Last edit by: PTahCha
Hotel concierge does not respond to emails ([email protected]) - pick up the phone and call instead.
Lounge
120 EUR per room for Ambassadors
150 EUR per room for everyone else
Should be free for all RA's now, for sure if you are a regular guest
Must book club room for free access. Lounge access not part of the regular rate for suites.
Lounge access is included for free with all room categories when you book via a Virtuoso travel agent (see the Luxury Hotels forum if you need one)
Mini-bar
Mini-bar drinks complimentary to RA on both paid and award stays
Update Nov 12 Mini-bar is not complimentary on RA award stays unless you are a regular customer
Lounge
120 EUR per room for Ambassadors
150 EUR per room for everyone else
Should be free for all RA's now, for sure if you are a regular guest
Must book club room for free access. Lounge access not part of the regular rate for suites.
Lounge access is included for free with all room categories when you book via a Virtuoso travel agent (see the Luxury Hotels forum if you need one)
Mini-bar
Mini-bar drinks complimentary to RA on both paid and award stays
Update Nov 12 Mini-bar is not complimentary on RA award stays unless you are a regular customer
IC Le Grand Paris Master Thread [merged]
#16
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: American Executive Platinum, One World Emerald, IC Royal Ambassador
Posts: 309
Originally Posted by milepig
I've read all, or at least most, of the threads on the IC Paris and still need advise. My head is spinning with prices, room grades, and sometimes conflicting trip reports from previous posters.
I am regular Ambassador.
I'm booking a weekend stay in September with Mrs. Milepig, and will be using my Ambassador coupon for one night free. My goal is to get the best room at the best price - club level would be ideal, but previous threads seem to indicate that they won't pop for that as an upgrade. Here are the rates I'm finding:
420,00 € CLASSIC ROOM
450,00 € SUPERIOR ROOM
480,00 € EXECUTIVE ROOM
510,00 € DELUXE OPERA VIEW ROOM
540,00 € CLUB INTERCONTINENTAL ROOM
700,00 € JUNIOR SUITE
1.200,00 € PRESTIGE SUITE
There is also a 315,00 € advance purchase for a classic room.
Is itthe case that if I go for the Deluxe Opera View Room the upgrade would be to the Junior Suite rather than the Club room? If so, is it worth the 30 Euro more to pay for the Opera view (upgrade to Jr. Suite) over the Executive with upgrade to Opera view.
All this assumes that, based on price, the pecking order is:
Classic Room at 22 Sq. Meters
Superior Room at 27 Sq. Meters
Executive Room at 35 Sq. Meters
Deluxe Opera View Room at 35 Sw. Meters (the only difference from Exec is the view??)
Junior Suite at 43 Square meters
Prestige Suite (yeah, not in MY lifetime)
with the Club room falling outside the order completely. Is this all true?
If I really want the club room should I just spring for the EU540 and forget about it? Does the use of the coupon for one night change anything (will they bump me to the broom closet at checkin)?
I am regular Ambassador.
I'm booking a weekend stay in September with Mrs. Milepig, and will be using my Ambassador coupon for one night free. My goal is to get the best room at the best price - club level would be ideal, but previous threads seem to indicate that they won't pop for that as an upgrade. Here are the rates I'm finding:
420,00 € CLASSIC ROOM
450,00 € SUPERIOR ROOM
480,00 € EXECUTIVE ROOM
510,00 € DELUXE OPERA VIEW ROOM
540,00 € CLUB INTERCONTINENTAL ROOM
700,00 € JUNIOR SUITE
1.200,00 € PRESTIGE SUITE
There is also a 315,00 € advance purchase for a classic room.
Is itthe case that if I go for the Deluxe Opera View Room the upgrade would be to the Junior Suite rather than the Club room? If so, is it worth the 30 Euro more to pay for the Opera view (upgrade to Jr. Suite) over the Executive with upgrade to Opera view.
All this assumes that, based on price, the pecking order is:
Classic Room at 22 Sq. Meters
Superior Room at 27 Sq. Meters
Executive Room at 35 Sq. Meters
Deluxe Opera View Room at 35 Sw. Meters (the only difference from Exec is the view??)
Junior Suite at 43 Square meters
Prestige Suite (yeah, not in MY lifetime)
with the Club room falling outside the order completely. Is this all true?
If I really want the club room should I just spring for the EU540 and forget about it? Does the use of the coupon for one night change anything (will they bump me to the broom closet at checkin)?
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Thanks for all the advise - I just booked the prepaid classic room for 4 nights in early September, and will work on using the coupon and getting one night credited when I arrive at the hotel. Here's hoping for a significant upgrade! I'll send in a trip report when I'm back.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
And here is the trip report.
Checkin took a little bit, and the person had a hard time finding me a room, much clicking and saying "we're really full". She finally called someone and negotiated a room for us. She then said something about "a view of the opera" "very nice room" and even wrote "opera" for our corridor. When we got upstairs the room was actually on "Scribe" and faced the inner courtyard, but we didn't really care about the view since it was dark when we were in the room. Good sized, but I'm not quite sure which category it would be - large bed, two bedside tables, a desk with chair, an easy chair, one additional chair, a small table and the minibar/tv thing. Separate entrance with the closet and both the room and the bath had big windows. Very nice.
The welcome ammenity was about 24 plums and a very nice box of chocolates. There were bottles of water the first night, but they were not replaced.
Only problems? The cold water in the sink kept getting hot -weird. And, we were hit with a EU125 minibar bill, which was instantly removed when I questioned it. (We had one bottle of water and did move things around a bit to get a couple of our own things in.)
The took the free night coupon and promised a credit on the CC.
Checkin took a little bit, and the person had a hard time finding me a room, much clicking and saying "we're really full". She finally called someone and negotiated a room for us. She then said something about "a view of the opera" "very nice room" and even wrote "opera" for our corridor. When we got upstairs the room was actually on "Scribe" and faced the inner courtyard, but we didn't really care about the view since it was dark when we were in the room. Good sized, but I'm not quite sure which category it would be - large bed, two bedside tables, a desk with chair, an easy chair, one additional chair, a small table and the minibar/tv thing. Separate entrance with the closet and both the room and the bath had big windows. Very nice.
The welcome ammenity was about 24 plums and a very nice box of chocolates. There were bottles of water the first night, but they were not replaced.
Only problems? The cold water in the sink kept getting hot -weird. And, we were hit with a EU125 minibar bill, which was instantly removed when I questioned it. (We had one bottle of water and did move things around a bit to get a couple of our own things in.)
The took the free night coupon and promised a credit on the CC.
#19
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,548
9/9/06 Stay
I just checked out from Le Grand today. I had quite a nice experience staying here few years ago using the Junior Suite with Club access promotion from Departure magazine and this time redemeed 30K PC points for a 1 night stay.
Checked in around 4PM and the folio was ready with a room number pre-printed, 2309. I asked for a room with a high ceiling and the receptionist changed the room to 2331.
The room faces the not-so-pretty courtyard, but I love the windowed bathroom. Paris was beautifully sunny yesterday and this morning, it is a wonderful thing to have the bathroom bathed in sunlight. The plus side from the inside rooms is that it has no street noise, although about 1AM this morning two kids from adjacent rooms were screaming at each other, loud enough to wake me up.
The room is small. No, make it TINY. As an Ambassador, I know I was entitled to be upgraded to a SUPERIOR room (based on the photo on the website, I was given the CLASSIC room). I didn't make a fuzz because I am travelling solo and only for 1 night.
The bathroom has no separate shower and the toilettries are L'Occitane Verbena instead of the Molton Brown given in the Junior Suite few years ago.
I got a chance to go back to the spa to use the gym. There was no one at the reception, so I just walked in, worked out, had some OJ and water, then used the sauna. I wanted to shower in the locker room, but out of the 2 showers, I couldn't figure out the jet-spray system in one stall (it might be broken, actually) and the other stall has no shampoo or body wash. Decided to go shower in my room.
I did not get to use any of the dining facilities, though noticed that the American breakfast cost 45 Euros and Continental is 38 Euros (IIRC). I also noticed that a glass of orange juice costs 11 Euros. Hmm.
Service is rather spotty. When I called the 'service express' to inquire whether or not there's a steam room in the spa, the person transferred me the spa, but there was no answer and I was greeted by a voice mail. When I called back, the same 'service express' person answered the phone and had no clue about the facility.
I called the reception to confirm the 'free movie' for Ambassador and call was answered immediately. This morning, when I called to check out, no one answered the phone and I was greeted by a voice mail again.
Overall, an OKAY stay. I would certainly stay again because of its location, but if I am paying next time, I would definitely make sure I got at least an upgrade to a SUPERIOR room.
BTW, what's the difference between the CLASSIC and SUPERIOR anyhow? It seems to be about 30 Euros... can't be that much larger in terms of size.
Checked in around 4PM and the folio was ready with a room number pre-printed, 2309. I asked for a room with a high ceiling and the receptionist changed the room to 2331.
The room faces the not-so-pretty courtyard, but I love the windowed bathroom. Paris was beautifully sunny yesterday and this morning, it is a wonderful thing to have the bathroom bathed in sunlight. The plus side from the inside rooms is that it has no street noise, although about 1AM this morning two kids from adjacent rooms were screaming at each other, loud enough to wake me up.
The room is small. No, make it TINY. As an Ambassador, I know I was entitled to be upgraded to a SUPERIOR room (based on the photo on the website, I was given the CLASSIC room). I didn't make a fuzz because I am travelling solo and only for 1 night.
The bathroom has no separate shower and the toilettries are L'Occitane Verbena instead of the Molton Brown given in the Junior Suite few years ago.
I got a chance to go back to the spa to use the gym. There was no one at the reception, so I just walked in, worked out, had some OJ and water, then used the sauna. I wanted to shower in the locker room, but out of the 2 showers, I couldn't figure out the jet-spray system in one stall (it might be broken, actually) and the other stall has no shampoo or body wash. Decided to go shower in my room.
I did not get to use any of the dining facilities, though noticed that the American breakfast cost 45 Euros and Continental is 38 Euros (IIRC). I also noticed that a glass of orange juice costs 11 Euros. Hmm.
Service is rather spotty. When I called the 'service express' to inquire whether or not there's a steam room in the spa, the person transferred me the spa, but there was no answer and I was greeted by a voice mail. When I called back, the same 'service express' person answered the phone and had no clue about the facility.
I called the reception to confirm the 'free movie' for Ambassador and call was answered immediately. This morning, when I called to check out, no one answered the phone and I was greeted by a voice mail again.
Overall, an OKAY stay. I would certainly stay again because of its location, but if I am paying next time, I would definitely make sure I got at least an upgrade to a SUPERIOR room.
BTW, what's the difference between the CLASSIC and SUPERIOR anyhow? It seems to be about 30 Euros... can't be that much larger in terms of size.
Last edited by broadwayboy; Sep 10, 2006 at 1:32 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Originally Posted by Raffles
Room sizes are shown on the IC website if you click on the room descriptions (and indeed are quoted 3 posts above yours!).
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
Originally Posted by milepig
I'm not sure what your point is, and in any case I didn't have a ruler with me!.
Only in exceptional circumstances will I stay in a hotel room smaller than 40 sq metres. Life has taught me that anything less is likely to induce severe feelings of unhappiness!
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Originally Posted by Raffles
Sorry to confuse - I was replying to broadwayboy who asked the difference between a Classic and Superior, which AFAIK is size only.
Only in exceptional circumstances will I stay in a hotel room smaller than 40 sq metres. Life has taught me that anything less is likely to induce severe feelings of unhappiness!
Only in exceptional circumstances will I stay in a hotel room smaller than 40 sq metres. Life has taught me that anything less is likely to induce severe feelings of unhappiness!
"The toilettries are L'Occitane Verbena instead of the Molton Brown" We also had L'Occitane in our Superior/Executive room, but found them quite nice. Has the entire hotel changed, or do higher levels still get the Molton Brown?
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
I would actually rate L'Occitane above Molton Brown, which is pretty middle market these days (BA puts it in their club washbags, for instance). L'Occitane certainly has a more sophisticated packaging and image.
#25
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: American Executive Platinum, One World Emerald, IC Royal Ambassador
Posts: 309
Does anyone know the answer to this??? I'd like to know if they have completely switched throughout the LeGrand. I always assumed IC tried to use British brands (Molton Brown & Penhaligon's) in their nicer properties...so L'Occitane would be French! I wonder if this is just for France?! Having said all this, any of these is better than the generic IC toiletries in the shape of the logo!!
Originally Posted by milepig
No prob, Raffles. I am also intested in this statement:
"The toilettries are L'Occitane Verbena instead of the Molton Brown" We also had L'Occitane in our Superior/Executive room, but found them quite nice. Has the entire hotel changed, or do higher levels still get the Molton Brown?
"The toilettries are L'Occitane Verbena instead of the Molton Brown" We also had L'Occitane in our Superior/Executive room, but found them quite nice. Has the entire hotel changed, or do higher levels still get the Molton Brown?
#26
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS/1MM,AS 75k,NK GLD,AA 2MM,DL 2MM,LH FT,AY PLT,IC RA,FMT LT PLT,HYT GLB,HLT DIA,MRT GLD,HRTZ PC
Posts: 2,229
Originally Posted by Shopfranceinc
Does anyone know the answer to this??? I'd like to know if they have completely switched throughout the LeGrand. I always assumed IC tried to use British brands (Molton Brown & Penhaligon's) in their nicer properties...so L'Occitane would be French! I wonder if this is just for France?! Having said all this, any of these is better than the generic IC toiletries in the shape of the logo!!
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Originally Posted by Shopfranceinc
Does anyone know the answer to this??? I'd like to know if they have completely switched throughout the LeGrand. I always assumed IC tried to use British brands (Molton Brown & Penhaligon's) in their nicer properties...so L'Occitane would be French! I wonder if this is just for France?! Having said all this, any of these is better than the generic IC toiletries in the shape of the logo!!
#28
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 9
Beautiful hotel, lousy service
My girlfriend and I stayed here from 9/15-17. It was one of my most disappointing IC stays.
After an awful journey from Prague we arrived a little after 2pm and was told that our room was ready but needed to be looked at by housekeeping before they could release it to us, come back in 20 minutes. A half later we inquired again and was told the exact same thing - very classy. Ended up having to stand in front of the counter until they found a room. I booked a Deluxe room, with the hopes of an upgrade to a junior suite. No such luck there.
On the first day they dropped off 2 bottles of water, half a bottle of wine and a basket of fruit that was growing mold - what the hell??
The concierge was useless in helping us get restaurant reservations for the one night we requested assistance and we ended up doing it ourselves.
The room had a grand total of 2 towels in it, this still baffles me.
For the money, there have to be better places to stay in Paris. I'd been seriously impressed with IC service at the other locations I've stayed at (Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague), so this was a serious let down.
After an awful journey from Prague we arrived a little after 2pm and was told that our room was ready but needed to be looked at by housekeeping before they could release it to us, come back in 20 minutes. A half later we inquired again and was told the exact same thing - very classy. Ended up having to stand in front of the counter until they found a room. I booked a Deluxe room, with the hopes of an upgrade to a junior suite. No such luck there.
On the first day they dropped off 2 bottles of water, half a bottle of wine and a basket of fruit that was growing mold - what the hell??
The concierge was useless in helping us get restaurant reservations for the one night we requested assistance and we ended up doing it ourselves.
The room had a grand total of 2 towels in it, this still baffles me.
For the money, there have to be better places to stay in Paris. I'd been seriously impressed with IC service at the other locations I've stayed at (Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague), so this was a serious let down.
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Originally Posted by gaussian
My girlfriend and I stayed here from 9/15-17. It was one of my most disappointing IC stays.
After an awful journey from Prague we arrived a little after 2pm and was told that our room was ready but needed to be looked at by housekeeping before they could release it to us, come back in 20 minutes. A half later we inquired again and was told the exact same thing - very classy. Ended up having to stand in front of the counter until they found a room. I booked a Deluxe room, with the hopes of an upgrade to a junior suite. No such luck there.
On the first day they dropped off 2 bottles of water, half a bottle of wine and a basket of fruit that was growing mold - what the hell??
The concierge was useless in helping us get restaurant reservations for the one night we requested assistance and we ended up doing it ourselves.
The room had a grand total of 2 towels in it, this still baffles me.
For the money, there have to be better places to stay in Paris. I'd been seriously impressed with IC service at the other locations I've stayed at (Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague), so this was a serious let down.
After an awful journey from Prague we arrived a little after 2pm and was told that our room was ready but needed to be looked at by housekeeping before they could release it to us, come back in 20 minutes. A half later we inquired again and was told the exact same thing - very classy. Ended up having to stand in front of the counter until they found a room. I booked a Deluxe room, with the hopes of an upgrade to a junior suite. No such luck there.
On the first day they dropped off 2 bottles of water, half a bottle of wine and a basket of fruit that was growing mold - what the hell??
The concierge was useless in helping us get restaurant reservations for the one night we requested assistance and we ended up doing it ourselves.
The room had a grand total of 2 towels in it, this still baffles me.
For the money, there have to be better places to stay in Paris. I'd been seriously impressed with IC service at the other locations I've stayed at (Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague), so this was a serious let down.
Checkin was a bit rough, but they apologized that the hotel was very full but the person worked hard to find me a room, which she did the first time. I really would have expected that the room would have been pre assigned (we checked in at about 4:30).
Two bottles of water, wonderful plums, a good sized box of chocolates, no wine (half or full bottle).
More towels that we could have possibly used, every day.
Room serviced seamlessly and also turndown service every night. All totally transparent to us. Even the bathroom was carefully put back on the hanger with the arms folded just so, etc.
The concierge took good care of us and made a same day dinner reservation at a restaurant that I thought might be full. No problem at all.
I judge general hotel service by four things:
Is there a robe hook in the bathroom - Le Grand = yes
Are the partially used toiletries replaced with new ones - Le Grand = yes
Is the room left the way I want it or is it reset to hotel specs (is the TV remote where I left it or back on top of the TV, is the AC left where I set it) - Le Grand = passed
Are room service trays promptly removed from the hallway (it is amazing how many fine hotels fail this test) - Le Grand = yes
So, it passed all my tests. Sorry your experience wasn't as good.
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
I have just used by RA status to get myself a room at Le-G for two 'sold out' nights in October, and the rate is Euro 540 per night for a Superior (ie still very small but could be worse) room!
Luckily I have a BOGOF available, and I assume the fact the hotel is sold out actually INCREASES my chance of a decent RA upgrade!
Luckily I have a BOGOF available, and I assume the fact the hotel is sold out actually INCREASES my chance of a decent RA upgrade!