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)
Sep 17, 2015, 5:12 am
#2731
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 248
I guess this seat wouldn't pass muster in the parts of Asia where fancy toilet seats are common. It doesn't auto-flush, you have to lift up the seat (but not the cover) yourself for the boys taking a piss, you can't flush from the remote, it doesn't play music, and the seat felt a little too warm for me.
However, no complaints from me as getting one of these outside of Asia is always a very pleasant surprise!
Sep 18, 2015, 8:59 am
#2732
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Glob
Posts: 369
Any recent experience with the hotel's car service? I used the bus last time from CDG, and it was fairly easy, but just thought I'd consider the car service (E-class, just my wife and I). Anyone use the hostess as well?
On an unrelated note, I just thought I'd share (since it's being discussed just up thread) that I booked 5 nights via C+P w/ DSU upgrade this morning for next Aug.
On an unrelated note, I just thought I'd share (since it's being discussed just up thread) that I booked 5 nights via C+P w/ DSU upgrade this morning for next Aug.
Sep 18, 2015, 10:46 am
#2733
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
Any recent experience with the hotel's car service? I used the bus last time from CDG, and it was fairly easy, but just thought I'd consider the car service (E-class, just my wife and I). Anyone use the hostess as well?
On an unrelated note, I just thought I'd share (since it's being discussed just up thread) that I booked 5 nights via C+P w/ DSU upgrade this morning for next Aug.
On an unrelated note, I just thought I'd share (since it's being discussed just up thread) that I booked 5 nights via C+P w/ DSU upgrade this morning for next Aug.
Sep 19, 2015, 11:55 pm
#2734
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Accor Platinum, Marriott
Posts: 175
laxsnaogg, what price is the hotel's car service? I have been using a car service called Blacklane in Europe and the US for a few years and have always found them to be very reliable. The cost from Orly to the Park Hyatt in July was 53 Euros (E Class) and from the hotel to CDG was 62 Euros.
Sep 20, 2015, 4:19 am
#2735
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,602
laxsnaogg, what price is the hotel's car service? I have been using a car service called Blacklane in Europe and the US for a few years and have always found them to be very reliable. The cost from Orly to the Park Hyatt in July was 53 Euros (E Class) and from the hotel to CDG was 62 Euros.
E-Class or Minivan EUR 306 (346)
S-Class EUR 387 (423)
Viano EUR 387 (423)
+ Hostess EUR 115
Disposal
E-Class 3 hours EUR 299 (317)
S-Class 3 hours EUR 339 (357)
Viano 3 hours EUR 339 (357)
(Night prices 8:00PM - 8:00AM)
Sep 20, 2015, 6:10 am
#2736
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,054
Sep 20, 2015, 7:10 am
#2737
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
Yeah, but good grief, with the RER now up to 10 euros (!), it's tempting to just go the hotel car service route. Less than a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue from room service.
I'm just glad I bought a carnet of 10 RER tickets when they were still 7,65 euros apiece.
I'm just glad I bought a carnet of 10 RER tickets when they were still 7,65 euros apiece.
Sep 20, 2015, 8:18 am
#2738
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 248
I usally take the Roissybus to the airport. It was just €11 and a very comfortable 5 minute walk from the hotel in brilliant autumn weather, and without any of the transfers that would have been necessary on the RER.
Sure it might be a bit odd for those who pay €900 a night for this hotel then scrimp on transport, but I thought the bus was a really good value option and would do it again. (I paid with points, so the oxymoronic behavior doesn't apply to me!)
Sure it might be a bit odd for those who pay €900 a night for this hotel then scrimp on transport, but I thought the bus was a really good value option and would do it again. (I paid with points, so the oxymoronic behavior doesn't apply to me!)
Sep 20, 2015, 8:33 am
#2739
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,267
Clearly there is a lot of middle ground between the RER (I don't mind the principle of using public transport, but I swear I could have walked faster than the speed it seems to travel) and the utterly insane prices charged by the PHV.
The taxis are too much of a lottery as to what car you get, but Uber and Blacklane really make compelling arguments for taking a reasonably luxurious car to/from the airport at perfectly agreeable prices.
The taxis are too much of a lottery as to what car you get, but Uber and Blacklane really make compelling arguments for taking a reasonably luxurious car to/from the airport at perfectly agreeable prices.
Sep 20, 2015, 9:24 am
#2740
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,574
I usally take the Roissybus to the airport. It was just €11 and a very comfortable 5 minute walk from the hotel in brilliant autumn weather, and without any of the transfers that would have been necessary on the RER.
Sure it might be a bit odd for those who pay €900 a night for this hotel then scrimp on transport, but I thought the bus was a really good value option and would do it again. (I paid with points, so the oxymoronic behavior doesn't apply to me!)
Sure it might be a bit odd for those who pay €900 a night for this hotel then scrimp on transport, but I thought the bus was a really good value option and would do it again. (I paid with points, so the oxymoronic behavior doesn't apply to me!)
Sep 20, 2015, 4:00 pm
#2741
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,602
Do not forget that for many suites (or Virtuoso bookings) one-way and sometimes even return airport transfers are comped by many hotels, including PHV. Do negotiate.
The best hotels have their own fleet of cars, but to be honest, I am not sure this is the case with PHV. Might be a subcontractor. Anyone knows? Would be disappointing considering the rates, since I tend to ask driver about ongoing events at the hotel and the likes on the way.
Some guests (Vip1+) go through the hotel to arrange for vehicle(s) 24hrs a day to ensure safety (of guest and entourage in some cases), where special rates apply and money is not a limiting factor to begin with.
In Paris however, Blacklane is excellent and reliable. Better off having a wonderful dinner for the money spent.
Of course there's always the old discussion if booking these services results in over the top upgrades and treatment, I'd suggest the according thread in the luxury hotel forum or various magazines for insight -or gossip. (start here or here)
Last edited by scented; Sep 20, 2015 at 4:11 pm
Sep 20, 2015, 5:08 pm
#2742
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
It is ridiculously expensive, I agree. But in line with other Parisian palace hotels. The rates are to be expected and accepted by many guests for peace of mind, latest generation vehicles and professional driver + amenities.
Do not forget that for many suites (or Virtuoso bookings) one-way and sometimes even return airport transfers are comped by many hotels, including PHV. Do negotiate.
The best hotels have their own fleet of cars, but to be honest, I am not sure this is the case with PHV. Might be a subcontractor. Anyone knows? Would be disappointing considering the rates, since I tend to ask driver about ongoing events at the hotel and the likes on the way.
Some guests (Vip1+) go through the hotel to arrange for vehicle(s) 24hrs a day to ensure safety (of guest and entourage in some cases), where special rates apply and money is not a limiting factor to begin with.
In Paris however, Blacklane is excellent and reliable. Better off having a wonderful dinner for the money spent.
Of course there's always the old discussion if booking these services results in over the top upgrades and treatment, I'd suggest the according thread in the luxury hotel forum or various magazines for insight -or gossip. (start here or here)
Do not forget that for many suites (or Virtuoso bookings) one-way and sometimes even return airport transfers are comped by many hotels, including PHV. Do negotiate.
The best hotels have their own fleet of cars, but to be honest, I am not sure this is the case with PHV. Might be a subcontractor. Anyone knows? Would be disappointing considering the rates, since I tend to ask driver about ongoing events at the hotel and the likes on the way.
Some guests (Vip1+) go through the hotel to arrange for vehicle(s) 24hrs a day to ensure safety (of guest and entourage in some cases), where special rates apply and money is not a limiting factor to begin with.
In Paris however, Blacklane is excellent and reliable. Better off having a wonderful dinner for the money spent.
Of course there's always the old discussion if booking these services results in over the top upgrades and treatment, I'd suggest the according thread in the luxury hotel forum or various magazines for insight -or gossip. (start here or here)
Sep 20, 2015, 5:21 pm
#2743
No longer used by Hyatt; use World of Hyatt Concierge
Join Date: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,628
Please send your stay detail to us via [email protected] if you are still at the hotel as we would like to help further.
Best Regards,
Thim - Guest Relations
Best Regards,
Thim - Guest Relations
Oct 15, 2015, 2:37 pm
#2744
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 139
...
The best hotels have their own fleet of cars, but to be honest, I am not sure this is the case with PHV. Might be a subcontractor. Anyone knows? Would be disappointing considering the rates, since I tend to ask driver about ongoing events at the hotel and the likes on the way...
The best hotels have their own fleet of cars, but to be honest, I am not sure this is the case with PHV. Might be a subcontractor. Anyone knows? Would be disappointing considering the rates, since I tend to ask driver about ongoing events at the hotel and the likes on the way...
But, it is an extremely expensive service even when it goes well.
I was a huge fan of this hotel, but for whatever reason this visit has not been nearly as good as when we have stayed here before. They definitely seem to be understaffed and the staff that is here seems overwhelmed. Really poor service in many ways so far and we are only 2 days in to an 8 day stay.
Oct 15, 2015, 4:23 pm
#2745
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
I am at the hotel now and it seems like they must be subcontracting. I paid almost 400 euro for the transfer from the airport because my wife has a fracture in her foot that is healing (she has to wear a special boot), and I figured that was the best way to have a smooth transition to the hotel. Unfortunately we arrived during the police protest and the streets around the hotel were closed. The driver had to leave us on a corner a few blocks away with our luggage. He had to call the hotel and explain to them what was going on. He told us the hotel was going to send someone to meet us to help us with our luggage but no one did. Not the hotels fault (or mine) that there was a protest, but there was bad communication between the hotel and driver (and us). I have to think there would have been better communication between the hotel and driver if he worked for the hotel.
But, it is an extremely expensive service even when it goes well.
I was a huge fan of this hotel, but for whatever reason this visit has not been nearly as good as when we have stayed here before. They definitely seem to be understaffed and the staff that is here seems overwhelmed. Really poor service in many ways so far and we are only 2 days in to an 8 day stay.
But, it is an extremely expensive service even when it goes well.
I was a huge fan of this hotel, but for whatever reason this visit has not been nearly as good as when we have stayed here before. They definitely seem to be understaffed and the staff that is here seems overwhelmed. Really poor service in many ways so far and we are only 2 days in to an 8 day stay.