Review: Prince De Galles Hotel Paris

Years ago, I used to always stay at Prince De Galles but without your status we got small and tired rooms. Maybe they are better now. For our last five trips to Paris, we've stayed at Park Hyatt Vendome-Paris as we LOVE the location and the hotel.

I love the Westin Paris. As a SPG Platinum I usually request a Junior Suite upgrade in advance. If you get the right one, you will get a beautiful room with 2 balconies that overlook the Rue de Rivoli, Place la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. It is a treat to me to seat with my wife and have a drink in the balcony. I prefer this room to the suites.
Last time I found the same rate that you did, Buy 2 nights get the third night free, but I added a 4th night that I got reimbursed with my Citi Prestige card. I gave the code to the concierge over the phone and It worked perfectly. She used the code to reserve 4 nights. This was a 50% discount. This is also a less expensive hotel than the Prince de Galles and is located in a prime location, 1 block from the Place Vendome.
The Platinum breakfast buffet was amazing and it was given as the welcome amenity.

Thanks for this review. I'll be taking my hubby here in the fall and have organized a surprise bday dinner for him at La Scene there in the hotel. We will be staying on points, but I usually get upgraded to a suite being Ambassador level--and the fact that I'll be having a massive party in the restaurant probably means the hotel will try to upgrade us for the special occasion, too.

I've read that the service here is extraordinary. Thus far, the restaurant and concierge staff truly have been wonderful in helping me plan the special weekend.

I prefer the Vendome area in Paris, actually, and most often stay at the Westin, Park Hyatt, or even the boutique Hotel de Vendome. But we couldn't miss trying out the Prince de Galles for the special occasion. Many SPG loyalists claim this is one of the very best SPG hotels in Europe, so I'm very curious to stay and decide for myself. (I'll also be at the StR Rome and Hotel Imperial Vienna on this same trip, and last year stayed at the Gritti Palace Venice and Excelsior Gallia Milan, so I'll have good context for that evaluation!

You didn't mention whether you used the gym or not. 😉

it's hard to have a favorite hotel in Paris. Marriott alone lists 18 properties in the Paris metro, and the merger with Starwood adds another 13, including 6 from the high end boutique brand of Design Hotels.

Unless you're in Paris all the time, it'll take you quite some time just to cycle through all 31 properties. And that's just from 1 hotel group.

I am always amazed what they charge for breakfast. You can tell they cater to expense accounts! (I know you didn't pay) Last time I stayed at the Westin we walked around the corner and had great coffee and croissants for less than 10 euros for two people... seemed like a better value!

Hotel looks nice.

jeez 400eur for that hotel is obscene especially during off peak season. I stayed at the Opera Hilton and paid something like 200eur for a very similar brekfast and an amazing lounge

I love the modern yet classic design of your suite 🙂
I am not a fan of that location close to "Les Champs-Elysées". It is too touristy for my taste and much prefer the location of the Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme.
However, the rooms at the PHPV are in dire need a renovation to maintain their 'Palace' status.

Love the place, stayed in the suite like you did for New Years 2016

It is a tourist area, all the expensive shops are nearby.

Wait, no Qatar review?

cool. Now how do I get platinum without selling my house and moving to hotels.

Still think you're overvaluing SPG points if you have NEVER have occasion to use them.

The concierge service there is fantastic, definitely 5 star. Helped us make like 5 reservations, all of which were outstanding.

Nice. Never seen Lacroix toiletries before.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fFqHlliWmVY

Sorry, I don't see the value in paying $1,250 for 3 nights in a staid hotel in a boring part of the city. Just checked on Airbnb and you can get a beautiful 1 bedroom apartment in the heart of the Marais for $700. No breakfast, but much cooler neighborhood and jumping off point to see the city.

Like you said, paying a lot for a hotel in a city where you are mostly not in the room doesn't make a lot of sense. Use your points for the resorts and stay in apartments in great locations in cities.

Our preferred hotel and location is Park Hyatt Vendome. Great chef's table, spa very convenient to shopping and metro and a short walk to great restaurant Epicure at Bristol. Rates are getting so low am actually thinking of using Prestige benefit and save points for another trip.

When I die and go to heaven it will be Paris--and from your description--it will be the Prince De Galles Hôtel. Your tepid enthusiasm for the city of light pains me. It is a true jewel of western civilzation--always has been. The best way to get to know the city is to book some tours through Context Paris (No. I don't work for them but I have used them to get to know art and history in Rome and Florence. I am a true fan.). As for me, I visit Paris at least once a year. Usually I stay with friends but, if for some reason I can't, I book an apartment through one of the many websites floating around cyber space.

I stayed at this hotel when it was 10,000 points per night. We were given a lovely room and they sent French macarons to our room, compliments of mgmt. Starwood knows how to take care of their loyal guests. I also did not care for the neighborhood. Perhaps too upscale and not what I'm looking for when in Paris.

Somewhat ironically, did you know this hotel was formerly a Marriott? I stayed there in 1987 as a child traveling with my parents, and my father was (and is) a very loyal Marriott person. I have great memories of it, and find it so funny it is now a Marriott property once again.

49 Euro for breakfast is for fools who neither respect their own money or the expense accounts of their organization. I'd also agree with other comments that 1200 Euro for three nights is best left to people with more money than imagination.

From the photos, and your description, it does sound nice, but I think I prefer the W Paris Opéra. The views were much nicer from my Fabulous Suite (which I stayed in last week), and while not as large, had nice touches like a large bathtub you could really soak in, with a view out onto the cute terraces. Hotel staff were awesome also. Only thing that was "meh" during my staff was the hotel restaurant.

I don't get over-excited about Europe like some do, but I really liked the traditional areas of central Paris, it definitely has a je ne sais quoi.

If points are not an issue, then Hotel Le Bristol is a definite must in Paris - a stunning hotel with gorgeous food and staff and offering a vrai 'Palace' experience. No amount of point awarding can save the Park Hyatt Vendome - despite an amazing location, the rooms are dated and the service is perfunctory and it seems bizarre that it has attracted the 'Palace' status. With that comment in mind, thank you for your Prince de Galles review which clearly presents the property as a superior alternative to many of the 'brand' hotels and should definitely be considered if the Ritz, Le Bristol, George V are beyond one's means.

Like Bill, I liked The Westin for location & views. We stayed a year ago on Hubby's retirement 65th B-Day trip. Our Jr Suite rate came with the Effial Tower view from 2 balconies & Room Service Bfast

After 2 wonderful French restaurant dinners the last night was in room with Champagne . Delightful

To me the only reason to splurge in a Paris Hotel is if it has direct view to the Eiffel Tower. Otherwhise, find a charming Air BnB or cheaper hotel because hell, who goes to Paris to stay indoors? Much better use of $$ to eat & explore the city. With that said, this hotel is very beautiful inside!

Just a quick question, Lucky: what do you do with all the amenities from the planes and the hotel rooms, including the 1st class pajamases?

@ Hokland -- I used to collect them, but nowadays I typically give them away. After all, toiletries only stay good for so long. 🙂