Westin Paris - Vendôme, France [Master Thread]
Nov 3, 2016, 5:12 am
#676
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,337
I'll be staying here soon for a couple of weekdays, and I have a fancy to have a view of the Eiffel Tower.
I'm SPG Plat, and as far as I can tell, the hotel is pretty much empty while I'll be there (they're running a hot escape for when I arrive). My question is this: should I email them and explain that if possible, I'd love a room upgrade to a view of the Eiffel Tower? Is that sort of thing done (I've never done it before, but looking at the thread it looks like some people are doing things like that)? And if so, who should I email, the reservations email? Or ...?
I'm SPG Plat, and as far as I can tell, the hotel is pretty much empty while I'll be there (they're running a hot escape for when I arrive). My question is this: should I email them and explain that if possible, I'd love a room upgrade to a view of the Eiffel Tower? Is that sort of thing done (I've never done it before, but looking at the thread it looks like some people are doing things like that)? And if so, who should I email, the reservations email? Or ...?
Dec 28, 2016, 3:41 pm
#677
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG LTP, HH D
Posts: 729
I emailed the hotel and received a prompt reply:
Nous vous remercions pour votre email.
Nos Suites Prestiges n’ont pas de vue de la Tour Eiffel, aucune d’entre elles.
...
Si vous souhaitez avoir la vue sur la Tour Eiffel il faut effectivement demander la Junior Suite avec la vue.
For the benefit of the non francophones, the email says that none of the Prestige Suites have a view of the Eiffel Tower. The email therefore adds that if one wishes to have a view of the tower, one would have to book the Junior Suite with view.
Nous vous remercions pour votre email.
Nos Suites Prestiges n’ont pas de vue de la Tour Eiffel, aucune d’entre elles.
...
Si vous souhaitez avoir la vue sur la Tour Eiffel il faut effectivement demander la Junior Suite avec la vue.
For the benefit of the non francophones, the email says that none of the Prestige Suites have a view of the Eiffel Tower. The email therefore adds that if one wishes to have a view of the tower, one would have to book the Junior Suite with view.
On the other hand, apart from the disappointment of not having my SNAs clear, it seems to me that this hotel is living on former glories and separately I understand that the current owners have put it on the market. Shower water pressure was worse than pisspoor. To say that moving from a Junior Suite (DSU but with a backstreet view of Rue Volney)) at the PHV to a tiny entry level room (albeit with a superb view of major Paris landmarks along the Seine) at the Westin is like moving from Neuilly to Bobigny is not that much of an exaggeration. I wasn't expecting the Westin to rival the PHV, but so far I don't think it's even close.
Dec 28, 2016, 4:18 pm
#678
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
As it turned out, my SNAs did not clear. However, an appeal in person (I was staying 4 nights at the PHV before moving to the Westin) got me a tiny top (5th) floor Eiffel Tower View Room with an even more minuscule balconette (just about big enough for the coffee table and two chairs that were placed there that had a superb view of Paris from the Louvre to Tour Montparnasse to the Tuileries to Concorde, Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower.
On the other hand, apart from the disappointment of not having my SNAs clear, it seems to me that this hotel is living on former glories and separately I understand that the current owners have put it on the market. Shower water pressure was worse than pisspoor. To say that moving from a Junior Suite (DSU but with a backstreet view of Rue Volney)) at the PHV to a tiny entry level room (albeit with a superb view of major Paris landmarks along the Seine) at the Westin is like moving from Neuilly to Bobigny is not that much of an exaggeration. I wasn't expecting the Westin to rival the PHV, but so far I don't think it's even close.
On the other hand, apart from the disappointment of not having my SNAs clear, it seems to me that this hotel is living on former glories and separately I understand that the current owners have put it on the market. Shower water pressure was worse than pisspoor. To say that moving from a Junior Suite (DSU but with a backstreet view of Rue Volney)) at the PHV to a tiny entry level room (albeit with a superb view of major Paris landmarks along the Seine) at the Westin is like moving from Neuilly to Bobigny is not that much of an exaggeration. I wasn't expecting the Westin to rival the PHV, but so far I don't think it's even close.
First, the PHV is among the best hotels in Paris; the Westin is a rung or so below that overall.
Second, without the DSU, you'd have had a regular room at the PHV which is obviously better than a regular room at the Westin.
Third, being on the market has little to do with some hotel maintenance issues. The StR San Francisco was just bought, and it already was an amazing hotel--as it is still after the purchase.
Fourth, the comparable hotel to the PHV in SPG is the Prince de Galles. I also prefer the Vendome area, but I was underwhelmed by the stiff service and lackadaisical attitudes of staff at the PHV; we prefer the Westin, since we usually get upgraded (I actually prefer the junior suites with balconies and side views onto the Tuileries over the inner courtyard Prestige Suites with no views), anyway. The PdG area is also very nice (heck, it's right next door to the FSGV!).
The PdG has far superior service than the PHV IMO. The PdG entry rooms are smaller than those at the PHV, though--but as I always get upgraded to a suite at the PdG, I prefer the PdG suites over those in the PHV. We will be back at the PdG in Oct 2017...having chosen that over the PHV and the Westin (this time).
The Westin is a great property with very good service...as you witnessed as someone still kindly upgraded you to a view room on the top floor. But it's not as luxury as the PH overall. Apples to oranges.
May 4, 2017, 3:21 am
#679
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Hilton Silver
Posts: 340
Here now, my SNA cleared to a prestige suite with a courtyard view, very peaceful for sleeping and overall a nice space.
There is no coffee or tea maker in the room however one complimentary cup per day is offered via room service. Every time I called I received my coffee in 5 minutes or less.
Took breakfast as my welcome amenity. It is provided in Le First. It is set up as a buffet with a very large selection of hot and cold items and a multitude of pastries. No exclusions on the hot items so in my opinion the breakfast is a really nice value.
There is no coffee or tea maker in the room however one complimentary cup per day is offered via room service. Every time I called I received my coffee in 5 minutes or less.
Took breakfast as my welcome amenity. It is provided in Le First. It is set up as a buffet with a very large selection of hot and cold items and a multitude of pastries. No exclusions on the hot items so in my opinion the breakfast is a really nice value.
May 4, 2017, 7:09 am
#680
Suspended
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Here & There
Programs: Travel Agent (Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, Ritz, etc.)
Posts: 45
Well you are comparing apples to oranges when comparing a PHV junior suite with no view to a Westin entry level view room. I've stayed at both hotels, as well as the Prince de Galles.
First, the PHV is among the best hotels in Paris; the Westin is a rung or so below that overall.
Second, without the DSU, you'd have had a regular room at the PHV which is obviously better than a regular room at the Westin.
Third, being on the market has little to do with some hotel maintenance issues. The StR San Francisco was just bought, and it already was an amazing hotel--as it is still after the purchase.
Fourth, the comparable hotel to the PHV in SPG is the Prince de Galles. I also prefer the Vendome area, but I was underwhelmed by the stiff service and lackadaisical attitudes of staff at the PHV; we prefer the Westin, since we usually get upgraded (I actually prefer the junior suites with balconies and side views onto the Tuileries over the inner courtyard Prestige Suites with no views), anyway. The PdG area is also very nice (heck, it's right next door to the FSGV!).
The PdG has far superior service than the PHV IMO. The PdG entry rooms are smaller than those at the PHV, though--but as I always get upgraded to a suite at the PdG, I prefer the PdG suites over those in the PHV. We will be back at the PdG in Oct 2017...having chosen that over the PHV and the Westin (this time).
The Westin is a great property with very good service...as you witnessed as someone still kindly upgraded you to a view room on the top floor. But it's not as luxury as the PH overall. Apples to oranges.
First, the PHV is among the best hotels in Paris; the Westin is a rung or so below that overall.
Second, without the DSU, you'd have had a regular room at the PHV which is obviously better than a regular room at the Westin.
Third, being on the market has little to do with some hotel maintenance issues. The StR San Francisco was just bought, and it already was an amazing hotel--as it is still after the purchase.
Fourth, the comparable hotel to the PHV in SPG is the Prince de Galles. I also prefer the Vendome area, but I was underwhelmed by the stiff service and lackadaisical attitudes of staff at the PHV; we prefer the Westin, since we usually get upgraded (I actually prefer the junior suites with balconies and side views onto the Tuileries over the inner courtyard Prestige Suites with no views), anyway. The PdG area is also very nice (heck, it's right next door to the FSGV!).
The PdG has far superior service than the PHV IMO. The PdG entry rooms are smaller than those at the PHV, though--but as I always get upgraded to a suite at the PdG, I prefer the PdG suites over those in the PHV. We will be back at the PdG in Oct 2017...having chosen that over the PHV and the Westin (this time).
The Westin is a great property with very good service...as you witnessed as someone still kindly upgraded you to a view room on the top floor. But it's not as luxury as the PH overall. Apples to oranges.
May 4, 2017, 8:14 am
#681
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,785
Well you are comparing apples to oranges when comparing a PHV junior suite with no view to a Westin entry level view room. I've stayed at both hotels, as well as the Prince de Galles.
First, the PHV is among the best hotels in Paris; the Westin is a rung or so below that overall.
Second, without the DSU, you'd have had a regular room at the PHV which is obviously better than a regular room at the Westin.
Third, being on the market has little to do with some hotel maintenance issues. The StR San Francisco was just bought, and it already was an amazing hotel--as it is still after the purchase.
Fourth, the comparable hotel to the PHV in SPG is the Prince de Galles. I also prefer the Vendome area, but I was underwhelmed by the stiff service and lackadaisical attitudes of staff at the PHV; we prefer the Westin, since we usually get upgraded (I actually prefer the junior suites with balconies and side views onto the Tuileries over the inner courtyard Prestige Suites with no views), anyway. The PdG area is also very nice (heck, it's right next door to the FSGV!).
The PdG has far superior service than the PHV IMO. The PdG entry rooms are smaller than those at the PHV, though--but as I always get upgraded to a suite at the PdG, I prefer the PdG suites over those in the PHV. We will be back at the PdG in Oct 2017...having chosen that over the PHV and the Westin (this time).
The Westin is a great property with very good service...as you witnessed as someone still kindly upgraded you to a view room on the top floor. But it's not as luxury as the PH overall. Apples to oranges.
First, the PHV is among the best hotels in Paris; the Westin is a rung or so below that overall.
Second, without the DSU, you'd have had a regular room at the PHV which is obviously better than a regular room at the Westin.
Third, being on the market has little to do with some hotel maintenance issues. The StR San Francisco was just bought, and it already was an amazing hotel--as it is still after the purchase.
Fourth, the comparable hotel to the PHV in SPG is the Prince de Galles. I also prefer the Vendome area, but I was underwhelmed by the stiff service and lackadaisical attitudes of staff at the PHV; we prefer the Westin, since we usually get upgraded (I actually prefer the junior suites with balconies and side views onto the Tuileries over the inner courtyard Prestige Suites with no views), anyway. The PdG area is also very nice (heck, it's right next door to the FSGV!).
The PdG has far superior service than the PHV IMO. The PdG entry rooms are smaller than those at the PHV, though--but as I always get upgraded to a suite at the PdG, I prefer the PdG suites over those in the PHV. We will be back at the PdG in Oct 2017...having chosen that over the PHV and the Westin (this time).
The Westin is a great property with very good service...as you witnessed as someone still kindly upgraded you to a view room on the top floor. But it's not as luxury as the PH overall. Apples to oranges.
May 4, 2017, 8:51 am
#682
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP; BoNVoY Tit LTP
Posts: 1,922
Nov 24, 2017, 3:08 am
#683
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,311
At the hotel now, have been coming hear every couple of years since before it was a Westin. Upgraded to a nice junior suite (interior courtyard view).
The guest relations manager mentioned I was the only one getting an upgrade, as they were booked full, and have been since Marcon was elected.
Breakfast seens to have gone gone a little downhill since 2015 (although it’s always been a bit of a scrum when full).
The guest relations manager mentioned I was the only one getting an upgrade, as they were booked full, and have been since Marcon was elected.
Breakfast seens to have gone gone a little downhill since 2015 (although it’s always been a bit of a scrum when full).
Jan 29, 2018, 1:36 pm
#684
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, National EE, AS MVP Gold 75K, AC 75K
Posts: 1,000
I'm staying here this coming weekend. This is my first SPG stay (Got platinum status from Marriott). I booked pre-paid through American Express Travel (Orbitz). Should I be expecting no benefits and the crappiest room available because I booked it through an OTA? (never used Orbitz before)
Jan 29, 2018, 6:32 pm
#685
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,337
I'm staying here this coming weekend. This is my first SPG stay (Got platinum status from Marriott). I booked pre-paid through American Express Travel (Orbitz). Should I be expecting no benefits and the crappiest room available because I booked it through an OTA? (never used Orbitz before)
Feb 20, 2018, 1:54 pm
#686
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 304
Recently stayed here over a weekend, was able to apply a SNA for a Prestige Suite, looking out into the courtyard. As a solo traveler, I'd go for a room with a view instead. Prestige suite is great if you're traveling with friends or kids, basically two separate rooms one with a bed the other with a pullout, each with their own full bathrooms and separate entrances, connected by a lockable door. Quiet hotel with decent room service. Enjoyed the location too, walkable to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, relatively close by to the metro.
Sep 17, 2018, 8:22 am
#687
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kuwait (KW)
Programs: Qatar Airways, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 2,711
This might be a bit of a surprise: this hotel is apparently signed to become a Jumeirah in 2022 following a major renovation. From an article today:
"While talk is cheap, he notes that late last year Jumeirah joined with Henderson Park to acquire the Westin Vendome in Paris, which sometime in 2022 will become a Jumeirah. Between the purchase and renovation, the partners will spend about $1 billion with interior designer Tristan Auer (Hotel de Crillon, The Cotton House, Courchevel 1850) leading the way. Silva also wants to come back to the United States."
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggol.../#3a4f12c711f4
khabah
"While talk is cheap, he notes that late last year Jumeirah joined with Henderson Park to acquire the Westin Vendome in Paris, which sometime in 2022 will become a Jumeirah. Between the purchase and renovation, the partners will spend about $1 billion with interior designer Tristan Auer (Hotel de Crillon, The Cotton House, Courchevel 1850) leading the way. Silva also wants to come back to the United States."
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggol.../#3a4f12c711f4
khabah
Sep 17, 2018, 10:01 am
#689
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
This might be a bit of a surprise: this hotel is apparently signed to become a Jumeirah in 2022 following a major renovation. From an article today:
"While talk is cheap, he notes that late last year Jumeirah joined with Henderson Park to acquire the Westin Vendome in Paris, which sometime in 2022 will become a Jumeirah. Between the purchase and renovation, the partners will spend about $1 billion with interior designer Tristan Auer (Hotel de Crillon, The Cotton House, Courchevel 1850) leading the way. Silva also wants to come back to the United States."
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggol.../#3a4f12c711f4
khabah
"While talk is cheap, he notes that late last year Jumeirah joined with Henderson Park to acquire the Westin Vendome in Paris, which sometime in 2022 will become a Jumeirah. Between the purchase and renovation, the partners will spend about $1 billion with interior designer Tristan Auer (Hotel de Crillon, The Cotton House, Courchevel 1850) leading the way. Silva also wants to come back to the United States."
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggol.../#3a4f12c711f4
khabah