The Westin Paris - Okay, I was very worried about our stay at this hotel, based on the many negative reviews on this site, and the mixed reviews on trip advisor. I excitedly booked our reservation at this hotel last year when it became a Westin, because of the brand, the hotel's location, and the club lounge, which the PdG does not have. However, all of the negative reviews about the state of the rooms, hotel, issues with point bookings, lack of SPG Platinum access had me worried. But some of the positive reviews and my faith in Starwood told me to try it for myself. Boy am I glad I did.

We were absolutely thrilled with our stay at the Westin Paris and the service we received. The hotel is in the BEST location in Paris and is beautiful itself - it was one of the nicest SPG hotels we have stayed in throughout the World (considering the hotel's age and location) and had EXCEPTIONAL service. Upon arrival, I was prepared to battle for a room upgrade, and for club level access as a Platinum member. I attempted to check-in at the SPG check-in counter. Once the agent noticed in the computer I was Platinum she escorted me and my wife to the executive check-in desk for Executive level and Platinum guests - a seperate check-in desk with chairs. (I was also somewhat concerned about snooty treatment as the hotel was located in the most fashionable part of Paris, and during Paris Fashion Week I was dressed in cargo pants and a t-shirt and running shoes due to travel day - this was not an issue - I was treated with great respect and attention). We were checked-in and explained how we could access the club lounge as we were Platinum guests (I did not have to ask for this access). Then, the check-in agent escorted us up to the lounge so we could know how to find it, access it, times for breakfast, snacks, etc. She then escorted us up to our room, for which they had given us a beautiful 1 bedroom, 3 room suite on the top floor of the hotel - and remember - I was only paying base points - and was upgraded due to my status! We were thrilled! Especially as the hotel was sold-out (and had been for months) during our stay due to Paris Fashion Week and the Auto Show. We had an interior courtyard view, and the agent apologized she could not offer an eiffel tour view as I had requested before we arrived, because they were at capacity - this was not an issue - the room was beautiful, the heavenly bed was heavenly, new TVs were great, etc. In fact, the interior room was likely a blessing as it reduced street noise that could have been high on the other side. We did not experience any noise from other rooms and the hall-ways as others have experienced. Our room was clean and well maintained. Yes, some of the furniture is a bit dated and if you try to find it, you'll find the wall-paper peeling in a few places and a few paint chips here and there- but really, these are small things, and actually added charm in my opinion as this is an old hotel, etc. I would not let those hold me back from this great hotel and service they provide.

The Club Lounge is absolutely the BEST club lounge I have ever accessed as a SPG Platinum member. Not only did they offer the standard continental breakfast we find at lounges the world over, they also offered a full, hot american style breakfast each morning (bacon, eggs, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, crepes, waffles, toast, etc). I have never seen this before in a Club Lounge and this is big plus to the Westin Paris - way to go - best lounge breakfast in the World (that I've seen anyway)! This lounge is a big selling point over the PdG in my mind. Each morning we had to sign a voucher indicating we had eaten there (it noted it was $29 Euro per person - I was worried we would see this on our room bill, but we never did! - so what a great value to get this for free as a Platinum member) While its size was small, we were always able to get a table - and remember, the hotel was booked to capacity. The free internet and afternoon drinks and snacks were also great.

The hotel's concierge was wonderful, and they also offer very nice, large umbrellas you can borrow if it is raining outside. The service we received from all staff was wonderful and respectful.

I couldn't believe we were staying in such a great suite, on points, in this location, in a fully booked hotel, with access to the lounge.

Also note the NBA (the US players and administration touring Europe this past while) and the Adventures by Disney group (US Walt Disney company escorted tours) also happenned to be using this hotel as the home base for their guests. Also, as fashion week was going on, several designers had rented out the salons in the hotel to showcase their designs, and models were throught the hotel, wearing their beautiful dresses, etc.

If you have a stay booked at the Westin Paris or are thinking about it, I would recommend it highly based on our experience.