Many Ambassadors in our Facebook group and other elites I know have spoken very well of the HdB. It may not be as luxurious and to quite the same standard overall as that of the PdG, but it is a very nice luxury hotel option in its own right--and has pretty good elite recognition, too.

The Cat 8 status is as much about the high rates that can be expected in Paris as it is about a hotel's quality. I expect it eventually will reset to Cat 7 precisely because of the number of times I've heard people talking about the great rates it can offer throughout various parts of the year--even when the PdG still has very high rates. A substantial number of Ambassadors and friends have found pretty good rates a good 300-400 euros cheaper than the PdG.

The PdG is one of my all-time faves and I'll be back next month. But if the rates are right...

I think if the rates are that good, you should go for it--and report back!