restaurant is at the roundabout at the top of the road. 3 mins away. http://millesimes62.com/en-index.html
Set menu 28E. Very, very nice and highly recommended.

Great weekend!

Just back from a weekend in Paris at this hotel. Have to say I was very impressed overall. Had two rooms booked, one C&P, the other prepaid revenue.

Reception busy but well staffed. Both rooms upgraded to executive and near each other. 21st floor with AMAZING views over Paris, one of the best views I have ever had.

...No prob with late check out either in both rooms. Friendly staff.
This stay was pretty much a perfect Platinum stay. Nothing OTT, just everything done correctly and nicely with no hassle.

My experience was quite different in Feb. Given a standard room on a low SPG floor. Questioned if that really was their best available room and was given one on the same floor with a big plasma TV, which was acceptable to me. Bathroom amenites were OK, but made in Canada.

Late checkout was happily provided upon request.

I found the hotel to be indifferent. It seemed like few if any benefits for a Plat. I did get 2 bottles of water and small box of chocolates delivered by room service. Never got the 500 pt plat amenity.


Do you get free breakfast because of your SPG status or through other means? I'm an SPG Platinum and was not offered free breakfast during my stay last summer. :mad:

I was told 25EUR for breakfast and decided to sleep in instead.

Never got the 500 pt plat amenity.

I also found this on my last stay. Every other time in the past I have automatically gotten the 500 points at this hotel. Maybe they have some kind of accounting problem now.

In any case, I just called SPG and they fixed it. The same happened at the LM in Casablanca recently, so maybe it's a LM thing?

All points posted quickly and correctly for me.

I had expected to be underwhelmed by the hotel and was a bit worried about taking family there for their first visit to Paris, but it was great. Just all very smooth and easy, e.g. One day they left their do not disturb on, so the room didnt get made up. One phone call at 6pm and it was done quickly, with turndown and chocolates.

Did a couple of stays at LM Montparnasse earlier in the month for the first time. Points including Plat Amenity and stays all credited promptly and accurately. Thought it was an understated business hotel which is how I liked it. Although I didn't get a suite upgrade, I was however not unhappy with the room upgrades I got. Breakfast was expensive but it was worth it for me since I wasn't going to be having ham, bacon and pork sausages on a regular basis in Jerusalem. Was on the porkers faster than a wombat on chocolate biscuits. Noticed that they even had plain chok (congee) in the buffet in the corner, but with only one or two condiments (shallots or spring onions I can't quite remember), I didn't partake. Decent location with the Gaite next door and the Gare across the street which was the main thing for me since the places I had to go outside of Paris proper were on the Montparnasse line. At the 170Euro price, it was expensive for me but acceptable being in Europe. At that price and service, will defo go back there again. Still have a leftover bag of complimentary chocolate candy.

I spent 3 nights here last week on points, checking in on my birthday for a quick vacation. I noticed that the reservations agent noted the birthday in the reservation record (something like "gold member birthday - request upgrade"), but at check-in there was no "happy birthday", and looking at the fire escape plan our room was among the smallest on the floor, without much of a view to the east (2201). Ok, I guess, they didn't have to do anything for me.

Bathroom: The bathroom counter was pretty gross, it definitely had not been cleaned in a while, and the toiletries did not seem fresh and were not refilled during the length of our stay ... so we ran out of shampoo. The towels each day smelled strongly of vinegar. Setting the shower temperature to a medium temperature yielded alternating bursts of uncomfortably hot and cold every 15 seconds or so.

Room: Very average, 3* room. Small room, mediocre bed, annoying automatic minibar = no usable fridge. Easily the least comfortable Category 4 room I've stayed in, a full notch below anywhere else I've been in Cat 3 or 4.

Service: Even conversing in French, the concierge seemed completely disinterested. They wanted to recommend Monsieur Lapin for a good meal, or Millesimes62 for a more casual nice meal, no matter what. Even if I said I was traveling with a vegetarian (Lapin is very meaty), or looking for something a little further from the hotel ... that's all I got, other than a suggestion to eat at the hotel restaurant. Also, the gentleman who made up our room smelled strongly of body odor.

Neighborhood: The area within 2 blocks is not attractive, but walk a couple blocks in any direction and it looks more like the rest of the city.

Recommendations: This hotel was doable, but certainly nothing above meeting basic needs. I was very disappointed. If you must stay here, check out a bistro nearby called Natacha and or take a stroll down Rue Daguerre for some great food options.

I stayed here in March for 2 nights in March, just to see what it was like and to complete my SPG Paris collection. I was upgraded to a 2-room suite with nice views, standard LM fitout, and the box of candy.

Other posters are correct in that the immediate area around the hotel is pretty ugly, but beyond that it gets much more typically Parisian.

I came in with fairly modest expectations and the hotel exceeded them, although I didn't test the service. If you are looking for something special, then this isn't that sort of hotel.

Rate plan: "HUNDRD"

"100 rooms at 100€

Exclusive offer for our guests. It is not an April Fools' Day joke!

Rooms are limited, and this offer won't last - book before April 3rd.

Offer valid at the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, Le Méridien Etoile and Le Méridien Montparnasse.
Available for stays on selected dates from now until the end of August.
Book today and save now!


- Participating Properties -

Le Méridien Montparnasse »
Available dates for this offer: April 1-3, 5-19, 24-30; May 1-4, 6-14, 16-24, 29-31; June 1, 6-8, 12-14, 19-21, 26-30; July 1-8, 12-27; August 3-23, 29-31.


Le Méridien Etoile »
Available dates for this offer: April 5-20, 25-30; May 1-7, 12-14, 17-25, 29-31; June 1-5, 25-30; July 1-31; August 1-23.

Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel & Conference Centre »
Available dates for this offer: April 10-18; May 1-3, 8-10, 21-24; July 10-31; August 1-16."


http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/search/pre_decider_all.html?propertyID=1920&ratePlanName=HUNDRD

Okay does anyone want to help me make a part deux - to the old presentation that spread all over the internet?

Well I guess I won't since I'm a stockholder but I am sorely tempted.

I am *wood platinum and since none of the hotels in Paris have a lounge I decided to stay at the Le Meridien Montparnasse because they have free wifi in a few locations. I obtained a favorable advance payment rate and made a booking.

1) The room charge was not debited from my cc - Platinum conceirge called at my request and was told that there was some problem and I would pay when I arrived, but they could not reprocess my cc (which I requested due to good exchange rate). Imagine my surprise when the charge was deducted two weeks later- upon inquiry I was told that my cc was declined (it has never been declined) and I was notified! Not only was I NOT notified but had been informed cc COULD NOT be rerun!

Little did I know that this was just the beginning of the incompetence :(

2) Arrive at hotel late afternoon - much typing and talking by check in clerk (note - my reservation had indicated a suite for days - this would be an ug) - after 30 minutes given room key to a suite. I go to the suite which has a DO NOT DISTURB sign on door - knock and use key (which works, maybe someone forgot the sign) - bed unmade and suitcase on bed. Return to front desk.

3) Ask for manager(get assistant). After more delay another room assigned - she goes with me to make sure unoccupied. Newly renovated room but has connecting door so I ask for one without.

4) No room available - offered drink for inconvenience. I go out and ask for luggage to be put in room and for a pot to boil water.

5) Arrive back 3 hours later and given key to same suite (now unoccupied).

It looks worse than a motel 6 room and has a TV that must be from the first generation of color TV's

Call and request a down pillow
"we don't have any feather pillows just foam"
- the kind you buy in a discount store and WAAY too firm for my neck (guess a four star hotel isn't supposed to have comfortable pillows)
No shampoo
1 bag delivered, but no back pack - that takes another hour to be delivered.
No tea kettle.
If I hadn't prepaid I believe I would have left.
Apologies offered but:

a It takes 18 HOURS eg the next day (and mulitple requests) BEFORE I get a pot to boil water and 2 MORE HOURS TO GET A CUP!!!!
b It takes 18 hours to have the Platinum amenity (I chose bottle of wine) delivered (after being promised multiple times it was on its way)

Okay, bad luck so far - but off for a much needed sleep (I'd been up about 30 hours by then).

AT MIDNIGHT I GET A CALL FROM THE MANAGER - Was someone else's luggage delivered to my room earlier in the day???****!!!!!

Who calls a guest at midnight?

In the morning I again call for the hot water pot (it still hadn't been delivered). Shortly there is a knock on the door which I expect to be room service - open the door to find 2 men with a suitcase who look shocked to see me. I tell them the room is occupied (stating the obvious), ask if they are sure this is the correct room number- they say yes they were just directed there from the front desk. They leave - I call the assst. manager. Another "I'm sorry".

Next morning I ask for the manager and am directed to the same asst. manager as day before. I complain about the call - yes the know it was the result of "miscommunication" - apologies AGAIN. Followed later by an offer for a breakfast - which I refuse as I never eat breakfast and need more sleep.
Later I suggest that dinner at their nicer restaurant one night might be an appropriate apology for this comedy of errors and am told superior will be asked.

After a lovely day walking and eating I return to be offered:

50% off dinner at their buffet restaurant - which I politely refuse. I am then offered ta......da

1000 Starwood points!

My reply is "that is insulting". :mad:

Okay - maybe I should learn powerpoint, or just contact customer relations when I get back. This hotel makes the (old) Le Meridien in Singapore look like the Ritz :(

DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL IF YOU VALUE YOUR SANITY. If I had known how bad this was I would either have chosen a non *wood hotel or perhaps Le Meridien Etoile and gone to MacDonalds for free internet!

Interesting, as my experience with the LM Montparnasse is pretty much the same. :td:

I would strongly encourage the OP to immediately forward the entire post to Starwood Customer Care. It's often through these sorts of detailed guest reports that hotels get whipped into shape -- or forced out of the system. I speak from experience!!!

Seriously, please report this at once. One or two of what you reported would be upsetting, but the steady stream of misfires speaks volumes about the core competency of this property's management. Do us all a favor and report everything to corporate.

This tale reminds me of the old Le Meridien chain of ten years ago that was a cobbled mess of wonderful properties and exceedingly marginal properties scattered hither and yon. I was hoping that most of the brand detractors had been largely purged by now. Apparently not.

Did anyone else hear that? I think it was the GM of the Westin Orlando breathing a sigh of relief...:D

Did anyone else hear that? I think it was the GM of the Westin Orlando breathing a sigh of relief...:D

LMAO!! :D

Thanks for the support;) I will contact customer care as soon as I get a little more sleep. There were other things too but I figured the post was long enough!

and SPG - that was a great pickup - thanks for the laugh.

Read a lot of negative reviews about this property. I stayed away from it recently when I made plan for Paris. Etoile was my choice.

I arrived at 9am (6 hours before official check-in time) and as soon as the front desk clerk saw my Plat status she called for a young woman named Megaly (I belive she's the front desk manager now) who escorted me to a nice (junior) suite which was already equipped with a small box of chocolates and a split of drinkable wine. Decent room, decent bed, quiet stay; the cleaning staff honored the "privacy" tag on the door the next morning so I got to sleep in with no interruptions. This is a big, busy business hotel, not romantic in the least, but it's not a terrible property in my experience.

OP, I'm sorry you had a miserable stay. First impressions often set the tone for the rest of the stay, and it sounds like your first and last impressions were pretty bad. I would simply write the general manager and share your annoyance, and vote with your wallet the next time you're in Paris.

Did we need another thread on this. Could the OP not have posted in the long existing one. I posted there about my experiences at this hotel which were great. Clearly opinions and experiences vary. Interestingly, I would never ask or expect to get tea/coffee making facilities in a hotel that doesnt provide them. So many great places to get a drink around there anyway.
It would be nice if comments were a little more reasoned, statements like "DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL IF YOU VALUE YOUR SANITY" are just plain OTT and not helpful to anyone.

Thanks for the support;) I will contact customer care as soon as I get a little more sleep. There were other things too but I figured the post was long enough!

and SPG - that was a great pickup - thanks for the laugh.

OP,

I'm sure you will do this, but you may want to take some of the emotion, bolding and shouting out of your contact to CS. Let them know you were upset, but keep it factual.

Mike

I happen to know that estnet is a woman. As a woman myself, I'd find it very unsettling to be checked into an already occupied room. Then, once settled, have men try to enter my room because they had been checked into it.

So yes, I think this is a pretty big deal.

This thread reminds me of my stay at the Westin Paris, maybe its the parisian attitude ;)

I happen to know that estnet is a woman. As a woman myself, I'd find it very unsettling to be checked into an already occupied room. Then, once settled, have men try to enter my room because they had been checked into it.

So yes, I think this is a pretty big deal.

I have no reason to think that estnet's recounting of events is not accurate and I'm in full agreement that this sort of thing is a big deal.
18 hours to get one's Plat amenity after numerous promises is unacceptable, the midnight phone call is mind boggling (who among us wouldn't be furious?).

Add to that being assigned a room that wasn't checked out yet and then have strangers show up at your door with bags for someone else ..... well, this is just a total mess.

The OP doesn't strike me as a miserable person out looking for problems and nitpicking her way through life. It sounds like this hotel has serious issues -- at least during the OP's stay.

I'm glad to know that the OP has reported this detail to *wood corporate.

There was light - or at least a decent response. The front desk manager asked to speak with me (called at quite a reasonable time, but only an hour before he was leaving so had I been out....late on a Friday and he would be gone the next 2 days). We had quite a nice conversation and he seemed sincerely sorry for my experience (although he didn't know about some of them eg the men trying to check into the room). He offered a choice of apology - the first unacceptable, the second quite reasonable. I am not sure why it took so long to have this attended to by the manager and if I had left after 1 or 2 days????

In any case, at this point I feel the hotel has handled the matter and I see no reason to escalate to cs, but it is not a place I would ever chose again.

As for adding to the original thread - since a search didn't find it (is search not working again?) I decided to start a new one - also hoped it would get a bit more attention (as I believe was warranted) and moderator would switch if necessary.

Destina_Flyer, perhaps when you have been around a little longer you may be more tolerant of different views. Many hotels offer tea/coffee making already in the room. If the hotel responds that yes they will provide it if requested I expect that they will do just that. If they say it is not provided, fine. With severe jet lag a nice cup of tea at 3 am is a comfort. BTW the tea I had at the hotel was dreadful - water not hot enough to brew the 1 teabag they provided and I won't say the ridiculous price they charged.

...He offered a choice of apology - the first unacceptable, the second quite reasonable...

Care to elaborate, or did you sign an NDA?


...BTW the tea I had at the hotel was dreadful - water not hot enough to brew the 1 teabag they provided and I won't say the ridiculous price they charged.

Care to elaborate, or did you sign an NDA?

My experience at this hotel was not as bad but the LM Etoile was far better and they have a Club Lounge. Plus it is much closer to Champs Elysees etc.

The issue of other people accessing your room serves as a reminder to always keep your room chained. You never know who is going to come a knocking. I just find it amazing that a hotel has such horrific systems that they do not even know when a room is occupied. When I am next in Paris, I shall be avoiding this hotel.

Destina_Flyer - I agree with the OP. This is a serious enough issue to warrant its own post. It takes a pretty big set of kahoonas to be shouting orders like that to long-standing members of this forum after a whopping 17 posts. My $0.02.

This thread reminds me of my stay at the Westin Paris, maybe its the parisian attitude ;)

LOL! I stayed at both the Westin and Montparnasse in January and experienced similar feelings to all in this thread. There is most definitely a Parisian attitude at play, but who can blame them when my first words are always "Bonjour. Parlez-vous anglais?"

To add to the fun, I explicitly remember my conversation with the LM front desk requesting an alarm clock (which the Westin didn't have either). When I asked the front desk clerk, she responded with a confussed look, then told me that Parisians don't like alarm clocks when they go on holiday, hense why they can't provide one. If you've stayed at the LM Montparnasse, you probably understand my laughter. What French person would vacation at a hotel boasting one of Europe's largest conference spaces?!?

On a related note: The LM Montparnasse has THE fastest wait staff in the morning buffet. When 10am came, they pulled all of the food and beverages off the line in minutes! I think I paid 25 Euros for that sucker too... glad we got there with 15 mins to spare. :-)

I hope something was lost in translation when the Front Desk Clerk indicated the French don't like alarm clocks when they travel, and that is why they don't have them there. Don't you cater to the needs of your guests, and not the needs of your countrymen when they travel?

Perhaps they are subject to some union rules, and are afraid that having alarm clocks will jeopardize the jobs of the people who make the wake up calls! :D

The thing that has me, and perhaps several others scratching their heads about, is that I like this hotel! I stay at the LM Montparnasse quite often. In fact I stayed there back before it was Starwood, and even back when it was a Sheraton many years ago. And I've never had a problem! I'm always treated well, always get great upgrades, always good service.

I think it has to be related in some way to my attitude. I am very kind and courteous, always say "bon jour madame" etc., and I am treated well in return.

Sure there are better hotels in Paris, but not ones at that price, in that part of town, and that earn Starpoints. ;)

There was light - or at least a decent response.
In any case, at this point I feel the hotel has handled the matter and I see no reason to escalate to cs, but it is not a place I would ever chose again.

Destina_Flyer, perhaps when you have been around a little longer you may be more tolerant of different views. Many hotels offer tea/coffee making already in the room. If the hotel responds that yes they will provide it if requested I expect that they will do just that. If they say it is not provided, fine. With severe jet lag a nice cup of tea at 3 am is a comfort. BTW the tea I had at the hotel was dreadful - water not hot enough to brew the 1 teabag they provided and I won't say the ridiculous price they charged.

estnet, glad that you got some kind of decent response! May we ask what kind of acceptable apology you received? And I'll have to agree with you on the hot tea or coffee.... if it's offered than offer it on a timely matter and in the means to your liking! On a side note... kind of funny you mentioned the ridiculous price that they charged... there was a thread on that about and other charges such as for warming up a baby bottle on FT not too long ago! Hope the rest of your trip goes well!

Don't quite understand the attitude about clocks - I did get a clock after request, but when I was replacing a lost key I mentioned that it would be nice to have a clock in all the rooms. I was told "but most of our guests rely on us for a wake-up call". When I stated that when one is jet lagged and wakes up in the middle of the night it would be nice to know what time it is - I was greeted with a surprised look and a thanks for the suggestion:confused: Maybe there is a cultural thing about clocks/time that I am not getting but I don't remember this as an issue in any other French hotels (and I have stayed in quite a few).

I'm glad others have had better experiences here (btw the plat. amenity (that is the one offered as an extra by the hotel) is now, at least for me - a bottle of water and some chocolate covered nuts - maybe a split of champagne would have mellowed my mood;). I thought the Etoile did away with the lounge after renovations (at least my memory suggests that is why I didn't book there).

For a myriad of reasons this stay has made me believe I would have been happier in a lesser starred local hotel with free internet -- and forego the *points (which is a big statement for me).

No NDA -- basically the accepted offer made me whole for one of the nights of my stay. Had I spoken to a competent manager at the first error and had things been made right quickly I would never have written this, nor felt so badly about the whole experience. A simple apology and getting a decent room immediately would have made me happy. I wouldn't have turned down a note of apology accompanied by some fruit;) - but that does not seem to be the way here. I never before realized how much a personal note or attention from a manager meant to me in times of irregular occurrences, but I must say I am longing for the kindness and friendliness I have experienced in Asia (and yes I know this is not a fair comparison).

I think it has to be related in some way to my attitude. I am very kind and courteous, always say "bon jour madame" etc., and I am treated well in return.

Whether you speak French or not - or how courteous you are does not really change anything there - I stayed in LM Montparnasse twice in 2008 and was really disappointed; French is my mother language, I was as kind as I could be but this did not make things easier. It is not arrogance that is at stake, it is competence!

In October, I had booked a Deluxe Room on a very cheap rate (it was a promo) - and they were extremely reluctant to give it to me. And when I saw what I got (not a lot of luxury in a Deluxe Room!), I really felt bad for them...

In addition to the more serious issues I raised in a different thread there are so many inconsistencies at this hotel as to make it not a future choice for me - some of the smaller but annoying issues:

1) of interest is that 2 of the days advertised for the special rate below I was told that the problems I experienced were because "the hotel is fully booked"??? So either I was not told the truth or the hotel is offering discounted rooms on dates when non are available.

2) room servicing is odd. Apparently one can have 3 or the 4 - shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bath gel - items used are not replenished (shower cap). One room I had had robes but no slippers, the next had slippers but no robe.

3) Room service menu includes a surchage of 3 euros for orders less than 20 euros for breakfast (so I guess one could have a VERY expensive juice or coffee), but the room service menu for the rest of the day includes this charge PLUS a charge of 5 euros for orders that do not contain food OR drink in English, but the french states food AND drink - I tend to think the French is correct so if you order a sandwich for less than 20 euros you get to pay 8 euros extra for not ordering a drink as well! (and no I didn't test it)

4) There is a note in the room that ice machines can be found on certain floors - but no indication that containers for the ice can be found at those machines. It took 5 queries for a conatiner before I was informed of this. Why isn't it just stated on the note?

5) No clocks in the room - has already been discussed

6) the renovated rooms have a closet arranged with a desk in front of it so one cannot really access the part to hang clothes (esp. if one is short). In my room the track was bent so if I opened the hanging side I could not then access the drawer side without much force and slamming the doors to the other side (so I didn't use the hanging side so as to not annoy my neighbors with loud bangs against the wall at odd hours)

7) the unrenovated rooms have such damaged and old furnishings as to be honestly less than what I have experienced at Motel 6 in the US (for those not familiar it is an extremely basic and low cost chain in the US - rates usually of about $30-$40 a night to give an idea).

8) the conceriege, as mentioned below, only reccomend 2 restaurants - even when asked for something else eg. fish as a specialty. One conceriege gave me directions to a restaurant that was on the opposite side of town to the actual location! Fortunately I discovered this before setting out or I would have missed a most desired reservation.

9) For those who use the "free" internet. It cuts off without warning (or prior notification) about every 30 minutes - not a problem if one is aware but quite an annoyance if one is in the middle of tracking something that is then lost:(

Well I guess the fact that I won't return isn't a surprise.

The concierges were useless at this property. I moved from a 46EUR hotel where they were very helpful with tourist type enquiries to this hotel where questions were either an imposition or scoffed at.

I can't believe that someone called your room at midnight. And the repeated handing out multiple parties keys to the occupied rooms really concerns me. Boo, Hiss

I've stayed at this hotel a number of times, from before being part of SPG to the most recent stay 2 years ago. I've had upgrades to old suites, and nice renovated rooms and somewhat awkwardly designed suites. I've always considered the hotel as OK and reasonable. I find the experiences of estnet to be completely ridiculous, complete breakdown of basic customer service.

I've been thinking that LM Montparnasse is a logical lower cost SPG hotel in Paris, especially after the lounge closed at LM Etoiles. I'll have to rethink my Paris hotel choices for the future.

Whether you speak French or not - or how courteous you are does not really change anything there - I stayed in LM Montparnasse twice in 2008 and was really disappointed; French is my mother language, I was as kind as I could be but this did not make things easier. It is not arrogance that is at stake, it is competence!

In October, I had booked a Deluxe Room on a very cheap rate (it was a promo) - and they were extremely reluctant to give it to me. And when I saw what I got (not a lot of luxury in a Deluxe Room!), I really felt bad for them...

Well perhaps it is the rate then. I always book a normal corporate rate and get good and very competent service. Perhaps you can complain that this hotel doesn't like guests on cheap rates, but you can't say they are incompetent. I never have to make any special requests. I just sign in, get my key and breakfast coupon, and go up to my nice and well provisioned upgraded suite. :D

In the last two years, I have probably stayed here 10 times. And much more going back to the 90's.

As for the clocks, I never noticed they were gone? Are they gone from the suites too? I guess I just use my watch and cell phone for the time. However I do recall that the old clocks they had in the rooms said "Sheraton Montparnasse" on the bottom from the old Sheraton days.

I completed both stays at the LM Etoile (first 2 nights) and Montparnasse (last 4 nights) during the Easter break with my wife. This trip to Paris was intended to be a honeymoon trip for us and we came back really satisfied with everything in Paris, including the stays at both hotels.

IMHO, both hotels have its good and bad pts.

1. LM Montparnasse is located just opposite to the Les Cars Air France stop straight to the CDG as well as within walking distance to the Gaite Metro Station. There are also 2 groceries stores just next to the hotel, which makes it convenient for us to stock up on our waters and breakfast. Ditto for LM Etoile, with the corresponding metro stop at Porte Malliot. So, both hotels are equal in this aspect.

2. We were given the newly upgraded Executive Room and we feel that it was slightly bigger than the similar type of room given to us at the LM Etoile. Since we indicated earlier that we were on honeymoon, they gave us a bottle of champagne and chocolates. None given at the LM Etoile. So, LM Montparnasse has an edge.

3. No free-internet access at LM Montparnasse, while there's a lounge with 2 terminals for computer access at LM Etoile. Naturally, the point goes to LM Etoile.

4. The Manager of LM Etoile (Remy) personally greeted us and was a great help to us during our stay. He managed to get us a room very early in the morning when we reached the hotel (8:30am) and also helped us secure our room at LM Montparnasse around 12pm when we moved there! Again, points to LM Etoile for personalized service.

5. We only tried the restaurant at LM Montparnasse, ordered 2 plates of pastas and some drinks and the price was actually not too expensive. They also have a 1* Michelin restaurant (Montparnasse 25) but it was mostly closed during our stay there, only opened during the last day.

Having considered these pts, we think both hotels are equal and won't hesitate to stay there again the next time we visit Paris.

3. No free-internet access at LM Montparnasse, while there's a lounge with 2 terminals for computer access at LM Etoile. Naturally, the point goes to LM Etoile.

I know this thread is kind of long now, but if you scan through it you will see that the LM Montparnasse has free WiFi Internet in the restaurant, and the meeting areas outside the restaurant.

Also the AF bus stops right outside both these LM's.

I know this thread is kind of long now, but if you scan through it you will see that the LM Montparnasse has free WiFi Internet in the restaurant, and the meeting areas outside the restaurant.

The free wi-fi also extends to the newly-remodelled reception area, where there's plenty of comfy seating, though very few power outlrts.

I know this thread is kind of long now, but if you scan through it you will see that the LM Montparnasse has free WiFi Internet in the restaurant, and the meeting areas outside the restaurant.

Also the AF bus stops right outside both these LM's.

I know they have free WiFi Internet, but I didn't bring my laptop during my trip.

It was also mentioned that the AF Les Cars stop are opposite of both hotels, which are a big plus in terms of access to and from the airport. The time taken to reach the hotels will be slightly longer for LM Montparnasse as it has to pass through the train station (Gare de Lyon), whereas for LM Etoile, it's straight to the hotel.

I stay here a lot, but never had this before.....

GM called our room after check-in to apologise for not greeting us personally at check-in and gave his extn and told us to call him personally if we needed anything.......

.....we asked for a kettle (something they don't carry, according to many posts here, and according to the GM himself)....but hey presto, one arrived within 5 minutes!

So for those who say you can't get a kettle in Europe.........

A very happy stay, as usual.

I stay here a lot, but never had this before.....

GM called our room after check-in to apologise for not greeting us personally at check-in and gave his extn and told us to call him personally if we needed anything.......

I stay there a lot too, including last week. I sometimes get a call from guest services to check up on me, but never a GM.

I stay there a lot too, including last week. I sometimes get a call from guest services to check up on me, but never a GM.

Yes.....that's what I expected too!....it usually is Guest services who make that call.....but the GM this time!

Do you know.....have they had a change in GM? Or perhaps there is a new approach for regular guests......surely there are quite a few of us who stay there several times a month?

My family stayed here 10 nights on points in 2008 and it was fantastic. I'm usually a business traveler in the US and see that many of the concerns here are for business travelers in the EU. Fair enough. But for those taking a vacation, this place is also great. We received a suite for the entire stay as a Platinum upgrade. It's a big hotel and lots of tour groups are in and out frequently. But we loved the neighborhood (not in the thick of the major tourist attractions, but close enough), the staff, and the room. We had one night with a very rowdy group next door, but hotel security handled the problem handily. Make sure you go to the top of Tour Montparnasse while you're here. It's the best view in Paris (because you can't see Tour Montparnasse).

I stayed here for 5 nights last week and had a terrible experience. I am SPG gold and was on vacation with my father who hadn't been on a vacation since 1971. When we first arrived there was blood on the blanket on one of the beds which took some time to get changed. Also the shower temperature randomly changed so drastically and rapidly that it was impossible to take a comfortable shower. When I complained to the front desk they sent a technician who I was told fixed the problem, but the problem persisted the next day so we moved down the hall to another room but the shower was still terrible.

I staying in this hotel one time before in 2008 and had a great experience but after our recent trip I would never stay there again. We considered checking out to move to a different hotel but all the SPG's were booked due to Fashion Week.

What is the best way to go to this hotel from CDG airport?
I am looking for an easier way but not expensive...

Thank you

What is the best way to go to this hotel from CDG airport?
I am looking for an easier way but not expensive...

I'm sure you will find it earlier in this thread, but the easiest cheap way is to take the AF bus which stops right across from the hotel. It's about €16 each way. The only negative is that it can take about 1 1/2 or even 2 hours if traffic is heavy.

Best way to get to this hotel... is to not go at all. Dirty, filthy dump, with un-caring staff. Stayed for 5 days at the beginning of September and the fact that I was told by two managers that washing the in-room glasses in the bathroom sink is perfectly acceptable and "the way things are done in France".

However that is not what they do at the Westin!

I would never stay there again, and wish everyone else would do the same.

The "free" internet in the lobby was "broken" during my entire stay. Only after repeatedly complaining was I told to buy 2 hours in the room, and call down to have it removed... which was never done, and I had to fight at checkout to have it removed from my bill.

But if you still insist on going... if you don't have much luggage, the train and metro is relatively simple and can be faster than the bus.

Best way to get to this hotel... is to not go at all. Dirty, filthy dump, with un-caring staff. Stayed for 5 days at the beginning of September and the fact that I was told by two managers that washing the in-room glasses in the bathroom sink is perfectly acceptable and "the way things are done in France".

However that is not what they do at the Westin!

I would never stay there again, and wish everyone else would do the same.

The "free" internet in the lobby was "broken" during my entire stay. Only after repeatedly complaining was I told to buy 2 hours in the room, and call down to have it removed... which was never done, and I had to fight at checkout to have it removed from my bill.

But if you still insist on going... if you don't have much luggage, the train and metro is relatively simple and can be faster than the bus.

Ah... please don't scare me... It's too late to change the hotel by now :(

Ah... please don't scare me... It's too late to change the hotel by now :(

Don't be scared and read the other posts. I have stayed at the LM many times over the last 10+ years and have never seen the problems that Golden Toque's posted.

OTOH, to me the Westin Paris is one of the most disappointing Starwoods in Europe.

OTOH, to me the Westin Paris is one of the most disappointing Starwoods in Europe.

Yeah, that is what I had read... until I stayed there. I got a newly renovated room, with a large bathroom. The view was into the courtyard, but the staff were great, the room was clean, and modern. Especially liked the high ceilings... and the fact that I used a free weekend night certificate made it even better!

Yeah, that is what I had read... until I stayed there. I got a newly renovated room, with a large bathroom. The view was into the courtyard, but the staff were great, the room was clean, and modern. Especially liked the high ceilings... and the fact that I used a free weekend night certificate made it even better!

Cool ^ I feel better now :)
I will let you know guys how my stay goes...

Cool ^ I feel better now :)
I will let you know guys how my stay goes...

Sorry... my last post was in response to the Westin Comment...

As for Le Meridien. For the price they charge, they could be doing a lot better. Hotel cleanliness issues are my number one complaint. People can be re-assigned, or re-trained, but filth that can make you sick in my opinion is not negotiable.

The Night Manager agreed that the hotel was indeed run-down, but with occupancy and rates down, their renovation plans were on hold, but they hoped to start within the year. But their belief that washing glasses in the filthy sink in the filthy bathroom in my room makes me cringe.

Did I get sick? No. Would I go back? No. Should you cancel your reservation and lose $1000? No. If anyone else is thinking of staying here, and has some options, should they stay here? If asked I would say no.

Oh and one more thing... Set an alarm you bring with you, if you need a wakeup call. No alarm clock in the room, and two of the five days, I did not receive a wakeup call.

What is the best way to go to this hotel from CDG airport?
I am looking for an easier way but not expensive...

Thank you

The train from the airport is decently quick and cheap. Only one stop. I did it from the hotel to CDG a few weeks back. I cant recall the exact cost, but less than 10 euros. When you exit the station, its about a 5 mins walk to the hotel.

Have stayed here twice in the last month.

First time upgraded room to 22nd floor, great view, modern room, etc. Pretty good....

Second time old room, awful 1970s bathroom in yellow, horrible old bed, not even somewhere to plug shaver in. Worst thing was the filthy bathroom.

Will not stay here again. Etoile or Westin much better options (although cost more)...

Breakfast is pretty poor as well with little choice for 25 EUR. Basically a bit of a scrum for everything.

Location is not too bad if you don't mind walking from the train station or metro. Supermarket next door ok but watch the sell by date on the goods!!

Noz

I think I would stay LM Montparnasse 27th~30th Dec, in spite of very many bad reputation here. 1 day for free weekend night, 2 days from some other local coupons. Will I also have bad exerience as a Plat? I can see there're some suite, classical suite, senior suite. The best thing is getting any type of suite even thouth it is not remodeled.. :)

Also, a question is how much it will cost using taxi from Gare du Nord?? I will arrive there from Brussels at 8pm. Metro is about 12 stops, and 10 mins walking as many guys' opinions. I will have one 4 wheel carrier and small backpack..

Or, is it good choice to stay Crown Plaza Republique near Gare du Nord?? Even though I'm only gold ambassador in PC, many people recommends that property is good enough to enjoy.. :) I cannot decide where to stay.. :(

With my regional coupon, I can stay both of property 2 nights, and 1 extra night in Crown Plaza can be paid with 15,000 point + 60$..

First of all, I have many, many great stays at the LM Montparnasse. I think if you scan this thread, those of us who stay there often have much better luck than some of the people who just visit once or twice. Not sure why.

Secondly, the CP Republique is NOT close to Gare du Nord. You would want a taxi in either case. Late at night it should not cost too much. Less than €20 in any case.

And as a Plat you have a vastly better chance of getting a large suite at the LM, as opposed to the CP as a Gold. I am always upgraded to a nice large suite at the LM.

First of all, I have many, many great stays at the LM Montparnasse. I think if you scan this thread, those of us who stay there often have much better luck than some of the people who just visit once or twice. Not sure why.

Secondly, the CP Republique is NOT close to Gare du Nord. You would want a taxi in either case. Late at night it should not cost too much. Less than €20 in any case.

And as a Plat you have a vastly better chance of getting a large suite at the LM, as opposed to the CP as a Gold. I am always upgraded to a nice large suite at the LM.

Thanks for your comments.

Probably they have their own database managing their frequent customer to offer more benefits. :) Anyway, I would like go to LM