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)
Apr 19, 2017, 6:02 am
#3406
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
I just completed a 4 nights stay, 3 nights on points and 4th night on the new Globalist free night. I was able to use TSU for the 3 nights on points, and paid 360 euro supplement for the 4th night. The hotel occupancy was very high because of Easter Week, and Park Suite King was not showing availability for all 4 nights, so I was very happy that the hotel accommodated my suite upgrade.
Room was not ready at 11 AM when we arrived at the hotel. We waited at Le Cheminee with complementary beverage - cappuccino and tea (no cakes or champagne). Room was ready in 45 minutes and we were escorted to our room, immediately followed by delivery of our luggage.
Staff was very friendly and very professional throughout our stay. I singled out one lady working Les Orchidees during breakfast to the GM on my survey. She addressed me by name from our first day at breakfast through the 4th day, always had a warm smile and spoke excellent English without heavy French accent that's common.
We did encounter multiple power outages during our stay, including 3 times in one day. The outages lasted 5-10 minutes each, usually not an issue during the day when it's light outside. But when the power went off at night and when I was in the toilet was more annoying. That's the problem with ongoing renovations.
I am happy that WoH now allows use of TSU on award stay, the only real benefit I have experienced.
Room was not ready at 11 AM when we arrived at the hotel. We waited at Le Cheminee with complementary beverage - cappuccino and tea (no cakes or champagne). Room was ready in 45 minutes and we were escorted to our room, immediately followed by delivery of our luggage.
Staff was very friendly and very professional throughout our stay. I singled out one lady working Les Orchidees during breakfast to the GM on my survey. She addressed me by name from our first day at breakfast through the 4th day, always had a warm smile and spoke excellent English without heavy French accent that's common.
We did encounter multiple power outages during our stay, including 3 times in one day. The outages lasted 5-10 minutes each, usually not an issue during the day when it's light outside. But when the power went off at night and when I was in the toilet was more annoying. That's the problem with ongoing renovations.
I am happy that WoH now allows use of TSU on award stay, the only real benefit I have experienced.
Last edited by CIT85; Apr 19, 2017 at 6:14 am
Apr 19, 2017, 6:22 am
#3407
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
Staff was very friendly and very professional throughout our stay. I singled out one lady working Les Orchidees during breakfast to the GM on my survey. She addressed me by name from our first day at breakfast through the 4th day, always had a warm smile and spoke excellent English without heavy French accent that's common.
FWIW, been at PHV 5x in last year for 20+ days, 3x during renovations. Did get hit by one amusing power blink, but all in all I would say that it's still the same hotel. We continue to enjoy it. Not disputing others' experiences; just wanted to give the perspective of an occasional but persistent user.
Apr 19, 2017, 9:16 pm
#3408
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Delta Diamond, United IK, AA LifPLT, Hyatt Globalist, IHG PLT AMB, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton G
Posts: 1,169
so there is a differential between bags on points versus paid ? Hmm a new level of service.
I have been as much of a supporter of the PHV as anyone here, having said that I witnessed first hand not one but three missteps in one stay last November. And they knew who I am. Claudio remembered me from Milan and the Martinez.
my next trip will try another hotel and not just because of the issues I had but it's time to try another hotel in a different part of town.
I have been as much of a supporter of the PHV as anyone here, having said that I witnessed first hand not one but three missteps in one stay last November. And they knew who I am. Claudio remembered me from Milan and the Martinez.
my next trip will try another hotel and not just because of the issues I had but it's time to try another hotel in a different part of town.
Apr 20, 2017, 9:44 am
#3409
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
I noticed that when I was at PHV last frankly came away rather disappointed, then reading many post about the PHV something is wrong. But agree when he ran Milan it was a joy to stay it.
Apr 20, 2017, 11:18 am
#3410
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Frankly I don't understand what is going on at Park Hyatt Vendome. I love this hotel, but I have heard from many people I trust that things have been slipping in the last couple months. I always believed that the tradition of excellence in service will be continued even after Michel Jauslin's departure, but it seems they are struggling.
Apr 20, 2017, 7:17 pm
#3411
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NC
Programs: DL Diamond 5MM, Hyatt Globalist Marriott Platinum
Posts: 10
My wife and I checked out 2 days ago after a 4 night stay on points. Our last stay was a couple of years ago and we were apprehensive before we checked in after reading comments on this thread.
We experienced nothing other then the sublime service and care that we had experienced in our previous stays in the last several years.
Room not ready upon arrival at 3:30: Gratis champagne and sweets
Request wine bucket to room: Within 10 minutes
Partagas cigar not up to standards: Replaced with ease and immediately
We made dinner reservations on our own and had concierge staff confirm upon arrival for all 4 nights: Hotel car was there each night for our transportation
We were greeted by name by breakfast staff, by concierge staff and front desk staff. Our needs and wants were anticipated and delivered. Our stay met the standards that we were accustomed to at PHV.
The only negative that my wife and I noticed were slow refills of coffee at breakfast.
We experienced nothing other then the sublime service and care that we had experienced in our previous stays in the last several years.
Room not ready upon arrival at 3:30: Gratis champagne and sweets
Request wine bucket to room: Within 10 minutes
Partagas cigar not up to standards: Replaced with ease and immediately
We made dinner reservations on our own and had concierge staff confirm upon arrival for all 4 nights: Hotel car was there each night for our transportation
We were greeted by name by breakfast staff, by concierge staff and front desk staff. Our needs and wants were anticipated and delivered. Our stay met the standards that we were accustomed to at PHV.
The only negative that my wife and I noticed were slow refills of coffee at breakfast.
Apr 20, 2017, 8:04 pm
#3412
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
My wife and I checked out 2 days ago after a 4 night stay on points. Our last stay was a couple of years ago and we were apprehensive before we checked in after reading comments on this thread.
We experienced nothing other then the sublime service and care that we had experienced in our previous stays in the last several years.
Room not ready upon arrival at 3:30: Gratis champagne and sweets
Request wine bucket to room: Within 10 minutes
Partagas cigar not up to standards: Replaced with ease and immediately
We made dinner reservations on our own and had concierge staff confirm upon arrival for all 4 nights: Hotel car was there each night for our transportation
We were greeted by name by breakfast staff, by concierge staff and front desk staff. Our needs and wants were anticipated and delivered. Our stay met the standards that we were accustomed to at PHV.
The only negative that my wife and I noticed were slow refills of coffee at breakfast.
We experienced nothing other then the sublime service and care that we had experienced in our previous stays in the last several years.
Room not ready upon arrival at 3:30: Gratis champagne and sweets
Request wine bucket to room: Within 10 minutes
Partagas cigar not up to standards: Replaced with ease and immediately
We made dinner reservations on our own and had concierge staff confirm upon arrival for all 4 nights: Hotel car was there each night for our transportation
We were greeted by name by breakfast staff, by concierge staff and front desk staff. Our needs and wants were anticipated and delivered. Our stay met the standards that we were accustomed to at PHV.
The only negative that my wife and I noticed were slow refills of coffee at breakfast.
My wine never came. room was not ready when suppose to be.
Apr 20, 2017, 9:45 pm
#3413
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 3,599
What's different at PHV is that they can't be as generous as PHM in giving out upgrades. Diamond recognition at PHM in that way was always ways ahead of PHV.
PHV to me was always a hit or miss, the only guys that are constantly outperforming is the Concierge Desk. The team at Les Orchidees is usually also quite good.
Apr 20, 2017, 10:04 pm
#3414
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Delta Diamond, United IK, AA LifPLT, Hyatt Globalist, IHG PLT AMB, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton G
Posts: 1,169
Apr 21, 2017, 3:32 am
#3415
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Apr 21, 2017, 5:22 am
#3416
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany, Austria
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, ALL Silver,, Miles&More
Posts: 1,122
My wife and I checked out 2 days ago after a 4 night stay on points. Our last stay was a couple of years ago and we were apprehensive before we checked in after reading comments on this thread.
We experienced nothing other then the sublime service and care that we had experienced in our previous stays in the last several years.
Room not ready upon arrival at 3:30: Gratis champagne and sweets
Request wine bucket to room: Within 10 minutes
Partagas cigar not up to standards: Replaced with ease and immediately
We made dinner reservations on our own and had concierge staff confirm upon arrival for all 4 nights: Hotel car was there each night for our transportation
We were greeted by name by breakfast staff, by concierge staff and front desk staff. Our needs and wants were anticipated and delivered. Our stay met the standards that we were accustomed to at PHV.
The only negative that my wife and I noticed were slow refills of coffee at breakfast.
We experienced nothing other then the sublime service and care that we had experienced in our previous stays in the last several years.
Room not ready upon arrival at 3:30: Gratis champagne and sweets
Request wine bucket to room: Within 10 minutes
Partagas cigar not up to standards: Replaced with ease and immediately
We made dinner reservations on our own and had concierge staff confirm upon arrival for all 4 nights: Hotel car was there each night for our transportation
We were greeted by name by breakfast staff, by concierge staff and front desk staff. Our needs and wants were anticipated and delivered. Our stay met the standards that we were accustomed to at PHV.
The only negative that my wife and I noticed were slow refills of coffee at breakfast.
You said also that the upgrade policy might have changed and that they were very generous before. In case of this hotel I must say I did not expect any right to be upgraded as Platinum that time (although we seemed to have got an upgrade). Also I think all rooms are nice enough to feel well even if we not would have been out all day to the city, except one is used to get upgraded always to whatsoever room or suite type.
Apr 21, 2017, 1:19 pm
#3417
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 544
That's pretty consistent with my recent experience as well. Happy with breakfast and very happy with Concierge desk, but front desk felt very cold throughout our stay. The room was good and the location is wonderful, but will still probably try somewhere else next time in search of the perfect experience.
Apr 21, 2017, 2:02 pm
#3418
Join Date: Apr 2006
Programs: HHonors Gold, Hyatt Diamond,Marriott Platinum, SPG Gold, Delta PM
Posts: 26
Sunday Brunch as Globalist...
Had two quick questions and hoping someone who has stayed there recently might be able to comment as I'm staying there in June with my family in 2 (supposedly connecting) rooms:
1. Is Sunday brunch included as part of the regular Globalist breakfast benefit? I know the regular buffet breakfast is, but since their Sunday brunch is a little more extravagant, was curious if that was comped as well or if there is some sort of upcharge?
2. Has anyone stayed in the recently renovated rooms? Just curious what differences they might have and how "renovated" they really are.
Thanks in advance for any help.
1. Is Sunday brunch included as part of the regular Globalist breakfast benefit? I know the regular buffet breakfast is, but since their Sunday brunch is a little more extravagant, was curious if that was comped as well or if there is some sort of upcharge?
2. Has anyone stayed in the recently renovated rooms? Just curious what differences they might have and how "renovated" they really are.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Apr 21, 2017, 2:39 pm
#3420
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,568
I guess I must be a rube. I stayed here in November/December and didn't have s single complaint, other than Javier no longer being at Les Orchides. 
If I liked the breakfast, the staff at the restaurant, the location, the room and the concierge staff, but the front desk staff was a little cold, I'm not sure I'd go looking for a better experience. But then, I don't hang out at the front desk all that much either.
If I liked the breakfast, the staff at the restaurant, the location, the room and the concierge staff, but the front desk staff was a little cold, I'm not sure I'd go looking for a better experience. But then, I don't hang out at the front desk all that much either.