MikeBOS

I'm from Boston and a smoking room would be unacceptable to me too.

On the topic of the thread, I have not stayed in the Westin but I would agree with the previous post -- PDG is a big thumbs down. Really bad value for the price, even on points. Starwood's choices in Paris are pretty bad overall...

bluztuzumab

We will be there at the end of August thru the beginning of Sept. (SFO-London-Amerstdam-Paris-London-SFO).

Thanks for the info - I had read the threads on both hotels here on FT (and as a newbie I knew enough as to not start a new thread). I was only thinking about the PDG because it is going up to Cat 7 - both would be fine with us.

CIT85

We've stayed at the PDG (as Cat 5) a few years ago when I only had enough SPG points for 2 nights. As a Plat when I made the reservation and dropped down to Gold in the spring when we stayed there, we were upgraded to a suite. The decor was old fashioned, but I appreciated the upgrade. PDG is next door to FS Georges V.

I stayed at the Westin for 3 nights last spring and was upgraded to a junior suite without a view. The room was very nice and the location is very convenient.

I would select PDG now for the experience while it's still reasonable as Cat 6, especially on cash & points (if available).

scrubglove

Any thoughts on which property is better? I am using points (20k/nt for both places) so cost isnt a factor.

hippo

I stayed at the Prince de Galles when I proposed to my wife a couple of years back. Frankly, I would select out of the two hotels based on where it is you would prefer to be in Paris.

Looking at the Westin online, it looks to be an even nicer hotel than what I recall the Prince de Galles was.

Regarding location, Prince de Galles is very near the Arc de Triomphe, while the Westin is close to the Louvre and all that is in that area.

Personally, I would definitely go for the Westin based on location alone (the fact it looks like a nicer hotel is a bonus). However, that's not to say you should ignore the area near Prince de Galles, make sure to walk down to the Arc de Triomphe and stop in at Laudaree.

I'd spend more time close to the Westin and walk across to Boulvard Saint Germain etc as well as exploring Jardin des Tulerries, Musée d'Orsay, and the Louvre.

Frankly, just thinking about it, it sounds like a great vacation no matter which property you select.

Cheers.

jschutz

Depends on your ambulation I guess. The Westin is without question the best location - near and within close proximity to virtually all the best known tourist spots. So if the rates/points are the same I would definitely go with the Westin. We are staying there in November for 4 nights - and even though we go to Paris on an average of once every two years - we do not hesitate to go to the Westin.

stevens397

As a Platinum, my decision was based solely on FT reports on the likelihood of good upgrades and the PdG did not disappoint. We went there twice over three years and got wonderful suites each time.

As a Gold, I probably would have chosen the Westin but that said, we loved the PdG.

sfsouthbay

i say the westin. it's closer to the seine as well, so if you want to take a stroll, it's definitely closer...

HNLbasedFlyer

Given the metro system in Paris, the location issue doesn't become a huge factor. But as a Platinum, I always got upgraded at the Prince de Galles and never at the Westin - and if you don't get upgraded at the Westin, the rooms are very small both in terms of the bedroom area and bathroom.

hippo

It seems most people are also suggesting Westin, but a couple of posters have talked about the possibility of an upgrade at the Prince de Galles.

My experience on that front was quite positive too. I proposed to my wife in Copenhagen and travelled to Paris the same day. The Prince de Galles hotel wasn't able to upgrade us on the first night (or if they did, the room wasn't that memorable), however for the rest of the stay (4-5 nights) we had the Champagne suite which was magnificent.

MikeBOS

I only stayed at the PDG once, but got no upgrade at all as Platinum. If paying cash, there are many places in Paris that are much better value; on points, it is still not a great value, and would agree with the suggestion of others that you're better off at the Westin. I haven't stayed there myself but know others who have and were very happy.

sbtinme

The PdG actually has a number of Champagne Suites -- IIRC, it's about a dozen of them (maybe 10, maybe 14). I've also had one of these rooms before and was quite pleased.

ldsant

As Cheap Elite mentioned, there are LOADS of threads around these two properties. I stayed at the PdG twice in the last six months and wouldn't recommend it (I was a Platinum for both stays). No real upgrade; staff is rather non-service oriented; and aside from the location there are so many other nicer places to stay in Paris.

chanp

Westin, is more modern. I like the location of both. I walk from one hotel to the other. See if you can get same day cancellation on each and check them out for urself.

bananacake

Thanks for all the input - i was trying to decide where to use my free night (if i collect it) im not keen on staying in the cheap option of heathrow (uk) with swine flu, but the westin does look nice!

Of interest has anyone found a bar that is good in this area but not crazy prices? The Hyatt beers (bottles) are 15euros EACH? any advice on local places for a quiet sophisticated drink would be appreciated!