MacMyDay

Thanks everyone for the advice. Shangri-La does look beautiful, but their rooms don't look very appealing either from the videos/photos on their website. They sure don't make it easy by having so many different room types too. I think I'm going to stick with The Pen, book a Superior or Deluxe Suite and see if they'll upgrade it to anything beyond a Grand Premier Suite. Will then visit The Ritz and Shangri-La whilst there to decide whether to stay another time.

wripro

The thing about the Shangdi-la rooms is you merits book a large room or suite with an Eiffel Tower view. The first time I stayed there I could barely tear myself away from the window. You could almost reach out and touch the tower.

jp-mco

For what it's worth I think the Pen is a great choice. We're hoping to get back there later this year but my better half has designs on the George V. Will you be booking the Phantom from the airport again?

MacMyDay

It's an even better choice now. I booked a Deluxe Suite for 3 nights then contacted The Pen's reservation team and asked if they'd guarantee an upgrade prior to arrival and I'm now in a Grand Premier Suite, with still a further possibility of upgrade on arrival. Fingers crossed for a Garden Suite or Katara Suite.

I'll be getting the train this time, so will probably not bother as it's only about 15 minutes away and ~€300 is a steep price to pay for such a journey.

jp-mco

That's a nice upgrade. I think the Grand Premier Suite is the one featured in their promo video and it looks super! If you got an upgrade to the Garden / Katara suite that would be AMAZING!

I know what you mean about the Rolls Royce arrival service - it's not cheap. We've booked the Rolls Royce arrival service for when we get to London for our next stay at the Lanesborough. We're without our daughter for once so are making the most of our freedom!

I've always found that the drivers of RR transfer services at various hotels always seem to find the most conspicuous parking spots when they pick you up. The last time we were picked up by 45 Park Lane they parked literally by the payment kiosks at St Pancras - talk about embarassing - there were people taking photos on their phones!

scubadu

My wife and I quite enjoy this property as well, but it definitely does not get much love in this forum.

Regards

offerendum

Indeed - best I saw was a RR for a 5 minutes ride in London - same price

MacMyDay

I just double checked it and I was wrong: it's €585 for collection from the train station - the exact same amount as from the airport, which is over an hour away. So they're charging for the collection, not the distance. I'll definitely not be arriving via Rolls Royce then. I think last time I took an Uber Lux (or whatever they're called in Paris) it cost about €30.

offerendum

That´s a joke and ripp off.... Even from the Airport 585 € seems at least 100 % overpriced. And would wouldn´t even pay 300 €, 150 € would be my max. Just my 5 cent

jp-mco

That's ridiculous. Has the person you spoke to definitely got the price correct? In any case Uber Lux is great and very reasonable.

offerendum

That are the prices they charge.... Burj Al Arab wanted around 300 € for a not even 5 minutes ride, taxi was 4 €. Fortunatelly no ne is forced to do.

P.S. Have a look at the programs the hotel offers. Good example: Opera Garnier package!

Included (up to 3 persons are one price):
-Transfer to the opera up to 3 persons (with a Mini I guess). Worth? At max 100 €, I would say 20 €.
- Performance at the Opera House. Tickets comes with extra, so worth nothing
- Behind the curtain tour - Opera-Website claims 700 € up to 5 people. Guess if I would do it, but OK
- Transfer back to the hotel: see above
- Fixed post theatre dinnerexcluding beverages. Hard to say how much it is worth but the 4 course dinner at their "Gourmet" restaurant is 129,00 €.

So 3 persons (most People will travel as a couple and pay for 3) I would say package is worth max 1350 € and this is very generous calculated for the hotel. What´s the bargain offer of Peninsula? 2100,00 €. Great deal I would say! Never ever!

But it´s not all they have to offer!

They have a Versailles offer!
Rolls-Royce transport to and from Versailles, private behind the scenes tour, picnic and dinner "for a King or Queen" at your Suite or one of the salons. How much? Price for 2 persons starting from 4.765,00 €. What a bargain! Third parties offers behind-the-scenes tours at 125,00 € to 225,00 € per person.

Also amazing is a 4 hours (!!!) tour at the Louvre. In the end it´s a guided tour and a short Art-class. Price? Only 1730 € for up to 6 people.

My favourite is this one:
"For those in pursuit of the ultimate Parisian style experience, The Peninsula Academy offers the crème-de-la-crème of lifestyle destinations, all in one day.

The experience begins with an exclusive tour of a world renowned flagship boutique on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which will be opened one hour early for you privately

You will then proceed to the elegant Place Vendome and the home of famed couture designer Elsa Schiaparelli, whose salons have been lovingly restored and offer a glimpse into the original world of haute couture.

The journey continues with a visit to the 18th Century arcades and gardens of the Palais Royal, where a myriad of specialty boutiques await, together with an exclusive invitation into the world of famed perfumer Serge Lutens.

The day concludes with a stop at the boutique of jewellery designer Marie-Helene de Taillac on the Left Bank, where tea will be served accompanied by a visual feast of fine and rare gemstones."

Come on! How much? Duration is from 9am to 5 pm. ONLY 4.245 € for 2 people.

Can´t write any more, I´m on my way to Paris. Fear the experiences are sold out or they realize what a bargain they offer and double or triple prices.

OK, without joking: Who books such rip-offs? Even if I have absolutely no money-issues I couldn´t sleep for weeks if I booked one of this. In my head would only one word: "moron" - all the time

offerendum

P.S. How could I forget the football-package?

Fulfill the ultimate football dream through one of the greatest clubs in the world – Paris Saint-Germain FC, courtesy of The Peninsula Academy.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which transports guests to the world-renowned Parc des Princes stadium where they will be personally escorted onto the hallowed pitch by their favourite player and presented with a signed football, jersey and mascot.

As if that is not enough, participants will receive two VIP tickets to an always exciting Paris Saint-Germain match.

OK, PSG is far from the greatest club in the world but this is another story. But how much would you pay for 1 adult and 1 child? I? Perhaps 1000 € and even this would be too much. They charge starting from 20.500,00 €.

wripro

That last offer is biggest joke of all, concluding with a visit to a left bank jeweler where they will serve you tea along with a feast viewing of rare gems. In other words they are going to pressure you to buy their stuff after spending 4245 euros for the privilege. Better to visit all the previous stops on your own (very easy to do) and save the 4245 euros to buy some of those gems. (Or maybe just part of one.)

offerendum

Of course, but some people like to pay....

SojournsOf

That fashion/shopping one is hilarious. One would have to assume anyone with 4245 euros to waste on that rubbish would have their own connections to leverage. And better ones at that. Schiaparelli? LOL.