Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jan 9, 2014, 7:29 pm
#76
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
Btw, welcome to Flyertalk !
Jan 10, 2014, 12:51 am
#77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Belgium
Posts: 6
Jan 17, 2014, 11:21 am
#80
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BRU, BE
Programs: LH, United, Hyatt, Air France
Posts: 464
Is that rate for a special room because hyatt.com is showing some rates around and below 200 euros for those dates taken individually.
Jan 26, 2014, 3:00 pm
#81
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, United 1K
Posts: 115
Rough around the edges but great potential
The Good:
Unbeatable location, large conference-style hotel with a mall, gourmet supermarket and metro station attached, awesome view of Paris. Renovation is currently underway to update the guest rooms.
The Bad:
This large conference hotel, formerly La Fayette Concord, become a Hyatt in mid-2013 and is still going through the expected growing pains, including room renos. It is rough around the edges when it comes to the level and consistency of service you would expect of a Hyatt.
The Details:
I stayed here twice in the same week and on my first one-night stay, was assigned a Club King room on the 33rd floor with a great view of Paris but the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were just out of sight. These rooms have not yet undergone renovation, so even though they are technically higher category rooms, the decor and furniture are dated and reminiscent of the 80s — dark red velvet curtains, canary yellow walls, green marble bathrooms and even an antique “pants presser” in the closet. The doors to these rooms bang loudly when they close and you can hear just about every movement in the hallway while in the room – housekeeping, room service delivery, other guests coming and going.
Two days later, I requested a renovated room and was assigned to a Deluxe room on the 7th floor with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Even though I was only on the 7th floor, the view was spectacular and the renovated rooms are stunning — crisp white walls and curtains, a gorgeous platform bed and leather headboard, a contemporary bathroom with space-saving glass French doors and, replacing the old tubs in the same footprint is a deep soaker tub that is both comfortable and visually appealing.
I had a rather unpleasant incident at the Restaurant La Fayette (see http://ow.ly/sXH7C) – possibly part and parcel to the transition – and hotel management responded immediately and appropriately, which deserves accolades, but it will take some time before I'm willing to give the restaurant another try.
Much fuss has been made about sky-high drink prices at Bar La Vue on the 34th floor. The view is to die for, especially at night when the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are all lit up, and that's what you're paying for — although to be fair the champagne cocktail I had, the aptly named “Paris in Love” was strong and tasty. I find the bar staff professional and hard working (if a little stern, but hey, it’s Paris!), the cocktails sublime (and for €29 a pop it should be). If you are to splurge, the beautifully hand-crafted cocktails (€24 upwards) are probably a better bang for your buck than bottles beer (€27).
Elite specific:
The Regency Club looks like an old-fashioned French salon with deep red velvet banquettes but no view of the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe. Service was mediocre at best and at breakfast time, long lineups made this Club look like a Denny’s.
I waited 15 minutes in line on a Saturday morning around 10:00am, witnessing many guests — who gained access to the Club either through their elite status or by paying extra for a Club room — leaving frustrated and annoyed, before finally leaving myself as there was no reasonable chance I would be seated before breakfast closed at 10:30am.
While not well communicated, the hotel does deliver room service if you are unable to get seated in the Club, but only for a continental breakfast consisted of coffee, juice and a bread basket (no hot items like eggs, and meats even though these are served in the Club). Alternatively, Club guests can choose to have breakfast in the atrium restaurant but on weekends the lineups are equally daunting.
Transit:
Transportation is extremely convenient with Air France-operated Le Cars shuttle pickup/drop off just around the corner. Paris Metro Line 1 stops right underneath the hotel and will take you to most major attractions. The mall attached to the hotel has restaurants, boutiques, a drug store and a gourmet grocery store with a good collection of wine, fresh fruit and snacks for your everyday needs.
Tips:
If you like individual attention and/or a boutique feel, this is not the hotel for you — there are other more “charming” hotels in Paris, even within the Hyatt portfolio.
If you are a Hyatt Platinum or Diamond guest, you are likely to be automatically “upgraded” to a Club room, which are on the higher floors but have not undergone renovations. Ask for a renovated Deluxe room instead - you might be on a lower floor but the views are still spectacular and the new rooms are heads and shoulders above the old ones.
The Bottom Line:
Overall I would stay here again, but only if in a renovated Deluxe room. There is no doubt the hotel is going through some growing pains due to the transition, but most of the staff I met seemed to be happy with the move to Hyatt and I see great potential for the Etoile as part of a constellation of Hyatt hotels in the City of Lights.
The Fine Print:
Reviewed room type: Club King, Deluxe King
Date stayed: Dec 26 and Dec 28, 2013
Elite status: Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond
Rate type: Paid stay
Review by @brianlinca
The Good:
Unbeatable location, large conference-style hotel with a mall, gourmet supermarket and metro station attached, awesome view of Paris. Renovation is currently underway to update the guest rooms.
The Bad:
This large conference hotel, formerly La Fayette Concord, become a Hyatt in mid-2013 and is still going through the expected growing pains, including room renos. It is rough around the edges when it comes to the level and consistency of service you would expect of a Hyatt.
The Details:
I stayed here twice in the same week and on my first one-night stay, was assigned a Club King room on the 33rd floor with a great view of Paris but the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were just out of sight. These rooms have not yet undergone renovation, so even though they are technically higher category rooms, the decor and furniture are dated and reminiscent of the 80s — dark red velvet curtains, canary yellow walls, green marble bathrooms and even an antique “pants presser” in the closet. The doors to these rooms bang loudly when they close and you can hear just about every movement in the hallway while in the room – housekeeping, room service delivery, other guests coming and going.
Two days later, I requested a renovated room and was assigned to a Deluxe room on the 7th floor with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Even though I was only on the 7th floor, the view was spectacular and the renovated rooms are stunning — crisp white walls and curtains, a gorgeous platform bed and leather headboard, a contemporary bathroom with space-saving glass French doors and, replacing the old tubs in the same footprint is a deep soaker tub that is both comfortable and visually appealing.
I had a rather unpleasant incident at the Restaurant La Fayette (see http://ow.ly/sXH7C) – possibly part and parcel to the transition – and hotel management responded immediately and appropriately, which deserves accolades, but it will take some time before I'm willing to give the restaurant another try.
Much fuss has been made about sky-high drink prices at Bar La Vue on the 34th floor. The view is to die for, especially at night when the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are all lit up, and that's what you're paying for — although to be fair the champagne cocktail I had, the aptly named “Paris in Love” was strong and tasty. I find the bar staff professional and hard working (if a little stern, but hey, it’s Paris!), the cocktails sublime (and for €29 a pop it should be). If you are to splurge, the beautifully hand-crafted cocktails (€24 upwards) are probably a better bang for your buck than bottles beer (€27).
Elite specific:
The Regency Club looks like an old-fashioned French salon with deep red velvet banquettes but no view of the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe. Service was mediocre at best and at breakfast time, long lineups made this Club look like a Denny’s.
I waited 15 minutes in line on a Saturday morning around 10:00am, witnessing many guests — who gained access to the Club either through their elite status or by paying extra for a Club room — leaving frustrated and annoyed, before finally leaving myself as there was no reasonable chance I would be seated before breakfast closed at 10:30am.
While not well communicated, the hotel does deliver room service if you are unable to get seated in the Club, but only for a continental breakfast consisted of coffee, juice and a bread basket (no hot items like eggs, and meats even though these are served in the Club). Alternatively, Club guests can choose to have breakfast in the atrium restaurant but on weekends the lineups are equally daunting.
Transit:
Transportation is extremely convenient with Air France-operated Le Cars shuttle pickup/drop off just around the corner. Paris Metro Line 1 stops right underneath the hotel and will take you to most major attractions. The mall attached to the hotel has restaurants, boutiques, a drug store and a gourmet grocery store with a good collection of wine, fresh fruit and snacks for your everyday needs.
Tips:
If you like individual attention and/or a boutique feel, this is not the hotel for you — there are other more “charming” hotels in Paris, even within the Hyatt portfolio.
If you are a Hyatt Platinum or Diamond guest, you are likely to be automatically “upgraded” to a Club room, which are on the higher floors but have not undergone renovations. Ask for a renovated Deluxe room instead - you might be on a lower floor but the views are still spectacular and the new rooms are heads and shoulders above the old ones.
The Bottom Line:
Overall I would stay here again, but only if in a renovated Deluxe room. There is no doubt the hotel is going through some growing pains due to the transition, but most of the staff I met seemed to be happy with the move to Hyatt and I see great potential for the Etoile as part of a constellation of Hyatt hotels in the City of Lights.
The Fine Print:
Reviewed room type: Club King, Deluxe King
Date stayed: Dec 26 and Dec 28, 2013
Elite status: Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond
Rate type: Paid stay
Review by @brianlinca
Jan 31, 2014, 11:07 am
#82
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New York City
Posts: 92
Review was right on point, although I asked for a renovated room when I checked in - the front desk either didn't have it available or didn't understand (or maybe it was because the club room was booked using points).
We had 2 reservations (one free night cert, and 3 nights on points) over NYE the hotel was extremely busy but we didn't need to change rooms. They were able to fit us in one of the room on the club floors with a view of Sacré Cœur for the entire stay. The first room was in extremely bad shape, peeling paint and cracked tiles. We asked for a different room and they kindly obliged. The second room was better, but the lack of air conditioning was noticeable - at nights it was warm and stuffy.
The location - connected to the mall and metro so it was convenient, we usually didn't have to go outside to get to the metro unless we returned late at night, which was a plus in the winter. 20 minute walk to Arc de Triomphe.
Club amenities - picked up breakfast from the lounge and brought it back to the room, it was crowded and there were guests waiting to get a seat. Evening drinks were fine, on NYE we got back to the hotel around 6pm and had champagne and wine - towards the end they stopped refilling the beverages but we got there early and already had plenty by then - soft drinks also available throughout the day.
Concierge - prior to arrival I wrote them to help with reservations for NYE dinner. They made a suggestion for a place that did not take reservations (I was looking for budget under 100 EUR per person). On a different night I asked them for advice on a close restaurant to get plateau de fruits de mer - they recommended the restaurant across the street Le Ballons des Ternes which I did not enjoy at all (cold soups, rude waitstaff).
Room service - surprisingly good. On NYE we decided to stay in and have a picnic in the room, we asked for a bucket of ice to chill our champagne (5 EUR). It arrived in less than 5 minutes. For a hotel of this size, I was impressed.
I chose it because it seemed like a decent 4* Hyatt (to use the cert) and I prefer not changing hotels to the PH on such a short trip.
Overall this is a standard conference / tourist hotel that provides convenient access to many of Paris' attractions - ask for a newly renovated room (with a view of the Eiffel Tower) if you decide to stay here.
We had 2 reservations (one free night cert, and 3 nights on points) over NYE the hotel was extremely busy but we didn't need to change rooms. They were able to fit us in one of the room on the club floors with a view of Sacré Cœur for the entire stay. The first room was in extremely bad shape, peeling paint and cracked tiles. We asked for a different room and they kindly obliged. The second room was better, but the lack of air conditioning was noticeable - at nights it was warm and stuffy.
The location - connected to the mall and metro so it was convenient, we usually didn't have to go outside to get to the metro unless we returned late at night, which was a plus in the winter. 20 minute walk to Arc de Triomphe.
Club amenities - picked up breakfast from the lounge and brought it back to the room, it was crowded and there were guests waiting to get a seat. Evening drinks were fine, on NYE we got back to the hotel around 6pm and had champagne and wine - towards the end they stopped refilling the beverages but we got there early and already had plenty by then - soft drinks also available throughout the day.
Concierge - prior to arrival I wrote them to help with reservations for NYE dinner. They made a suggestion for a place that did not take reservations (I was looking for budget under 100 EUR per person). On a different night I asked them for advice on a close restaurant to get plateau de fruits de mer - they recommended the restaurant across the street Le Ballons des Ternes which I did not enjoy at all (cold soups, rude waitstaff).
Room service - surprisingly good. On NYE we decided to stay in and have a picnic in the room, we asked for a bucket of ice to chill our champagne (5 EUR). It arrived in less than 5 minutes. For a hotel of this size, I was impressed.
I chose it because it seemed like a decent 4* Hyatt (to use the cert) and I prefer not changing hotels to the PH on such a short trip.
Overall this is a standard conference / tourist hotel that provides convenient access to many of Paris' attractions - ask for a newly renovated room (with a view of the Eiffel Tower) if you decide to stay here.
Feb 4, 2014, 2:22 pm
#83
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Belgium
Posts: 6
So after booking 4 nights through Olotels for 455 euro, I'm now on my second night here in the Hyatt Regency Etoile. It's my first time in a Hyatt property.
When arriving I was told that my room was a 2 single beds room, I asked to have a double bed room and they said they didn't have any double bed rooms anymore of the same time, but offered to upgrade me to a Deluxe with Eiffel Tower view. I asked if they could add the reservation to my Hyatt Gold Passport (which wasn't used yet), and this was instantly done.
The room itself is nice, it's on the 24th floor and is one of the already renovated rooms. However it seems like they didn't really renovate everything, for example but bathroom is quite nice, but when you watch the drainage of the bath, it's quite rusted. So they didn't really replace that, which is quite weird. Also the bathroom door seems to have got painted over but still appears to be some old door that just doesn't "feel" right. Kinda strange they didn't go all the way while renovating these old rooms...
I don't think I'd pay the full price (normally around 200 euro incl breakfast) for a room like this, but for about 115 euro a night incl breakfast it's a good deal in Paris.
When arriving I was told that my room was a 2 single beds room, I asked to have a double bed room and they said they didn't have any double bed rooms anymore of the same time, but offered to upgrade me to a Deluxe with Eiffel Tower view. I asked if they could add the reservation to my Hyatt Gold Passport (which wasn't used yet), and this was instantly done.
The room itself is nice, it's on the 24th floor and is one of the already renovated rooms. However it seems like they didn't really renovate everything, for example but bathroom is quite nice, but when you watch the drainage of the bath, it's quite rusted. So they didn't really replace that, which is quite weird. Also the bathroom door seems to have got painted over but still appears to be some old door that just doesn't "feel" right. Kinda strange they didn't go all the way while renovating these old rooms...
I don't think I'd pay the full price (normally around 200 euro incl breakfast) for a room like this, but for about 115 euro a night incl breakfast it's a good deal in Paris.
Feb 11, 2014, 9:43 am
#84
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: STL
Programs: WN, DL, AA; Hyatt or Wyndham
Posts: 1,079
Just looking ahead to a future family visit, I tried to book a room for 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) on points and it would not let me. Goldpassport.com message said number of occupants exceeded room capacity. When I changed to 2 + 1 it appeared to let me reserve, but I did not since this was just a test run.
So how is a family of 4 supposed to book a room on points at the hotel? We don't want 2 rooms.
So how is a family of 4 supposed to book a room on points at the hotel? We don't want 2 rooms.
Feb 11, 2014, 12:23 pm
#85
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
Just looking ahead to a future family visit, I tried to book a room for 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) on points and it would not let me. Goldpassport.com message said number of occupants exceeded room capacity. When I changed to 2 + 1 it appeared to let me reserve, but I did not since this was just a test run.
So how is a family of 4 supposed to book a room on points at the hotel? We don't want 2 rooms.
So how is a family of 4 supposed to book a room on points at the hotel? We don't want 2 rooms.
If you exclude the 'hallway' and bathroom, we are basically talking about a space of roughly 3x3 metres. The 9 sqm. include the bed (roughly 4 sqm.) , desk + chair (another 2 sqm.) so the available space left is roughly 3 sqm., which you find between the bed and closet on one side, bed and desk and the bed and the window on the other side.
Believe, you really want two rooms and it will still be tight considering you have two suitcases in every room as well.
Reserving a suite might be a better option.
Feb 11, 2014, 12:33 pm
#86
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: STL
Programs: WN, DL, AA; Hyatt or Wyndham
Posts: 1,079
Even three people do not fit into their standard rooms. According to their website, we are talking about 18-20 sqm, which is not correct...
If you exclude the 'hallway' and bathroom, we are basically talking about a space of roughly 3x3 metres. The 9 sqm. include the bed (roughly 4 sqm.) , desk + chair (another 2 sqm.) so the available space left is roughly 3 sqm., which you find between the bed and closet on one side, bed and desk and the bed and the window on the other side.
Believe, you really want two rooms and it will still be tight considering you have two suitcases in every room as well.
Reserving a suite might be a better option.
If you exclude the 'hallway' and bathroom, we are basically talking about a space of roughly 3x3 metres. The 9 sqm. include the bed (roughly 4 sqm.) , desk + chair (another 2 sqm.) so the available space left is roughly 3 sqm., which you find between the bed and closet on one side, bed and desk and the bed and the window on the other side.
Believe, you really want two rooms and it will still be tight considering you have two suitcases in every room as well.
Reserving a suite might be a better option.
For a random summer 2014 day, the suite (4 people) is 525 euro, while a king room (3 people) is <200 euro. Quite a difference. Not one I can or would pay.
On points, the king room is available for 15,000, while no suites show up on points reservations at all. For 4 people, the only message is "number of people exceeds room capacity."
I think when the time comes to reserve, the best bet is getting a helpful Hyatt GP representative on the phone rather than trying website.
Feb 12, 2014, 2:06 am
#87
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
Thank you for the response.
For a random summer 2014 day, the suite (4 people) is 525 euro, while a king room (3 people) is <200 euro. Quite a difference. Not one I can or would pay.
On points, the king room is available for 15,000, while no suites show up on points reservations at all. For 4 people, the only message is "number of people exceeds room capacity."
I think when the time comes to reserve, the best bet is getting a helpful Hyatt GP representative on the phone rather than trying website.
For a random summer 2014 day, the suite (4 people) is 525 euro, while a king room (3 people) is <200 euro. Quite a difference. Not one I can or would pay.
On points, the king room is available for 15,000, while no suites show up on points reservations at all. For 4 people, the only message is "number of people exceeds room capacity."
I think when the time comes to reserve, the best bet is getting a helpful Hyatt GP representative on the phone rather than trying website.
I did not follow the latest changes of GPP in great detail, but back in the days, a suite was 50% more expensive than a room, so basically 50% more points for (at least) 100% more space + plus lounge access (if you do not hold Diamond status)
It is worth it at the Etoile.
Feb 25, 2014, 5:02 pm
#88
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 91
I recently completed a six night stay with my wife and infant son. Overall, while it is rough around the edges (and that will be fixed during the current renovation), this is an amazing hotel and I am happy to recommend this hotel to anyone but especially to families looking for a convenient trip with rooms a bit larger than are traditionally in Paris.
We booked a Regency Suite King using Gold Passport points and were upgraded (we have no status) to an Ambassador Suite after requesting a view from high up of the Eiffel Tower. Our room had an amazing view of the tower. Check in was quick and efficient and an agent escorted us to our room to ensure it was satisfactory.
The room itself was two rooms. One was a bedroom (King Bed) overlooking the Eiffel Tower and had a full bathroom. The other room had a couch, coffee table, several chairs, TV, a view of the Eiffel Tower and a second bathroom. While the room was due to be updated (and will be in the current renovation) it was clean and met all of our needs. I cannot complain about the room.
We booked at the Regency level to have access to the Regency Club so we were able to eat breakfast in the club and access it throughout the day for snacks. This worked out great, saved us quite a bit of money on breakfast and was super convenient given that we were travelling with a stroller and eating breakfast on site allowed us to have a consistent routine to start our days.
I cannot say enough how amazing the view is from this hotel. Others pay to go up other buildings to get this view. Don't do it. Just book at this hotel.
While I have seen complaints about the location, they are completely unwarranted. The location is perfect. The hotel is on top of a mall and has direct access to the RER C and Metro Line 1 without going outside. This is very convenient. The 1 line travels along the Seine to all major sites (10 minutes away to Museums and Notre Dame) along the river and the RER C goes right to the Eiffel Tower in 10 minutes.
Inside the mall is a grocery store and bakery (great for grabbing bread at the Paul Bakery and sandwich meats at the grocery store for a cheap meal), several small restaurants and an Angelina pastry/hot chocolate location that is a must visit. Takeaway is cheaper so take some for the road and eat it in your hotel room after returning from a long day.
In short, I cannot think of a hotel with a better view that is more convenient for a tourist traveling in to visit the major sights with a family. I fully intend on staying in this hotel when we travel back to Paris in the upcoming years.
I also have to say that the current manager, Michel Morauw, is one of the best Hyatt has and I have no doubt he will turn this hotel into the star Hyatt in Paris. He is currently working to train the staff on Hyatt standards and complete a top to bottom renovation. I cannot wait to see what he does as this hotel is amazing right now but also has limitless potential.
We booked a Regency Suite King using Gold Passport points and were upgraded (we have no status) to an Ambassador Suite after requesting a view from high up of the Eiffel Tower. Our room had an amazing view of the tower. Check in was quick and efficient and an agent escorted us to our room to ensure it was satisfactory.
The room itself was two rooms. One was a bedroom (King Bed) overlooking the Eiffel Tower and had a full bathroom. The other room had a couch, coffee table, several chairs, TV, a view of the Eiffel Tower and a second bathroom. While the room was due to be updated (and will be in the current renovation) it was clean and met all of our needs. I cannot complain about the room.
We booked at the Regency level to have access to the Regency Club so we were able to eat breakfast in the club and access it throughout the day for snacks. This worked out great, saved us quite a bit of money on breakfast and was super convenient given that we were travelling with a stroller and eating breakfast on site allowed us to have a consistent routine to start our days.
I cannot say enough how amazing the view is from this hotel. Others pay to go up other buildings to get this view. Don't do it. Just book at this hotel.
While I have seen complaints about the location, they are completely unwarranted. The location is perfect. The hotel is on top of a mall and has direct access to the RER C and Metro Line 1 without going outside. This is very convenient. The 1 line travels along the Seine to all major sites (10 minutes away to Museums and Notre Dame) along the river and the RER C goes right to the Eiffel Tower in 10 minutes.
Inside the mall is a grocery store and bakery (great for grabbing bread at the Paul Bakery and sandwich meats at the grocery store for a cheap meal), several small restaurants and an Angelina pastry/hot chocolate location that is a must visit. Takeaway is cheaper so take some for the road and eat it in your hotel room after returning from a long day.
In short, I cannot think of a hotel with a better view that is more convenient for a tourist traveling in to visit the major sights with a family. I fully intend on staying in this hotel when we travel back to Paris in the upcoming years.
I also have to say that the current manager, Michel Morauw, is one of the best Hyatt has and I have no doubt he will turn this hotel into the star Hyatt in Paris. He is currently working to train the staff on Hyatt standards and complete a top to bottom renovation. I cannot wait to see what he does as this hotel is amazing right now but also has limitless potential.
Mar 1, 2014, 9:04 pm
#90
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Luxembourg
Programs: HH Dia, AClub Plat, Hyatt Dia, FB Gold, LH SEN, TK *G
Posts: 655
The renovation will be done from end of Q1 2014 until 2015. There are many many rooms in that hotel so I highly doubt that the renovation will be over. However, it doesn't hurt to ask if they're planing to have suites renovated before your stay.
They largely make up for the outdated rooms with the service and I do mean it. This is my new home in Paris. I will post of a full review soon.
I'm staying there approximately 30 nights a year.
They largely make up for the outdated rooms with the service and I do mean it. This is my new home in Paris. I will post of a full review soon.
I'm staying there approximately 30 nights a year.