Originally Posted by
avflyer
Instead of beginning a new thread, I thought it best to simply add on to the very detailed thread by the OP. My wife and I just stayed here on an award stay and the services were so good, I feel compelled to share our experience. I hope that the non-hotel oriented comments are also helpful.
As a precursor, two and three years ago, we stayed at the Park Hyatt Vendome while I was a diamond with Hyatt. Between the room upgrades and the incredible breakfast buffet there, I prepped my wife that perhaps this trip might not rise to the same level she had grown accustomed to when in Paris. I am here to report that I was wrong. Our stay was wonderful and frankly most of that had to do with the front line staff.
Like the OP, I typically reach out to the hotel staff via email prior to a trip. I find that the effort makes a difference especially when hoping for special attention like an early morning check-in or on this trip, an upgrade or dropping a hint that we were celebrating a special anniversary. It took me a while to get the emails flowing. The hotel does not list an email on their Marriott home page and calling didn’t help. Finally, emailing via the general Marriott site did get a great response.
The first night we were provided a room with a courtyard view. Upon check-in I inquired about a room upgrade but for that evening, there was nothing available. We were put down for an upgrade the following night so we didn’t unpack that first evening. The following morning, we placed our luggage in storage and upon our return that afternoon, were pleased to learn that the suitcases had already been moved into the new room for us. The Skyview rooms have a beautiful balcony overlooking the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and in the distance Montmartre. Unlike the inside balconies that are small (one chair), these can easily seat four although they include just two chairs with a table and a chaise lounge. Our unit was on the end and did not have a bathtub, something I didn’t think about when I made the request. But according to our neighbor, their room did have a bathtub. Admittedly, the view made the trip perfect as after a long day of sightseeing, we had cocktails outside most every afternoon. These rooms also come with upgraded toiletries. Note that there are only 5 Skyview rooms and they are well worth the $$. I think we simply got lucky that one was available.
As the OP noted, turn down service included nice chocolates and usually a surprise gift.
On our anniversary, we returned to our room in the late afternoon to discover a bottle of champagne on ice. There wasn’t a card included so my first thought was that my brother arranged for it. I called the reception mentioning that we were thrilled to be greeted by a bottle of champagne but wanted to know whom it was from. I was told that it was courtesy of the team. BTW, included with the bottle was a book of romantic places to kiss in Paris that I thought was a nice touch.
The breakfast was very nice and included as a Gold or better. Breakfast was served on the weekends too. In addition to the buffet items, there are some elements from the kitchen menu that are also available at no charge including omelets and eggs cooked to order. There is plenty to choose from and the staff is very good at clearing away a used dish while you are up selecting something new. Really top notch.
The concierge staff is terrific, friendly and extremely helpful. We were looking to take in a show and one of the concierges emailed me a list of options from the most inclusive and expensive to the most basic and budget oriented. Admittedly, if you are looking to get the most bang for the buck, you need to let them know that. Their first reaction will be to provide you with the very best Paris has to offer. We worked with all three concierges and each one was amazing.
A few Paris tips. First, don’t let the concept of using the Metro overwhelm you. It is easy and there are two very convenient stations within a few blocks of this hotel. You can get most anywhere with one or two trains. As the OP mentioned, the hotel didn’t bloat the mini-fridge leaving you room to add your own favorites. Around the corner from the hotel is a Monoprix which is a supermarket. Don’t let the first floor clothing store look turn you away. In the back and downstairs is a supermarket where we loaded up for our daily picnics as well as water and drinks for the hotel. And plan for late afternoon rain. It happens.
When it comes to dining, it helps to do your own homework too. For example, we like to dine nicely and why not when you are in a city like Paris. However, while some evenings are designated for splurging a little, we didn’t want to do that every night. Here I found that the Zagat was useful. One evening, I passed on the concierge’s suggestion as I found a great deal at brasserie L’Auberge Dab before making the reservation. They have a special they call the “Business Menu” but don’t expect to see it in their English menu. They do include it in their French menu. Online you can view it in English. For 39 Euro you get an aperitif, very nice starter, main course, cheese course, desert option with coffee and half bottle of wine or mineral water. You simply can’t beat that value. This restaurant seems to be part of a group as some sister restaurants have similar options. FWIW, our concierge, while familiar with the restaurant was not aware of this menu option and also thought it a great deal.
Lastly, the Zagat iPhone app also came in handy on the night we were simply out strolling and didn’t know where we wanted to eat. The app made it easy to find dining relative to where we where. One night we were strolling by ile Saint-Louis and being Monday in August, not every nearby restaurant was open. The app found us Pareho Bistro des Gastronomes. Paris has many types of dining experiences and we love finding a young, talented and creative chef that really knows what they are doing. As I said, if it weren’t for the app we would have eaten like tourists that night. The couple next to us were locals and even the hostess was surprised to hear that we found them on the internet. I think they are open less than two years.
Last note about Paris especially for anyone who hasn't been back in 10 years or so. English is not an issue, at least wherever we were. I speak some French but didn't need to stress out using it other than casually, admittedly when it sounds better and more natural - less forced. Also, without trying to be loud or "American", I do tip for service. A few Euros here and there are very much appreciated. For example, at Dab, I asked for the Business Menu which at first did not sit well with our waiter. The non-French around us were most definitely dining on a much more "extensive" menu. I quietly mentioned that I realize that it was not the menu he expected us to order but that I would take could care of him (which I did) regardless. Suffice it to say that service was top notch, generous and well paced. You don't need to go over the top with tipping but the gesture stands out in a positive way.