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 12, 2016, 7:50 am
#3136
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Room Refresh
I have just heard back and indeed the PHV will be what we call here in the US a "Refresh" meaning new carpets and furniture ! Since we are going over the Thanksgiving week will be interesting to see how it looks!
Sep 12, 2016, 10:14 am
#3137
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,028
Sep 12, 2016, 10:36 am
#3138
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Osaka
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The extra charge for a 3rd guest in the room at PHV is around 100 euro, so by sneaking in a 3rd guest, in addition to breaking the local fire regulations, you are defrauding the hotel out of 100 euro.
Sep 12, 2016, 12:23 pm
#3139
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Sep 12, 2016, 4:19 pm
#3140
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,028
Max occupancy rules to comply with fire regulations are pretty much global. And many hotels around the world charge extra for a 3rd guest in the room.
The extra charge for a 3rd guest in the room at PHV is around 100 euro, so by sneaking in a 3rd guest, in addition to breaking the local fire regulations, you are defrauding the hotel out of 100 euro.
The extra charge for a 3rd guest in the room at PHV is around 100 euro, so by sneaking in a 3rd guest, in addition to breaking the local fire regulations, you are defrauding the hotel out of 100 euro.
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...-butler-story/
Sep 12, 2016, 5:13 pm
#3141
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Sep 12, 2016, 5:54 pm
#3142
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Midwest
Programs: Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 757
Will have to disagree if 2 of the 4 are kids <13. The following has been the consensus with multiple stays at >50 Hyatt properties worldwide:
US: 4 in a room has almost always been OK with management if 2 are kids. Even when the listed max is 2 or 3 (PH Chicago, PH DC), verification has always allow 2 adults/2kids. Have not done it, but I imagine many have been successful with 4 adults in a US hotel room, because most US hotels don't closely monitor.
Asia (confirmed with Andaz, HR, GH, PH in Tokyo; Andaz, PH in Shanghai; GH in Beijing): OK if 2 of the 4 are kids <13
Europe: This is where it is strict and they stick to the rules. There is, however, a little leeway if you are in at least an entry level suite. I find that communication with management is a must in Europe.
I ,however, contact management to confirm the above when I stay at any new international Hyatt.
Overall, likely to have success sneaking in US. Would not try it in Europe or Asia.
US: 4 in a room has almost always been OK with management if 2 are kids. Even when the listed max is 2 or 3 (PH Chicago, PH DC), verification has always allow 2 adults/2kids. Have not done it, but I imagine many have been successful with 4 adults in a US hotel room, because most US hotels don't closely monitor.
Asia (confirmed with Andaz, HR, GH, PH in Tokyo; Andaz, PH in Shanghai; GH in Beijing): OK if 2 of the 4 are kids <13
Europe: This is where it is strict and they stick to the rules. There is, however, a little leeway if you are in at least an entry level suite. I find that communication with management is a must in Europe.
I ,however, contact management to confirm the above when I stay at any new international Hyatt.
Overall, likely to have success sneaking in US. Would not try it in Europe or Asia.
Sep 12, 2016, 6:35 pm
#3143
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
Will have to disagree if 2 of the 4 are kids <13. The following has been the consensus with multiple stays at >50 Hyatt properties worldwide:
US: 4 in a room has almost always been OK with management if 2 are kids. Even when the listed max is 2 or 3 (PH Chicago, PH DC), verification has always allow 2 adults/2kids. Have not done it, but I imagine many have been successful with 4 adults in a US hotel room, because most US hotels don't closely monitor.
Asia (confirmed with Andaz, HR, GH, PH in Tokyo; Andaz, PH in Shanghai; GH in Beijing): OK if 2 of the 4 are kids <13
Europe: This is where it is strict and they stick to the rules. There is, however, a little leeway if you are in at least an entry level suite. I find that communication with management is a must in Europe.
I ,however, contact management to confirm the above when I stay at any new international Hyatt.
Overall, likely to have success sneaking in US. Would not try it in Europe or Asia.
US: 4 in a room has almost always been OK with management if 2 are kids. Even when the listed max is 2 or 3 (PH Chicago, PH DC), verification has always allow 2 adults/2kids. Have not done it, but I imagine many have been successful with 4 adults in a US hotel room, because most US hotels don't closely monitor.
Asia (confirmed with Andaz, HR, GH, PH in Tokyo; Andaz, PH in Shanghai; GH in Beijing): OK if 2 of the 4 are kids <13
Europe: This is where it is strict and they stick to the rules. There is, however, a little leeway if you are in at least an entry level suite. I find that communication with management is a must in Europe.
I ,however, contact management to confirm the above when I stay at any new international Hyatt.
Overall, likely to have success sneaking in US. Would not try it in Europe or Asia.
Anyway sneak away it's true indication of who you really are
Sep 12, 2016, 7:09 pm
#3144
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Minnesota
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,101
If I could offer suggestion to all of you that insist on making these types of posts. It's just not smart, first you never know who is reading these nor what someone that wants to get to your real name etc. while you might be proud of posting how you sneaked someone in without paying if you do get caught, one never knows.
Anyway sneak away it's true indication of who you really are
Anyway sneak away it's true indication of who you really are
But, it is what is, so choose wisely and examine your values in the process. If your child is 15 but looks like a 13 year old, you make the call. Common sense makes sense but I understand when you own a property and have a responsibility you make rules to drive consistency towards a standard process.
Sep 12, 2016, 8:18 pm
#3145
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Midwest
Programs: Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 757
If I could offer suggestion to all of you that insist on making these types of posts. It's just not smart, first you never know who is reading these nor what someone that wants to get to your real name etc. while you might be proud of posting how you sneaked someone in without paying if you do get caught, one never knows.
Anyway sneak away it's true indication of who you really are
Anyway sneak away it's true indication of who you really are
I don't think it is as cut as dry as everyone is making it out to be.
Sep 13, 2016, 5:32 am
#3146
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
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I don't mean to dismiss the concerns expressed here by others, regarding, inter alia, the legality or ethics of what the OP proposed, tactics, children vs. adults, and so on. Nor do I mean to fear-monger or discourage travel to Paris in general or the PHV in particular (having done both within this month). But let me be explicit about the "reality check" I was suggesting, above:
Paris is at the epicenter of a diffuse set of attacks targeting all aspects of civil society. I'm not sure of the exact English translation (legally, not linguistically) of the post-November 2015 situation, but basically, in the interests of security, there has been a suspension of certain civil liberties. This translates into easier surveillance by security forces and fewer rights for persons suspected of illegal activities. There are more uniformed security personnel everywhere. There are -- if you look around -- also more security personnel not in uniform (both private and public -- when you walk down rue Danielle Casanova, opposite the PHV, check out the monitoring of the many delivery vans and other passing vehicles). In addition, citizens are more aware of their responsibilities in the realm of security -- witness the incident the weekend before last, featuring the abandoned car on the Left Bank in the 5th arrondissement.
In these circumstances, why are we discussing "sneaking in" through the back of a well-known hotel? It may or may not be possible for the OP and his or her companion. If it is possible, it may be because PHV is aware but does not care what consenting, non-threatening adults are doing in their hotel rooms (including sleeping). If it is because such entries are not being observed, then we have bigger problems than OP's ethics and/or rent-seeking behaviors by European hotels.
Paris is at the epicenter of a diffuse set of attacks targeting all aspects of civil society. I'm not sure of the exact English translation (legally, not linguistically) of the post-November 2015 situation, but basically, in the interests of security, there has been a suspension of certain civil liberties. This translates into easier surveillance by security forces and fewer rights for persons suspected of illegal activities. There are more uniformed security personnel everywhere. There are -- if you look around -- also more security personnel not in uniform (both private and public -- when you walk down rue Danielle Casanova, opposite the PHV, check out the monitoring of the many delivery vans and other passing vehicles). In addition, citizens are more aware of their responsibilities in the realm of security -- witness the incident the weekend before last, featuring the abandoned car on the Left Bank in the 5th arrondissement.
In these circumstances, why are we discussing "sneaking in" through the back of a well-known hotel? It may or may not be possible for the OP and his or her companion. If it is possible, it may be because PHV is aware but does not care what consenting, non-threatening adults are doing in their hotel rooms (including sleeping). If it is because such entries are not being observed, then we have bigger problems than OP's ethics and/or rent-seeking behaviors by European hotels.
Sep 13, 2016, 7:30 am
#3147
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
I don't mean to dismiss the concerns expressed here by others, regarding, inter alia, the legality or ethics of what the OP proposed, tactics, children vs. adults, and so on. Nor do I mean to fear-monger or discourage travel to Paris in general or the PHV in particular (having done both within this month). But let me be explicit about the "reality check" I was suggesting, above:
Paris is at the epicenter of a diffuse set of attacks targeting all aspects of civil society. I'm not sure of the exact English translation (legally, not linguistically) of the post-November 2015 situation, but basically, in the interests of security, there has been a suspension of certain civil liberties. This translates into easier surveillance by security forces and fewer rights for persons suspected of illegal activities. There are more uniformed security personnel everywhere. There are -- if you look around -- also more security personnel not in uniform (both private and public -- when you walk down rue Danielle Casanova, opposite the PHV, check out the monitoring of the many delivery vans and other passing vehicles). In addition, citizens are more aware of their responsibilities in the realm of security -- witness the incident the weekend before last, featuring the abandoned car on the Left Bank in the 5th arrondissement.
In these circumstances, why are we discussing "sneaking in" through the back of a well-known hotel? It may or may not be possible for the OP and his or her companion. If it is possible, it may be because PHV is aware but does not care what consenting, non-threatening adults are doing in their hotel rooms (including sleeping). If it is because such entries are not being observed, then we have bigger problems than OP's ethics and/or rent-seeking behaviors by European hotels.
Paris is at the epicenter of a diffuse set of attacks targeting all aspects of civil society. I'm not sure of the exact English translation (legally, not linguistically) of the post-November 2015 situation, but basically, in the interests of security, there has been a suspension of certain civil liberties. This translates into easier surveillance by security forces and fewer rights for persons suspected of illegal activities. There are more uniformed security personnel everywhere. There are -- if you look around -- also more security personnel not in uniform (both private and public -- when you walk down rue Danielle Casanova, opposite the PHV, check out the monitoring of the many delivery vans and other passing vehicles). In addition, citizens are more aware of their responsibilities in the realm of security -- witness the incident the weekend before last, featuring the abandoned car on the Left Bank in the 5th arrondissement.
In these circumstances, why are we discussing "sneaking in" through the back of a well-known hotel? It may or may not be possible for the OP and his or her companion. If it is possible, it may be because PHV is aware but does not care what consenting, non-threatening adults are doing in their hotel rooms (including sleeping). If it is because such entries are not being observed, then we have bigger problems than OP's ethics and/or rent-seeking behaviors by European hotels.
I think the French are doing a good job with what they have to deal with and I am fine with going over this fall.
Sep 13, 2016, 7:37 am
#3148
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In fact, given the heightened security, does someone want to stay in Paris after entering as a tourist without having an official hotel stay? I don't know the current French system, but in some countries the hotel does something to register your passport. IIRC in the old days, the front desk of Paris hotels kept the passport for a least a few hours for this step, which could now easily be done instantly electronically without the traveler being aware of it.
Sep 13, 2016, 10:06 am
#3149
Join Date: Jan 2011
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In fact, given the heightened security, does someone want to stay in Paris after entering as a tourist without having an official hotel stay? I don't know the current French system, but in some countries the hotel does something to register your passport. IIRC in the old days, the front desk of Paris hotels kept the passport for a least a few hours for this step, which could now easily be done instantly electronically without the traveler being aware of it.
Sep 13, 2016, 10:49 am
#3150
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Just a few thoughts -
I've noticed that in my last few visits to the hotel -either to stay or just have tea or a drink that sometimes the back way - car entrance (rue volney) has the doors partially down and security folks milling about. While it is not like the fancy front entrance where the security folks are checking bags (not since Dec. I've noticed), it is still an entrance with folks monitoring it - how do you expect to get through by the front desk to the elevators without someone noticing you?
Please keep in mind, this is also the entrance that the staff (front desk mostly) uses for cigarette breaks, so it is not as quiet as you may think.
and recently, when some big pop singer was staying at the hotel - her detail was being a right pain the ... when we were trying to exit from the back and I was not amused.
lala
I've noticed that in my last few visits to the hotel -either to stay or just have tea or a drink that sometimes the back way - car entrance (rue volney) has the doors partially down and security folks milling about. While it is not like the fancy front entrance where the security folks are checking bags (not since Dec. I've noticed), it is still an entrance with folks monitoring it - how do you expect to get through by the front desk to the elevators without someone noticing you?
Please keep in mind, this is also the entrance that the staff (front desk mostly) uses for cigarette breaks, so it is not as quiet as you may think.
and recently, when some big pop singer was staying at the hotel - her detail was being a right pain the ... when we were trying to exit from the back and I was not amused.
lala