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)
Jan 14, 2017, 3:34 pm
#3271
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
Renovations are to be completed by end of March, according to the email response from the General Manager to my survey comments.
Paris hotel prices cover a very wide range and there is no shortage of people paying those sky high prices. I asked to look at a few rooms at Marriott Champs Elysee, Renaissance Arc de Triomphe, and Renaissance le Parc Trocadero last 2 days in preparation for a week stay in April (Marriott travel package). PHV is several levels above those, which are also considered 5 stars.
Trip Advisor is very unreliable since everyone has different levels of expectation. What may be 5.0 and 5* to one person may be 3.0 and 4* to someone else. The typical Paris hotel rooms are tiny. PHV basic room is larger.
I was able to get Hyatt Madeleine this week at 203 euros, which is a great rate, and why went all cash and not bother with P&C. PHV was about 550 euros when I looked.
If you're Diamond/Globalist and use P&C plus DSU, then it'll be money well spent.
Paris hotel prices cover a very wide range and there is no shortage of people paying those sky high prices. I asked to look at a few rooms at Marriott Champs Elysee, Renaissance Arc de Triomphe, and Renaissance le Parc Trocadero last 2 days in preparation for a week stay in April (Marriott travel package). PHV is several levels above those, which are also considered 5 stars.
Trip Advisor is very unreliable since everyone has different levels of expectation. What may be 5.0 and 5* to one person may be 3.0 and 4* to someone else. The typical Paris hotel rooms are tiny. PHV basic room is larger.
I was able to get Hyatt Madeleine this week at 203 euros, which is a great rate, and why went all cash and not bother with P&C. PHV was about 550 euros when I looked.
If you're Diamond/Globalist and use P&C plus DSU, then it'll be money well spent.
Agree that Trip Advisor can be very unreliable. In my area the top "advisor" has the majority of their reports on local Denny's etc.
The Marriott on Champs is a great option there is also one in the Opera District. While I have been an ardent PHV supporter for many years and after my last stay we are looking at other parts of Paris and properties to try. But having said all that for points it's a great deal as is the Milan property and Dubai Park.
Jan 14, 2017, 5:13 pm
#3272
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 252
All I care about is location and cleanliness. I've found TA to be extremely useful for those criteria.
Jan 14, 2017, 5:43 pm
#3273
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,039
I recently stayed at Hotel d'Orsay after staying a couple of nights at the PH, and I much preferred d'Orsay. Much more relaxed, and for about $200/night in summer, it was a fantastic deal. I kind of regretted using my 30k points.
Don't get me wrong, I love the PH in Paris, but I'm not sure it's worth it when you can get a good hotel in Paris at the moment for roughly $250 or less. YMMV.
Jan 14, 2017, 6:49 pm
#3274
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 252
Yes I'll be there in December. And I figured the recent terrorist attacks had something to do with it. I'm even a little weary of visiting but I'll chance it.
I agree with you completely though. TONS and TONS of options under $250 so using the points on Vendome (even though it looks amazing) just doesn't make sense to me.
I agree with you completely though. TONS and TONS of options under $250 so using the points on Vendome (even though it looks amazing) just doesn't make sense to me.
Jan 14, 2017, 8:27 pm
#3275
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
Yes I'll be there in December. And I figured the recent terrorist attacks had something to do with it. I'm even a little weary of visiting but I'll chance it.
I agree with you completely though. TONS and TONS of options under $250 so using the points on Vendome (even though it looks amazing) just doesn't make sense to me.
I agree with you completely though. TONS and TONS of options under $250 so using the points on Vendome (even though it looks amazing) just doesn't make sense to me.
Agree on pricing now might a time to try a "local" Hotel
Jan 15, 2017, 3:10 am
#3276
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
When I checked in, front desk told me renovation will be through the summer. Then the email from GM said end of March. My survey specifically commented on half the room being closed and the front entrance closed for renovation. So that reply could be referring to front entrance renovation will be completed end of March.
Jan 15, 2017, 3:53 am
#3277
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,039
Yes I'll be there in December. And I figured the recent terrorist attacks had something to do with it. I'm even a little weary of visiting but I'll chance it.
I agree with you completely though. TONS and TONS of options under $250 so using the points on Vendome (even though it looks amazing) just doesn't make sense to me.
I agree with you completely though. TONS and TONS of options under $250 so using the points on Vendome (even though it looks amazing) just doesn't make sense to me.
)Also, you can always do a couple nights at PH and a few nights at a different hotel ... it can be fun to stay in different areas of Paris and explore a bit.
Jan 15, 2017, 8:30 am
#3278
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
I live in France ... there's no "chancing" it ... France is a safe country, no one is living in fear and Paris is as beautiful as ever (perhaps more because it's much quieter than it used to be!). Enjoy your trip! (although a year is a long time to wait )
Also, you can always do a couple nights at PH and a few nights at a different hotel ... it can be fun to stay in different areas of Paris and explore a bit.
)Also, you can always do a couple nights at PH and a few nights at a different hotel ... it can be fun to stay in different areas of Paris and explore a bit.
Jan 16, 2017, 9:44 am
#3279
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: Whatever you have, I have too.
Posts: 377
My husband and I are headed to the PHV in April. In a recent correspondence with a "Rooms Division Coordinator" at the hotel, I read this: I would like to inform you that in a constant effort to enhance the comfort of our guests and the overall hotel experience, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is undergoing a renovation program. However, please be assured we are doing our outmost to minimize the inconvenience it may cause during your stay with us. Works will only take place from Monday to Saturday, between 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm. Sounds to me, since we are checking in mid-April, that construction may not be finished by the end of March.
Jan 16, 2017, 1:29 pm
#3280
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: 100,413
My husband and I are headed to the PHV in April. In a recent correspondence with a "Rooms Division Coordinator" at the hotel, I read this: I would like to inform you that in a constant effort to enhance the comfort of our guests and the overall hotel experience, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is undergoing a renovation program. However, please be assured we are doing our outmost to minimize the inconvenience it may cause during your stay with us. Works will only take place from Monday to Saturday, between 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm. Sounds to me, since we are checking in mid-April, that construction may not be finished by the end of March.
Jan 16, 2017, 6:13 pm
#3281
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
My husband and I are headed to the PHV in April. In a recent correspondence with a "Rooms Division Coordinator" at the hotel, I read this: I would like to inform you that in a constant effort to enhance the comfort of our guests and the overall hotel experience, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is undergoing a renovation program. However, please be assured we are doing our outmost to minimize the inconvenience it may cause during your stay with us. Works will only take place from Monday to Saturday, between 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm. Sounds to me, since we are checking in mid-April, that construction may not be finished by the end of March.
Jan 20, 2017, 9:16 am
#3284
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: 100,413
Jan 20, 2017, 12:22 pm
#3285
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 390