mbowden19

While I'm sure it's been discussed somewhere I was attempting to book a stay on points in Dec '19 and the property has a number shown but when clicking through it states -"We’re sorry. This property is not taking redemption bookings at this time. You can either book a cash reservation or search for another property."

Any thoughts?
TIA

damon88

hockeyinsider

I completed a 1-night stay here as a platinum premier ambassador.

I was recognized as an ambassador upon arrival. Despite having done the online check-in I had to produce ID, show a credit card, fill out a form and go through all the usual formalities. My standing preferences for extra feather pillows and extra towels weren't fulfilled, despite being attached to the reservation and communicated to the hotel by my ambassador.

After filling out the form I was escorted to my room. I don't like this as I don't really need someone to show me how to turn on lights or whatever. If you're going to escort a guest to their room then you should do the check-in at the room, not in the lobby. At least that's how many hotels do it. Unlike other hotels of this class, no welcome letter was provided nor was there a card with hours for the bar and restaurant, including the breakfast hours.

On the whole, the Prince de Galles is very nice hotel that, as has been widely reported on here and elsewhere, takes relatively good care of its elite-status customers. I'm not sure there is added recognition for ambassadors over platinum premier, however. On a side note, somewhat interesting is the hotel's history, which seemed sadly overlooked as there were no brochures in the rooms. When it was built in the Art Deco-era, it was named after the prince of Wales -- using the French translation -- who frequented Paris and stayed at a hotel nearby. Flash forward to the 1970s, apparently Marriott acquired it and then later sold it to Sheraton at some point. I would be curious to know what this was branded as when Marriott owned it, as this was back when Marriott owned most of its properties. I thought this was interesting but I digress.

To me, the hotel seemed more like a residential hotel; like luxury apartments. Very quiet. Granted, the hotel was dead when I stayed but I didn't get the impression this hotel is known for a lively nightlife, especially compared to the Four Season Hotel George V next door. When I went for a walk at night I spotted a line of fashionable sorts coming and going from the Four Seasons and, glimpsing through a window, what looked like a lively bar and restaurant. By contrast, Prince de Galles had only a couple people in its bar and restaurant the whole night. I couldn't imagine eating in the hotel restaurant, which had a nice menu, if only because people watching is part of the appeal of dining in Paris.

I was upgraded to a Macassar city view suite. It was really, really nice. You can tell, unlike some faux luxury hotels, the hotel invested in quality design. Everything was very nicely decorated and of highest quality. My only complaint: The windows can't be opened more than a couple inches. Still, I would rather have a city view than an internal courtyard view. The TV system doesn't work great, partly because of the position of the TVs -- you have to hold the remote control at the right angle for the signal to work -- and also partly because the in-TV menu is proprietary and not very easy to switch between channels. Wireless internet is complimentary, but there is no enhanced option. It was somewhat slow for videos and photos.

Breakfast was OK, but not worth the price if you have to pay. I thought all the add-on charges were tacky considering the price of the hotel rooms and the price of breakfast itself. In the future, I would take the points, skip the breakfast and grab a cheaper option off-property. See the picture below for the prices. Service was nonexistent. There was one waitress for six people eating. Everyone helped themselves to water, juice and so forth. The caffè Americano I ordered was way too dark. I never got a refill, not that I would have drank it anyways. I prefer a medium roast coffee. After 45 minutes of picking at the buffet I was full and left. I wasn't asked to sign anything. Also, there were newspapers or magazines in the dining room. With that said, both The New York Times and the Financial Times were both delivered to my room earlier in the morning.

The concierge staff and guest relations staff were great, starting with pre-arrival emails and then throughout the stay. I've never seen a property respond to Marriott mobile application chat messages and emails as quickly as this hotel's staff.

The room was immaculate. Housekeeping provided turndown service, but it wasn't done until almost 8 p.m. No chocolate left on bed or tomorrow's weather forecast. They fully refreshed used towels and toiletries. Speaking of toiletries, the hotel provides 2.5 ounce/75 milliliter Collection Lalique bottles of lotion, shampoo, conditioner and body wash as well as several bars of soap from the same brand. No dental or shaving kits, except by request. Mouthwash was the standard Nourish mint mouthwash that you see everywhere.

The hotel has clearly paid attention to details. Almost everything is branded with their name and has the prince of Wales heraldic feathers. I wonder how many people nick something for souvenirs? The only thing they forgot to brand was the keycards, which just say Luxury Collection. Too bad because a nice keycard with the property's name would be a memorable and inexpensive souvenir to take home.

Would I return? On points, absolutely. Especially if I was bringing my girlfriend or wife. Would I pay the cash rates? Only if it was for work and a client paid. I'd have a hard time paying 1,800 euros per night for my suite when I I'm spending 60% of my day outside the room, seeing and exploring Paris. Plus, I don't like getting nickel-and-dimed over breakfast. The breakfast was fine, but it certainly wasn't worth paying for and it wasn't any better than the buffet at the J.W. Marriott Grosvenor House executive lounge. I think I would also expect a complimentary mini-bar or complimentary pressing of garments for that price, if I were paying cash.

UA-NYC

I remember the 38 EUR continental breakfast...hilarious. I will take it for free but amazed that people would ever pay for that.

C17PSGR

So ... I thought they were only going to upgrade you to a basic suite? This looks like a great upgrade.

Kacee

That's a beautiful room. I'm sure there are plenty who will pay 1800€ a night for that in Paris (and 38€ for the continental breakfast).

bhrubin

hockeyinsider

I guess my pushing back worked.

mbowden19

I didn't report it..but it did clear up for the dates I was looking for.

Always Flyin

Perhaps not to you, but in many countries it is.

SHLTP

The paltry breakfast is the only negative of this hotel. Rest is great.

MSPeconomist

SHLTP

I am a big breakfast eater. And I like my free breakfast benefit. And PDG breakfast is terrible (even buffet paid version)

But I will still stay at PDG because rest is so nice. Might be only Marriott I'd say that for.

Kacee

I believe that would be a violation of the French Constitution. Cafe au lait and stale baguette with butter? Yes, standard practice at the cheaper properties. Instant coffe and pop-tart? Grounds for expulsion.

EuropeanPete