Apr 5, 2014, 7:57 pm
Last edit by: skj
I'm making this thread a wiki since there are issues that keep getting repeated (breakfast and transportation from/to CDG). Feel free to add whatever you feel is important - stick to facts of please and not one off exceptions (eg if you get an upgrade to the Presidential Suite on an award stay without any status - that's definitely a one off that doesn't belong in the WIKI - obviously you can do a regular post on it).
Public transport to the hotel from CDG
The best option is to take the Roissy bus to Opera. From there, the hotel is about a 5 minute walk.
The next best option is to take RER B to Chatelet-Les Halles. All trains from Roissy/CDG head south into Paris so no worries there. Some go express all the way into Paris (Gare du Nord, so Chatelet-Les Halles is the second stop); others are locals, in which case there are a lot of stops; some are half-express, half-local ... but all stop at Chatelet-Les Halles; and there is no point waiting for an express because it is rare if ever that an express will overtake a local. So get on whatever comes first. At Chatelet-Les Halles, transfer to RER A for one stop to Auber (which is joined to Opera station). You will be heading westbound, toward the termini St. Germain-en-Laye/Poissy/Cergny. You have to go up the stairs and back down for the Auber-bound train. Do not race across the platform for the RER B because that will be heading eastbound, to Gare de Lyon, Nation, Vincennes (and, depending on which one you get on, eventually Eurodisney!) The walk from the Auber exit closest to the RER stop takes about 10 minutes.
Public transport to the hotel from Orly
Take the Orlyval train to its end at Antony, then switch to RER B to Chatelet-Les-Halles and continue as above. In this case you can just cross the platform from the RER B to get the RER A headed to Auber.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Cafe Jeanne is free for Globalist members but is 40-50 euros per person otherwise. A modified but still very good version of this buffet breakfast is also available in the room and is also free for Globalists. Tips are not covered but then again the theory in France is that the service charge is in the price.
Museum tickets & pass from the concierge
You can buy "skip the line" tickets to the Louvre or Orsay for 18€ each, which is higher than the regular tickets via the Louvre & Orsay websites. But being able to "skip the line" obviously adds some value. They will also sell you the two day Paris Museum Pass for 55€. That is a 7€ markup.
Phone/data recommendations:
Lebara worked really well for me. What you need to do:
• You must unlock your phone (you can do this for free online with ATT through their website if you are out of contract)
• Order free SIM card at Lebara.fr a few weeks before your trip. I don’t think it took more than 2 weeks for my SIM card to arrive
• Activate SIM card at https://www.lebara.fr/activate-sim-detail?isoCode=en_GB or search “activate SIM” at Lebara.fr
• Load your SIM card with what you need. I paid 10 euro for 3G of data, unlimited SMS and local calls for 10 days (this should be plenty for most tourists)
LeFrench Mobile did not work so well for me: I paid 20-30 euro for local and international calls for my sister but was only able to make local calls and SMS
restaurant recommendations:
Nearby:
(We're here on 1 Oct 2021 and it appears this restaurant is closed permanently ...) Le Cap Bourbon- good, inexpensive, our server was nice and attentive (by French standards), great local crowd, menu has English translation
We ate a local Thai restaurant - Yo - its about a 5 minute walk from the hotel and very busy. I had a guinea fowl green curry - a first for me. Very good food and friendly service.
Other:
L'Avant Comptoir is a wine bar with great,relatively cheap eats and a great atmosphere and friendly, English-speaking staff. Standing room only and tight.
Public transport to the hotel from CDG
The best option is to take the Roissy bus to Opera. From there, the hotel is about a 5 minute walk.
The next best option is to take RER B to Chatelet-Les Halles. All trains from Roissy/CDG head south into Paris so no worries there. Some go express all the way into Paris (Gare du Nord, so Chatelet-Les Halles is the second stop); others are locals, in which case there are a lot of stops; some are half-express, half-local ... but all stop at Chatelet-Les Halles; and there is no point waiting for an express because it is rare if ever that an express will overtake a local. So get on whatever comes first. At Chatelet-Les Halles, transfer to RER A for one stop to Auber (which is joined to Opera station). You will be heading westbound, toward the termini St. Germain-en-Laye/Poissy/Cergny. You have to go up the stairs and back down for the Auber-bound train. Do not race across the platform for the RER B because that will be heading eastbound, to Gare de Lyon, Nation, Vincennes (and, depending on which one you get on, eventually Eurodisney!) The walk from the Auber exit closest to the RER stop takes about 10 minutes.
Public transport to the hotel from Orly
Take the Orlyval train to its end at Antony, then switch to RER B to Chatelet-Les-Halles and continue as above. In this case you can just cross the platform from the RER B to get the RER A headed to Auber.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Cafe Jeanne is free for Globalist members but is 40-50 euros per person otherwise. A modified but still very good version of this buffet breakfast is also available in the room and is also free for Globalists. Tips are not covered but then again the theory in France is that the service charge is in the price.
Museum tickets & pass from the concierge
You can buy "skip the line" tickets to the Louvre or Orsay for 18€ each, which is higher than the regular tickets via the Louvre & Orsay websites. But being able to "skip the line" obviously adds some value. They will also sell you the two day Paris Museum Pass for 55€. That is a 7€ markup.
Phone/data recommendations:
Lebara worked really well for me. What you need to do:
• You must unlock your phone (you can do this for free online with ATT through their website if you are out of contract)
• Order free SIM card at Lebara.fr a few weeks before your trip. I don’t think it took more than 2 weeks for my SIM card to arrive
• Activate SIM card at https://www.lebara.fr/activate-sim-detail?isoCode=en_GB or search “activate SIM” at Lebara.fr
• Load your SIM card with what you need. I paid 10 euro for 3G of data, unlimited SMS and local calls for 10 days (this should be plenty for most tourists)
LeFrench Mobile did not work so well for me: I paid 20-30 euro for local and international calls for my sister but was only able to make local calls and SMS
restaurant recommendations:
Nearby:
(We're here on 1 Oct 2021 and it appears this restaurant is closed permanently ...) Le Cap Bourbon- good, inexpensive, our server was nice and attentive (by French standards), great local crowd, menu has English translation
We ate a local Thai restaurant - Yo - its about a 5 minute walk from the hotel and very busy. I had a guinea fowl green curry - a first for me. Very good food and friendly service.
Other:
L'Avant Comptoir is a wine bar with great,relatively cheap eats and a great atmosphere and friendly, English-speaking staff. Standing room only and tight.
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme REVIEW - MASTER THREAD (Aug 2011 onward)
Aug 3, 2019, 2:51 pm
#3826
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
No suites for me then! Lol. Thanks. Will start entry level on my first stay there. Only two nights anyways.
Aug 3, 2019, 7:42 pm
#3827
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
Neither are ... TSUs may be used for a "standard suite". At this property, the standard suites are Park Suite King or Twin. The other suites are "premium suites". This page may help https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/fr...me/parph/rooms
The problem here is that unlike many of the other posters in this thread, my very positive experiences at this place have exceeded whatever is less than perfect. Which is to say that at the entry level rooms -- especially as a Globalist -- I think you'll still enjoy the place.
Aug 4, 2019, 6:29 am
#3828
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
What skj says is absolutely true. This said, all the rooms are a bit different, and you never really know what you'll get. For your first stay, for only two nights, possibly not at a super-busy time, you may get something pretty cool using a TSU. IMHO, even the Park Suite Kings can be pretty cool, so I use TSUs at PHV whenever I can.
The problem here is that unlike many of the other posters in this thread, my very positive experiences at this place have exceeded whatever is less than perfect. Which is to say that at the entry level rooms -- especially as a Globalist -- I think you'll still enjoy the place.
The problem here is that unlike many of the other posters in this thread, my very positive experiences at this place have exceeded whatever is less than perfect. Which is to say that at the entry level rooms -- especially as a Globalist -- I think you'll still enjoy the place.
Aug 4, 2019, 12:50 pm
#3829
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
The normal TSU at this property is a junior suite, really just a larger and nicer room with a sitting area. I wouldn't waste a TSU here for one night unless it's otherwise going to expire unused.
The hotel seems to pay lots of attention to Glob status and even more to returning guests.
The hotel seems to pay lots of attention to Glob status and even more to returning guests.
Aug 11, 2019, 12:51 am
#3830
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,522
The Perfect Residence in Paris
Park Hyatt Paris - Vendome
5 Rue De La Paix Paris, France FR
RecommendedLiked: LocationServiceFoodAmenitiesRoom
The Perfect Residence in Paris (18 Photos)
Park Hyatt Paris - Vendome
Finally made it to the flagship PH Paris which has been on my list for years.
We booked the hotel S Class with Meet & Assist which was 360 Euros but were met on the aerobridge, whisked through immigration to the car immediately outside the terminal. They texted as soon as we arrived with all the relevant details and contact numbers. The arrival was as smooth as silk and seeing the lines at immigration we were glad we booked it.
The hotel is stunning, an oasis of calm and beautifully designed.
Check In
Check in was swift and was told we had been upgraded one category. Escorted to the room.
Room
The room was on the top floor which was clearly an attic room with an interior room. The room had low, angled ceilings, courtyard view and only half windows making the room feel even smaller than expected. There was also a crack in the mirror.
I told the check in agent I wasn't happy with the room and she mader a few calls and eventually said there was nothing she could do. The hotel did appear sold out on the app so I didn't push the point.
They performed great service recovery as 0vernight a note was slipped under the door saying they had arranged a room move.
The second room was on the 3rd floor, bigger, more natural light and even a balcony overlooking the street where Tiffany, IWC and other luxury stores reside. The view was also of the Vendome Column and Square Guest Relations Manager said it was the best non suite in the hotel. The difference in rooms could not have been more stark.
Service
I was very happy with the new room and the hotel sent up some Champagne as an apology.
I loathe electronic mini bars as you can't store your own F&B. Instead I used the app to call for buckets of ice once or twice a day before returning to the hotel so we could have cold drinks.
Dining
As expected the food at the hotel was exceptional. Without doubt the best Eggs Benedict I have ever had and every morning the staff remembered our coffee, juice and water preferences.
As expected, the price for F&B was astronomical - 13 Euros for a soft drink from the mini bar. Club sandwich 49 Euros.
The price for food was as expected. We noticed most guests, including wealth Gulf Arabs returning to the hotel with grocery bags full of food from Pret, the Carrefour or even Subway. At one point I saw a woman with pizza boxes from outside.
Location
The location was spectacular as we could walk 5 mins to the Louvre, Palais Garnier, Galleries Lafayette etc and come back to the hotel to rest in beetween.
This was probably the worst time to visit Paris because it’s hot and there are tourists everywhere. Lines for Versailles, Louvre are over a thousand deep and unless you’ve prebooked you will be turned away. We saw tourists with Museum pass booklets unable to enter most of the sights because of capacity. Thankfully, we booked our tickets ourselves and organised priority access where we could. I could have used the Concierge but decided not to for tickets.
We wanted to lunch at Angelina after the Louvre and despite being booked for days the Concierge secured a reservation within 2 minutes of me asking.
Overall
Overall we had a great stay with a small hiccup at the beginning. If I was paying cash I would do the FS where the rooms start at 50sqm. This is the first time we’ve ever not had a couch in the room and it’s quite uncomfortable having to sit in an armchair or sit with legs extended on the bed.
There are clearly many room confirgurations at the hotel, even within categories so I would always ask for an exterior view and lower floor.
The hotel is beautiful, quiet the location could not have been better. I couldn't imagine doing Paris and having to spend a whole day out because the hotel was in a different location.
Aug 11, 2019, 9:00 am
#3831
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,990
Introduction Finally made it to the flagship PH Paris which has been on my list for years.We booked the hotel S Class with Meet & Assist which was 360 Euros but were met on the aerobridge, whisked through immigration to the car immediately outside the terminal. They texted as soon as we arrived with all the relevant details and contact numbers. The arrival was as smooth as silk and seeing the lines at immigration we were glad we booked it.The hotel is stunning, an oasis of calm and beautifully designed. Check In Check in was swift and was told we had been upgraded one category. Escorted to the room. Room The room was on the top floor which was clearly an attic room with an interior room. The room had low, angled ceilings, courtyard view and only half windows making the room feel even smaller than expected. There was also a crack in the mirror.I told the check in agent I wasn't happy with the room and she mader a few calls and eventually said there was nothing she could do. The hotel did appear sold out on the app so I didn't push the point.They performed great service recovery as 0vernight a note was slipped under the door saying they had arranged a room move.The second room was on the 3rd floor, bigger, more natural light and even a balcony overlooking the street where Tiffany, IWC and other luxury stores reside. The view was also of the Vendome Column and Square Guest Relations Manager said it was the best non suite in the hotel. The difference in rooms could not have been more stark. Service I was very happy with the new room and the hotel sent up some Champagne as an apology.I loathe electronic mini bars as you can't store your own F&B. Instead I used the app to call for buckets of ice once or twice a day before returning to the hotel so we could have cold drinks. Dining As expected the food at the hotel was exceptional. Without doubt the best Eggs Benedict I have ever had and every morning the staff remembered our coffee, juice and water preferences. As expected, the price for F&B was astronomical - 13 Euros for a soft drink from the mini bar. Club sandwich 49 Euros.The price for food was as expected. We noticed most guests, including wealth Gulf Arabs returning to the hotel with grocery bags full of food from Pret, the Carrefour or even Subway. At one point I saw a woman with pizza boxes from outside. Location The location was spectacular as we could walk 5 mins to the Louvre, Palais Garnier, Galleries Lafayette etc and come back to the hotel to rest in beetween.This was probably the worst time to visit Paris because it €™s hot and there are tourists everywhere. Lines for Versailles, Louvre are over a thousand deep and unless you €™ve prebooked you will be turned away. We saw tourists with Museum pass booklets unable to enter most of the sights because of capacity. Thankfully, we booked our tickets ourselves and organised priority access where we could. I could have used the Concierge but decided not to for tickets.We wanted to lunch at Angelina after the Louvre and despite being booked for days the Concierge secured a reservation within 2 minutes of me asking. Overall Overall we had a great stay with a small hiccup at the beginning. If I was paying cash I would do the FS where the rooms start at 50sqm. This is the first time we €™ve ever not had a couch in the room and it €™s quite uncomfortable having to sit in an armchair or sit with legs extended on the bed.There are clearly many room confirgurations at the hotel, even within categories so I would always ask for an exterior view and lower floor.The hotel is beautiful, quiet the location could not have been better. I couldn't imagine doing Paris and having to spend a whole day out because the hotel was in a different location.
Aug 11, 2019, 11:49 pm
#3832
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Spg Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,578
Introduction Finally made it to the flagship PH Paris which has been on my list for years.We booked the hotel S Class with Meet & Assist which was 360 Euros but were met on the aerobridge, whisked through immigration to the car immediately outside the terminal. They texted as soon as we arrived with all the relevant details and contact numbers. The arrival was as smooth as silk and seeing the lines at immigration we were glad we booked it.The hotel is stunning, an oasis of calm and beautifully designed. Check In Check in was swift and was told we had been upgraded one category. Escorted to the room. Room The room was on the top floor which was clearly an attic room with an interior room. The room had low, angled ceilings, courtyard view and only half windows making the room feel even smaller than expected. There was also a crack in the mirror.I told the check in agent I wasn't happy with the room and she mader a few calls and eventually said there was nothing she could do. The hotel did appear sold out on the app so I didn't push the point.They performed great service recovery as 0vernight a note was slipped under the door saying they had arranged a room move.The second room was on the 3rd floor, bigger, more natural light and even a balcony overlooking the street where Tiffany, IWC and other luxury stores reside. The view was also of the Vendome Column and Square Guest Relations Manager said it was the best non suite in the hotel. The difference in rooms could not have been more stark. Service I was very happy with the new room and the hotel sent up some Champagne as an apology.I loathe electronic mini bars as you can't store your own F&B. Instead I used the app to call for buckets of ice once or twice a day before returning to the hotel so we could have cold drinks. Dining As expected the food at the hotel was exceptional. Without doubt the best Eggs Benedict I have ever had and every morning the staff remembered our coffee, juice and water preferences. As expected, the price for F&B was astronomical - 13 Euros for a soft drink from the mini bar. Club sandwich 49 Euros.The price for food was as expected. We noticed most guests, including wealth Gulf Arabs returning to the hotel with grocery bags full of food from Pret, the Carrefour or even Subway. At one point I saw a woman with pizza boxes from outside. Location The location was spectacular as we could walk 5 mins to the Louvre, Palais Garnier, Galleries Lafayette etc and come back to the hotel to rest in beetween.This was probably the worst time to visit Paris because it €™s hot and there are tourists everywhere. Lines for Versailles, Louvre are over a thousand deep and unless you €™ve prebooked you will be turned away. We saw tourists with Museum pass booklets unable to enter most of the sights because of capacity. Thankfully, we booked our tickets ourselves and organised priority access where we could. I could have used the Concierge but decided not to for tickets.We wanted to lunch at Angelina after the Louvre and despite being booked for days the Concierge secured a reservation within 2 minutes of me asking. Overall Overall we had a great stay with a small hiccup at the beginning. If I was paying cash I would do the FS where the rooms start at 50sqm. This is the first time we €™ve ever not had a couch in the room and it €™s quite uncomfortable having to sit in an armchair or sit with legs extended on the bed.There are clearly many room confirgurations at the hotel, even within categories so I would always ask for an exterior view and lower floor.The hotel is beautiful, quiet the location could not have been better. I couldn't imagine doing Paris and having to spend a whole day out because the hotel was in a different location.
Hey what are you doing in my Room ? LOL,
Looks to me like Room 335 where we have stayed 4 out of 5 times we were there. Made me jealous and felt the need to get back to Paris, as it has been 2 years.
Was upgraded to an Exec Suite one other time, but will settle for this Room as I no longer have Diamond Status.
In my experience the Hotel respects loyalty , and we will find out later, when I finalize our plans.
Glad you enjoyed it, as we always have!
A tout D’leure !
Aug 12, 2019, 3:23 am
#3833
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,522
As always, room allocation can make or a break a stay. Perhaps I should have emailed stating "Please allocate a room on the Piano Nobile..."
Aug 13, 2019, 2:49 pm
#3835
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 404
We checked in three nights ago and it’s been as good as I’ve always remembered it.
We booked two rooms on points and used TSUs + booked an additional exec suite room. All three rooms were pushed up to prestige suites; tons of living space, courtyard view, two showers and toilets and one bath. All rooms got a welcome gift of wine, macaroons, nuts and welcome card.
Service has been very smooth so far and no issues. For one suite, they didn’t hand us the room until 530p due to a globalist check out and were comped drinks at La Cheminee which was okay for us.
We used the concierge to help us with pick up at Gare du Nord which went smoothly and they helped us book Bistrot Paul Bert as well. The concierge is good, they’ll do what you ask them to do but not great like the Connaught.
Finally, one elevator is down so there’s only one guest elevator + the service elevator. Minor inconvenience but waits have never been unreasonable. There is zero construction noise from any of our rooms.
This is our fourth time here in the past 24 months and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this hotel for Globalists. If this was a full cash booking then my own curiosity would probably push me towards the Ritz, Crillon, 4S or MO but this is still a very solid hotel, particularly within the Hyatt network
We booked two rooms on points and used TSUs + booked an additional exec suite room. All three rooms were pushed up to prestige suites; tons of living space, courtyard view, two showers and toilets and one bath. All rooms got a welcome gift of wine, macaroons, nuts and welcome card.
Service has been very smooth so far and no issues. For one suite, they didn’t hand us the room until 530p due to a globalist check out and were comped drinks at La Cheminee which was okay for us.
We used the concierge to help us with pick up at Gare du Nord which went smoothly and they helped us book Bistrot Paul Bert as well. The concierge is good, they’ll do what you ask them to do but not great like the Connaught.
Finally, one elevator is down so there’s only one guest elevator + the service elevator. Minor inconvenience but waits have never been unreasonable. There is zero construction noise from any of our rooms.
This is our fourth time here in the past 24 months and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this hotel for Globalists. If this was a full cash booking then my own curiosity would probably push me towards the Ritz, Crillon, 4S or MO but this is still a very solid hotel, particularly within the Hyatt network
Aug 13, 2019, 2:56 pm
#3836
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Great review @m0hamed, thanks!
My biggest issue with the hotel is how bland and unremarkable the room and suite decor is, not to mention that of the public spaces, especially in the context of being in spectacular Paris. You could be anywhere...but it's Paris. Sigh.
My biggest issue with the hotel is how bland and unremarkable the room and suite decor is, not to mention that of the public spaces, especially in the context of being in spectacular Paris. You could be anywhere...but it's Paris. Sigh.
Aug 13, 2019, 4:26 pm
#3838
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 404
Aug 13, 2019, 4:47 pm
#3839
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,522
Great review @m0hamed, thanks!
My biggest issue with the hotel is how bland and unremarkable the room and suite decor is, not to mention that of the public spaces, especially in the context of being in spectacular Paris. You could be anywhere...but it's Paris. Sigh.
My biggest issue with the hotel is how bland and unremarkable the room and suite decor is, not to mention that of the public spaces, especially in the context of being in spectacular Paris. You could be anywhere...but it's Paris. Sigh.
Aug 13, 2019, 4:53 pm
#3840
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,518
Great review @m0hamed, thanks!
My biggest issue with the hotel is how bland and unremarkable the room and suite decor is, not to mention that of the public spaces, especially in the context of being in spectacular Paris. You could be anywhere...but it's Paris. Sigh.
My biggest issue with the hotel is how bland and unremarkable the room and suite decor is, not to mention that of the public spaces, especially in the context of being in spectacular Paris. You could be anywhere...but it's Paris. Sigh.
Then, I would insist on going down to the bar for a glass of Champagne and some of those heavenly gambas.
