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 21, 2020, 9:01 am
#3916
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MD, USA
Programs: UA- Pl (2MM), AA-Go, Delta-Silver, Hyatt-Globalist!, MR/SPG comb - Plat, Hilton - nada
Posts: 707
Was the 20% for F&B...maybe I missed that on check-in. Didn't recall them saying that.
Just a few small, mis-steps in service while we were there. 1st morning breakfast - wife ordered "over-easy" eggs. They arrived, and she always quickly checks, before the server can get away! Sure enough, these were over-hard! The server agreed and said he would be right back...he was back quickly with another plate, these were what I would describe as "over-medium". Not sure why it is sometimes very difficult to get true over-easy. That's why, in some cases I prefer the hotels where the egg station is out in the buffet area. You can watch the cook, and say "ok, that's enough"...but I understand that PH's aren't going to have that situation.
Also, 1st night, after we arrived in afternoon...we made both coffee & tea. Left 3 soiled cups, and had used several of the coffee capsules + tea. Went out for dinner and mentioned to front desk to please do "turn down" - still not sure if it is automatic there as in some properties?
Anyway, returned from dinner ~10 pm...wife was going to want coffee. And the 3 dirty cups still sitting and no replacements of the capsules. Was surprised.
The next night requested the same, and on return the coffee/tea was cleaned & restocked...so sounds like it was a 1-off.
Otherwise, all was good...those are just small things.
Just a few small, mis-steps in service while we were there. 1st morning breakfast - wife ordered "over-easy" eggs. They arrived, and she always quickly checks, before the server can get away! Sure enough, these were over-hard! The server agreed and said he would be right back...he was back quickly with another plate, these were what I would describe as "over-medium". Not sure why it is sometimes very difficult to get true over-easy. That's why, in some cases I prefer the hotels where the egg station is out in the buffet area. You can watch the cook, and say "ok, that's enough"...but I understand that PH's aren't going to have that situation.
Also, 1st night, after we arrived in afternoon...we made both coffee & tea. Left 3 soiled cups, and had used several of the coffee capsules + tea. Went out for dinner and mentioned to front desk to please do "turn down" - still not sure if it is automatic there as in some properties?
Anyway, returned from dinner ~10 pm...wife was going to want coffee. And the 3 dirty cups still sitting and no replacements of the capsules. Was surprised.
The next night requested the same, and on return the coffee/tea was cleaned & restocked...so sounds like it was a 1-off.
Otherwise, all was good...those are just small things.
Jan 21, 2020, 11:45 am
#3917
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: 100,417
AFAIK turndown service is done without asking unless there's a DND sign on the door. It can be done before you arrive for the first night and after that, tends to be later than in most USA hotels.
Jan 21, 2020, 3:17 pm
#3918
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
Was the 20% for F&B...maybe I missed that on check-in. Didn't recall them saying that.
Just a few small, mis-steps in service while we were there. 1st morning breakfast - wife ordered "over-easy" eggs. They arrived, and she always quickly checks, before the server can get away! Sure enough, these were over-hard! The server agreed and said he would be right back...he was back quickly with another plate, these were what I would describe as "over-medium". Not sure why it is sometimes very difficult to get true over-easy. That's why, in some cases I prefer the hotels where the egg station is out in the buffet area. You can watch the cook, and say "ok, that's enough"...but I understand that PH's aren't going to have that situation.
Also, 1st night, after we arrived in afternoon...we made both coffee & tea. Left 3 soiled cups, and had used several of the coffee capsules + tea. Went out for dinner and mentioned to front desk to please do "turn down" - still not sure if it is automatic there as in some properties?
Anyway, returned from dinner ~10 pm...wife was going to want coffee. And the 3 dirty cups still sitting and no replacements of the capsules. Was surprised.
The next night requested the same, and on return the coffee/tea was cleaned & restocked...so sounds like it was a 1-off.
Otherwise, all was good...those are just small things.
Just a few small, mis-steps in service while we were there. 1st morning breakfast - wife ordered "over-easy" eggs. They arrived, and she always quickly checks, before the server can get away! Sure enough, these were over-hard! The server agreed and said he would be right back...he was back quickly with another plate, these were what I would describe as "over-medium". Not sure why it is sometimes very difficult to get true over-easy. That's why, in some cases I prefer the hotels where the egg station is out in the buffet area. You can watch the cook, and say "ok, that's enough"...but I understand that PH's aren't going to have that situation.
Also, 1st night, after we arrived in afternoon...we made both coffee & tea. Left 3 soiled cups, and had used several of the coffee capsules + tea. Went out for dinner and mentioned to front desk to please do "turn down" - still not sure if it is automatic there as in some properties?
Anyway, returned from dinner ~10 pm...wife was going to want coffee. And the 3 dirty cups still sitting and no replacements of the capsules. Was surprised.
The next night requested the same, and on return the coffee/tea was cleaned & restocked...so sounds like it was a 1-off.
Otherwise, all was good...those are just small things.
Feb 5, 2020, 3:27 pm
#3919
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
Spa updating
The spa is a highlight of this property, particularly the hot vitality “pool.”
Does anyone know if the tiles have been restored? It was in need of a restoration last year.
I know they were going to do a soft spa renovation. Did this happen? If so, can anyone report on any changes?
Does anyone know if the tiles have been restored? It was in need of a restoration last year.
I know they were going to do a soft spa renovation. Did this happen? If so, can anyone report on any changes?
Mar 5, 2020, 3:55 am
#3920
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 690
Hello,
I'll stay there for 2 nights next week (first time this year but 50+ nights over the last 3 years).
Has anybody staid since the Coronavirus craziness?
What's the occupancy like? Easier upgrades to (premium) suites?
Do they still give the 20% voucher on F&B?
Thanks!
I'll stay there for 2 nights next week (first time this year but 50+ nights over the last 3 years).
Has anybody staid since the Coronavirus craziness?
What's the occupancy like? Easier upgrades to (premium) suites?
Do they still give the 20% voucher on F&B?
Thanks!
Mar 5, 2020, 7:50 am
#3921
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
Hello,
I'll stay there for 2 nights next week (first time this year but 50+ nights over the last 3 years).
Has anybody staid since the Coronavirus craziness?
What's the occupancy like? Easier upgrades to (premium) suites?
Do they still give the 20% voucher on F&B?
Thanks!
I'll stay there for 2 nights next week (first time this year but 50+ nights over the last 3 years).
Has anybody staid since the Coronavirus craziness?
What's the occupancy like? Easier upgrades to (premium) suites?
Do they still give the 20% voucher on F&B?
Thanks!
Mar 5, 2020, 8:22 am
#3922
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: WOH Globalist
Posts: 258
Hello,
I'll stay there for 2 nights next week (first time this year but 50+ nights over the last 3 years).
Has anybody staid since the Coronavirus craziness?
What's the occupancy like? Easier upgrades to (premium) suites?
Do they still give the 20% voucher on F&B?
Thanks!
I'll stay there for 2 nights next week (first time this year but 50+ nights over the last 3 years).
Has anybody staid since the Coronavirus craziness?
What's the occupancy like? Easier upgrades to (premium) suites?
Do they still give the 20% voucher on F&B?
Thanks!
i did not receive a 20% voucher on F&b
Mar 11, 2020, 1:49 pm
#3923
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 690
Obviously low occupation rate (all room and suite categories available at corporate discounted rate) but surprisingly no suite upgrade (just deluxe room) nor 20% F&B voucher (which I was offered all the times last year including during busy fashion week, roland garros etc)?
And welcome gift downgraded from a bottle of Chablis to cider...
Looks like cost cutting to minimize losses in the current environment?
At least they have kept the live singer and generous wine by the glass pouring ("let's finish the bottle)!
And welcome gift downgraded from a bottle of Chablis to cider...
Looks like cost cutting to minimize losses in the current environment?
At least they have kept the live singer and generous wine by the glass pouring ("let's finish the bottle)!
Mar 12, 2020, 7:59 am
#3924
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
Obviously low occupation rate (all room and suite categories available at corporate discounted rate) but surprisingly no suite upgrade (just deluxe room) nor 20% F&B voucher (which I was offered all the times last year including during busy fashion week, roland garros etc)?
And welcome gift downgraded from a bottle of Chablis to cider...
Looks like cost cutting to minimize losses in the current environment?
At least they have kept the live singer and generous wine by the glass pouring ("let's finish the bottle)!
And welcome gift downgraded from a bottle of Chablis to cider...
Looks like cost cutting to minimize losses in the current environment?
At least they have kept the live singer and generous wine by the glass pouring ("let's finish the bottle)!
Mar 28, 2020, 9:32 am
#3925
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
I have noticed that the luxury hotel scene in Paris has exploded over the past four years. The reopening of the Ritz, the Crillon, the opening of the Peninsula, the renovation of the Four Seasons spa and gym and pool (stunning), make it necessary for even a consistently excellent hotel to do something extraordinary to stay competitive at the top level.
The Park Hyatt’s relatively recent room renovation was the type of renovation I appreciate, which is a renovation of the soft goods and tech upgrade, and not a total style change.
The service I have had has also been lovely, from the front desk, room service, and especially at breakfast.
The breakfast has stayed consistently delicious with out of this world pecan dark chocolate chip cookies, fresh mango juice, and eggs Benedict.
I do think their internal system for keeping track of return guests and return guest recognition could be improved.
Unless this hotel buys an adjacent space and builds a pool and larger gym or adds a roof top terrace for breakfast or drinks, they aren’t going to be considered in the top tier of Paris hotels, and are not going to command top tier rates. Right now the Park Hyatt has premium Paris hotel rates (around 600-800 euros), not Paris luxury hotel rates (1000+ euros), which is about where the hotel is performing in comparison with their competitors.
If anyone has visited the PH spa recently I would love to hear if they have retiled the vitality pool or made any other changes.
Mar 29, 2020, 7:43 am
#3926
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
I have not noticed a down grade other than I miss the bikes they used to offer. I also preferred the previous toiletries.
I have noticed that the luxury hotel scene in Paris has exploded over the past four years. The reopening of the Ritz, the Crillon, the opening of the Peninsula, the renovation of the Four Seasons spa and gym and pool (stunning), make it necessary for even a consistently excellent hotel to do something extraordinary to stay competitive at the top level.
The Park Hyatt’s relatively recent room renovation was the type of renovation I appreciate, which is a renovation of the soft goods and tech upgrade, and not a total style change.
The service I have had has also been lovely, from the front desk, room service, and especially at breakfast.
The breakfast has stayed consistently delicious with out of this world pecan dark chocolate chip cookies, fresh mango juice, and eggs Benedict.
I do think their internal system for keeping track of return guests and return guest recognition could be improved.
Unless this hotel buys an adjacent space and builds a pool and larger gym or adds a roof top terrace for breakfast or drinks, they aren’t going to be considered in the top tier of Paris hotels, and are not going to command top tier rates. Right now the Park Hyatt has premium Paris hotel rates (around 600-800 euros), not Paris luxury hotel rates (1000+ euros), which is about where the hotel is performing in comparison with their competitors.
If anyone has visited the PH spa recently I would love to hear if they have retiled the vitality pool or made any other changes.
I have noticed that the luxury hotel scene in Paris has exploded over the past four years. The reopening of the Ritz, the Crillon, the opening of the Peninsula, the renovation of the Four Seasons spa and gym and pool (stunning), make it necessary for even a consistently excellent hotel to do something extraordinary to stay competitive at the top level.
The Park Hyatt’s relatively recent room renovation was the type of renovation I appreciate, which is a renovation of the soft goods and tech upgrade, and not a total style change.
The service I have had has also been lovely, from the front desk, room service, and especially at breakfast.
The breakfast has stayed consistently delicious with out of this world pecan dark chocolate chip cookies, fresh mango juice, and eggs Benedict.
I do think their internal system for keeping track of return guests and return guest recognition could be improved.
Unless this hotel buys an adjacent space and builds a pool and larger gym or adds a roof top terrace for breakfast or drinks, they aren’t going to be considered in the top tier of Paris hotels, and are not going to command top tier rates. Right now the Park Hyatt has premium Paris hotel rates (around 600-800 euros), not Paris luxury hotel rates (1000+ euros), which is about where the hotel is performing in comparison with their competitors.
If anyone has visited the PH spa recently I would love to hear if they have retiled the vitality pool or made any other changes.
Be safe all
Jun 20, 2020, 12:54 pm
#3927
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Trying to make an award stay for May 2021 and seeing this message for points:
Non-Refundable Stay Dates: 20SEP20-04OCT20; 21JUN21-26JUN21 and 22MAY21-05JUN21 per Special Event pricing over these dates. If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account. The Hyatt COVID-19 cancellation waiver policy does NOT apply to award reservations during this time.
My booking falls under the May 22 - Jun 5 non-refundable stay dates. However, the confusing part is "If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account.". I can't figure this out. My concierge says that her interpretation is that I'd get my points back, but would love a second opinion here - don't really want to have to fight for my points at a later date.
Non-Refundable Stay Dates: 20SEP20-04OCT20; 21JUN21-26JUN21 and 22MAY21-05JUN21 per Special Event pricing over these dates. If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account. The Hyatt COVID-19 cancellation waiver policy does NOT apply to award reservations during this time.
My booking falls under the May 22 - Jun 5 non-refundable stay dates. However, the confusing part is "If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account.". I can't figure this out. My concierge says that her interpretation is that I'd get my points back, but would love a second opinion here - don't really want to have to fight for my points at a later date.
Jun 20, 2020, 4:20 pm
#3928
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,164
Trying to make an award stay for May 2021 and seeing this message for points:
Non-Refundable Stay Dates: 20SEP20-04OCT20; 21JUN21-26JUN21 and 22MAY21-05JUN21 per Special Event pricing over these dates. If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account. The Hyatt COVID-19 cancellation waiver policy does NOT apply to award reservations during this time.
My booking falls under the May 22 - Jun 5 non-refundable stay dates. However, the confusing part is "If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account.". I can't figure this out. My concierge says that her interpretation is that I'd get my points back, but would love a second opinion here - don't really want to have to fight for my points at a later date.
Non-Refundable Stay Dates: 20SEP20-04OCT20; 21JUN21-26JUN21 and 22MAY21-05JUN21 per Special Event pricing over these dates. If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account. The Hyatt COVID-19 cancellation waiver policy does NOT apply to award reservations during this time.
My booking falls under the May 22 - Jun 5 non-refundable stay dates. However, the confusing part is "If cancelled, points or awards will be returned to your account.". I can't figure this out. My concierge says that her interpretation is that I'd get my points back, but would love a second opinion here - don't really want to have to fight for my points at a later date.
"If a Member does not follow the proper cancellation policy for the applicable hotel or resort or if a Member does not check into the hotel or resort when scheduled, the credit card provided with the Award Reservation will be charged in accordance with the hotel’s or resort’s cancellation or no-show policy and any points redeemed for the applicable Award Reservation will be returned to the Member’s account."
Jul 2, 2020, 8:53 am
#3929
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 70
Just a data point for those who are interested. Had a reservation for two rooms for mid- to end- of August. Just received notice that Hyatt was cancelling them. The reason seems a little fuzzy, but I took it to mean that the hotel will be remaining closed until the end of August, at least.
Jul 2, 2020, 9:12 am
#3930
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
Just a data point for those who are interested. Had a reservation for two rooms for mid- to end- of August. Just received notice that Hyatt was cancelling them. The reason seems a little fuzzy, but I took it to mean that the hotel will be remaining closed until the end of August, at least.