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)
Nov 14, 2017, 11:29 am
#3556
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,602
But sadly you are right -- it is very silent on here about PH Vendome. Clearly much has changed and not for the better. With Rosewood, George V and La Reserve, the crowd moved on. The scope of investment is something entirely different, compared to the soft renovations at PH Vendome.
Hope they can turn it around!
Nov 14, 2017, 3:10 pm
#3557
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
I am tired of reading about free night certificates, maximum occupancy questions and breakfast benefits here. Would rather read about how the property is really doing...
But sadly you are right -- it is very silent on here about PH Vendome. Clearly much has changed and not for the better. With Rosewood, George V and La Reserve, the crowd moved on. The scope of investment is something entirely different, compared to the soft renovations at PH Vendome.
Hope they can turn it around!
But sadly you are right -- it is very silent on here about PH Vendome. Clearly much has changed and not for the better. With Rosewood, George V and La Reserve, the crowd moved on. The scope of investment is something entirely different, compared to the soft renovations at PH Vendome.
Hope they can turn it around!
Nov 14, 2017, 6:41 pm
#3558
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
~
I am tired of reading about free night certificates, maximum occupancy questions and breakfast benefits here. Would rather read about how the property is really doing...
But sadly you are right -- it is very silent on here about PH Vendome. Clearly much has changed and not for the better. With Rosewood, George V and La Reserve, the crowd moved on. The scope of investment is something entirely different, compared to the soft renovations at PH Vendome.
Hope they can turn it around!
But sadly you are right -- it is very silent on here about PH Vendome. Clearly much has changed and not for the better. With Rosewood, George V and La Reserve, the crowd moved on. The scope of investment is something entirely different, compared to the soft renovations at PH Vendome.
Hope they can turn it around!
Safe Travels all !
Nov 14, 2017, 8:10 pm
#3559
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 598
If my vacations bring me back to Paris, I will definitely stay at the PHV again. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but my family and I had the most amazing stay last summer.
Nov 15, 2017, 6:02 am
#3560
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Points+Cash reservations aren't eligible awards for transfer to get that Guest of Honor benefit?
Nov 15, 2017, 7:03 am
#3561
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Osaka
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, UA
Posts: 3,158
Nov 15, 2017, 7:45 am
#3562
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,164
Nov 16, 2017, 3:14 am
#3563
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
So then a Globalist with enough points can get 3 rooms at the same time to have the breakfast included for 3 rooms as a Globalist. That can save a pretty penny at this property, whether or not it’s the best use of points.
Dec 26, 2017, 9:11 pm
#3564
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
Claudio took time from his busy schedule to stop by to say Hello during our dinner at La Cheminee - it's nice to finally meet the man, and he said that he and his team will continue to work hard to make the PHPV one of the best hotels in Paris.
Jan 6, 2018, 2:33 pm
#3565
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,602
I have mixed feelings regarding PH Vendome recently...
What I find most disturbing is the quality of the current property website. I am aware this is an issue for all Hyatt hotels globally, but it still is no excuse to offer such a lousy website. I understand the headers 'Elegant Accommodations in Central Paris' all over the site are for SEO reasons only, but this is a bit inappropriate for a hotel with Palace distinction. To add to the disappointment, they have decided to list all rooms and suites on the same page, which leaves only 3-4 lines description per category. I wonder what they think -- how are guests supposed to book suites ranging from 1,000-15,000 USD based on two pictures and 3 words of description? They do not even have floor plans anymore, which I find simply odd. Most of the pictures do not even work for me on the site, more of a joke really than a proper site.
Also I just noticed they re-labeled their former Deluxe Rooms to Park Suite King... and what they used to call 'Junior Suites' (=Park Suite King) are now Park Deluxe Suites. The renovated and newly designated Park Suites are nice, but totally cramped. It is beyond me how they get away with calling them Suites, even Junior Suite would be an insult. The current Prestige Suites were former Executive Suites with Rue d.l. Paix view in former incarnations, another variation for the purpose of upselling.
I love Ed Tuttle's architecture and many aspects of the renovation are nice. The crisp white linens are a great success, compared to off-white versions in earlier days: definitely softens the look. The in-mirror TV over fireplace is also genius and definitely the right decision. I am less sure about the black granite tables and bathroom floors, which are not luxurious to me but I guess they take heavy use better than Mahogany. I saw some renovated rooms where the French limestone walls looked anything but spotless and there are even some pictures online which clearly show some ugly spots, most likely due to water. The rugs are by Tai Ping, although unlike the specialty suites and public areas, most rooms get machine-/pass-tufted rugs and not hand-tufted rugs and the gold color choice is questionable. Soundproofing and A/C have been greatly improved, which is a big plus. Generally there are so many missed opportunities with the renovation, they could have better integrated all the room controls, especially for the blackout curtains and I am sure there would have been many more options to make the product look less extreme, in terms of colors... a bit more refined? The specialty suites are still gorgeous and I would move right in, something I cannot say about the rest of the hotel.
The new pecking order of the rooms has of course to do with World of Hyatt, but looking at some 500-ish EUR rates for many dates I cannot help but realize the hotel now operates in a different market segment and doesn't want to compete with George V, Rosewood and La Reserve anymore.
I could still spend hours in the public areas, for they are endlessly beautiful and with very clever cuisine. Their only problems is: I don't have to stay there to do so.
What I find most disturbing is the quality of the current property website. I am aware this is an issue for all Hyatt hotels globally, but it still is no excuse to offer such a lousy website. I understand the headers 'Elegant Accommodations in Central Paris' all over the site are for SEO reasons only, but this is a bit inappropriate for a hotel with Palace distinction. To add to the disappointment, they have decided to list all rooms and suites on the same page, which leaves only 3-4 lines description per category. I wonder what they think -- how are guests supposed to book suites ranging from 1,000-15,000 USD based on two pictures and 3 words of description? They do not even have floor plans anymore, which I find simply odd. Most of the pictures do not even work for me on the site, more of a joke really than a proper site.
Also I just noticed they re-labeled their former Deluxe Rooms to Park Suite King... and what they used to call 'Junior Suites' (=Park Suite King) are now Park Deluxe Suites. The renovated and newly designated Park Suites are nice, but totally cramped. It is beyond me how they get away with calling them Suites, even Junior Suite would be an insult. The current Prestige Suites were former Executive Suites with Rue d.l. Paix view in former incarnations, another variation for the purpose of upselling.
I love Ed Tuttle's architecture and many aspects of the renovation are nice. The crisp white linens are a great success, compared to off-white versions in earlier days: definitely softens the look. The in-mirror TV over fireplace is also genius and definitely the right decision. I am less sure about the black granite tables and bathroom floors, which are not luxurious to me but I guess they take heavy use better than Mahogany. I saw some renovated rooms where the French limestone walls looked anything but spotless and there are even some pictures online which clearly show some ugly spots, most likely due to water. The rugs are by Tai Ping, although unlike the specialty suites and public areas, most rooms get machine-/pass-tufted rugs and not hand-tufted rugs and the gold color choice is questionable. Soundproofing and A/C have been greatly improved, which is a big plus. Generally there are so many missed opportunities with the renovation, they could have better integrated all the room controls, especially for the blackout curtains and I am sure there would have been many more options to make the product look less extreme, in terms of colors... a bit more refined? The specialty suites are still gorgeous and I would move right in, something I cannot say about the rest of the hotel.
The new pecking order of the rooms has of course to do with World of Hyatt, but looking at some 500-ish EUR rates for many dates I cannot help but realize the hotel now operates in a different market segment and doesn't want to compete with George V, Rosewood and La Reserve anymore.
I could still spend hours in the public areas, for they are endlessly beautiful and with very clever cuisine. Their only problems is: I don't have to stay there to do so.
Jan 7, 2018, 7:09 am
#3567
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,602
Jan 7, 2018, 8:03 am
#3568
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,054
I have mixed feelings regarding PH Vendome recently...
What I find most disturbing is the quality of the current property website. I am aware this is an issue for all Hyatt hotels globally, but it still is no excuse to offer such a lousy website. I understand the headers 'Elegant Accommodations in Central Paris' all over the site are for SEO reasons only, but this is a bit inappropriate for a hotel with Palace distinction. To add to the disappointment, they have decided to list all rooms and suites on the same page, which leaves only 3-4 lines description per category. I wonder what they think -- how are guests supposed to book suites ranging from 1,000-15,000 USD based on two pictures and 3 words of description? They do not even have floor plans anymore, which I find simply odd. Most of the pictures do not even work for me on the site, more of a joke really than a proper site.
Also I just noticed they re-labeled their former Deluxe Rooms to Park Suite King... and what they used to call 'Junior Suites' (=Park Suite King) are now Park Deluxe Suites. The renovated and newly designated Park Suites are nice, but totally cramped. It is beyond me how they get away with calling them Suites, even Junior Suite would be an insult. The current Prestige Suites were former Executive Suites with Rue d.l. Paix view in former incarnations, another variation for the purpose of upselling.
What I find most disturbing is the quality of the current property website. I am aware this is an issue for all Hyatt hotels globally, but it still is no excuse to offer such a lousy website. I understand the headers 'Elegant Accommodations in Central Paris' all over the site are for SEO reasons only, but this is a bit inappropriate for a hotel with Palace distinction. To add to the disappointment, they have decided to list all rooms and suites on the same page, which leaves only 3-4 lines description per category. I wonder what they think -- how are guests supposed to book suites ranging from 1,000-15,000 USD based on two pictures and 3 words of description? They do not even have floor plans anymore, which I find simply odd. Most of the pictures do not even work for me on the site, more of a joke really than a proper site.
Also I just noticed they re-labeled their former Deluxe Rooms to Park Suite King... and what they used to call 'Junior Suites' (=Park Suite King) are now Park Deluxe Suites. The renovated and newly designated Park Suites are nice, but totally cramped. It is beyond me how they get away with calling them Suites, even Junior Suite would be an insult. The current Prestige Suites were former Executive Suites with Rue d.l. Paix view in former incarnations, another variation for the purpose of upselling.
Jan 7, 2018, 1:03 pm
#3569
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
As a fan of the PHV and MPH as well as high respect for the the manger in my opinion the property has declined a bit. While I have not stayed here since the renovated rooms came online ( last stay they started) it does appear from the posts from others that favor this property and stay multiple times that it is in a bit of a slide downward. I have to say this I stayed at the Churchill a couple of weeks ago during my stay I observed a staff that frankly equals many Park's around the world and can hold it's own against the PHV. The renovated rooms were truly done right and dining is all good including a great Churchill Bar.
As for reclassifying the rooms certainly that should not surprise anyone, they have to pay for their lack of attention to the rooms and facilities over the years.
Jan 7, 2018, 1:33 pm
#3570
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,602
I am not surprised at all, as this is down to Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry — he is easily one of the best GMs Hyatt has! I was actually wondering if he would be happy in London after Tokyo but it seems so!