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 30, 2013, 6:57 am
#1126
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,992
I just completed a 3 night stay at the Park Hyatt Vendome. Notes below:
Breakfast: Diamond members get American breakfast (basically access to the buffet + juices/coffee/tea) + Eggs with 2 garnishes. You can dine at the restaurant or order as room service. Platinum members (who get comped breakfast) get American breakfast only. The Platinum couple we were with was their first time at the Vendome so they were comped free American breakfast and internet for the duration of their stay.
Transport from CDG Airport: If not too much luggage, take the Roissy bus (10Euro/person) which drops you off at the Opera House. It is about a 2 block/5-8minute walk to the Hotel. Hotel is right across the street from a Tiffanys (the entrance to the Park Hyatt is very subtle).
Concierge: These guys are amazing. They'll work hard to fulfill almost any request so don't be shy to ask.
Getting around town: Suggest to take the Metro/Subway (or walk). You can get a 10-pack(called Carnet) metro one-ways for ~13Euro. Close metro station is Opera House.
A very pleasant stay and would definitely recommend to others to stay here.
Breakfast: Diamond members get American breakfast (basically access to the buffet + juices/coffee/tea) + Eggs with 2 garnishes. You can dine at the restaurant or order as room service. Platinum members (who get comped breakfast) get American breakfast only. The Platinum couple we were with was their first time at the Vendome so they were comped free American breakfast and internet for the duration of their stay.
Transport from CDG Airport: If not too much luggage, take the Roissy bus (10Euro/person) which drops you off at the Opera House. It is about a 2 block/5-8minute walk to the Hotel. Hotel is right across the street from a Tiffanys (the entrance to the Park Hyatt is very subtle).
Concierge: These guys are amazing. They'll work hard to fulfill almost any request so don't be shy to ask.
Getting around town: Suggest to take the Metro/Subway (or walk). You can get a 10-pack(called Carnet) metro one-ways for ~13Euro. Close metro station is Opera House.
A very pleasant stay and would definitely recommend to others to stay here.
A suggestion for those who have I Phones there is a great app for the Paris Subway, Get it saves a lot of time and grief especially if one does not speak French
Feb 8, 2013, 2:38 pm
#1127
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: DL FO, HH Gold
Posts: 82
Planning a four night stay with my wife at the PHV later this year on points and they are currently only offering the Park Twin room for award redemption on our dates.
Is there a chance that a Park Queen award will open up again? I don't mind checking every day, but if the consensus is no/unlikely, then I won't waste my time.
I will be Diamond by the time of our trip and I've seen previous posts where folks have been upgraded from a Twin to a Queen/King when booking on points for a short stay, but would rather not roll the dice with 88k points and get stuck with twin beds for four nights when we're open to staying elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
Is there a chance that a Park Queen award will open up again? I don't mind checking every day, but if the consensus is no/unlikely, then I won't waste my time.
I will be Diamond by the time of our trip and I've seen previous posts where folks have been upgraded from a Twin to a Queen/King when booking on points for a short stay, but would rather not roll the dice with 88k points and get stuck with twin beds for four nights when we're open to staying elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
Feb 8, 2013, 4:00 pm
#1128
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 413
Planning a four night stay with my wife at the PHV later this year on points and they are currently only offering the Park Twin room for award redemption on our dates.
Is there a chance that a Park Queen award will open up again? I don't mind checking every day, but if the consensus is no/unlikely, then I won't waste my time.
I will be Diamond by the time of our trip and I've seen previous posts where folks have been upgraded from a Twin to a Queen/King when booking on points for a short stay, but would rather not roll the dice with 88k points and get stuck with twin beds for four nights when we're open to staying elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
Is there a chance that a Park Queen award will open up again? I don't mind checking every day, but if the consensus is no/unlikely, then I won't waste my time.
I will be Diamond by the time of our trip and I've seen previous posts where folks have been upgraded from a Twin to a Queen/King when booking on points for a short stay, but would rather not roll the dice with 88k points and get stuck with twin beds for four nights when we're open to staying elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
I used this method last year when I needed 4 nights but they were not all available at once. I booked each night as it became available - they eventually all opened up for me.
As a diamond I was upgraded to a king suite when I checked in.
Feb 8, 2013, 4:55 pm
#1129
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: DL FO, HH Gold
Posts: 82
Try breaking up the reservation by night to see if a queen may be available on some nights, if so, book those nights now. Book the twin for the other night - you can always upgrade the twin nights to a suite for more points or keep checking back to see if a queen opens.
I used this method last year when I needed 4 nights but they were not all available at once. I booked each night as it became available - they eventually all opened up for me.
As a diamond I was upgraded to a king suite when I checked in.
I used this method last year when I needed 4 nights but they were not all available at once. I booked each night as it became available - they eventually all opened up for me.
As a diamond I was upgraded to a king suite when I checked in.
Feb 8, 2013, 10:29 pm
#1130
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Planning a four night stay with my wife at the PHV later this year on points and they are currently only offering the Park Twin room for award redemption on our dates.
Is there a chance that a Park Queen award will open up again? I don't mind checking every day, but if the consensus is no/unlikely, then I won't waste my time.
I will be Diamond by the time of our trip and I've seen previous posts where folks have been upgraded from a Twin to a Queen/King when booking on points for a short stay, but would rather not roll the dice with 88k points and get stuck with twin beds for four nights when we're open to staying elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
Is there a chance that a Park Queen award will open up again? I don't mind checking every day, but if the consensus is no/unlikely, then I won't waste my time.
I will be Diamond by the time of our trip and I've seen previous posts where folks have been upgraded from a Twin to a Queen/King when booking on points for a short stay, but would rather not roll the dice with 88k points and get stuck with twin beds for four nights when we're open to staying elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
Queen or twin bedding is more of a preference, the award inventory for standard rooms is the same. It is relatively unlikely that you will end up with twin beds if you communicate to the hotel that you want a king or queen bedded room.
If twin rooms are available, book them to secure availability. Diamonds are almost always upgraded, so you will most likely end up with a Deluxe King room.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Feb 8, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Feb 9, 2013, 11:45 am
#1131
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: DL FO, HH Gold
Posts: 82
You can simply book a twin room award and then contact the hotel's reservations department to change the bedding preference to queen.
Queen or twin bedding is more of a preference, the award inventory for standard rooms is the same. It is relatively unlikely that you will end up with twin beds if you communicate to the hotel that you want a king or queen bedded room.
If twin rooms are available, book them to secure availability. Diamonds are almost always upgraded, so you will most likely end up with a Deluxe King room.
Queen or twin bedding is more of a preference, the award inventory for standard rooms is the same. It is relatively unlikely that you will end up with twin beds if you communicate to the hotel that you want a king or queen bedded room.
If twin rooms are available, book them to secure availability. Diamonds are almost always upgraded, so you will most likely end up with a Deluxe King room.
Feb 9, 2013, 2:22 pm
#1132
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 305
You can simply book a twin room award and then contact the hotel's reservations department to change the bedding preference to queen.
Queen or twin bedding is more of a preference, the award inventory for standard rooms is the same. It is relatively unlikely that you will end up with twin beds if you communicate to the hotel that you want a king or queen bedded room.
If twin rooms are available, book them to secure availability. Diamonds are almost always upgraded, so you will most likely end up with a Deluxe King room.
Queen or twin bedding is more of a preference, the award inventory for standard rooms is the same. It is relatively unlikely that you will end up with twin beds if you communicate to the hotel that you want a king or queen bedded room.
If twin rooms are available, book them to secure availability. Diamonds are almost always upgraded, so you will most likely end up with a Deluxe King room.
Feb 9, 2013, 7:07 pm
#1134
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Nonsense, the OP is expected to be diamond by the time of the stay - usual upgrade is to a park deluxe and diamonds always get breakfast.
Feb 9, 2013, 7:27 pm
#1135
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: Hertz President's Circle, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 317
Got back from a 3 night stay in January with the wife. I used 2 free night certs from the Chase Hyatt Card, and booked a standard king with points (at the time I did not have enough points to book using all points for a suite). When I made the reservation, I booked the suites first and the room last, just in case the hotel's occupancy rate was low and we would be allowed to stay in the suite for the third night. More on that later.
Few observations; Roissy Bus was very convenient, even with luggage. The cost is 10 euros per person. The kiosk at the airport was broken, so the ticket was purchased on the bus. We arrived at the hotel around 1pm and our room was not ready. I informed the front desk that we would leave to eat lunch and return in an hour to check on the status of the room. They did offer to call, but that wouldn't work for us since we didn't have a french sim card installed, or rented phones. When we returned, our room was still being cleaned. I was informed that they were almost at full capacity the night prior thus the delay. They offered us to wait in the lounge area and would call us over when the room was ready. A little after 3pm I went to check with them, they apologized since the room was still not ready and upgraded us to an executive suite. We were then escorted to our room after 10-15 minutes.
The service was very good, but to me it lacked the personal feel. Everyone was very professional and polite. I inquired about my diamond amenity when I noticed there wasn't one and was told it would be delivered later that night. Never happened, and I had to request it again the 2nd night.
The room itself was spacious with 2 full bathrooms and living room. More than enough for both of us. The heated towel racks and floors were awesome, I would love to put those in my house. One of the bathrooms toilet was higher than the other. I think if you were over 6 ft it would be perfect fit. The other was more a standard size. The toilets did not flush well, such a waste of water.
The rooms had a box of cookies instead of chocolate. I prefer the cookies since I'm not a big chocolate fan. Also, were to bottles of Evian water in each room. I was told they were complimentary but had to request them to be taken off the room bill.
We had dinner at Pur which was a 6 course dinner and lasted a full 3 hours. One glass of champagne was 85 euros and we each had one. The rest of the cuisine was ok, personally not worth the cost for me. I'm more of a meat and potato kind of guy and ready to eat and go. It was an interesting experience nevertheless. The only dish I didn't enjoy was the cheese dish which came out before the dessert.
Breakfast was interesting. I ordered the scrambled eggs, and it was runny. Not bad at all, and had a cottage cheese like texture. The next day my wife ordered the scrambled eggs well done, and it tasted better. The salmon was great, fresh and not salty. I noticed while in Paris that the food tasted bland with less salt. I would prefer it that way, maybe I'm used to the high sodium that found in our food here in the states. I also enjoyed the bread. On the last day I substituted the eggs benedict in place of the American breakfast. All in all breakfast was very good, but did not live up to the hype others have posted. I also left 5 euros as a tip each day, and was reflected in my bill.
The last day we were required to check into out non-suite room. I can't remember the name but was told it was an upgrade as well. The room was on the same floor and had a king size bed. One thing my wife noticed were the amenities in the room had smaller sizes. The shampoo, lotions, etc were smaller. Also, this room didn't have the colgate plax mouthrinse like the suite. I wouldn't of noticed if she didn't point that out to me. I asked the fd to send up some shaving cream. There reply was "there should be one in the bathroom", which I replied that this room didn't have any. They then told me they would send it up. After a while it didn't show up so I called again. They ended up delivering toothpaste at this point I decided it wasn't worth the work, and left it alone.
The PH Vendome to me is like flying on Singapore's fc (which I have yet to do), it is one of the aspirational hotels that one must experience. My expectations were high and the hotel delivered on most but also fell short on some others. Overall, we had a enjoyable stay at the PH. We spent most of our time in the city, and for the first time a suite was overkill, as we did not need all that space. But it was nice to have. Since the wife did a lot of shopping we were given tax exempt paperwork to get stamped at the airport. If you buy a lot give yourself enough time at the airport to take care of this. I ended up running back from our gate to try to take care of this. I didn't have enough time to make a long story short, and ended up just mailing in the post office box.
Few observations; Roissy Bus was very convenient, even with luggage. The cost is 10 euros per person. The kiosk at the airport was broken, so the ticket was purchased on the bus. We arrived at the hotel around 1pm and our room was not ready. I informed the front desk that we would leave to eat lunch and return in an hour to check on the status of the room. They did offer to call, but that wouldn't work for us since we didn't have a french sim card installed, or rented phones. When we returned, our room was still being cleaned. I was informed that they were almost at full capacity the night prior thus the delay. They offered us to wait in the lounge area and would call us over when the room was ready. A little after 3pm I went to check with them, they apologized since the room was still not ready and upgraded us to an executive suite. We were then escorted to our room after 10-15 minutes.
The service was very good, but to me it lacked the personal feel. Everyone was very professional and polite. I inquired about my diamond amenity when I noticed there wasn't one and was told it would be delivered later that night. Never happened, and I had to request it again the 2nd night.
The room itself was spacious with 2 full bathrooms and living room. More than enough for both of us. The heated towel racks and floors were awesome, I would love to put those in my house. One of the bathrooms toilet was higher than the other. I think if you were over 6 ft it would be perfect fit. The other was more a standard size. The toilets did not flush well, such a waste of water.
The rooms had a box of cookies instead of chocolate. I prefer the cookies since I'm not a big chocolate fan. Also, were to bottles of Evian water in each room. I was told they were complimentary but had to request them to be taken off the room bill.
We had dinner at Pur which was a 6 course dinner and lasted a full 3 hours. One glass of champagne was 85 euros and we each had one. The rest of the cuisine was ok, personally not worth the cost for me. I'm more of a meat and potato kind of guy and ready to eat and go. It was an interesting experience nevertheless. The only dish I didn't enjoy was the cheese dish which came out before the dessert.
Breakfast was interesting. I ordered the scrambled eggs, and it was runny. Not bad at all, and had a cottage cheese like texture. The next day my wife ordered the scrambled eggs well done, and it tasted better. The salmon was great, fresh and not salty. I noticed while in Paris that the food tasted bland with less salt. I would prefer it that way, maybe I'm used to the high sodium that found in our food here in the states. I also enjoyed the bread. On the last day I substituted the eggs benedict in place of the American breakfast. All in all breakfast was very good, but did not live up to the hype others have posted. I also left 5 euros as a tip each day, and was reflected in my bill.
The last day we were required to check into out non-suite room. I can't remember the name but was told it was an upgrade as well. The room was on the same floor and had a king size bed. One thing my wife noticed were the amenities in the room had smaller sizes. The shampoo, lotions, etc were smaller. Also, this room didn't have the colgate plax mouthrinse like the suite. I wouldn't of noticed if she didn't point that out to me. I asked the fd to send up some shaving cream. There reply was "there should be one in the bathroom", which I replied that this room didn't have any. They then told me they would send it up. After a while it didn't show up so I called again. They ended up delivering toothpaste at this point I decided it wasn't worth the work, and left it alone.
The PH Vendome to me is like flying on Singapore's fc (which I have yet to do), it is one of the aspirational hotels that one must experience. My expectations were high and the hotel delivered on most but also fell short on some others. Overall, we had a enjoyable stay at the PH. We spent most of our time in the city, and for the first time a suite was overkill, as we did not need all that space. But it was nice to have. Since the wife did a lot of shopping we were given tax exempt paperwork to get stamped at the airport. If you buy a lot give yourself enough time at the airport to take care of this. I ended up running back from our gate to try to take care of this. I didn't have enough time to make a long story short, and ended up just mailing in the post office box.
Feb 9, 2013, 10:56 pm
#1136
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Feb 23, 2013, 1:13 pm
#1137
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 267
For Park Hyatt Vendome, the wifi in rooms is free for all, doesnt matter whether or not you have a status. True? I saw it is stated on their website. I saw someone here posted asking for free wifi when checking in. Isnt it free for all? Thanks.
Feb 23, 2013, 2:31 pm
#1138
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 775
rookie10
Few observations; Roissy Bus was very convenient, even with luggage. AGREE
room was not ready SAME FOR ME -- after 3pm I went to check with them, they apologized since the room was still not ready same
The service was very good, but to me it lacked the personal feel YOU ARE SO RIGHT . Everyone was very professional and polite AGREE . I inquired about my diamond amenity when I noticed there wasn't one and was told it would be delivered later that night SAME . Never happened, and I had to request it again the 2nd night.SAME
The toilets did not flush well you must have been in same room i was in in june l,
. Also, were to bottles of Evian water in each room. I was told they were complimentary but had to request them to be taken off the room bill--same .
Breakfast was interesting.I also enjoyed the bread fantastic best i ever had . On All in all breakfast was very good, but did not live up to the hype others have posted agree .
a good hotel , can not figure out what is so fantastic about it [/COLOR
Feb 23, 2013, 6:01 pm
#1139
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: Hertz President's Circle, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 317
Wifi is not free for everyone, unless they just changed something. When I was there last Jan. the log in screen where you enter your last name and room number showed a cost for the wifi. You will need status to have free wifi at the Vendome.
Feb 23, 2013, 6:33 pm
#1140
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 267
http://www.paris.vendome.hyatt.com/h...rnet/index.jsp
Is it possible that their systems are not consistent with what is posted on their website? Am I missing something or Did I get something wrong here? Thanks