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 29, 2023, 1:56 pm
#4502
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,467
Apr 29, 2023, 7:21 pm
#4503
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
That’s where I stay whenever my wife is with me in Paris, and I stay at the less expensive and more convenient (for me and my work) Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile whenever I am in town solo.
Apr 29, 2023, 7:25 pm
#4504
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
Apr 30, 2023, 12:13 am
#4505
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 681
The Bulgari one at the corner of rue de la Paix and Place Vendôme so 50m from PHV (in the not so far 1er arrondissement ) was robed yesterday by 3 armed men on motorbikes…
May 2, 2023, 5:51 am
#4506
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: San Francisco (Marin County), CA
Programs: UA Global Services, AA Lifetime ExecPlat, LH HON Circle, SQ PPS Solitaire, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 3,002
Connecting suites
We have a stay next month. Party of 5: 2 adults 3 kids. Kids are 9, 14 and 16. I am courtesy card, wife is lifetime globalist. We have reserved 2 standard suites (through confirmed suite upgrades) booked a long time ago.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
May 2, 2023, 6:43 am
#4507
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
We have a stay next month. Party of 5: 2 adults 3 kids. Kids are 9, 14 and 16. I am courtesy card, wife is lifetime globalist. We have reserved 2 standard suites (through confirmed suite upgrades) booked a long time ago.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
Had 2 adults + 2 kids - on the 2nd floor they had a very nice Deluxe Suite + King Deluxe connecting combo. Worked for those kids (2 younger girls). Adding a 3rd one complicates things a bit...not sure of their allowing of a rollaway bed, sure others can add more there.
May 2, 2023, 2:23 pm
#4509
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
We have a stay next month. Party of 5: 2 adults 3 kids. Kids are 9, 14 and 16. I am courtesy card, wife is lifetime globalist. We have reserved 2 standard suites (through confirmed suite upgrades) booked a long time ago.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
May 2, 2023, 5:30 pm
#4510
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
We have a stay next month. Party of 5: 2 adults 3 kids. Kids are 9, 14 and 16. I am courtesy card, wife is lifetime globalist. We have reserved 2 standard suites (through confirmed suite upgrades) booked a long time ago.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
As above, get in contact and they will find a solution. The hotel service, IME, has always been outstanding.
May 2, 2023, 6:28 pm
#4511
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 3,599
We have a stay next month. Party of 5: 2 adults 3 kids. Kids are 9, 14 and 16. I am courtesy card, wife is lifetime globalist. We have reserved 2 standard suites (through confirmed suite upgrades) booked a long time ago.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
The 2 suites do not connect as I understand it. In the end, that’s workable, if not super romantic for Mom and Dad in Paris (one parent stays with one kids and the other with 2 kids). Anyone have advice about connectors here? I was thinking of politely asking the hotel if they would be willing to allocate one larger suite connecting to one standard room. In the end, happy to also pay cash upgrade charges if resulting in a materially better outcome (i.e., larger suite to standard suite). Frankly, I could use the spend to maintain courtesy card.
Any advice here about what to be asking for - which connector would be best for our party size and composition? Thank you.
Suites and connecting rooms
My personal recommendation: Ask them to put you in a Prestige Suite with a connecting room facing Rue de la Paix. Lower floor = higher ceiling.
May 3, 2023, 8:07 am
#4512
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: San Francisco (Marin County), CA
Programs: UA Global Services, AA Lifetime ExecPlat, LH HON Circle, SQ PPS Solitaire, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 3,002
Thanks all! Getting in touch now. Will report back on how it sorts. Appreciate the replies!
May 3, 2023, 12:22 pm
#4513
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,643
I just finished a week here. I am not sure what else needs to be said: this hotel is incredible, and remains a killer use of points even after the cat 8 devaluation. We were traveling with our infant son and the team went absolutely above and beyond: crib, changing station setup, baby shampoo and cleaner, even going so far as to get a bottle warmer and sterilizer. Truly outstanding service. And room service breakfast every day is hard to beat! As I said in a previous post, the concierge team is a particular strength.
As far as negatives go, housekeeping won't be winning any awards. It was not bad by any stretch--everything was perfectly clean, towels and sheets were replaced, etc. But the turndown in particular was bare minumum: the bed was refreshed and a bottle of water was placed bedside. No slipper setup, no bedside treats, nothing above and beyond. This is not a complaint but an observation as other luxury segment properties around the world do have these things.
I'll continue to return here.
As far as negatives go, housekeeping won't be winning any awards. It was not bad by any stretch--everything was perfectly clean, towels and sheets were replaced, etc. But the turndown in particular was bare minumum: the bed was refreshed and a bottle of water was placed bedside. No slipper setup, no bedside treats, nothing above and beyond. This is not a complaint but an observation as other luxury segment properties around the world do have these things.
I'll continue to return here.
May 4, 2023, 10:32 am
#4514
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
Keep us posted. I explored this on a recent trip in almost the exact same situation and while the upgrade fee was certainly less than the cost of booking the higher tier rooms directly, we decided the convenience of connecting rooms was not worth the extra $1500/night when they had our rooms right down the hall from each other.
May 4, 2023, 7:15 pm
#4515
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat Prem, Hilton Diamond, Delta Diamond
Posts: 207
Hi everyone! I'm planning our first time trip to Paris next year (April Spring break) - and have a question regarding the PH Paris.
We are a family of 4: me and my wife, grandma and a 6 year old girl. Is there any way to book just one room instead of two (to save money)?
I looked at their website - 40k for standard room and 60k points for a king suite. Would the King suite work (basically we sleep with the child on King bed and grandma on a rollaway bed)? Would this still be a good use of 60k points? (cash rate is close to $2000)
Thank you so much for your advice!
We are a family of 4: me and my wife, grandma and a 6 year old girl. Is there any way to book just one room instead of two (to save money)?
I looked at their website - 40k for standard room and 60k points for a king suite. Would the King suite work (basically we sleep with the child on King bed and grandma on a rollaway bed)? Would this still be a good use of 60k points? (cash rate is close to $2000)
Thank you so much for your advice!