Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Paris 2007 onward [Master Thread]

Well since I started some of the discussion I should certainly report back.

My wife and I were scheduled to stay at the Westin Paris for four nights in late November. Due to weather, we ended up missing our connecting flight to Paris and our stay was down to three nights. Plat line took care of making the changes to my award reservation in like champs...rebooked with no problems at all.

We got to the hotel before our room was available. After a few minutes, the lady at the front desk said she didn't realize I was a Plat and I should go to the plat desk to check in.

There were three desks in the lobby and I was escorted to the first one. I was quickly checked in, told I had access to the exec lounge and that I had been given a jr. suite. My room wasn't ready but would be a few hours later.

Our room was very nice and had 'the view' of the Tuileries, the Louvre and the tower. The room was European to me...older furniture, great bed, very large bathroom, extremely small balcony looking out over Rue de Rivoli.

The club was nothing special. It was nice for free internet access and sodas as well as pastries in the a.m. It was staffed only in the morning but we didn't go for cocktails so there may have been someone there. I grabbed a bottle of water at one point and used the pc...that's about it. Personally, I'd never pay for access to this club if the cost was more than $10 per night.

I'm very pleased with my treatment here. Granted, I corresponded with Claudia several times prior to my visit and she was great. I'm so pleased with the treatment I got here...it made the stays in poor Sheratons and Four Points (and awesome Westins) worthwhile. I can't say enough about the location and staff at this hotel.

Dingo - you said you contacted Claudia several times before your visit - do you have an email address for her?

Thanks

Topherathon

Let's see how things play out over my next five nights...

how did they play out?

I don't have the email address any more but found it on spg.com when looking at the hotel profile. I believe there is a 'contact us' option.

Any recent trip reports?

I would like to hear if the room renovation get started.
I am planing to visit there on August.

I too am planning a trip there and am extremely curious about suite upgrades and lounge access for Plats during the summer. If I understand correctly, Plats seem to be getting regular lounge access now. Is this correct? Are the rooms considered new or is maintenance not the greatest (I know this is an older property).

Call them, when I was there a few weeks ago renovation was still underway and apparently no suites were available. Got a good upgrade for 1/2 nights to the good view.

Well - we stayed at WP for 3 days and had an overall very good experience. I booked two rooms on points and was upgraded on 1 of the rooms. The upgraded room had flat panel TV and was larger but even the other room was decent size. The rooms overall are nice but do show some wear and tear as I expected from posts on this thread and others. The location is unbeatable (right across from Tuilierres and couple blocks from Louvre) and therefore I would definitely recommend it for that alone. Also, being Plat, I was given access to the concierge lounge which had a nice continental breakfast each morning - I sort of sneaked in my in-laws as well and the lady hosting the lounge didn't push the matter. Had room service one night and the pasta we ordered was nice and the service was very prompt. For the points (10k a night) it was definitely worth it and I would recommend it.

hope this helps -

Does anyone know if the renovation of the lounge and spa/fitness have been completed?


Well - we stayed at WP for 3 days and had an overall very good experience. I booked two rooms on points and was upgraded on 1 of the rooms. The upgraded room had flat panel TV and was larger but even the other room was decent size. The rooms overall are nice but do show some wear and tear as I expected from posts on this thread and others. The location is unbeatable (right across from Tuilierres and couple blocks from Louvre) and therefore I would definitely recommend it for that alone. Also, being Plat, I was given access to the concierge lounge which had a nice continental breakfast each morning - I sort of sneaked in my in-laws as well and the lady hosting the lounge didn't push the matter. Had room service one night and the pasta we ordered was nice and the service was very prompt. For the points (10k a night) it was definitely worth it and I would recommend it.

hope this helps -

In my worldwide Starwood stays, I've never been as let down by both the guest experience and snippy post-stay follow-up with the Hotel's manager as I have at the Westin Paris. :td: It's a real shame as it's a great location with so much potential.

CDG Sheraton may not have the ambiance as the other Paris properties, but the service & Elite recognition is top notch.

Remember, Starwood has a lot of competition in Paris from other chains, trendy boutique hotels and quality B&B's so it pays to shop around.

(this post was originally in a thread called Paris Master, NOT Westin Paris Specific)

Does anyone have a contact (preferably email) for the GM of the Paris Westin? I need to write a particularly strong commendation. Thanks in advance.

Has the exec lounge increased in size at all? Are all of the rooms on the club level completely renovated? Is there free wifi for club level guests?

I'm currently staying at this hotel using points. I'm haven't been SPG Plat for 2 years now, so I can't comment on Plat recoginition.

This is a good hotel that can be a great one. The location is absolutely unbeatable. As previous posts have stated, you can walk to Vendome, Madeleine, Louvre, Tuilieres, and even Orsay, if you like to walk.

The bad part is that the hotel needs to be heavily renovated. The lobby seems to have started undergoing such a renovation, but the rooms would need it more. First, the hotel staff should oil all of the door hinges, as they're all creaky. In our room, we know when anyone next to us, across from us, up or down from us, enters their room because of the characteristic creak of the door as it shuts and the loud slam.

The rooms should insulated as it's very easy to hear guests in adjacent rooms and in the hallways. Also, the windows and balcony doors should be updated. Ours doesn't even lock properly.

I suspect other hotels in the vicinity are alike, so I can't complain, but again, this is a good hotel that could become the envy of Paris with some updates.

I last stayed here in the 90's when this hotel was an Intercontinental and it was in bad need of renovation then. And it still hasn't been renovated. :td:

Lousy rooms and a very poor club. The key reader for the club isn't working now so you have to bang on the door and hope someone is there to let you in. And they do not have a happy hour. And breakfast sucks.

I have never stayed here since it changed to a Westing because the price is always too high. I often stay at the Intercontinental Le Grand which had a $100,000,000+ upgrade a few years back and it is vastly better hotel at a much lower price. I cannot believe people actually pay to stay at this Westin. I'm here on points for one night since everything else is sold out for Fashion Week. I won't be back until they renovate the place.

Has the exec lounge increased in size at all? Are all of the rooms on the club level completely renovated? Is there free wifi for club level guests?

There is free wifi in the Club. But get this. NO INTERNET IN THE ROOMS!! None whatsoever. At least in 2014 and the surrounding area had no WiFi and no wired connections. But then again it seems to have been 20-30 years since this hotel was last renovated and the Internet was not so popular back then.

The more I think about this hotel, the more I :mad::mad::mad:

So I went to the "Westin Workout" room (it's using one of the suites) :rolleyes: and fortunately the two running machines were empty. Also empty was the weight rack. There was one 10kg weight and the rest were smaller. It looks like a several others were probably stolen by guests. This place must be taking in over a million a day right now and they can't afford to replace a few dumbells in the "Westin Workout" room? Or give their Platinum guests who are paying over $500 a night a breakfast as good as a cheap Holiday Inn offers? Or build a decent gym like all comparable hotels in Paris have?

Oh, I also found some graffiti in my bathroom dated August 8th. So and so was here... :rolleyes:

Ugh - I am planning to return to Westin in November and I should just keep my expectation low. I absolutely love its location and hopefully as an SPG Plat they'd be able to offer me somewhat nicer treatment.

I did look at the gym last year and it was closed for renovation (or was it simply closed?). So now, a year later.. things still have not improved?

Stimpy, on my last stay, I was able to get free Wi-Fi from my room.

Ugh - I am planning to return to Westin in November and I should just keep my expectation low. I absolutely love its location and hopefully as an SPG Plat they'd be able to offer me somewhat nicer treatment.

I did look at the gym last year and it was closed for renovation (or was it simply closed?). So now, a year later.. things still have not improved?

Stimpy, on my last stay, I was able to get free Wi-Fi from my room.

The gym had two very new treadmills. It was in room 2085. Was that where it was last time? It's a nice enough suite with a chandelier and nice wallpaper. You know, real important stuff for a gym.

Maybe the WiFi only works in certain parts of the hotel? Unacceptable in this day and age.

OK, I'll be positive and say that the front desk staff was very good. And the Costes bar is around the corner for you to drown your Westin sorrows in style. ;)

The 'gym' that I saw before require me to change elevators. I don't remember if it was in the basement of the hotel, but it was in a not so hot part of the hotel.

If they designated a room as a gym, could it mean that it's a temporary space? By the way, I stayed here last in Sep 06 and this doesn't sound promising at all.

How about the Club Lounge? Is it still the 2 converted guest rooms? I recalled it only served breakfast and in the afternoon there were some (bad) cookies and soft drinks. There was one computer with internet access.

The internet I had in my room was not actually from Westin. It was someone else's wi-fi that I 'piggy-back'ed.

Hm, this makes me want to rethink staying here, being Plat and all.



The gym had two very new treadmills. It was in room 2085. Was that where it was last time? It's a nice enough suite with a chandelier and nice wallpaper. You know, real important stuff for a gym.

Maybe the WiFi only works in certain parts of the hotel? Unacceptable in this day and age.

OK, I'll be positive and say that the front desk staff was very good. And the Costes bar is around the corner for you to drown your Westin sorrows in style. ;)

How about the Club Lounge? Is it still the 2 converted guest rooms? I recalled it only served breakfast and in the afternoon there were some (bad) cookies and soft drinks. There was one computer with internet access.

Yes the Club lounge is in a converted room or rooms. I actually like the cookies, but a Club without wine and happy hour is not a Club. Breakfast had processed OJ, only one kind of tea, no eggs and some nasty cold cuts. I just drank some tea, did my email and left. Oh, there are two Internet PC's in the room and one TV.

Other than the airport, Starwood just doesn't have it in Paris. I use Intercontinental, Sofitel (of course), Hilton and to a slight degree, Hyatt.

Edited to add that I forgot about Le Meridien which has at least a couple of nice properties in Paris.

The more I think about this hotel, the more I :mad::mad::mad:

...Or give their Platinum guests who are paying over $500 a night a breakfast as good as a cheap Holiday Inn offers?

even the Sheraton CDG offers a much better continental breakfast in their club room: plain croissants, chocolate croissants, several juices, bottled waters, meats, cheese, sweet rolls, jams, butters, coffee, tea, soda, etc.

When I stayed in Sep last year, the club offered breakfast with eggs, bacon and sausage. Sad to hear they don't offer them anymore.

I actually checked in around 10AM, but since room wasn't ready, I was invited to have breakfast at the lounge. So on my 1 night stay, I had 2 breakfasts!

Starwood Gold......stayed here last week at the tail end of my honeymoon.
A few tidbits:

~arrived early saturday AM from Nice. Was told by extremely rude & uncooperative desk that there were no upgrades, no avail rooms until 2 o'clock. Had just spent time at Hotel Pulitzer, Le Meridien Monte Carlo, and Palais Mediteraneane in Nice....the other 3 had been ultra accomodating... wasn't the way I expected top hotel to perform.
~mentioned it was our honeymoon... was the only hotel out of the 4 aforementioned that gave no recognition.
~Location is super-impressive for tourists. museums, champs elysee, shopping, other hotels are all local.
~Room was dissappointing. Looked like it was from A Tale of Two Cities. Whooopppeee... it had a flat screen. It was still a dump.
~Concierge Bruno is excellent!!!!
~This is not a North American or modern hotel (similar to most Paris hotels). This hotel certainly is not encouraging you to spend very much time in the room or hotel facilities.

Will prob try a Le Meridien in Paris next time.

I just went online and saw two photos of the newly renovated rooms. Has anyone stayed here recently and saw (or stayed) in these new rooms? They look MUCH nicer than the old ones.

Merry Christmas. With the redeem 4 nights get 5th free I can get a jr suite at Westin Paris in May. Has anyone stayed in a jr suite, I have seen many other reviews for reg rooms.

Without status (or if more room is needed as a guarantee) it is almost always very point-efficient to take a Jr Suite upgrade. I'm assuming the Westin is 20,000 per night and you are being asked for an extra 2,500 for the upgrade. Look at the prices and descriptions on the booking engine and you'll get your answer.

I did it at the Prince des Galles - twice used points for the upgraded Jr Suite and both times was upgraded to a full suite. But if the upgrade did not come through, at least I knew I'd be in a room I was happy with.

I have stayed in a Junior Suite at the Westin Paris on two occasions. I did not feel it was worth the points or the Euros spent. Both rooms were large for European standards, but the rooms were a bit disappointing. One room had a separate living room (open to bedroom) and the other was just a large room configuration. We are platinum and they told us both times that they do not upgrade from a junior suite. (I however have read that people do get upgraded from junior suites to full suites, just not us.)

On several occasions I have booked a junior suite at the Prince de Galles but have never stayed in one as they always upgraded us to a full suite. Much nicer in our opinion.

I have stayed in a Junior Suite at the Westin Paris on two occasions. I did not feel it was worth the points or the Euros spent. Both rooms were large for European standards, but the rooms were a bit disappointing. One room had a separate living room (open to bedroom) and the other was just a large room configuration. We are platinum and they told us both times that they do not upgrade from a junior suite. (I however have read that people do get upgraded from junior suites to full suites, just not us.)

On several occasions I have booked a junior suite at the Prince de Galles but have never stayed in one as they always upgraded us to a full suite. Much nicer in our opinion.


But how did the Jr Suite compare to a standard room? The OP is judging whether it's worth a measly 2,500 extra points a night to be in a Jr Suite over a standard room. I've never stayed in this particular hotel, but generally find the Jr Suite awards to be very good value in Europe. There's usually a substantial difference in room rate over the standard room which you are getting for a very small incremental increase in points.

But how did the Jr Suite compare to a standard room? The OP is judging whether it's worth a measly 2,500 extra points a night to be in a Jr Suite over a standard room. I've never stayed in this particular hotel, but generally find the Jr Suite awards to be very good value in Europe. There's usually a substantial difference in room rate over the standard room which you are getting for a very small incremental increase in points.

I don't know what a standard room is like, but the jr. suite (both times) was underwhelming as far as decor and they were both run-down. However, I know the hotel was going through major renovations so I don't know how the rooms are now. Space wise, they were good. I still prefer the Prince de Galles and would use the points for that hotel if there is availability. Didn't mean to be unclear.

I have a 5-day stay booked at Westin Paris in 2008, using points, and I'm a plat.
How did you book a suite? I can't find that choice on spg.com.

...How did you book a suite? I can't find that choice on spg.com.

Call the nearest Starwood Preferred Guest Customer Contact Center. Suites and other upgrade awards can't be booked online.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Call the nearest Starwood Preferred Guest Customer Contact Center. Suites and other upgrade awards can't be booked online.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Even better, from SPG.com on the booking page with rooms and rates, click the box that says "More Starpoints Redemption Options" and then click the "Book by Phone" button. Type in your number and Starwood calls you. I find that I never wait on hold nor do I have to waste time speaking my SPG number ahead of time going this route.

(But let's keep it between you, me, and FT lest it become too busy ;-) )

Call the nearest Starwood Preferred Guest Customer Contact Center. Suites and other upgrade awards can't be booked online.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Of course, Starwood Lurker's advice is absolutely correct. Whenever I am booking an award room and don't want to chance not getting a suite, (or any upgrade for that matter) I call the Platinum line and see what they have for additional points. Usually it works and is worth it.

With more than 2 in a room, go for the upgrade. If the room is not satisfactory, ask for another configuration. I don't think the "20 Euro Trick" works at this property.


PS - Also one of the many who booked a Jr. Suite at the PDG pre-devaluation for a measly extra 2k points - but be careful! Exactly 9 months after that stay, we have a beautiful new baby girl.

YMMV!

Thanks to the OP for this tip. I just upgraded a an award reservation at the Palace in Madrid to a Junior Suite...paying 87000 points for 7 nights confirmed in a Junior Suite, I think this is great value especially at a property where it seems difficult to get upgraded. The Jr suite is offered for €505 per night when I am travelling, which works out to nearly $800 after taxes and currency conversion.

Even better, from SPG.com on the booking page with rooms and rates, click the box that says "More Starpoints Redemption Options" and then click the "Book by Phone" button. Type in your number and Starwood calls you. I find that I never wait on hold nor do I have to waste time speaking my SPG number ahead of time going this route.

(But let's keep it between you, me, and FT lest it become too busy ;-) )

Great little trick!^ Perfect for when I need to call Platinum from outside the US and I don't know what number to call. Also, keeps you from having to pay the $$$$ to make an outgoing call from a hotel.

Onedog

We too are thinking of staying at the Paris Westin and a Jr. Suite is an option we are looking at. I do have a few questions. At this time, no non-smoking suites are available. Can anyone give some feedback on the smoking rooms? Are they bearable? Do they have windows?
Also, the suite has a double bed; do most suites have double beds? Seem strange for a suite to have a double bed?
And finally, how many different configurations are there with the Jr. Suites?

Thanks in advance,

Hfactor

PS - Also one of the many who booked a Jr. Suite at the PDG pre-devaluation for a measly extra 2k points - but be careful! Exactly 9 months after that stay, we have a beautiful new baby girl.

YMMV!

Wow - and you're not even Platinum! Sure as hell beats 500 Starpoints!

Congratulations:D

Any updates on this hotel? I'm going with my wife and two kids (21 and 17) this coming March. I have two rooms reserved with points at Le Meridien Etoile but I'm considering changing the reservation to this hotel due to location. All the reviews I read about both properties seem mixed. I'm not sure the extra 8K points/day (20,000 vs 12,000/day) are really worth it. We probably won't be in the room that much and the club breakfast sounds better at the Le Meridien.

I stayed here about 9 or 10 times in 2007 for work and pleasure and just checked out today for my first stay in 2008. I have been coming to this property since it changed over to a Starwood so by this point most of the staff (reception and concierge) knows me. Everyone has always been extremely warm, friendly and accommodating. I have always been upgraded except when I check in early and tell them I don't care what room they give me. I have stayed in fairly small rooms, however, nicely appointed all the way up to a one bedroom suite overlooking the Gardens, Eifel Tower and the Louvre with a multiple room bathroom! Today, I checked out of a Junior Suite with sitting area and very large bathroom...upgraded because of my status with the new decor which was nice. Also, when I know I will be checking in early, I usually call the day before and speak to the manager and request it. It cannot be guaranteed, but I have never waited more than 30 minutes for a room. Yesterday I checked in at around 10am and given a room immediately. The manager mentioned that they were not full the night before so it was not a problem.

This hotel, especially during the weekday is usually heavily booked. In November I checked in on a Wednesday and was told that there were 15 other Platinums checking in as well as 40 or so Golds, just on that day and there was only one upgrade to give out for the Platinum guests because everything is so booked.

As I mentioned before, I have always encountered the reception staff and the concierge to be nothing but respectful and most professional. If I am staying at a Starwood property in Paris, this is my first choice followed by the Prince de Galles. I have never stayed at the LeMeridien's, but my colleagues have said they are not very nice properties and refuse to return for various reasons.

Any updates on this hotel? I'm going with my wife and two kids (21 and 17) this coming March. I have two rooms reserved with points at Le Meridien Etoile but I'm considering changing the reservation to this hotel due to location. All the reviews I read about both properties seem mixed. I'm not sure the extra 8K points/day (20,000 vs 12,000/day) are really worth it. We probably won't be in the room that much and the club breakfast sounds better at the Le Meridien.

Last December I was traveling in London with my wife & 2 kids (13 & 11). I had reservation for the LM Etoile in Paris but, for my personal experience, the location is not so good for family/leisure travel. At the Internet the rates were much higher. Anyway, the day before my arrival I decided to try to call the Westin directly.
I spoke to Ms. Lona and she was EXTREMELY helpful and nice. :) She gave me a very good rate w/ an upgrade for a Junior Suite and breakfast included (either at the restaurant or at the lounge).
I canceled my reservation at the LM Etoile and, when we arrived at the Westin, she personally received us, accompanied to the Suite and gave to my kids a souvenir.
Couldn't be better !! ^^
About our stay, yes, part of the Hotel is under reform, but did no affected us.
The Hotel continue to be excellent and the location is wonderful !!

Thanks for the comments. They helped me make my decision: I am going to splurge and stay at the Westin Paris. It's my son's 21st birthday and my own birthday too so we'll live it up a bit :cool:

The agent tried to sell me on the Prince de Galles, saying he get a lot of compliments for that property too. It costs the same, point-wise, but my impression is that the Westin is more centrally located, it has a lounge which is nice for breakfast, and offers free Internet access (I think free in the lounge, if I understood right). I may try the Prince de Galles next time.

and offers free Internet access (I think free in the lounge, if I understood right).

Correct : free in the lounge.

It costs the same, point-wise, but my impression is that the Westin is more centrally located, it has a lounge which is nice for breakfast, and offers free Internet access .

I am staying there on C/P. As SPG Gold, can I get the bfast included, or is there an upgrade that I can pay for with points that includes breakfast?

I would call SPG and ask. Perhaps there's a room category you can reserve for more points/money that has lounge access. I'm SPG Platinum so I have access to the lounge regardless.

My understanding is that at the Westin you only get a continental breakfast in the morning and coffee/tea the rest of the day. It's something nice to have but not a huge benefit.

I'm planning to book a room at the Paris Westin. However, I cannot seem to find any "view" rooms that are non-smoking. I guess that I am so used to N. American hotels that are often entirely non-smoking, so forgot about the smoking/non-smoking distinction.

Does anyone know if there are any non-smoking "view" rooms (I did try many dates, in case it was just timing). How smelly are the smoking rooms? I know that they were recently renovated, so I'm wondering if they aren't too bad (I remember years ago being in hotel rooms with ashtrays, so they must have been smoking rooms, and most were fine).

Thanks

We just spent five nights in a non-smoking "view" room so yes, they exist. This was a newly renovated room type and seemed to be the third level of room type on their rate card (standard or similar, deluxe and then view and then junior suite). I had written to the hotel in advance to ask for this room type and although they did not guarantee it, was got it on arrival.

The view was sensational over the tuileries and despite the small size of the room we enjoyed our stay, however, that was primarily due to the view and location as the other aspects of the hotel failed to really live up to the standard of a true 5-star Parisian hotel. The shortcomings were similar to those experienced by others (unreasonable noise from the corridor, a general lack of warmth or personality in the service and finally - an in my books pretty unforgivably at 29 Euro for breakfast - average coffee from room service).

I guess my impressions of the hotel were really summed up by one aspect of our breakfast on the first day. Room service had placed a Clementine on our breakfast tray, obviously upside down. When we turned it over we found out why - it was blemished on the upper side to the extent that it was not likely to be edible. We wrote a note on the tray returning and thanking them for the fruit but asking politely for them not to send us blemished fruit - no response from the hotel. It was not a big deal, but obviously someone in catering thought it was an appropriate thing to do (strange since in Paris a fruit store would not even pick out blemished fruit for you, you'd have to go to a supermarket to be able to purchase any). That experience really summed up the feel of the hotel for us and was a disappointment just coming from the Sheraton Brussels which went the extra mile in every aspect to make the stay comfortable and demonstrate warm hospitality.

i'm a newbie here, 1st trip to paris and 1st time using points to upgrade. i booked the westin in paris, got a senior rate as my mom is travelling with me, with a fully prepaid unrefundable deal. my ? is, i am going to try and upgrade to a jr suite 5 days out, because i am only a lowly base SPG member, no gold etc, are they going to relegate me to one of the teeny back jr suites i have read about on TA, or do i actually have a shot at a nice suite with a view? i do understand that all upgrades are on availability only.

thanks for any info on this subject. you guys are awesome, and i have learned tons on this site.

We'll be staying in Paris the first week in October (Fashion Week). I had made a reservation at the George V - but it costs a ton for a standard room. So I started looking at hotels again. Ran across the Westin - which quite surprisingly - offers senior (AARP) discount rates (same as a lot of Westins in the US). 395 euros for a newly renovated "Large City View Room". Seemed like a relative bargain to me (our rate at the George V is 865 euros - we can have a *lot* of nice meals for those 470 euros a day).

I've read about the hotel in the past (a lot of comments aren't too favorable) - but the renovations - which seem to have been planned by a designer I like - Jacques Garcia - will be finished by October (they're supposed to be finished by the summer). So I'd appreciate any comments about how the hotel renovations are going? How do they look? I haven't stayed at a Westin in the US for a long time (I smoke) - but I do know that I always enjoyed the "Heavenly Beds".

Also - do any of you know what a "Large City View" room is like? Like the Westins in North America - this property doesn't offer suites when it comes to senior discount rates. Robyn

I have stayed their twice. 2 yrs ago, I had a junior suite that had not been renovated, but had been changed over from Intercontinental decor to Westin. Very large room with large bathroom and walk-in closet. Room decor was ok...in old French style.

Stayed in unrenovated room in December for Christmas (moved from renovated room). It was bigger and furnishings were older, but still very nice. Renovated room had newer furnishings and modern color scheme, but just felt small. Both had Heavenly Beds.

I like this hotel a lot for the location and would prefer to be near Tuilleries/Concorde than the Champs-Elysees.

Another hotel I use for business is the Sofitel Bercy. You can often get it on Priceline for <US$150.00/night. It is a little further from downtown areas, but in a gentrified neighborhood with a bunch of restaurants. Newly built hotel and geared for business, so not as posh as Westin.

Jump on a hotel now, as during Fashion Week everything will sell out. Probably some celebs in the Westin!

Good luck.

I already made the reservation. It is better to have 2 and cancel 1 in a couple of days than miss this rate.

I've stayed at the George V before (a long time ago) - and wasn't thrilled with the location then. I like this location better. Also stayed at the PDG before it was a Westin - and didn't like it very much.

Do you happen to know whether the rooms have coffee makers (or whether it is possible to have one put in the room)? I never know when I'm going to wake up when I am jet-lagged - and need my morning cup of coffee about 30 seconds after I wake up. Don't like to rely on room service. If worse comes to worse - I can go to a department store and buy a small coffee maker. Robyn

BTW - looked at the hotel website - and wound up upgrading the room to a junior suite for a modest price. The suite is the same size as the room I had reserved at the George V - at less than half the price. Robyn

I already made the reservation. It is better to have 2 and cancel 1 in a couple of days than miss this rate.

I've stayed at the George V before (a long time ago) - and wasn't thrilled with the location then. I like this location better. Also stayed at the PDG before it was a Westin - and didn't like it very much.

Do you happen to know whether the rooms have coffee makers (or whether it is possible to have one put in the room)? I never know when I'm going to wake up when I am jet-lagged - and need my morning cup of coffee about 30 seconds after I wake up. Don't like to rely on room service. If worse comes to worse - I can go to a department store and buy a small coffee maker. Robyn

Coffee...when I stayed there in November of 2006 they did not have coffee in the room but did have free coffee in the lobby.

I've stayed at the George V before (a long time ago) - and wasn't thrilled with the location then. I like this location better. Also stayed at the PDG before it was a Westin - and didn't like it very much.

Robyn

If PDG is the Hotel Prince de Gaulle, it is not the Westin, it is still Luxury Collection. The Westin is the former Intercontinental on Rue De Castiglione.

I stayed in a renovated room at the Westin last June:

1. Room was huge, especially considering Paris and this was not a suite
2. Renovation is successful--great bathroom, nice carpet, overall a very nice renovation (the only drawback here is the 'style' of the renovation is rather contemporary, the feel is the furthest from "Paris" from a tourist perspective--something the George V delivers in spades). You will know you are in a renovated room as the hallways shift from old frumpy decor to new hip decor abruptly.
3. Overall the feeling was it was an excellent value for Paris
4. Great location, and if you want the feel of the George V, just pop into the Maurice next door, fabulous bar!
5. Skip the hotel breakfast--nothing special and the room feels very Suessical (as in Dr. Suess).
6. Conceirge is spotty--this became an ongoing joke by the 4th day. While we were there 4 different gentlemen worked the desk, all somehow, suspiciously, named "Bruno" when asked--some of the Brunos were efficient and responsive, others just rolled their eyes, said no before you finished the question and were beyond the bad French sterotype (this is one are where I think the hotel could never compare to the George V).
7. The lobby is indeed nice, though nothing extraordinary. A touch on the dated side.

Overall if your decision is based mostly on the room for the rate, then I can say that you should be somewhat pleased with the Westin Paris.

Do you happen to know whether the rooms have coffee makers (or whether it is possible to have one put in the room)? I never know when I'm going to wake up when I am jet-lagged - and need my morning cup of coffee about 30 seconds after I wake up. Don't like to rely on room service. If worse comes to worse - I can go to a department store and buy a small coffee maker. Robyn

I usually send a note to any hotel shortly before I arrive asking for a coffee/tea maker to be put in the room. It’s never not been there with a sampler of teas and coffees, even in hotels where they don’t usually have one there.

Regardless of what you want, it never hurts to ask.

any more recent rip reports? i am staying here next week and i just read some of the reviews on trip advisor and some are frightening.

We will be staying here in May and have a Executive Club Level Jr Suite. I am confused though as some express the Lounge is a joke, while others express they had a wonderful full breakfast. Has anyone used the Executive Lounge lately and if so, what do they provide throughout the day?

I'm on my way to the Westin Paris now. Is a taxi the best way to get from CDG to the Westin? How much should it cost? There are two of us. Would a shuttle service save us much over a taxi?
Thanks.

We will be staying here in May and have a Executive Club Level Jr Suite. I am confused though as some express the Lounge is a joke, while others express they had a wonderful full breakfast. Has anyone used the Executive Lounge lately and if so, what do they provide throughout the day?

i was just there this week. i booked two rooms on points and requested connecting rooms. when we arrived they had upgraded me to jr suite with connecting regular room. the jr suite was very nice and the other room was nice but small. we were on the third floor which is the same floor as the lounge. as a platinum we were given access to the lounge. if you are platinum i am not sure i would pay for the "executive club level jr suite" as a regular jr suite would get you the same benefits. although i did not ask anyone, i think the third floor is the top floor with a full floor layout. it looked to me that 4 and 5 had attic type window whereas we had a small balcony with a beautiful view of paris.

anyway, breakfast was a typical european continental breakfast. breads, cheese and cold cuts as well as cereal. nothing special but with the dollar as weak as it is it is a great benefit. was in london at the park tower the week before and could have really used it there. the happy hour was just silly. they closed off the breakfast room which is small but the biggest part of the lounge and only left open a computer area with two desks and a small tv room. more than 10 people and you would be on top of each other. no booze at all and just a ice bucket full of drinks with some sweets. no attendant at all and when the soft drinks were gone that was it. really unimpressive.

all in all we were quite happy there. the location was perfect. i read some reviews on other travel sites and was a little apprehensive as there are reports of a mouse problem. we so no evidence. my conclusion from those sites it to make sure you get a renovated room.

I booked a five night award stay for mid-April at this hotel and took the option to upgrade to a jr. suite for an additional 2,500 per night. As a Platinum, I would expect to get access to the lounge. From a past stay, the most valuable part of this for me was access to a PC to check emails as well as evening soft drinks (bottled water). We like going to cafes for coffee and croissants so the breakfast is pretty much worthless to us regardless of the spread.

Can I request (with valid reason) an upgrade to a larger suite at checkin, or is a jr. suite the best I can get?

Also, is there a particular floor or room number series that I should try to get to obtain the largest jr. suite with the best views of the Tuileries?

I booked a five night award stay for mid-April at this hotel and took the option to upgrade to a jr. suite for an additional 2,500 per night. As a Platinum, I would expect to get access to the lounge. From a past stay, the most valuable part of this for me was access to a PC to check emails as well as evening soft drinks (bottled water). We like going to cafes for coffee and croissants so the breakfast is pretty much worthless to us regardless of the spread.

Can I request (with valid reason) an upgrade to a larger suite at checkin, or is a jr. suite the best I can get?

Also, is there a particular floor or room number series that I should try to get to obtain the largest jr. suite with the best views of the Tuileries?

a couple of things:
there were only two pc's in the lounge, only one of which had an american keyboard and there was often a line. they do offer free wireless in the lounge if you call downstairs and request the password so if email is important to you it may make sense to bring a laptop.
we had a junior suite with a great view: tuileries straight ahead and to the left, place de la concorde on the right and the eiffel tower in the background with a fabulous light show at night. our jr suite was 3063 which is the same floor as the lounge but a bit of a walk as the lounge is in the back of the hotel and the rooms with a view are in the front. this room was remodeled and very nice. it had full length windows that opened and you could stand outside at night and take in the view and have a drink if you wanted to. no place to sit but still quite nice. i do not know how many jr suites are in the front of the hotel with a view on 3 but if you request our room you will not be disappointed.

a couple of things:
there were only two pc's in the lounge, only one of which had an american keyboard and there was often a line. they do offer free wireless in the lounge if you call downstairs and request the password so if email is important to you it may make sense to bring a laptop.
we had a junior suite with a great view: tuileries straight ahead and to the left, place de la concorde on the right and the eiffel tower in the background with a fabulous light show at night. our jr suite was 3063 which is the same floor as the lounge but a bit of a walk as the lounge is in the back of the hotel and the rooms with a view are in the front. this room was remodeled and very nice. it had full length windows that opened and you could stand outside at night and take in the view and have a drink if you wanted to. no place to sit but still quite nice. i do not know how many jr suites are in the front of the hotel with a view on 3 but if you request our room you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for the update and info on room and Wifi. I'll ask for 3063 when I'm there next week.

I booked a five night award stay for mid-April at this hotel and took the option to upgrade to a jr. suite for an additional 2,500 per night. As a Platinum, I would expect to get access to the lounge. From a past stay, the most valuable part of this for me was access to a PC to check emails as well as evening soft drinks (bottled water). We like going to cafes for coffee and croissants so the breakfast is pretty much worthless to us regardless of the spread.

Can I request (with valid reason) an upgrade to a larger suite at checkin, or is a jr. suite the best I can get?

Also, is there a particular floor or room number series that I should try to get to obtain the largest jr. suite with the best views of the Tuileries?

Just bumping my own question...

I think you can only get upgraded to a junior suite, but it all depends on availability I guess.

Does anyone know which rooms have Molton Brown amenities? Two weeks ago, my junior suite had Westin amenities while others I passed had the Molton Brown goodies.

I was there for 5 nights at the end of March on a cash and points rate. I was on the fifth floor, upgraded to a suite. I don't know what the suite classification was, but you enter the suite into a living room and then walk down a hallway with closets to reach the bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Both the bedroom and living room had small balconies. The products were Westin, except for one day when they were Molton Brown. The description of the lounge and breakfast given by previous recent posters is pretty accurate. We enjoyed the breakfast.

I've booked to stay at this hotel this coming weekend for one night. I've booked a junior suite and the platinum customer services guy has requested an upgrade to the next grade of room - called a prestige suite.

Has anyone stayed in a prestige suite before? If so and it was a good one with a great view, can I please have the number of the suite so I can request it at check-in?

Thanks in advance

Regards
/MHL

I just received an upsell email for my upcoming stay here and saw this:
"ONE HOUR INTERNET ACCESS IN THE BUSINESS CENTER: 1750 SPG POINTS

Stay connected, take advantage of one hour internet access in our business center."

I know this is different from the Concierge Lounge, but can anyone who has been here recently confirm that there is still a PC with free internet in the lounge?

I just received an upsell email for my upcoming stay here and saw this:
"ONE HOUR INTERNET ACCESS IN THE BUSINESS CENTER: 1750 SPG POINTS

Stay connected, take advantage of one hour internet access in our business center."

I know this is different from the Concierge Lounge, but can anyone who has been here recently confirm that there is still a PC with free internet in the lounge?

There are 2 PCs for free Internet access with attached printers in the lounge. I had problems with Wifi in the lounge (others had not problems) first week in Apr., so I used the ethernet connection for one of the PCs to connect my laptop to the Internet for email access.

I observed a few guys who were hogging the PCs at time in the late afternoons and mornings.

We stayed here for five nights on an award, used more points to get the assured upgrade to a Junior Suite. Of course we really wanted the 'room w/ a view' and were thrilled when the desk agent told us we had a renovated junior suite with a view of the gardens when we checked in at 9:30. The room wasn't ready so we headed out to see some sites. When we returned, we got room 4007 and found that it had a courtyard view. Called down and the desk agent was new and didn't know what the codes meant when she was checking us in. We asked for three days if we could get a room with a view and then gave up.

The new rooms are nice and subtle. They're not going to bowl you over, but are quite a change from the Meridien furniture (think that's what it was before a Westin). Browns and tans for colors. The bathroom is pretty much unchanged as far as fixtures and so on.

The lounge also seems to be unchanged except that they (as mentioned above) now have two pc's instead of one.

Overall, nice hotel in a great location. I'd have liked to see the nicer beds come with the remodel but that must not go over well in Europe or something.

The new rooms are nice and subtle. They're not going to bowl you over, but are quite a change from the Meridien furniture (think that's what it was before a Westin).

The hotel was previously one of the two InterContinental hotels in Paris

The hotel was previously one of the two InterContinental hotels in Paris

My bad...thanks for the clarification.

My wife and I are staying at this property in two weeks. Will have Platinum's have the ability to have have free WiFi in the rooms and or lounge?

Thank you for your help.

My wife and I are staying at this property in two weeks. Will have Platinum's have the ability to have have free WiFi in the rooms and or lounge?

Thank you for your help.

you will have to pay for internet in the room but they have a couple of computers in the lounge and if you call the front desk they will give you the access code for access while in the lounge for free.

any news? I am going there soon!

abk answered the question, so I'm not sure what kind of news you're looking for. You can use their two computers in the lounge. One of them has an English keyboard as you're used to, the other a French one, the difference being the placement of some of the letters. If you prefer wireless, you can call down to the front desk and they'll give you a password to use on your laptop in the lounge.

I've stayed twice now at this hotel. On both times, I've been upgraded from a junior suite to a very nice suite.

The first occasion was an upgrade to a suite on the third floor, overlooking the tuillery gardens (with an uninterrupted view - full height windows opening onto a small balcony - from the louvre all the way to the arch de triumph), which had a massive corner living room and a bedroom. The bathroom was pretty small but very nicely decorated in white marble. On the back of the main door to the suite, it has a floor plan which names the suite the 'Cezanne Suite'. It's not referred to elsewhere as that, but it was certainly beautifully-decorated.

The second occasion was an upgrade to a suite on the top floor, overlooking one of the internal courtyards. It was three rooms in a row - the first being a living room, the second being a bedroom and the third being a bathroom with a massive square jacussi bath. The style was very modern - not as nice as the first suite imho, but then again I wasn't really able to appreciate it because I was suffering from hay fever so wasn't able to open the windows.

I definitely preferred the first room, but was told that the upgrade to that room was 'exceptional' and I shouldn't expect it every time.

Room service - on both occasions was over priced and but reasonably good quality (but certainly not at the prices charged). I was told the wrong price of a bottle of Dom 1999 (I was told - probably incorrectly - that the price was €120 but it appeared on the bill for €260 or so) but as I only spotted it once I'd left the hotel there wasn't much I could do about it. Another thing to watch out for is the hotel phone charges. I needed to ring a US number for BA and for some reason my mobile phone refused to connect the call, so I had to dial the number from the hotel phone. Thankfully they took 50% off the price of the call, but it was still over €100. No doubt the bean counters at work will ask what it was for, but I'll just tell them that it's recoverable from BA under Regulation 261/2004 as the reason I needed to call was yet another BA cock-up.

One individual who stands out as superb was the front desk director - Connor. He really knows what good service looks like.^^^

tuillery
QUOTE]
Tuileries

[QUOTE=MileHighLawyer;9726540] arch de triumph
Arc de Triomphe

;)

Any updates? I'll be here in a couple of weeks with my wife and daughter...

[QUOTE=MileHighLawyer;9726540] tuillery
QUOTE]
Tuileries


Arc de Triomphe

;)

I think we should rename them Waterloo Arch and Agincourt Gardens... :D

These spelling games sure are fun and productive! Keep it up you two!

Hi everyone,

Our family of 4 (2 adults & 2 teenagers - 16 & 18) and are staying at this hotel in four weeks. I have booked 2 rooms using our cash and points reward (gold spg member). Can I request connecting rooms before we arrive? How do I go about that? Contacting the hotel directly? Email or phone? How far in advance is the best time to do it?

Thanks for the help!

Hi everyone,

Our family of 4 (2 adults & 2 teenagers - 16 & 18) and are staying at this hotel in four weeks. I have booked 2 rooms using our cash and points reward (gold spg member). Can I request connecting rooms before we arrive? How do I go about that? Contacting the hotel directly? Email or phone? How far in advance is the best time to do it?

Thanks for the help!

Only the hotel can absolutely block connecting rooms, provided they even have such a thing. I would use either the phone, fax or email if one is published on their home web site and I would do this as soon as possible.

One other tip if you call, ask for the front office manager...not the reservations department. Many hotels these days do not have an in-house reservations department and you may be re-directed to the Customer Contact Center if that is the case. No one at the Customer Contact Center is going to be able to fulfill this request, even if they are acting as reservation agents on behalf of the property.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hi everyone,

Our family of 4 (2 adults & 2 teenagers - 16 & 18) and are staying at this hotel in four weeks. I have booked 2 rooms using our cash and points reward (gold spg member). Can I request connecting rooms before we arrive? How do I go about that? Contacting the hotel directly? Email or phone? How far in advance is the best time to do it?

Thanks for the help!

i requested connecting rooms at this hotel in march ( through the platinum concierge ) and the hotel took care of it with no problem.

i requested connecting rooms at this hotel in march ( through the platinum concierge ) and the hotel took care of it with no problem.

But, this is a Gold member...not Platinum.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Only the hotel can absolutely block connecting rooms, provided they even have such a thing. I would use either the phone, fax or email if one is published on their home web site and I would do this as soon as possible.

One other tip if you call, ask for the front office manager...not the reservations department. Many hotels these days do not have an in-house reservations department and you may be re-directed to the Customer Contact Center if that is the case. No one at the Customer Contact Center is going to be able to fulfill this request, even if they are acting as reservation agents on behalf of the property.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I called the hotel directly and requested them. Thank you for your advice.

I reserved 5 nights in September on Cash and Points in a Superior Room, Newly Decorated, 2 Single Beds.

I am platinum and would like to hope for an upgrade, but didn't know if there are any suites with 2 beds. Anyone know if these suites exist?

Thanks

Get the concierge to book you a Limousin de Paris and take it to Epernay and go visit some champagneries. Awesome.

Enjoy.

I reserved 5 nights in September on Cash and Points in a Superior Room, Newly Decorated, 2 Single Beds.

I am platinum and would like to hope for an upgrade, but didn't know if there are any suites with 2 beds. Anyone know if these suites exist?

Thanks


Just a bump to see if anyone knows if there are suite upgrades with 2 beds. Thanks.

I have booked a junior suite which has "executive lounge" access. I gather from reading other posts here that the lounge isn't much - but that it does serve breakfast. I don't eat breakfast - and my husband doesn't eat much - some cereal - granola - milk - yogurt - fruit - stuff like that. Will he be able to get things like that at this lounge?

Also - I did ask for a coffee maker in the room (I must have my morning cup of coffee before I wake up). Request granted :).

FWIW - this hotel has been very responsive in terms of replying to email requests. And the person who mentioned months ago to book a room then was right. I was checking availability (sometimes there are cheaper rates available as you get closer to the date of arrival). But I found that it is very hard to get a room anywhere in Paris for a week-long stay at one of the better hotels during fashion week.

Also note that I just got an email offering double or triple Starpoints for stays at this hotel from now until December 2008.

I realize that a lot of you are staying at this hotel as a "reward" - but for those of you who are over 50 and paying money - take a look at the "senior discounts" when you check rates. All you need for a senior discount is an AARP card (which costs $12/year). The discounts are generous but seem to be capacity controlled. Robyn

I have booked a junior suite which has "executive lounge" access. I gather from reading other posts here that the lounge isn't much - but that it does serve breakfast. I don't eat breakfast - and my husband doesn't eat much - some cereal - granola - milk - yogurt - fruit - stuff like that. Will he be able to get things like that at this lounge?

Also - I did ask for a coffee maker in the room (I must have my morning cup of coffee before I wake up). Request granted :).

FWIW - this hotel has been very responsive in terms of replying to email requests. And the person who mentioned months ago to book a room then was right. I was checking availability (sometimes there are cheaper rates available as you get closer to the date of arrival). But I found that it is very hard to get a room anywhere in Paris for a week-long stay at one of the better hotels during fashion week.

Also note that I just got an email offering double or triple Starpoints for stays at this hotel from now until December 2008.

I realize that a lot of you are staying at this hotel as a "reward" - but for those of you who are over 50 and paying money - take a look at the "senior discounts" when you check rates. All you need for a senior discount is an AARP card (which costs $12/year). The discounts are generous but seem to be capacity controlled. Robyn

as for the breakfast, your husband will find exactly what he likes there.

as for the breakfast, your husband will find exactly what he likes there.

Thanks for the information. I am debating whether to stay at the Westin versus a luxury hotel (which - for a smaller room - will cost more than twice as much). The Westin is starting to look like a winner :).

Just FYI - there was a post on Tripadvisor in the last week or so that said the Westin rooms are 100% non-smoking (like those in north America). I checked (because I smoke) and that is not the case. All of the public areas are non-smoking (in accordance with French law) - but smoking rooms are available. Robyn

I have booked a junior suite which has "executive lounge" access. I gather from reading other posts here that the lounge isn't much - but that it does serve breakfast. I don't eat breakfast - and my husband doesn't eat much - some cereal - granola - milk - yogurt - fruit - stuff like that. Will he be able to get things like that at this lounge?


Hi Robyn and everyone

You might want to reconfirm with the Westin if it actually has an executive lounge.

I stayed there at the end of July 08 and, as an SPG Plat, was upgraded to a junior suite but not on the SPG floor as no other junior suites were available.

I was told on 2 different occasions that there was no executive lounge.

The other thing to note is that the Westin didn't provide SPG amenities such as Molton Brown bathroom amenities or a complimentary bottle of water in rooms or suites on non-SPG floors to SPG members who are given rooms on those floors. (I've stayed also on their SPG floor so I can compare).

In contrast, SPG hotels in Bangkok and Jakarta made the effort to provide SPG amenities when I was given rooms on non-SPG floors (when they ran out of non-smoking rooms on the SPG floors).

My confirm says executive lounge access - but I will check with the hotel. No point having access to a lounge that doesn't eixst ;).

I happen to like Molton Brown products - and use them at home in the winter (different brand/fragrance in the summer). Would be nice if they were provided - but it wouldn't be a "deal breaker" FWIW - one of my favorite MB products is the oatmeal soap - whidh is only available at hotels these days (not available anywhere in terms of retail sales). A person at the desk at the MO in Munich became my best friend for life when he got me about a year's supply of that soap to take home last year :).

I am an SPG member (very inactive since Starwood banned smoking in NA) - but - since I have requested a smoking room - I don't have a clue what kind of floor I will wind up on. As long as my husband can get his bowl of cereal in the morning - we will be ok. I will try to get more information and report back. Robyn

I wrote email to the hotel - and the executive lounge is gone. Not a deal breaker. With west ---> east jet lag - we frequently wake up too late for breakfast anyway. And I'm sure there are plenty of nice lunch places in Paris ;). FWIW - the reservation desk is extremely good in terms of replying to email. Robyn

I wrote email to the hotel - and the executive lounge is gone. Not a deal breaker. With west ---> east jet lag - we frequently wake up too late for breakfast anyway. And I'm sure there are plenty of nice lunch places in Paris ;). FWIW - the reservation desk is extremely good in terms of replying to email. Robyn

Wow...that's a huge loss in my opinion. Why would they take it away? It's not as if they stocked it with a ton of great quality food. It was a very continental breakfast in the a.m. and two bottles of water for the rest of the day but still nice to go have some OJ in the a.m.

I don't know why they did away with it.

Bigger problem for me is that I have now seen on the internet (for the third time - this time on Travelocity) a warning that the hotel is 100% non-smoking. It wasn't when I booked many months ago - but perhaps it is now. I am going to have to get that straightened out (will probably call the hotel directly). Robyn

This is a major loss to not have the executive lounge. We often "took shelter" in the lounge when one of us was up late or early from jetlag and didnt want to awaken anyone else. The lounge had coffee/tea and Internet making insomnia more bearable!

This is a major loss to not have the executive lounge. We often "took shelter" in the lounge when one of us was up late or early from jetlag and didnt want to awaken anyone else. The lounge had coffee/tea and Internet making insomnia more bearable!

My husband and I use executive lounges the same way. In particular - my husband likes to have a small "healthy heart" breakfast - cereal - fruit - yogurt - milk - that kind of thing - and he doesn't like going to a big deal restaurant in the hotel alone to get it (I don't eat breakfast). Perhaps they did away with the lounge because it wasn't much to begin with?

BTW - I checked with the hotel - and it still has one "smoking floor". Robyn

My husband and I use executive lounges the same way. In particular - my husband likes to have a small "healthy heart" breakfast - cereal - fruit - yogurt - milk - that kind of thing - and he doesn't like going to a big deal restaurant in the hotel alone to get it (I don't eat breakfast). Perhaps they did away with the lounge because it wasn't much to begin with?

BTW - I checked with the hotel - and it still has one "smoking floor". Robyn

you and your husband have interesting preferences for this hotel. he wants a "healthy heart" breakfast and you appear to be focused on smoking in the room.

Is anything replacing the lounge - breakfast options? Welcome gift? Anything?

I stayed there at the end of July 08 and, as an SPG Plat, was upgraded to a junior suite but not on the SPG floor as no other junior suites were available.


bbklumpur,

How was the junior suite? I saw today today that my reservation details we no longer available and when I called the Plat line, was told I was upgraded to a Junior suite (sweet!). How was the size of the room?

Hopefully it will have two beds - the plat concierge called the hotel and verified it does, but I do not see that room type on the website.

Following a trip to Mauritius, we spent two days at the Westin Paris to take advantage of the free layover (was using points for my flight) and get to see Paris in the process. While the hotel was very elaborate, I have to say it is simply overrated and not worth its cost. Through my Company, I was able to secure a €280 per night reservation and checked in on Wednesday evening. My check-in process was the only real plus to my stay--I was waiting in line when two independent people cut in front of me in line and after making a face while holding my SPG Platinum Card in my hand (it was already out), the desk clerk made a rather obvious and loud attempt at making it clear that I was there first which was nice and gave my wife a chuckle. We were informed that we were upgraded to a junior suite on the 5th floor and proceeded to our room. The room felt like an awkward afterthought. We entered through a small sitting room with a couch and television. There was a small hallway that lead to the bedroom--another awkward room, with a king bed and a very low catherdral ceiling. A small bathroom was connected to the bedroom on the low ceiling side that was just weird. A toilet and bidet took up the largest area of the floor. A small sink and vanity along another wall and then the shower/tub was tucked into an area where the ceiling was so low I hit my head on it every time I stood in the shower. The shower also had no doors, curtain--it was just wide open (I live in Europe, so I'm used to the half shower door, etc.--this just had none!). All things considered though, the room was okay for a big city and sufficed. We didn't really utilise the hotels services much, except at one point I needed an iron and after having to call twice over a 1 hour period, they sent up a broken iron. Prices in the hotel were exorbitant (45 EUR pp for breakfast, 8 EUR for a soda, 8 EUR for water, etc.). We did use one bottle of water from the mini bar, but they agreed to take it off my bill at the end of the stay. Hotels location was advertised as being central to everything, but I actually felt it was not in the best location. It is footsteps from the Louvre, but that means that everything else is a good 2+mile walk in various directions.

Don't get me wrong, its a nice hotel and clearly has some amazing conference/ball room spaces and the lunch restaurant was pretty good, albeit expensive. We didn't eat in the hotel after seeing the prices, except for the one lunch. Overall though, I just expected a lot more out of the hotel and would not stay here again.

Following a trip to Mauritius, we spent two days at the Westin Paris to take advantage of the free layover (was using points for my flight) and get to see Paris in the process. While the hotel was very elaborate, I have to say it is simply overrated and not worth its cost. Through my Company, I was able to secure a €280 per night reservation and checked in on Wednesday evening. My check-in process was the only real plus to my stay--I was waiting in line when two independent people cut in front of me in line and after making a face while holding my SPG Platinum Card in my hand (it was already out), the desk clerk made a rather obvious and loud attempt at making it clear that I was there first which was nice and gave my wife a chuckle. We were informed that we were upgraded to a junior suite on the 5th floor and proceeded to our room. The room felt like an awkward afterthought. We entered through a small sitting room with a couch and television. There was a small hallway that lead to the bedroom--another awkward room, with a king bed and a very low catherdral ceiling. A small bathroom was connected to the bedroom on the low ceiling side that was just weird. A toilet and bidet took up the largest area of the floor. A small sink and vanity along another wall and then the shower/tub was tucked into an area where the ceiling was so low I hit my head on it every time I stood in the shower. The shower also had no doors, curtain--it was just wide open (I live in Europe, so I'm used to the half shower door, etc.--this just had none!). All things considered though, the room was okay for a big city and sufficed. We didn't really utilise the hotels services much, except at one point I needed an iron and after having to call twice over a 1 hour period, they sent up a broken iron. Prices in the hotel were exorbitant (45 EUR pp for breakfast, 8 EUR for a soda, 8 EUR for water, etc.). We did use one bottle of water from the mini bar, but they agreed to take it off my bill at the end of the stay. Hotels location was advertised as being central to everything, but I actually felt it was not in the best location. It is footsteps from the Louvre, but that means that everything else is a good 2+mile walk in various directions.

Don't get me wrong, its a nice hotel and clearly has some amazing conference/ball room spaces and the lunch restaurant was pretty good, albeit expensive. We didn't eat in the hotel after seeing the prices, except for the one lunch. Overall though, I just expected a lot more out of the hotel and would not stay here again.

I think we had the same kind of junior suite, though I was there right after it became a Westin and had not been renovated. At 6'4", using the shower/tub combo under the sloping ceiling was a bit of a challenge. As was getting out of bed in the middle of the night without hitting my head. Still, we had a small view of the Eiffel Tower from our sitting room balcony. However, anyone tall should be cautious about a Junior Suite upgrade on the upper floors and check it out to make sure it'll work.

I actually thought the location was excellent. Yes, it's a bit of a walk to some tourist attractions, but you can't beat being on the gardens by the Louvre and very central.

That said, I wouldn't stay there again for a vacation due to the fact it really is more of a business hotel and would prefer the Prince de Gaulle as it has more historic charm.

Hi Robyn and everyone

You might want to reconfirm with the Westin if it actually has an executive lounge.

I stayed there at the end of July 08 and, as an SPG Plat, was upgraded to a junior suite but not on the SPG floor as no other junior suites were available.

I was told on 2 different occasions that there was no executive lounge.

The other thing to note is that the Westin didn't provide SPG amenities such as Molton Brown bathroom amenities or a complimentary bottle of water in rooms or suites on non-SPG floors to SPG members who are given rooms on those floors. (I've stayed also on their SPG floor so I can compare).


I had a similar experience. I was told in no uncertain terms that they no longer have a club floor (despite signs in the lobby to the contrary) or a club lounge at that property. The property did recently undergo a full reno, so it is plausible. The floorplan on the backs of the doors on the supposed club floor make mention of a lounge, but the floor plans appear to be hold overs from the property's Intercontinental days.

Strangely, I also found that bathroom amenities ranged between Westin Heavenly soaps and shampoos and Molton Brown products on a seemingly random basis. I switched rooms about three times during a recent stay in August and two of the rooms (both queen beds) had Molton Brown products while one room (king bed) had Westin products. My friends, who stayed in a queen room, also had Westin products. :confused: It almost seems like they're in the process of phasing out Molton Brown.

Is anything replacing the lounge - breakfast options? Welcome gift? Anything?

In a word, no. :)

The only breakfast option that we were able to find in the hotel was coffee and croisants (the only things on the menu, btw) in the main courtyard area for about 15€ per person.

I depend on the following link to locate Sheraton/Westin Club lounges when making my hotel reservations:

http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/starwood.xls

It still shows the Westin Paris has a Club lounge, but what I am reading in this post is that it no longer has one, is that right?

I received email from reservations located in the hotel - and they told me the lounge no longer exists. Robyn

Anyone have a recommendation on best way to get to this hotel from Orly? Specifically, I'm wondering if there is public transit. The hotel web site doesn't help. Mini-van service at 24 euros per person seems a little pricey!

TIA

Am wondering the same question.

Like Margarita Girl, I'm also going to Paris, mid-October, thanks to FT's Open Skies contest :), and am looking at the Westin Paris.

(am also throwing around the LM Etoile and the Hilton)

Since there is no lounge at this hotel, will Platinums get complimentary breakfast certs?

TIA

In a word, no. :)

The only breakfast option that we were able to find in the hotel was coffee and croisants (the only things on the menu, btw) in the main courtyard area for about 15€ per person.

Anyone have a recommendation on best way to get to this hotel from Orly? Specifically, I'm wondering if there is public transit. The hotel web site doesn't help. Mini-van service at 24 euros per person seems a little pricey!

Yes, you can take the OrlyVal train to the RER B to get into the city. Change at Chatelet for line 1 to Tuileries.

Check out http://www.subwaynavigator.com/bin/select/english/france/paris (internet explorer only)

Since there is no lounge at this hotel, will Platinums get complimentary breakfast certs?

Be warned that the Westin is located in the wealthiest area of central Paris. Nothing is cheap around there. But if you walk 10 minutes in most any direction you will find plenty of affordable good food. Look on the side streets for small restaurants. They are much better than the large splashy places. Also look for tiny little grocery stores to buy drinks, etc.

Thank you for the info on breakfast (or lack of!) and transportation. Out of the blue today, a room opened up at the Hilton Paris, so I grabbed it. So for the sake of free breakfast, I'll be staying there.

Was just reading in a magazine that the 440 rooms of the Westin Paris were entirely redecorated lately.

Could anyone please confirm that information?

If it's true, then it's a great news!

I cannot confirm that every single one of the rooms is finished, but when I was last at this property in Mar 2008, there were many areas where the rooms had been upgraded and they were on their way through the whole property. I am guessing that 7 months later they must be close to finished. One way or the other, as a Plat you would almost certainly be assured a renovated room if you put the request in. I had no problem getting one in March. We may spend Thanksgiving week here, I'll give an update if we do.

Was just reading in a magazine that the 440 rooms of the Westin Paris were entirely redecorated lately.

Could anyone please confirm that information?

If it's true, then it's a great news!

What mean UNWIND HOUR???

If there is no more lounge, so what is it???

What mean UNWIND HOUR???

If there is no more lounge, so what is it???

Hi Forstbetrieb,

Westin's “unwind hour” on weekdays features a rejuvenating, educational and/or a renewing activity in a relaxing atmosphere.

For more information on specific activities, do give the property a call or send an email to them to find out. The published email address is reservation.01729@westin.com.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks Thyetus!

I will check this.

Unwind is pretty pathetic at most hotels.

Westin, please drop them, it only creates disappoinment. If you want to serve apples and ice tea in the lobby great, but don't advertise it as something special.

Unwind is pretyt pathetic at most hotels.

Westin, please drop them, it only creates disappoinment. If you want to serve apples and ice tea in the lobby great, but don't advertise it as somehting special.

Here here. And also please stop talking about the Heavenly Bed. If I can't sleep it only creates disappointment. Just stop it. Stop it all! Stop advertising! Stop doing unique things! Just stop...please stop. Ah heck, I love it. Don't change thing.

Unwind is pretty pathetic at most hotels.

Westin, please drop them, it only creates disappoinment. If you want to serve apples and ice tea in the lobby great, but don't advertise it as something special.

At the Westin Paris Unwind hour is anytime! Anytime after you've been snubbed, lied to or given misinformation you need to go to your room to calm down and unwind. :D

Just returned from our trip and stayed at this hotel for 2 nights.

A few comments-
Im a gold. No recognition whatsoever was given. She even asked to see my card to confirm the number was correct. No upgrade, no early check in, no nothing.

I inquired about my early arrival request but was told no rooms were available. This seemed odd to me because i checked online the night before and it seemed many rooms were still available to book so why would they not let me check in early if they had a room? Is there a financial reason?

The room was dark and dingy. I dont know if i had one of the renovated rooms or not but it certainly didnt appear to be renovated. No Molton Brown products, old style tv etc.

There are still smoking rooms, I know there were a few posts regarding this question

Hotel is in a great locating, thats its only redeeming quality. Otherwise this hotel is overpriced and dirty. I would not stay here again.

A hotel can be fully booked one night and have availability the next or all of the rooms that might have been available for you (as a Gold) might have been unavailable early. It's hard to tell from availability whether there will be rooms available early.

I usually don't expect early check in anywhere personally. The part of no recognition that bothers me is the literal part of it...no recognition. On my last stay I did not get upgraded but at least they told me that they recognize I am Plat and know that I should get an upgrade, but none were available. That at least makes me feel like they've gone through the effort and I will usually assume they are being honest. Nothing more difficult than asking for an upgrade in another country when you don't speak the language in my opinion...ok, there are more difficult things in life but you know what I mean.

Well Hello There precision80 and dingo,

It sounds like your stays at the Westin Paris was not up to par and I am sorry to hear that. Both of you should have been recognized and if this hotel is not doing it CCS can let management know there.

With that said, presisoin,contact Corporate Customer Service (CCS) at 1-800-328-6242 or send them an email at customercare@starwoodhotels.com and let them know of your experience at the Westin Paris.

dingo, early checkin is never guaranteed as you know, but they should try to be accommodating, especially to Platinum guests. They should have upgraded you there as well and since they didn't you should contact Platinum Concierge and express you concerns to them.

Thanks Scottsdale, ill send them an email. I understand the hotel was probably full and thus an UG was not available and early check-in is not guaranteed either but as Dingo said, I actually took out my card to verify the number listed on my check in form and the woman at the desk didnt even say anything at THAT time regarding my status!

Thanks for the reply. Please don't misunderstand: I got the room I booked, checked in at the time I should have been allowed to and even got access to the now-defunct lounge. Am I disappointed I did not get upgraded? Yes. Do I think they tried to upgrade me? Yes. That's all. I got what I paid for and what I believe I was due...unless there were actually rooms available. But there was a large convention going on and I imagine the choice rooms were pre-assigned to their VIP's or guests checking in before me.

WOW!!! What a great service!!! :rolleyes:

Even more than one month later no answer from the westin paris on my email...

May be the published email address, which Thyetus has given to us is wrong???

Or the service is out of service...

WOW!!! What a great service!!! :rolleyes:

Even more than one month later no answer from the westin paris on my email...

May be the published email address, which Thyetus has given to us is wrong???

No, he gave you the right email address for the reservations department at this property.

Or the service is out of service...

Or, maybe they never received your first email? Have you sent a follow-up since the first one a month ago?

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Yes, I did.

Tomorrow I will send the next ( third )

Yes, I did.

Tomorrow I will send the next ( third )

You know you can also ask Corporate Customer Service to send them an inquiry on your behalf, right? customercare@starwoodhotels.com

Regardless, good luck.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Yes I know, but I thought it would be easier if I send an email to the hotel directly, because sometimes changes a programm or something happens, like closing the lounge etc.

If I don't get an answer within another week, I will ask CCS.

Thanks William!

Yes I know, but I thought it would be easier if I send an email to the hotel directly, because sometimes changes a programm or something happens, like closing the lounge etc.

If I don't get an answer within another week, I will ask CCS.

Thanks William!

No worries. Just wanted you to be aware of alternative options. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Just wanted to get an update on the in-room coffee situation at the Westin Paris. I saw one earlier post that a in-room coffee maker had to be requested. Has anything changed (improved)?

Also can anyone recommend some nearby (10-15 min walk) restaurants/brasseries/bistros?

Many Thanks

MO

I stayed here on a 5 night award in January. I had booked a junior suite, and at check-in asked for a Plat upgrade as (for once) I was travelling with my family. Sorry sir, no rooms available.

I have stayed here before, so the next day I talked to the customer services team who have a desk in the lobby. Once again Ms Rapanaki was very helpful and upgraded us to a two-room suite.

The lounge disappearance isn't great, but good treatment helps.

I just booked an award stay for an Exec room in June (@21500 points per night). It's a tad expensive for a King bed and a rollaway...! In the confirmation email is an offer to a Junior Suite for €110/night.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't consider it. However, I'm short on points and there're 3 of us (adults). Therefore, I'm wondering whether this upgrade is worth it for the extra space.

I booked this hotel mostly on its location, as this is my Dad's first time in Paris (and only my second). Is it possible to request a room with a view?

This thread suggests there isn't much more space in a Junior Suite vs an Exec room... I'm just a lowly gold, so I'm not expecting any upgrades at check-in.

P.S. There still seems to be smoking rooms at this property. The SPG reservation staff specifically asked whether I want a smoking or a non-smoking room. (We want non-smoking.)

I just checked my upcoming reservation and I see I have already been prebooked into a Jr Suite on a cash and points reservation.

Yeah!

FWIW, I liked this hotel even though they tried to convince us that a view room would be preferable to a suite. The location is great for shopping and some sight seeing.

I just booked an award stay for an Exec room in June (@21500 points per night). It's a tad expensive for a King bed and a rollaway...! In the confirmation email is an offer to a Junior Suite for €110/night.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't consider it. However, I'm short on points and there're 3 of us (adults). Therefore, I'm wondering whether this upgrade is worth it for the extra space.

I booked this hotel mostly on its location, as this is my Dad's first time in Paris (and only my second). Is it possible to request a room with a view?

This thread suggests there isn't much more space in a Junior Suite vs an Exec room... I'm just a lowly gold, so I'm not expecting any upgrades at check-in.



This hotel is perfect for doing cash & points, I would only do straight points if I'm staying for 5 nights with 5th night free. I've only stayed in a junior suite, so I can't comment on difference vs an Exec room. You may want to wait until you're at the hotel to see what the rooms look like and decide then if it's
worth the extra €110, bring the confirmation email with you.

I just stayed there for 3 nights last weekend. I did cash and points 8000 points for $150/night. I am SPG Gold, was platinum last year. Check-in was efficient, but they told me my room was 150 Euros per night. She straightened out the record for $150. I asked if the property had a lounge and was told it did not. We had to wait about 20 minutes for our luggage, which I didn't want them handling anyway because we wanted to shower and change.

The room was smallish (though not by European standards) with a king bed. Our view was of some inner roof-top facing other rooms. All in all non-spectacular but nothing really to complain about. The proximity to good shopping, the Louvre, and all the touristy stuff was worth the $150/night. The staff in the bar was very friendly and very efficient.

All in all I would say the hotel is worth cash and points for the proximity but I wouldn't pay full rate as the property, staff, and room just isn't worth it.

Just back from a 5 night stay in what the hotel lists as a "superior suite" (C&P + paid upgrade.)

Incredible room on 5th (top) floor on corner overlooking both the Louvre and the Eiffel tower - 4 balconies! Be sure to ask for room 5036.

As noted previously, the Westin Paris is in a perfect location for walking everywhere, even though the sights are really spread far apart.

Kudos to Ann Britt :-: and Conor Cushnahan :) at the hotel!!

Awesome way to use upgrades!

I just booked an award stay for an Exec room in June (@21500 points per night). It's a tad expensive for a King bed and a rollaway...! In the confirmation email is an offer to a Junior Suite for €110/night.


Cash and point is a better value IMO - 8,000 points and $150/night.

Wow StarFleet you scored!

I am just returning from a five night award stay...pure points, no cash. I requested a suite with a view of the Tower and was told (don't believe this for a second) that there are only four such rooms and they were all occupied.

I had room 5007, which is a jr suite with a courtyard view. Room was new and modern and made me walk by where I believe the lounge used to be every day...sad.

I checked in at the Starwood desk and dealt with a very nice lady who's name escapes me right now but it will come to me tonight when I am trying to sleep. I opted for the bottle of red wine to have something to sip in the evening and when she learned it was one of our b-days she said she'd give us the points and the wine. Haven't got the points but don't really care. She's the one that made the comment about only four rooms with the view I wanted above a standard room. Again, I don't buy that for a second.

One slippage for this hotel in my opinion: no more free coffee in the lobby. On my first two stays this was a nice perk. In its place there is now a small kiosk selling "coffee" and pastries. The coffee is one of those pod machines that you pop a plastic cannister into and a few minutes later you get your coffee product. For 5 euros I got the paper cup half filled with American coffee that was not that tasty...five euros is steep to me.

It's a nice hotel and Starwood has made it more and more of a conference hotel...that will happen with its affiliation I'm sure. The location is tough to beat indeed and the rooms are very comfortable. The staff is all very responsive and we'd return here again most likely.

I did take a walk through both the Hyatt and the Renaissance which are something like three blocks away from this hotel. I was tempted to try one of them out this time but hoped my status would fetch me one of those views. I'm now 1 for 3 in getting that view, however, with the first time being right after Starwood took it over.

Nice hotel.

I have always liked the Westin Paris (even have it on my SPG Platinum card) due to its fantastic location AND its great lounge.

I am planning a return trip soon, but I read through this thread that the lounge is no more :( WHEN did it go away?

What was the reasoning from the Westin Paris and from Starwood?

Looks like I will have to stay at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe now, for their lounge :rolleyes:

She's the one that made the comment about only four rooms with the view I wanted above a standard room. Again, I don't buy that for a second.

One slippage for this hotel in my opinion: no more free coffee in the lobby. On my first two stays this was a nice perk. In its place there is now a small kiosk selling "coffee" and pastries. The coffee is one of those pod machines that you pop a plastic cannister into and a few minutes later you get your coffee product. For 5 euros I got the paper cup half filled with American coffee that was not that tasty...five euros is steep to me.


Nice hotel.

dingo - we must have passed in the hall!

We knew ahead of time that there were only "3" jr. suites with a view, and just kept our fingers crossed. In fact one of the two view rooms we had opened up after 2 nights in a room with an OK view across the side street.

My study of the ubiquitous hotel floor plans in the hallways seems to bear out the paucity of this room type as stated by the wonderful guest relations staff.

I think we got the royal upgrade to the superior suite because it was my parents' 60th anniversary...:D

Re: the coffee -- agreed that the cart is substandard, but a full cup of fresh brewed can be had at the entry to the restaurant (for 4 Euros) or free in the lobby (with croissants!) prior to 7:AM...discovered by me as my reward for laggy time zone confusion.

Re: the coffee -- agreed that the cart is substandard, but a full cup of fresh brewed can be had at the entry to the restaurant (for 4 Euros) or free in the lobby (with croissants!) prior to 7:AM...discovered by me as my reward for laggy time zone confusion.

Where did you find the free coffee? I was down around 6:00 one morning, walked the lobby and couldn't find a drop. I have to say, the free stuff they used to have in the lobby is better than what comes out of that machine.

I actually thought about muscling my way into the courtyard area where meetings were being held to score a cup...glad I didn't though.

If you were there the same time we were you had some incredible weather. Very beautiful flowers, no rain, all sunshine.

I have always liked the Westin Paris (even have it on my SPG Platinum card) due to its fantastic location AND its great lounge.

I am planning a return trip soon, but I read through this thread that the lounge is no more :( WHEN did it go away?

What was the reasoning from the Westin Paris and from Starwood?

Looks like I will have to stay at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe now, for their lounge :rolleyes:
For a non-tourist, the Hilton Arc de Triomphe is excellent - I think better than the Westin Paris. Rooms are a wash, but Hilton lounge is great and the backstreet location is nicer.

For travellers new to Paris, then the location of the Westin Paris is tough to top for access to the main sights. But after a few visits, the access to crappy souvenirs, tourist restaurants and in a busy location isn't attractive. And the Westin Paris just isn't that good a hotel to tempt me back, especially now the lounge has disappeared.

The Hilton ADT was the hotel I stayed at on my first trip to Paris five years ago. It was brand new and had some kinks that I imagine have been worked out (water not running, construction still going on).

When we left, we felt we didn't really know Paris due to the location of the hotel. To get anywhere, we hopped the metro and didn't do much walking. Staying at the Westin lets you walk, see, explore and soak in.

I don't know what changes the Hilton ADT has made to the lounge, but at that time it was amazing at all hours of the day. Free cocktails, a nice breakfast spread, good food. The Westin lounge was, in my two visits when it was open, never nearly as good.

So if a lounge is important and if the Hilton ADT hasn't made drastic changes certainly go that direction. If location is more important, the Westin wins hands down but not by much (if any at all) over the Ren and Hyatt. Rooms at the Westin and Hilton ADT are a wash as said above. There really is not much around the Hilton ADT including eating options...you have to walk quite a ways to get anything good from my experience.

For a non-tourist, the Hilton Arc de Triomphe is excellent - I think better than the Westin Paris. Rooms are a wash, but Hilton lounge is great and the backstreet location is nicer.

For travellers new to Paris, then the location of the Westin Paris is tough to top for access to the main sights. But after a few visits, the access to crappy souvenirs, tourist restaurants and in a busy location isn't attractive. And the Westin Paris just isn't that good a hotel to tempt me back, especially now the lounge has disappeared.

Seems like you and I have the same opinion ;)

The Westin Paris is indeed very convenient, with being right the Rue du Faubourg St Honoree and the Place Vendome, and you are absolutely right that for first timers to Paris, it's an easy walk to the Louvre, the Tuileries, the Place de la Concorde, the lower end of the Champs Elysees, etc... (btw, unless you're super rich, Rue du Faubourg St Honoree is strictly for windows-shopping only :td: as the prices are indeed for tourists.

Being that Paris is almost my second "home town", the Hilton ADT is more convenient (I usually drive myself in a rental car, and parking is easier to get near the Hilton) and it feels more like home (all the rooms are newer and I have not had any problems in my numerous stays there).

I disagree with dingo about "not much around the Hilton ADT including eating options...you have to walk quite a ways to get anything good from my experience" - the residential feel of the ADT location can be deceptive, but within 5 minutes walk, there are excellent cafes and bistrots. Within a 10 minutes walk, there are outstanding restaurants, including Dominique Bouchet (one of my favorites in Paris), and a 5 minutes cab ride or a 25 minutes walk will take you right to Place de la Madeleine and the Rue Royale, where the eating & shopping action is as good if not better than the Faubourg St Honoree. You can also walk to the Arc de Triomphe in 10 minutes.

All that said, the fantastic lounge at the Hilton will now tilt the balance for me: it's so nice to be able to pour yourself as many flutes of Nicolas Feuillate Champagne as you like in the afternoon (that's 16 euros a glass in the bar), to help yourself to all the finger food that they have for a pre-dinner snack, to avail yourself to their great breakfast buffet, and to have that nightcap drink (wine or cordial), all GRATIS if you are upgraded to the Club Floor (and as a Diamond, you should be able to).

Where did you find the free coffee? I was down around 6:00 one morning, walked the lobby and couldn't find a drop.

Just next to where they set up the cart.

At 6:50 they clear the pour-it-yourself carafes and substitute the pods. :(

Just next to where they set up the cart.

At 6:50 they clear the pour-it-yourself carafes and substitute the pods. :(


We never were awake made up by 06:50 :D

Seems like you and I have the same opinion ;)


All that said, the fantastic lounge at the Hilton will now tilt the balance for me: it's so nice to be able to pour yourself as many flutes of Nicolas Feuillate Champagne as you like in the afternoon (that's 16 euros a glass in the bar), to help yourself to all the finger food that they have for a pre-dinner snack, to avail yourself to their great breakfast buffet, and to have that nightcap drink (wine or cordial), all GRATIS if you are upgraded to the Club Floor (and as a Diamond, you should be able to).

I am currently a Starwood Plat and Hilton Gold. This is just another reason why I am seriously considering swapping the *wood Plat for Hilton Diamond.

MO

I am currently a Starwood Plat and Hilton Gold. This is just another reason why I am seriously considering swapping the *wood Plat for Hilton Diamond.

MO

Starwood Platinum has its advantages with some hotels on certain continents, and Hilton Diamond has its advantages with some other hotels on other continents.

So it's not as simple as you make it sound.

Even for Paris, if you really want a lounge (although minus the free Champagne and wines and liquors), you can go to the Meridien Etoile, and its location is excellent as well. This hotel is not as luxurious as the Westin Paris, but it can almost hold its own against the Hilton ADT. BTW, there is NO guarantee that you will upgraded at the Hilton ADT as a Diamond (see the numerous threads on "complaints" about that on the Hilton board.

For Hawaii, being a Starwood Platinum is better than being a Hilton Diamond, IMO (and I'm sure that others will disagree with me).

Starwood Platinum has its advantages with some hotels on certain continents, and Hilton Diamond has its advantages with some other hotels on other continents.

So it's not as simple as you make it sound.

Even for Paris, if you really want a lounge (although minus the free Champagne and wines and liquors), you can go to the Meridien Etoile, and its location is excellent as well. This hotel is not as luxurious as the Westin Paris, but it can almost hold its own against the Hilton ADT. BTW, there is NO guarantee that you will upgraded at the Hilton ADT as a Diamond (see the numerous threads on "complaints" about that on the Hilton board.

For Hawaii, being a Starwood Platinum is better than being a Hilton Diamond, IMO (and I'm sure that others will disagree with me).

It is getting simpler.

There is no longer a lounge at Le Meridien Etoile. :td:

As for my favriote island, Hawaii, I have stayed at the SPG property and the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Both are nice and are very different. However, for my family, the HWV wins hands down.

MO

It is getting simpler.

There is no longer a lounge at Le Meridien Etoile. :td:

MO

When were you there last? I was there in November and December 2008 and enjoyed the lounge very much.

Regarding Hawaii, let's agree to disagree. I will take the Westin Monoa Surfrider over the HHV anytime, and I'm a HH Diamond as well as a Starwood Platinum.

[QUOTE=sapguy;11686936]When were you there last? I was there in November and December 2008 and enjoyed the lounge very much.
QUOTE]

Earlier this month.

See:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/537916-le-meridien-etoile-paris-master-thread-5.html

MO

[QUOTE=sapguy;11686936]When were you there last? I was there in November and December 2008 and enjoyed the lounge very much.
QUOTE]

Earlier this month.

See:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/537916-le-meridien-etoile-paris-master-thread-5.html

MO

Really too bad! Will have to buy my own croissants and baguettes now :(

Starwood will need to rethink its "lounge elimination" strategy!

Time to make sure that I renew my HH Diamond status.

We will be staying here in May and have a Executive Club Level Jr Suite. I am confused though as some express the Lounge is a joke, while others express they had a wonderful full breakfast. Has anyone used the Executive Lounge lately and if so, what do they provide throughout the day?

Hi,
I am travelling to Paris from Augiust 5 to 11, 2009.
Do they have a Lounge or a Club Level and what do they provide?
Thanks

Hi,
I am travelling to Paris from Augiust 5 to 11, 2009.
Do they have a Lounge or a Club Level and what do they provide?
Thanks

You should spend a few minutes and read earlier posts in this thread. I think you'll find this matter has been addressed, perhaps even a few times.

That said, welcome to FlyerTalk. Part of the excellent resources here are the existing threads, which are like a living reference library, and the search function.

Stayed here for the 1st time last weekend May 2-4 on C+P rate.

There's a separate check-in desk for SPG elite. Dagmar (sp?) was very welcoming and personally escorted me to my room, which I was thrilled with. Room 5050, the "Salon" was expansive with a king bed and large seating area for multiple people. It even had its own private courtyard. Only cons were no views (but the private courtyard had a painted mural of what the view from the hotel would look like:D) and that the bathroom was fairly small. Someone complained about the lack of Molton Brown bath products which I think are overrated. The Thierry Mugler bath products are just fine IMHO. Anyways, room 5050 would be perfect for entertaining friends and family. I'll have to add photo links sometime later.

My only disappointment with my stay was the wait for service at Le First...or in my opinion, Le Worst. Got seated around 10:30pm for a late dinner and no servers came by for the next 20 minutes, not even to take a drink order. So I got up and left. Thankfully, a lot of Parisian restaurants are open until 1am if not later.

I recently visited Paris for a long weekend and spent a Sunday night at the Westin Paris and two nights at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/PARDTHI-Hilton-Arc-de-Triomphe-Paris-hotel/index.do).

After waiting for a while at a short but seemingly unmoving queue at the front desk, I was eventually directed to a dedicated Platinum check-in desk where I was assigned a Junior Suite with a partial Eiffel Tower view. As is my custom, I reminded the check-in agent that I required a very quiet room, as has been clearly stated in my reservation. I also added that the stay was a very special occasion for me and my companion.

Just in passing, I casually asked why the hotel had opted to close its club lounge and she explained that the space was small and they often had as many as 50 platinum guests staying at the property. She added that fights had sometimes broken out! :eek: She also reminded me that it is not a Westin standard feature anyway.

During the check-in process, the agent happened to mention that the hotel occupancy was fairly high because their optimal location had rendered them rather recession proof. I am not exactly sure why she opted to add this factoid because I had not asked about it. In any case, although there did not seem to be many guests in attendance at any given time, much of the staff seemed a little slow and frenzied, although this could be as much a case of poor staffing as anything else.

The room I was assigned had been recently renovated and was quite attractive and comfortable.

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/THUMB-IMG_6098.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/IMG_6098.jpg)

As I had very clearly requested, the room location indeed seemed very quiet at first. However, the peace and quiet lasted only until a little after 6:00 AM, when we were awoken to the sound of heavy machinery. When I rolled out of bed and I looked outside the window, I could see that heavy construction was well in progress and that a crane was positioned just outside the window. I peered down below and several construction fellows peered back up at me, none of us particularly amused at the view. The unpleasant cacophony of sound continued unabated for the remainder of the morning. :mad:

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/THUMB-IMG_6123.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/IMG_6123.jpg) http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/THUMB-IMG_6127.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/IMG_6127.jpg) http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/THUMB-IMG_6125.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/IMG_6125.jpg) http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/THUMB-IMG_6126.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh441/larryu2/Cologne%20and%20Paris%20Spring%202009/IMG_6126.jpg)

Back at the front desk, I requested to speak with the manager on duty, after waiting for about 10 minutes to gain the attention of one of the harried desk clerks. I calmly explained what had transpired and the manager remarked that she was unaware of this issue and, besides, they are not in control of what goes on outside their hotel. I responded that may indeed be the case, but they are most certainly obligated to note any possible issues on their web site, so customers such as myself can be dutifully warned to avoid the property when special conditions (http://members.aceweb.com/larryu/files/Westin%20Paris%20Announcements.pdf) are extant. From the appearance of the extensive construction site just outside the window, it certainly seemed to me like work had been going outside the hotel for quite some time.

A little later in the morning, we wandered outside and I noticed that it was raining so I asked the bellman if I could borrow an umbrella, a courtesy I have always enjoyed during my entire travel career. I was directed to the concierge desk, where they refused to loan me an umbrella. The concierge explained that they would only be willing to sell me an umbrella for €30. :mad:

I returned to the front desk and engaged in a polite and cordial conversation with a different manager than the one with whom I spoken earlier in the morning. He said that this was a new policy change because they had encountered too many problems in the past where guests failed to return the umbrella. I pointed out that many hotels make note of the room number so they can easily charge guests who abscond with their property. He explained that they don't like to do that after a guest has checked out. I then asked him whether he really considered the act of charging €30 when a guest wants to borrow an umbrella to be any less usurious and outrageous.

After checking out, I returned to the Hilton Arc de Triomphe (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/PARDTHI-Hilton-Arc-de-Triomphe-Paris-hotel/index.do), where I was assigned a nice top floor room and enjoyed lounge access from morning until 11:00 PM at night. After check-in, I walked back out of the hotel and the bell man proactively asked me whether I would like to borrow an umbrella. As I began to provide him with my room number, he smiled and said that was not necessary. ^

As far as I am concerned, my experiences at the Westin Paris were quite unsatisfactory and I do not see myself returning there. At this point, although I love the SPG program overall and their level of customer service is often vastly superior to that of Hilton, I have not been enamored with the suite of benefits afforded platinum guests in Europe overall. I won't belabor this overall topic any further here because there are already some other threads discussing this. The bottom line is that Hilton properties will be winning the vast machinery of my future European stays and this most recent visit is just another small data point justifying my personal decision.

Nice report. The fotos certain are worth a 1000 words.

At this point, although I love the SPG program overall and their level of customer service is often vastly superior to that of Hilton, I have not been enamored with the suite of benefits afforded platinum guests in Europe overall. I won't belabor this overall topic any further here because there are already some other threads discussing this. The bottom line is that Hilton properties will be winning the vast machinery of my future European stays and this most recent visit is just another small data point justifying my personal decision.

Agree with your point completely, and I am busily regaining my HHONORS Diamond status for my stays in Paris and in European cities. I remain a strong supporter of Starwood elsewhere.

Thanks for the trip report Larry. It would seem that the Westin is increasingly a good location and not much more. For me, location is important. But the Hyatt and Ren have pretty much the same location without potential for views of the gardens. 50 Plats at the hotel at one time seems a bit hard to believe for me by the way but it is interesting for her to tell you some of the stuff she did.

Thank you for your report, LarryU. I was considering Westin (instead of PdG which I did not mind), but perhaps I shall stick with PdG.

Excellent report out LarryU!

I have a reservation next weekend for 3 nights at the Westin Paris and am reconsidering. I'm a Starwood Platinum, Marriott Platinum, and Hilton Gold member. Does anyone have any recommended properties in the Paris city-limits? I consider location to be important, but also like to take advantage of lounge access/free breakfast. I was looking at the Marriott Champs-Ellysees, Prince de Galles, Renassiance Vendome, or Renassiance ADT. Any help and experiences would be great!

Thanks!

Excellent report out LarryU!

I have a reservation next weekend for 3 nights at the Westin Paris and am reconsidering. I'm a Starwood Platinum, Marriott Platinum, and Hilton Gold member. Does anyone have any recommended properties in the Paris city-limits? I consider location to be important, but also like to take advantage of lounge access/free breakfast. I was looking at the Marriott Champs-Ellysees, Prince de Galles, Renassiance Vendome, or Renassiance ADT. Any help and experiences would be great!

Thanks!

If you're a Marriott Platinum, I would go for the Renaissance Place Vendome, which is about a 5 minutes walk from the Westin Paris.

If you're a Marriott Platinum, I would go for the Renaissance Place Vendome, which is about a 5 minutes walk from the Westin Paris.

Thanks! Does the Renassiance have a good lounge? I'm currently leaning towards the Marriott Champs Elysees or the Prince de Gaulles, does anyone have experience with either of these hotels?

Beware that the rooms at the Renaissance Vendome are very small. Other than that it's a great boutique hotel with a terrific pool. I can't recall the lounge if there is one. I didn't use it.

What do they charge for internet access (wired or wifi)?

I have a reservation for five nights week after this which I might now cancel after reading this thoughtful, factual review. There is no shortage of alternatives in Paris.

How ironoic that a small, yet outrageous charge for an umbrella might, in part, contribute to costing the property something in the order of several thousand dollars should I now go elsewhere. My stay alone would paid for a lot of "stolen" umbrellas.

And that's assuming nobody else in my large delegation bails as well...

Thank you for the insights.

Cheers,

My wife and I were planning on staying at the Westin for the first time last week, on a cash and points stay. We arrived early in the morning, and were able to check into our room around 2 or 3 PM. We received a platinum upgrade to a junior suite on the 5th floor, which I believe is the highest floor.

Initial impressions: Try to avoid a junior suite on the 5th floor. Although we did have two very small balconies, the ceiling slopes dramatically downward, to the point where my 5 foot tall wife hit her head while taking a shower. The room was also extremely dark.

Other sore points: the gym is pretty sad. It consists of a regular or slightly larger than normal hotel room with five pieces of cardio equipment. No other gym facilities available in the hotel, or outside the hotel without paying a fee (though we were eventually offered use of the Prince de Galles gym, which is quite far on foot). Breakfast is not included for Platinum members. There is no lounge. And Internet is a truly astonishing 39 Euros/day, with no free Wifi option (for Plats or otherwise).

On the upside, the lobby has a nice feel, and it has a nice location by the Tuileries (though the Prince Maurice is also nearby). Also, just a plug for Angelina -- it's located right next to the Le Meurice and has the BEST (Jerry) hot chocolate I've ever had. Amazing stuff.

In terms of our stay, we ultimately decided we missed the Prince de Galles (where we'd previously stayed), and were able to switch our stay that evening to their hotel. Although the hotel was apparently completely booked, the room we did receive (regular king bed) actually felt much larger than our suite at the Westin (perhaps because the ceiling never approached the height of a 4th grader). The PDG also did not include breakfast or Internet, although the hotel did give us a voucher to use at the Internet terminal in the business center. We had a great stay there, and very much preferred the location (it's located, literally, right next to the Four Seasons). The PDG also has an okay gym (which is better than the anemic one at the Westin). Also, Internet at the PDG is about 27 Euros a day, which is obviously expensive, but far more reasonable than the insane 39 Euro charge at the Westin. We also had a GREAT steak frites dinner (that's all they serve here) at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte (15 Rue Marbeuf; 33-1/49-52-07-17). Just great.

Any good restaurant recommendations within a short walk of this property? Getting tired of the overpriced, tourist trap cafes with their $20 ham sandwiches...

Any / all types of food recommendations appreciated!

vandalby, look at this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/france/909692-sunday-lunch-near-2e-do-you-know-these-restaurants.html) for some ideas. Mind you, I was specifically asking about restaurants open on Sunday, when many are closed. I was staying at the Park Hyatt Vendome, which is just a few blocks north of the Westin.

Any good restaurant recommendations within a short walk of this property? Getting tired of the overpriced, tourist trap cafes with their $20 ham sandwiches...

Any / all types of food recommendations appreciated!

Agreed with the food thread suggested by SanDiego1K that l'Ardoise is the place to eat. Check out Le Souffle as well.

In fact, I would just walk 1.5 block to the Rue St Honoree, and walk up and down that very fashionable street to look for a place to eat. Most places have their menus and prices shown right at the door and you can decide for yourself rather easily.

Any experiences with leaving luggage with either Westin Paris or PDG? I plan to leave my luggage behind, while I travel around France for a couple of weeks before checking in again prior to my flight.

Any experiences with leaving luggage with either Westin Paris or PDG? I plan to leave my luggage behind, while I travel around France for a couple of weeks before checking in again prior to my flight.

If you will be returning to the Westin Paris for at least another evening stay, then I do not see what the issue is.

So is PDG better than Westin Paris? I was initially planning on staying at the Westin because of some earlier comments about how run-down PDG is.

So is PDG better than Westin Paris? I was initially planning on staying at the Westin because of some earlier comments about how run-down PDG is.

I spent a few nights there a few months ago, and while it wasn't 'pristine', the room was of reasonable size and it wasn't really that run down. Overall, I did not find it to be too bad. I've decided to try Westin for my next stay to see how they compare though.

Glad I saw this thread. I was just about to ask if there are recommendations for folks regarding a "kid friendly" Starwood hotel in Paris? I will be travelling with my very mature 10 year old DD next summer and can't decide where to stay. This is both of our first times to Paris so we plan on doing all the usual touristy sight seeing stuff...

Thanks in advance,

Katherine

Someone posted at Hall of Shame - Worst SPG Experience (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12039426-post38.html) on pretty bad experience at Westin Paris. Now I'm having second thoughts.

I'm just thinking that as a Plat, since there are no club rooms anymore , and limited number of suites available. If I do not get an upgrade, i'm pretty much getting the run-of-the-mill room, plus my 4pm late check-out & Plat amenitity

Are there any other benefits that one can see from staying at hotels without lounges? Seems like this may be the trend for Westin/SPG to cut cost.

Someone posted at Hall of Shame - Worst SPG Experience (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12039426-post38.html) on pretty bad experience at Westin Paris. Now I'm having second thoughts.

I'm just thinking that as a Plat, since there are no club rooms anymore , and limited number of suites available. If I do not get an upgrade, i'm pretty much getting the run-of-the-mill room, plus my 4pm late check-out & Plat amenitity

Are there any other benefits that one can see from staying at hotels without lounges? Seems like this may be the trend for Westin/SPG to cut cost.

You stay at the Westin Paris for location and, as a Plat, a likely (but not guaranteed) upgrade to a junior suite on the top floor (with sloped ceilings). As a welcome gift, we received a nice bottle of wine and fruit delivered to our room.

The benefit of staying at a hotel without a lounge is the hotel itself and its location. As others have said, the Westin Paris is very central and close to Metro. But it's a business hotel, definitely.

Location, location, location!

I just got back from a points trip to the Westin Paris. I paid extra points to get a junior suite with a rollaway bed for my 3-year old. I did not get any upgrade (Gold status), fwiw.

Overall, the hotel is in a great location - very, very central. I love to walk around Paris and see things, and this allowed me to do that (though my 3-year old perhaps did not allow as much as I would otherwise have liked :)).

As there has been a number of comments on the service/experience, I'll post up what I saw in the hopes of helping others. I will note that I haven't stayed in any of the other Paris Starwood properties, so I can't really compare anything.

1. front desk - the service was generally good. My french is conversational, at best, and everyone to whom I spoke was patient with my attempts to ask questions and able to speak fluently in English whenever I got stuck.

2. The room i had was nice - it was larger than a typical European room and had enough room for 3 of us.

3. room cleaning was "ok". They only left 2 towels after the first day. My wakeup call didn't really come through (I think that the phone was set to not ring, though someone came by frantically and beat on the door 10-15 minutes after our wakeup time. Luckily I had woken up early anyways)

4. thin walls. My next-door neighbor seemed to like the TV loud. I could hear this through the room walls, perhaps a bit more than newer hotels. Not a huge deal (did not keep me up). I can hear the TV through newer Westin walls if it is up loud as well.

The negatives:
1. the business center did not have free internet (or I couldn't figure out that it should be free)
2. I reserved a taxi to the airport on my last day. It did show up, but the guys working out front didn't really direct us to it until 10 minutes after the time it arrived (I didn't see it). The experience of getting out could have been a bit better, though I am willing to surmise that perhaps this is not a representative sample. Just make sure you leave enough time to get to the airport and you will be fine if things are a bit late.
3. Cost of food - this is likely just a fact of life being at a business hotel and due to the location, but it did seem expensive. Rather than pay for the grab-and-go croissants or for the 17 euro/person breakfast, we went down the street to a cafe and had a (still expensive but slightly cheaper) option.

Overall, I think we would go back in a heartbeat. Being that close to everything was great, especially since I like to walk around town to see Paris.

I hope that helps give back a bit to the forum - it has been invaluable to me in planning my trip, so I hope this helps one of you.

Conroy

4.

Thanks for the trip report.

Damn shame that the 'location' drum is the only one that gets beat with this hotel. It has potential, but also gets plenty of bookings because of its prime location so I suspect it doesn't have to try too hard.

I'm planning on going there for 5 nights as a birthday present to my wife. I'm a platinum, and definitely hoping for an upgrade.

My backup is the Park Hyatt on points. I could do a status match and get Diamond Hyatt, but I don't think they give suite upgrades on point stays (otherwise the E-suite upgrades would e tempting).

I've been there, very elegant, fantastic breakfast (free to diamonds) small rooms. I was at the Westin twice when it was an Intercontinetal and found out that the rooms varied a lot, but by asking for a change, I got a decent room.

The stay 2 get one free offer really was great for me this year, and I've been doing very well on upgrades. So I'm hesitant to go for a status match while I'm still so loyal.

The sloping junior suite on the 5th floor doesn't sound appealing. Any suggestions on what other suites I might ask for?

We will be staying at the Westin Paris in early Sept on SPs (5th nite free) and we used SPs to upgrade our room to the following:

1 King, Deluxe Non-smoking, Heavenly Bed, Oversized Room, High-speed Internet, Marble Bathroom, Deluxe Couture Room, From 27 Sq Mtr, Contemporary Design; Custom-made Furniture In A Historical, Classical Setting

My question is for those familiar with the Westin Paris - for this type of room which rooms or floors should I attempt to request beforehand? We are SPG Gold.

TIA

I'm planning on going there for 5 nights as a birthday present to my wife. I'm a platinum, and definitely hoping for an upgrade.

My backup is the Park Hyatt on points. I could do a status match and get Diamond Hyatt, but I don't think they give suite upgrades on point stays (otherwise the E-suite upgrades would e tempting).



For the love of your wife, stay at the Park Hyatt. The Westin is nice, but at the end of the day, its still a Westin. With the Park Hyatt, its more like an experience.

I have fallen from a Diamond to a PLT and was still treated very well at the PH. I have received very little for my PLT status at the Westin.

I stayed there recently and left behind an item -- is there an email address I could use to inquire, or would it be best to call them?

I stayed there recently and left behind an item -- is there an email address I could use to inquire, or would it be best to call them?

It would be best to call them.

I left behind an AC European adapter once, called them and gave them my room number and they said that they have it since housekeeping turned it in. No problem picking it up pronto.

I'll post a full review later, but after my experience this weekend with the Westin, I would not stay there again.

Hotel informed me on checkin that they had "a group of several hundred rooms" checking in on my departure day, and I would need to vacate by 11am. I mentioned the 4pm platinum late check-out, and was met with "I am overbooked, sorry for you." (btw, this was in french, so we're not talking a misunderstanding here.)

Received no upgrade (hotel claimed full, despite having junior suites for sale on spg.com) and was quite put off by the general attitude of the staff.

I really got a feeling when they stressed "your FREE rate" (the free weekend promo) that they really didn't care. Quite easily in my bottom 5 starwood experiences of all time unfortunately :td:

What do they charge for internet access (wired or wifi)?

Front desk manager informed me wired was €25 - nearly $37 for 24 hours. I decided to pass.

I'll post a full review later, but after my experience this weekend with the Westin, I would not stay there again.

Hotel informed me on checkin that they had "a group of several hundred rooms" checking in on my departure day, and I would need to vacate by 11am. I mentioned the 4pm platinum late check-out, and was met with "I am overbooked, sorry for you." (btw, this was in french, so we're not talking a misunderstanding here.)

Received no upgrade (hotel claimed full, despite having junior suites for sale on spg.com) and was quite put off by the general attitude of the staff.

I really got a feeling when they stressed "your FREE rate" (the free weekend promo) that they really didn't care. Quite easily in my bottom 5 starwood experiences of all time unfortunately :td:

But what about the location?

Hotel informed me on checkin that they had "a group of several hundred rooms" checking in on my departure day, and I would need to vacate by 11am. I mentioned the 4pm platinum late check-out, and was met with "I am overbooked, sorry for you." (btw, this was in french, so we're not talking a misunderstanding here.)

Is this Westin conference center(could deny 4pm check out) when paris have some events?

Can the hotel deny the 4pm check out if they have a event(the event could be held outside)?

Is this Westin conference center(could deny 4pm check out) when paris have some events?

Can the hotel deny the 4pm check out if they have a event(the event could be held outside)?

Hi Tak,

Is this hotel a conference location? Not according to the information I have.

In that case, all levels(except Employee and Preferred) are entitled to the late check out benefit.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Thanks, Thyetus :)!

I plan to go there in September and to request late check out since my flight is 7pm.

Hi Tak,

Is this hotel a conference location? Not according to the information I have.

In that case, all levels(except Employee and Preferred) are entitled to the late check out benefit.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Good to know, especially for the Westin Paris since I will be using some free nights there sometime soon.

Will the front desk print out a short pdf or two?

Just stayed at the Westin Paris on 3 free weekend nights and generally thought it was probably the worst Westin I've stayed in. The location, as everyone has said, is good, but Paris is an easy enough city to get around that I'm not sure that makes it worthwhile.

Primary complaints:
--No upgrade of any sort for a Plat--tiny room, Manhattan-sized bathroom (actually, the bathroom was smaller than the one in my Manhattan apartment at home)
--The room was so cramped that it wasn't really possible to drag the chair in front of the desk; if I'd been staying there for work I would have been livid
--Agree with the complaints about thin walls; in addition there was some sort of party or event in the courtyard faced by my room on Sunday night, which created quite a din until fairly late
--No coffee maker in the room--indeed, no giveaways of any sort; no free Internet anywhere on the property, EUR14 for coffee and croissant in the lobby, EUR41 for room service American breakfast. Yes, I know, it's the location and it's Paris, and room service is always a ripoff, but I've stayed in much, much nicer hotels than this in major world cities where breakfast was nowhere near that expensive
--Bed was pretty bad, especially coming from the brand that pioneered branded hotel chain beds, and the king bed had four small, limp pillows rather than the usual luxurious Heavenly Bed assortment (which despite its absence inside, was still pictured on an ad for the hotel on its exterior)
--Staff was reasonably helpful (front desk made a big deal about offering late check out and platinum amenity, perhaps to try to deflect attention from the mediocre room); didn't have extensive contact with them though

All in all, it was a weekend in Paris in the summer and I used free weekend nights so really I shouldn't be complaining since many people paid far more for the same experience that I got. But--especially if you're paying cash--there are properties in that area of Paris that take being a nice hotel far more seriously (Park Hyatt for one) that I would urge you to consider.

The next time I'm in Paris on leisure, presuming there's no free weekend nights boondoggle available, I'd probably go for one of the LeMs, since I don't think I could bring myself to shell out the number of points required for a Cat 6--especially this one.

Hi, does anyone if platinum members will get upgrades for suites or free access to club lounge (breakfast etc.?) Cheers!

Staid there last weekend. Very friendly check-in at the plat. desk.
Hotel has no lounge. Full breakfast in the restaurant was 38€, for Paris it's ok. No room upgrade. I forgot a new bought HRC T-shirt in the room. Phoned next day to the lost and found office, but the T-shirt wasn't found by housekeeping:mad:

Hi, does anyone if platinum members will get upgrades for suites or free access to club lounge (breakfast etc.?) Cheers!

I don't like those who throw out 'search' as an answer so I won't.

Read. Read the post right above yours for the love of all that is holy.

but the T-shirt wasn't found by housekeeping:mad:

poor you :(
you need to come back to paris then :)

free weekend nights horray, I redeemed about 8 nights over summer in this property and I really loved every time checking in. upgrade success was about 80% after I was pretty well recognized by the front desk. Especially the sweet suite upgrades were tremendous, once a royal suite, once a prestige suite, once an ambassador suite. Couldn't really judge which one was the best. All had a lovely view facing the tuillerie gardens, several step out and sit-on sundeck balconies and a cardio machine in the bathroom which I lifted on the balcony to cycle. End of July I even watched the Tour de France live while having a workout over the roofs of Paris ^
As Platinum Amenity I always took the 500 points but I got other other nice things in the rooms: refreshing spray from evian, a fruit platter, a food bag with a personal note from héniard. Simply: WOW!

I only got once one of the smaller rooms... well thanks to a saudi arabian sheik family that probably booked the hotels whole 5th floor + all suites. Haha during that stay, even the hotels garage was FULL of big cars and couldn't take any more cars. The concierge was so nice and parked my car in front of the hotel free of charge (!!). parking was 26EUR per day, valet-style. I found this quite okay. Never park your beamer on any street in Paris :rolleyes: After I complained about the room that I'd really loved to have a room with a view the front desk moved Prince XY to another room and put me instead in his room. Found this a very nice gesture, I guess this keeps me loyal eternally. My impression was checking in punctual at 3pm/4pm gave the best success for upgrades. (and of course availability).

All in all, the place is quite expensive, a coffee for 11EUR, breakfast x3. I didn't make use of the restaurant, bar and other pricy things in the building. Instead I bought plenty nice things and enjoyed lovely dinners on the balcony with cheese, wine and a sparkling Eiffel Tower. What's more, there is a Velib station behind the building. I got used to cycle from A to B instead of taking the metro or the car. 30min is free of charge and keeps mind and body fit.

Spending 300+ EUR per night for a standard room would make me angry as well. There is value in this property, but probably at the 5th floor only where real "renewal awaits".

Starwoods XMAS present and other free night awards I'm earning will pretty much go to the Westin Paris :D

Cheers
matt

Wow, that's great! In three stays as a Plat I've scored an upgrade to view room only once and none of those have been multiple room suites. I've begged, grovelled, written, called, emailed and then done it all again when I've arrived to no avail on my last two stays. We get a nice room, but not a REALLY nice room. Perhaps it is timing, though I'd always suspected it was ignorance or avoidance of the SPG Plat benefits.

I'm starting to worry about my upcoming stay at the Westin Paris. Originally, I booked a Superior non-smoking King room with the Free Weekend nights promo.. now I log in and see that I've been "upgraded" to a Large City View, Smoking room... all this, despite having comments in the reservations specifying a non-smoking preference.

Will report back on how things go.

I'm starting to worry about my upcoming stay at the Westin Paris. Originally, I booked a Superior non-smoking King room with the Free Weekend nights promo.. now I log in and see that I've been "upgraded" to a Large City View, Smoking room... all this, despite having comments in the reservations specifying a non-smoking preference.

Will report back on how things go.

Hi izzik,

How about you write to the property to bring up your request? Email address: reservation.01729@westin.com.

The property may not accede to it as according to spg.com, "when using a Free Night Award, bedding and smoking preferences may be requested but are not guaranteed."

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Thanks for the suggestion, Thyetus.
I have sent an email to the hotel.
Fingers crossed. :p

I'm starting to worry about my upcoming stay at the Westin Paris. Originally, I booked a Superior non-smoking King room with the Free Weekend nights promo.. now I log in and see that I've been "upgraded" to a Large City View, Smoking room... all this, despite having comments in the reservations specifying a non-smoking preference.

Will report back on how things go.


I'm not making light of your requirements, but I'd send the email and not refuse the suite. My guess is that you will either be given a non-smoking suite or be able to turn down the upgrade and get the room class you booked without problem once you arrive at the hotel. So please don't rub it in that you got an awesome upgrade when I've had such dismal luck there myself! :D

I've previously complained loudly about this hotel and decided to give it a 2nd chance. My conclusion: 2nd time not the charm, it's not worth it.

SPG iPhone app made me think 2nd time would be the charm since it said "Jr. Suite" the day before my arrival.

Check-in: front desk sent me to the back where a sit-down check-in was done for SPG Gold & Platinum members. Very pleasant lady did the formalities. When she gave me the key, I asked if this was a good Jr. Suite. She said this wasn't a Jr. Suite and why I thought that (showed her iPhone and she became quiet). She did say I'd like the room and would call me in a few mins to see if I liked it.

Room 5035 was on the top floor, near the corner, with a window and little patio & 2 chairs with an amazing view:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/itsaboutthejourney-albums-main-picture1058-westin-paris.jpg

Room size appx 15' x 15'. Bathroom was even bigger than the room. The charm stopped there.


TV was an old tube that you nearly hit when opening the door.
No bottle of water for SPG members.
No mouthwash/bath gel in the bathroom (just the regular white tea shampoo/lotion and 2 bars of leaf soap).
Desk lamp didn't work.
Floor lamp turned on for a few seconds as I jiggled the cord.
Razor/shave kit that was promised at check-in never came.
No turndown (I saw other rooms getting it as I went out for the evening)
Non-Heavenly shower leaked onto floor despite closing curtain all the way
No more lounge, no replacement amenities.


Bottom line: I worry what this property is doing to the Westin brand as I know many many come to Paris (and therefore this hotel) for special occasions and expect a 5-star stay, when in reality this is a 3 star hotel in a 5 star location.

That's a pretty sweet (no pun) view! Personally, I'd endure most of the bulleted items above for that view though the sum total of them would frustrate me.

I think your bottom line is what most of us have found to be true: decent hotel, great location. There are other hotels that can make that same claim from other chains (Hyatt and Marriott) right down the street. For me, the view is what I want. I want to see the gardens and tower. If I can't get that, why not stay at the Hyatt or Ren? If my status doesn't gain me anything, why not stay at a place where I have no status?

The private little check in desk is a nice tough I have to admit...but also a bit frustrating. It makes me know that they know I'm a plat, but that's where the VIP treatment ends for me.

You got a real nice view...too bad it sounds as if you got an old room that had yet to be remodeled. I'm surprised though as I thought they had finished up all the renovations on that side of the hotel.

SPG iPhone app made me think 2nd time would be the charm since it said "Jr. Suite" the day before my arrival.


Hoping I don't have a repeat of the rest of your stay, not off to a great start. My res (3 days starting this weekend) has been showing junior suite for a couple of days, but today switched to "deluxe room, 2 single beds, smoking"...as you might guess, Mrs. ST is not amused. We haven't slept in twin beds in 35 years.

I (think I) have sent an email to the GM asking for non-smoking rooms - not certain of her email address. Hotel appears to be booked up for the weekend, so upgrade prospects are dim, but I certainly hope to get at least a double bed and non-smoking rooms. Will let everyone know how it turns out (hey, izzik, any update on how are you doing with your stay?)

Hoping I don't have a repeat of the rest of your stay, not off to a great start. My res (3 days starting this weekend) has been showing junior suite for a couple of days, but today switched to "deluxe room, 2 single beds, smoking"...as you might guess, Mrs. ST is not amused. We haven't slept in twin beds in 35 years.

I (think I) have sent an email to the GM asking for non-smoking rooms - not certain of her email address. Hotel appears to be booked up for the weekend, so upgrade prospects are dim, but I certainly hope to get at least a double bed and non-smoking rooms. Will let everyone know how it turns out (hey, izzik, any update on how are you doing with your stay?)

Good luck! FWIW, when I checked out and told the agent of many of my woes, she said usually all the Plats & VIP's are usually put on the 4th floor where they have more "amenities" like water, turndown, etc. Not sure if anything coming from that property is to believed, but it's a datapoint.

Good luck! FWIW, when I checked out and told the agent of many of my woes, she said usually all the Plats & VIP's are usually put on the 4th floor where they have more "amenities" like water, turndown, etc. Not sure if anything coming from that property is to believed, but it's a datapoint.

My stay in April was on the 4th floor. I had turn down, but no water...at least in bottles...all taps worked!

Hoping I don't have a repeat of the rest of your stay, not off to a great start. My res (3 days starting this weekend) has been showing junior suite for a couple of days, but today switched to "deluxe room, 2 single beds, smoking"...as you might guess, Mrs. ST is not amused. We haven't slept in twin beds in 35 years.

I (think I) have sent an email to the GM asking for non-smoking rooms - not certain of her email address. Hotel appears to be booked up for the weekend, so upgrade prospects are dim, but I certainly hope to get at least a double bed and non-smoking rooms. Will let everyone know how it turns out (hey, izzik, any update on how are you doing with your stay?)
I followed Lurker II's advice and e-mailed the hotel for reconfirmation.
Someone (forgot her name) replied in a day and said that I was confirmed for a non-smoking room for date x to date y (this wknd as well). Looked on spg.com and saw the room type change to "junior suite, non-smoking". So.. a nice turn of events. ^

However, I'm not holding my breath until I check-in. As we know, things can change.
I've never had a stay (yet) where the hotel changed me to a different room type in advance (upgrades not included, obvi).

UPDATE: Looks like I spoke too soon. Room is now a "deluxe room, smoking". At least I have the email that says I am confirmed for a non-smoking room. Supposedly. I'll find out Saturday morning.

UPDATE: Looks like I spoke too soon. Room is now a "deluxe room, smoking". At least I have the email that says I am confirmed for a non-smoking room. Supposedly. I'll find out Saturday morning.

Let us know how it turns out (if you can afford the wifi, or can find it more reasonbly elsewhere in Paris). My wife and I will be behind you by 1 week. I think she'd kill me if we ended up in a smoking room.

I'm starting to get a little worried about my upcoming stay now. On vacation and will be leaving London in a few hours for Paris. I've reserved 2 rooms for 2 nights and fortunately this will all be compliments of the Free Wknd Nights Promotion they had a couple months ago. I wish I was Platinum, but I've got 4 more stays (paid) to get there. I'm wondering if I should use points to upgrade rooms based on some of the feedback I've read. I'm crossing my fingers.

Well, I can honestly say that I'm content with the hotel. Rooms aren't tiny. Bathroom has marble. Location is amazing! But let me tell you, they try and squeeze every Euro they can out of you.

Tea and coffee aren't free! 14 Euros for that and they'll throw in a croissant. So what if you bring your own tea bag and want hot water you ask...wham, that's 4 Euros. Want wifi, oh that's just 39 Euros for the day. But if you just need it for 30 mins, it'll cost you a mere 15 Euros. Breakfast will cost you 28 or 38 depending on if you want Continental or American.

I'll probably still stay here when next in Paris and bring a kettle, some eggs and bacon, a portable kitchen perhaps and a satellite dish for wifi.

I've previously complained loudly about this hotel and decided to give it a 2nd chance. My conclusion: 2nd time not the charm, it's not worth it.

SPG iPhone app made me think 2nd time would be the charm since it said "Jr. Suite" the day before my arrival.

Check-in: front desk sent me to the back where a sit-down check-in was done for SPG Gold & Platinum members. Very pleasant lady did the formalities. When she gave me the key, I asked if this was a good Jr. Suite. She said this wasn't a Jr. Suite and why I thought that (showed her iPhone and she became quiet). She did say I'd like the room and would call me in a few mins to see if I liked it.

Room 5035 was on the top floor, near the corner, with a window and little patio & 2 chairs with an amazing view:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/itsaboutthejourney-albums-main-picture1058-westin-paris.jpg

Room size appx 15' x 15'. Bathroom was even bigger than the room. The charm stopped there.


TV was an old tube that you nearly hit when opening the door.
No bottle of water for SPG members.
No mouthwash/bath gel in the bathroom (just the regular white tea shampoo/lotion and 2 bars of leaf soap).
Desk lamp didn't work.
Floor lamp turned on for a few seconds as I jiggled the cord.
Razor/shave kit that was promised at check-in never came.
No turndown (I saw other rooms getting it as I went out for the evening)
Non-Heavenly shower leaked onto floor despite closing curtain all the way
No more lounge, no replacement amenities.


Bottom line: I worry what this property is doing to the Westin brand as I know many many come to Paris (and therefore this hotel) for special occasions and expect a 5-star stay, when in reality this is a 3 star hotel in a 5 star location.
I got 1035 assigned on a recent stay (SPG Gold) and it was a newly refurbished room. Beautiful inside. Had none of the problems you suggest. But at least I can vouch for the size of the room - I assume yours was identical in layout.

The biggest downside was that it was at least a 2 minute walk from the elevator to the room!

Just came back from a 2-night stay at the Westin Paris using the Free Wknd Nights promo.

(+ Positives, - Negatives)
Overall: Good stay
+ I was allowed an early check-in (11:45am).
+ Room type: I asked about room type and they said, "Superior king non-smoking". ^
+ Excellent hotel location.
+ Mini-fridge had a small space for personal items.
+ Bed was firm, comfortable. Bathroom/shower was great.

- Walls and ceiling are thin.
- Pillows are hit or miss. I think they are best for back-sleepers.

Hotel explained that they were overbooked, thus no Plat upgrade. I had my nonsmoking room.. that's all I expected, really.

...

I'll probably still stay here when next in Paris and bring a kettle, some eggs and bacon, a portable kitchen perhaps and a satellite dish for wifi.

:D made me laugh!

...

Hotel explained that they were overbooked, thus no Plat upgrade. I had my nonsmoking room.. that's all I expected, really.

I'm encouraged so far by the fact that, at least as of today, all the room types we'd like to be upgraded to are still available for booking for all three days this weekend: Eiffel Tower View rooms, junior suites, and full suites.

Could it be the US labor day holiday that caused them to be overbooked during this past weekend? That would seem strange to me.

I'm encouraged so far by the fact that, at least as of today, all the room types we'd like to be upgraded to are still available for booking for all three days this weekend: Eiffel Tower View rooms, junior suites, and full suites.

Could it be the US labor day holiday that caused them to be overbooked during this past weekend? That would seem strange to me.
Satellite Business conference was held there Monday and Tuesday, plus some BIG weddings over the weekend, hotel was completely booked. I feel almost the same as izzik with this exception: this hotel doesn't go out of its way for its customers in any way, and I've rarely seen a Starwood hotel with a staff that was this disinterested in its customers. More later - I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this hotel on this visit.

Satellite Business conference was held there Monday and Tuesday, plus some BIG weddings over the weekend, hotel was completely booked. I feel almost the same as izzik with this exception: this hotel doesn't go out of its way for its customers in any way, and I've rarely seen a Starwood hotel with a staff that was this disinterested in its customers. More later - I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this hotel on this visit.

I was there saturday and sunday night, same thoughts about the staff and service. Probably will not be back to the hotel. I tried to check in around noon , and was told my room was not ready, I asked about a different room since there was no upgrade and was told we are sold out, minutes later 2 different couples were able to check in and get their rooms, I checked in at the plat desk and the others were at the regular desk, so I asked about it and was dismissed and told they got their keys but the rooms were not ready and they could not go up.

I've read every post about this hotel since our April 2006 stay at the Westin Paris, shortly after it switched to the Westin brand:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5727722&postcount=14

At the time, I chalked up the two false fire alarms in the middle of the night and two stairway hikes from the top floor caused by steam pipe breaks, repeated failures of the room air conditioning and repeated attempts to fix it, and staff responses regarding both specific situations, to just poor infrastructure. So I had high hopes for the refurbishment which came later.

Based on what I've read since then and my other recollections, I'll stand by my original advice: Stay here only for location. Not for charm. Not for ties into local culture. Just the great location. There are better Starwood alternatives in the area for the rest.

There appeared to be a wedding taking place at the hotel on Sunday, although not sure if this is what caused the sellout of rooms.

Based on what I've read since then and my other recollections, I'll stand by my original advice: Stay here only for location. Not for charm. Not for ties into local culture. Just the great location. There are better Starwood alternatives in the area for the rest.

^^ same here.

Due to a substantial amount of detrimental posts, it would seem that Starwood would have a "sit down" with the GM of this property. I travel to Paris at least every 2 years - and now as a SPG Platinum I decided I would try the Westin Paris. Thus far I am not impressed. I originally booked through the SPG site a deluxe room for a 4 night November stay. A couple of weeks ago I checked the hotel details on the SPG site and saw I was booked into a "standard" room. I e-mailed the hotel and 3 days later I received a response that I was changed over to a "Superior" room. Not what I was looking for as we are celebrating my wife's 60th birthday during the stay but this did not have an impact on the Westin. I had also asked for the Westin Concierge to contact me through my e-mail regarding some restaurant reservations. It has been 1 1/2 weeks since that request - still no response. Somehow I think this will be my first and last stay at the Westin Paris. However, I am an eternal optimist and hope I will have great things to say about the property when I return.

Well, it seems my experience was a rare one, but partly because there are so many negative or at least underwhelmed experiences posted here, I feel I have to describe my experience.

I had reserved Fri., Sat., and Sun. Sept. 11-13 on FWN awards, for an anniversary celebration with my wife. I forwarded word to the hotel about the special occasion through the Platinum Concierge service. I used the same service to request a restaurant reservation. PC was wise enough to ask me to supply a second choice for the restaurant.

I never did hear back from the Westin nor PC before I left for Paris about the reservation, but there were only about 3 days turnaround time between my request and our departure, so I'm not sure I wouldn't have heard back if I had called in a couple of weeks in advance. Regardless, when we arrived, they had a reservation for us at the second choice restaurant since the first had been unavailable.

As mentioned in a post upthread, I had been monitoring upgrade room availability up until our departure. On Wednesday before check-in, the web site showed the hotel sold out on Saturday but at least some upgrade availability for Friday and Sunday.

When we arrived, we stood behind a woman checking in. She was having a discussion with the check-in agent, who was telling her that there were something like 60 or 80 platinums at the hotel that night, and that upgrades were only on availability and not guaranteed, and unfortunately she would not be upgraded. It took a lot of discussion, but eventually she was persuaded and went away without raising a fuss about it. I remarked to my wife what I had overheard and my assumption that we would not be upgraded. However, I did plan to see if there might be an upgrade possibility for Sunday.

As we were waiting to check in, we were motined around to the side desk to be checked in by a very friendly desk agent. As she checked us in, I mentioned to her what I had heard earlier, and that I understood there were no upgrades available.

"Yes," she almost whispered, "That's true... but not for you! We have you in a very nice junior suite." I asked her if it had an Eiffel Tower view. "No," she said, "the rooms with the view are quite small, and too small, I think, for three nights."

The suite was, if I recall correctly, number 5015. It's on the top floor, on the Northeast corner of the building, with a view across the street to the block that includes the Meurice and also to the north to Place Vendome. The curvature of the roof impinges upon the rooms' ceilings, which my wife and I found especially charming. There was a balcony off the bedroom, and two balconies off the living room, one of which had a table with chairs. There was a walk-in closet, with its own window and, yes, a fourth balcony in the closet! When we returned from dinner the first night, there was a personal note from the manager and a bottle of white Bordeaux wine on ice, as well as chocolates on the pillows.

We did not have breakfast at the hotel, nor use the internet, nor use any of the other services that would've cost us money. Checked out on Monday with a bill that totalled exactly zero euros and zero cents. What a great stay!

On top of all that, the weather was absolutely stunning for the entire weekend.

So it may be rare, but it can happen!

So it may be rare, but it can happen!

Glad to hear things worked out for you and your wife on your anniversary HH!^

I was really wondering there if I stayed at the same hotel as everyone else a couple months ago (post #162) considering it's been overwhelmingly negative here since. Hopefully there will be more positive postings as I too would like to return in the near future.

Due to a substantial amount of detrimental posts, it would seem that Starwood would have a "sit down" with the GM of this property.

I think that is part of the problem. After my stay, I filled out the usual post-stay survey I often get from Starwood on behalf of TNS.

Two days later I receive an email from the Ast. GM asking why so bad on the survey, I replied with a detailed list of negatives, suggestions, as well as statement that the staff simply needs to look at guests as an opportunity, not people they can't be bothered by or lie to.

The next day, I receive a terse thank you. Nothing encouraging me to give them another try, apologizing, etc.

Because of the importance and prestige of Paris, Starwood needs a Westin there, but sadly this property is putting a tarnish on the reputation of the Westin Brand. Hopefully corporate will do something.

I asked her if it had an Eiffel Tower view. "No," she said, "the rooms with the view are quite small, and too small, I think, for three nights."

I would NEVER stay at that hotel if I couldn't get a room with an Eiffel Tower view (more specific on Rue de Rivoli). Don't mind a small room as well, it's not like I'd dance ballet in the room... :)

Because of the importance and prestige of Paris, Starwood needs a Westin there, but sadly this property is putting a tarnish on the reputation of the Westin Brand. Hopefully corporate will do something.

How does it compare to other hotels in the same price range in Paris? I think part of the problem is that older European hotels have a lot of "quirky" rooms and some that are frankly not that desirable. A fair comparison would be to look at what a Junior Suite at the Westin Paris costs versus other hotels with the same price points and in similar locations. The Four Seasons in Paris always gets raving reviews, however usually for suites >1000 EUR per night.
Are we gauging this hotel on service or on Platinum upgrades? If the first, fair enough- if the second- well Paris is a city with high demand and high real estate prices.
This is not to defend the hotel- just to note if there are 80 platinums a night requesting free upgrades + there are guests paying for the larger rooms- there is bound to be some "friction" shall we say?

How does it compare to other hotels in the same price range in Paris? I think part of the problem is that older European hotels have a lot of "quirky" rooms and some that are frankly not that desirable. A fair comparison would be to look at what a Junior Suite at the Westin Paris costs versus other hotels with the same price points and in similar locations. The Four Seasons in Paris always gets raving reviews, however usually for suites >1000 EUR per night.
Are we gauging this hotel on service or on Platinum upgrades? If the first, fair enough- if the second- well Paris is a city with high demand and high real estate prices.
This is not to defend the hotel- just to note if there are 80 platinums a night requesting free upgrades + there are guests paying for the larger rooms- there is bound to be some "friction" shall we say?

For me it's not a suite issue, it's service, amenities and some recognition of status in the SPG program. If spending pure $$ going to other hotels in Paris is a no-brainer, there are so many better options. But earning/burning SPG points does put the hotel on the radar, but no more. My suggestion for this property would be to proactively (ie: email a week out) and offer something in exchange for suite upgrades (breakfast, bottle of wine, etc.)

My suggestion for this property would be to proactively (ie: email a week out) and offer something in exchange for suite upgrades (breakfast, bottle of wine, etc.)

This is a great idea!

I would NEVER stay at that hotel if I couldn't get a room with an Eiffel Tower view (more specific on Rue de Rivoli). Don't mind a small room as well, it's not like I'd dance ballet in the room... :)

You must travel alone. Two people in that size room gets pretty claustrophobic pretty fast.

I have had both a view room and jr suites in this hotel. I much prefer the jr. suites.

We just returned from a seven night stay at the Westin Paris. One night on a free weekend and six with points. After reading some of the posts on this thread, there was some concern about what we would experience at the hotel.

Check-in went well and without any issues. (We did watch a woman before us go on a rant about being an SPG member...:rolleyes:) We were upgraded to a junior suite on the fifth floor at the corner of the hotel. It had a separate living room with walk-in closet and two balconies, one off the bedroom and one off the living room. My only issue with the room was the roof-line impedes the head room of the shower. Being 6'2", it made for an interesting experience, not a major problem. Other than that, we loved the room.

The staff was helpful during our stay and we did not experience any problems with the room or service. We loved the location of the hotel. It's close to many places we wanted to visit in Paris. For ventures farther from the hotel, we purchased a 5-day Metro pass. (BTW, the 99-cent Metro application on my iPhone was helpful in finding stations and plotting routes through the city.) We decided we wouldn't hesitate to return to the Westin Paris on our next trip, based on our experience.

Thanks for the update. We will be there in about 4 weeks for a 4 night stay. After several e-mails to the hotel reservation center we finally got confirmation through the SPG web site that our basic reservations had been upgraded from a Standard - then to a Superior - then after another e-mail to a Deluxe.(I had originally booked a Deluxe). I still have not had any communication with the concierge despite 2 e-mails requesting some assistance in restaurant reservations. So, I simply did it myself. As we will be celebrating a milestone birthday for my wife I requested a view room (Eiffel, etc.) but am not holding my breath. We normally stay on the Left Bank but thought we would use some SPG points this time. I'll report the stay when we get back.

Why did I think this hotel was all non smoking? I just looked and my reservation is for a smoking room and I asked for a non smoking room.

I guess I should call the PConcierge?

Why did I think this hotel was all non smoking?

That's a good question.

That's a good question.

From the hotel's web site:

Smoking Policy
As per French law, smoking is not allowed in any public areas of the hotel including the lobby, restaurants, bars and meeting rooms. Smoking rooms are available upon request.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Well, apparently they keep the twin bedded rooms for the smoking.

Since I am traveling with a friend, we'll hope the King bedded room is really two twins mushed together. I'm not sure I want to deal with a smoking room for three days.

From what the PLT concierge could surmise, you can't even get a rollaway for the rooms at the Westin.

How does that work? People travel with their kids all the time.

...How does that work? People travel with their kids all the time.

Two rooms; connecting, if possible?

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Two questions: Where do you print your boarding pass in this hotel?
Is there a public phone somewhere? Thank you.

Two questions: Where do you print your boarding pass in this hotel?
Is there a public phone somewhere? Thank you.

Wow, these are very specific questions aren't they? Not sure on the printing but you may be able to do so for free in the business center. I never saw that as an option, but perhaps.

There are public phones outside the restrooms which are located between the two eating joints. To use our calling cards, we had to use the non-payphone phones that are on the little table against the wall.

Where do you print your boarding pass in this hotel?
Does anyone know the answer to this question? I'd like to be able to print 1 or 2 pages at the hotel.

Hi! Im going to be staying at the Westin Paris hotel in Novermber and am looking to extend my stay for a couple of more days. The hotel is quoting me a very high price and was wondering if anyone has any ideas or knows of any specials or promo codes that would help bring this price down some. I am looking to extend for a Sunday and Monday night. Any ideas? Thanks.

If you have a AAA / CAA / AA card, then click on that option and see what comes up. I've used that rate before, and it was much lower.

Also, See if "CASH ($150) + POINTS" rate is better for you. If you don't have the required points, then you can buy them directly from SPG. Sometimes, this combo rate comes out to be better than the regular rate offered by super-expensive luxury hotels.