Since The Peninsula in Hong Kong is my most favorite hotel in the world, my question is what hotel in Paris would be comparable to The Pen?

Thanks.

Well, it is difficult to answer, because you will never get what you are getting at the Pen. The closest I can come to are: Hotel de Crillon in the city and my favourite, Le Trianon Palace in Versailles. True, a little far from the city, but very close to the Pen as far as service and comfort is concerned.

Perhaps the closest parallel is the Hotel Plaza Athenee. Its Presidential Suite/Royal Suite offer the best views of the Eiffel Tower instead of Hong Kong Island and the harbour ; the rooms are elegant and the service top notch; excellent dining in terms of Restaurant Plaza Athenee run by Alain Ducasse; shopping right outside the front door (Avenue Montaigne); close to the Seine; a very chic and hip bar. . . . .but no pool or helipad. . . .

I dont think anything in Paris or perhaps the world match the Pen. The only property that comes close is George V. Even George V is not the Pen. I also find Price de Galles a nice alternative to the George V.

We have visited Hong Kong numerous times and have always stayed at the Regent - a Four Seasons Hotel (now the Intercontinental).

Our favorite in Paris (we stayed there four times last year) is the Four Seasons George V. It is in Paris's best location - just 2 short blocks from the Champs-Elys�es and Avenue Montaigne - the elegant Parisian shopping district with all of the Pen's shops - Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Bulgari, Escada, etc.

Our favorite casual restaurant with reasonable prices just steps away is Chez Andre where all the locals go.

The George V is not cheap, but it is in absolute mint condition. The rooms are large and brightly furnished. The hotel has a spa, exercise facility, and pool in the basement. The food is the finest in Paris - from breakfast, to lunch in Cinc (3 stars) to afternoon tea in the gallery with Harpist or piano.

The hotel has the same buzz as the Pen. We used to stay at the Plaza Athenee, but find it no longer compares to the George V.

Finally, the highlight of the hotel are its flowers. Jeff Leatham, the floral director from Los Angeles is the toast of Paris. His arrangements (changed twice daily) are breathtaking.

The best way to book is through American Express. If you have a Platinum or Black (Centurion Card) you can get special programs including breakfast (a delight) and afternoon tea.

Bon Voyage.

I agree wholeheartedly with other comments on the FS George V. It is my favourite hotel in Paris.

My first post was just comparing the physical attributes of the Pen with the Plaza Athenee. I personally prefer Le Cinq (and Phillipe Legendre) to Ducasse -- I always have troubles trying to justify the Ducasse "premium"; and I think the staff are more personable.

The Concierge team (I have raved about them in previous posts) are, in my mind, the best, under Roderick Levejac, Chef Concierge and Secretary of Les Clefs D'Or International. His former Assistant, Jean-Jacque Yonnet, is currently the Chef Concierge at the Four Seasons Provence.

It certainly isn't cheap to stay at the George V; but one doesn't mind. I would NEVER spend over �400 on a room in London............. no way!!

I had lunch there last year only one month after the restaurant gained the ultimate accolade in French gastronomy from Michelin. Service there was simply perfect, friendly, even warm. And the lunch menu, I believe, is only �80! A bargain compared to Le Restaurant au Plaza Ath�n�e.

Anyone stayed at Hotel Scribe lately? I realize from a search here that the Scribe is no Four Seasons, but it seems like a pretty nice place -- especially for the $190 I paid on Priceline.

My favourite is the Ritz. I love it.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned either the Meurice or Le Bristol. Of the two, I've only stayed at Le Bristol (had a meal at the Meurice, if that counts), and it's a comfortable place indeed.

As for the Scribe (which I do mostly like), comparing it to any of the top hotels in Paris is like comparing the Sheraton to the Peninsula or IC in Hong Kong.

I had the opportunity to stay at Le Bristol, de Crillon, and the George V all in one trip a couple years back. Le Bristol was too stuffy and the staff had major attitude. de Crillon was great and the location at Place de la Concorde was awesome -- however, the George V has this "x" factor edge over the other two hotels, IMHO.

I also just noticed today that in Zagat International Hotels and Spas 2004 to be the highest ranked property in the entire survey. The Pen, HKG and The Oriental, BKK were 2nd and 3rd respectively. Good for them!!

I think the location of Le Bristol on FBG St-Honone, coupled with the amazing garden makes it a true winner for Paris, with the Plaza Athen�e going second. Both Bristol and Plaza are less than 200 rooms. Bristol is really great to frequent guests with upgrades and ammenties, Plaza not so much.
Website is amazing, take note north american hotels.

George V. If you have stayed there you understand.

You've mentioned the best way to book the George V is using AMEX Plat/Centurian. I have been bombarded with letters and emails from AMEX offering me to get the Platinum card. I already have a lifetime membership in CO Presidents Club, so the club access is of no use to me, but I am curious about the travel benefits.

Do they offer you reduced rates as well as breakfast and tea? The info that they send me is pretty vague about the travel services. Do you really get good deals?

I am pretty much certain that I will book a room at the George V due to everyones positive comments, but I have plenty of time to make up my mind. I was thinking that I might like to go to the Champagne area, since I just hit the sparkling wineries up in Napa last weekend, but didn't have the time to take a tour.

Thanks.

If you decide to go to the champagne area, look at these:

http://www.champagne.fr/gb/portail-gb/index-gb.html

http://www.moet.com/moet.htm?to=us/index_shock.asp

http://www.tourisme-champagne-ardenn...indexflash.htm

http://www.veuve-clicquot.com/

http://www.perrier-jouet.com/

Enjoy and cheers