Park Hyatt Vendome Paris Stay Report
For our two day stopover in Paris, we decided to stay at the Park Hyatt Vendome. To get there, we bought an 8.70 Euro RER ticket and it took about 45 minutes. We took the RER to Chatelet and then transferred to the 7 subway to Opera. Once there, it was a short walk to the hotel, which is on Rue de la Paix.
We got these two nights for free for taking advantage of Hyatt's Big Welcome Back promotion. This incredible promotion gave a free night at ANY Hyatt, for each two stays at ANY Hyatt during the promotion period. This means you
can stay twice at cheap Hyatt Places and in turn, you get one free night at any Hyatt- including their top tier Park Hyatt brand. We only did one mattress run at a $60/night Hyatt place in Duluth, Georgia- the other three stays were planned. In the end, we got two nights at a hotel that frequently sells regular rooms for 700 Euros a night. In addition, since I am a Hyatt Diamond, I got free internet, breakfast and a welcome amenity of decent champagne. All together, an unbelievably compelling reason to choose Hyatt for our short Paris stay.
We arrived at the hotel around noon and there was no line for check-in. The agent welcomed us to the property and confirmed our stay for two nights in a queen room. He said the room was ready, but just had to call housekeeping to confirm. Once speaking to the housekeeping staff, he told us that the mini-bar had to be checked, but that should only take a few minutes, so if we took a seat in the lobby, he'd come get us.
I was very thankful our room was ready- being able to check in early after a transatlantic flight is an upgrade in itself. At this point the lack of breakfast and jet lag were both starting to kick in, which makes me a less than desirable person. Since the room was going to be ready in a “few minutesâ€, we decided to wait to get to the room and then go get something to eat. However, 40 minutes went by and we heard nothing. At this point, I went back to the desk and asked another representative about our room, letting her know that we were more than fine to drop our bags and come back when it is actually ready. She called housekeeping but there was no answer. She said she'd be right over with the status so we could plan our day accordingly.
10 minutes later and no one came over. At this point, I was angry because if I knew it would have been almost an hour, we would have gone to a café for much needed food and coffee. Not wanting to cause a scene, but a little bit frustrated with the situation, I went back and spoke with our original check-in agent, who started fumbling to figure out the situation. My main point was that should have been communicated to in a clear manner since had no problem leaving the hotel and coming back if the room actually was not ready. He somewhat apologized, but then tried to back pedal and let me know that he had other guests to take care of. With this comment and his poor attitude combined with my jet lag and hunger, I was about to lose it, but miraculously our room became available at the moment. He came with us to show us the room and explain the Hyatt Diamond benefits.
Once we got to the room, all of my worries disappeared. The room had extremely high ceilings and ornate fixtures. It was high-end, but contemporary. The bathroom was split into three units- toilet, open shower and then sink/ parlor area. The queen bed was much larger than a US queen
and had comfortable sheets. The room looked out onto the courtyard, which is picturesque and lined with flowers. The internet was free (For Diamonds- normally 18 euro) and fast. Within minutes our welcome amenity of champagne, Chateau Billecart Salmon Brut (a 38 euro bottle) arrived, along with a small box of
chocolates. I took a quick shower, which was heavenly. The only weird thing about the shower was the set-up- it was in an open raised area next to the tub, with a sink and a small ledge to sit. However, the rainfall shower was a blessing after the flights and reinvigorated me to explore Paris. The last time I was in Paris, I was in college and stayed at a cheap hostel in Monmarte. I found it funny that I paid more for that hostel, than for this luxurious room.
The weather in Paris was amazing- low 80s and sunny. I was able to cover a lot of ground, though didn't do most of the tourist attractions. The two days consisted of walking around the city, eating a lot of good food (except for the time I accidentally ordered tripe sausage), Watching the World Cup games and drinking good wine.
One of the highlights of the hotel stay was the free breakfast at the hotel. Hyatt provides free breakfast for Diamond members (those who stay 25 times or 50 nights a year) when a hotel does not have a lounge. Some hotels are more generous than others with this rule- some give a certain amount per person (usually
$25) or per room. Sometimes they stipulate you must eat in the hotel restaurant- specifically excluding room service. The Park Hyatt Vendome has an incredibly generous policy of comping the entire meal, whether in the restaurant or room service (until noon). The first day we slept in late, so ordered it in the room. I ordered the “Healthy Breakfast†of smoothie, tea, fresh juice, eggs, apple compote and fresh cheese. My partner got the continental breakfast and all together the bill with tip was 103 euros. The food was as fresh and delicious as it looks in the pictures. The next day we ate in the breakfast and had the
buffet, which consisted of gourmet, fresh ingredients. I made a French version of my favorite smoked salmon, capers and cream cheese- all on a mini baguette, which was delicious. Once again the breakfast came to about 100 Euros and we made sure to tip well.
Upon check-out, I was expecting to pay for something- whether taxes or tips on meals, but the bill was zero. Amazing. No haggling required, as is at so many hotels. Overall, the value received was incredible and the stay was one of the best I've ever had- especially in Europe. I highly recommend this hotel, whether on a romantic weekend or just to see Paris.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.