When looking for hotels in Paris a few months ago, I was choosing between the Hyatt Madeleine or the Westin Paris Vendôme as both were approximately 260 euros per night. Most other SPG or Hyatt properties were much more expensive on the same dates. For now, until the Marriott merger, I want to continue collecting SPG points, so I decided to go with the Westin. The hotel is located in the Place Vendôme very central to the Tuileries Garden, Louvre Museum and more. The Westin is at the south end of the Place Vendôme, closest to the Tuileries Garden.
Pros: Central location, large room relative to other Paris hotels, Westin Heavenly Bed.
Cons: Pricey, few common areas for relaxing at the end of the day, dark.
Walking in, the hotel has a courtyard that was under construction and a reception desk off to the right. It was underwhelming and a disappointment after spending a few days at the St Regis Rome and the Covo Dei Saraceni (reviews coming soon!) which both had exquisite common areas used frequently throughout the day for coffee, cocktails or just relaxing. Both days the Westin reception area was overcrowded with arriving guests and was being used as a staging area for corporate events.
The hotel restaurant The First offers breakfast for 40 euros. A little too steep for my budget so I can’t comment on the quality or service. I noticed the restaurant was bustling with activity in the morning and again at dinner.
The room was a standard hotel room, but large relative to other Paris and European hotel rooms, and featured a real king size bed. The bed and bedding were comfortable as you’d expect from a Westin. This was welcome after spending a few days on linen bedding at other hotels. The tub in the shower had a raised floor limiting height, so if you’re taller than 6 feet watch out!
There was a double door that led to a small gangway overlooking the street. In one direction was the Place Vendôme and the other a view straight into the Tuileries Garden.
A complimentary coffee or tea is offered per guest each day. Unfortunately that means calling room service, waiting and leaving a tip. The room service number never worked from my phone, I had to call the front desk each time to be connected to room service instead.
As a SPG Category 6 hotel at 20,000 points per night, I chose to pay cash as it’s certainly not worth that many points relative to the cash price. But if you can get a reasonable cash price and want to be centrally located to the tourist attractions and Paris fine (and expensive!) dining and shopping this hotel might be suitable for you.
