Disclaimer: I really don’t like to be negative, so look at this as constructive criticism with a note to HDC on how they can improve for the future!
Bonjour de Paris!
I could not recap all of my fabulous Fashion Week experiences without telling you about my stay at Hotel du Collectionneur (51-57 Rue de Courcelles 75008 Paris), an (alleged) 5 star hotel located in the 8th arrondissement.
While spectacularly situated and equipped with a stunning lobby and garden, the allure ends there.
First impressions are lasting, and my first impression of the hotel was one I will never forget. I flew to Paris from LA, which is a minimum of a 10 hour trip just counting time in the air at 40,000 feet. However I had an almost 8 hour layover in DC, which accounts to 18 hours of travel, not including transportation to and from the airport. Let’s just say I was on the move for 24 hours by the time I arrived and I was tahd. When I arrived at HDC at 9am the morning of my stay, I was exhausted and delirious. I had asked my assistant to call for an early check in, but she later revealed that she had called several times and didn’t get through (!). So when I arrived, the front desk informed me that check in wasn’t until 4pm. Too fatigued to take in Paris’s innumerable sites, I proceeded (after indulging in the hotel’s breakfast buffet) to sit in the lobby for 7 hours, glowering at the front desk, hoping they’d take pity on a weary traveler who had just handed over their card to pay several thousand euros for a 6 night stay. Instead, I was ignored, overlooked and ultimately felt undervalued.
During that 7 hour stint, I read innumerable reviews of the property on Yelp and Trip Advisor, and many reviews commiserated with my experience. “A 5 star hotel that was more like 1 star” is how one Yelper described Collectionneur. But unlike some ‘Terrible’ reviews on Yelp that admonished the hotel for not having (in my opinion, ridiculous things like) gluten free bread, I can admit when I’m in the wrong/feeling entitled. I arrived before check in and hoped they’d make an exception for me. They did not. What they also did not do was offer me a bottle of water… offer to have me go to a lounge (I heard there’s an executive lounge somewhere)…or even ask even once if I was ok as I sat for 7 hours, trying not to completely doze off in one of the chairs in the lobby. Did I mention the lobby smells like the sewer? One woman did offer to have me go take a shower in the spa, but honestly I just wanted a bed, a little privacy, and a do not disturb sign!
Finally, feeling the pangs of hunger, I walked a bit and found a delicious cafe that instantly elevated my spirits. I indulged in one my favorites–escargot–and had some fries and a Croque Monsieur. The waiter said he could tell by my hair that I was American–and that he liked Americans. His smiling face and bubbly personality were all I needed at that time to feel better, and luckily, after spending some time at Cafe de L’Avenue on Boulevard Haussman (190 boulevard Haussmann)…
… my room was finally ready (at 5pm), and I was able to get some much needed sleep.
I found out that they had graciously upgraded my room to one with a balcony…overlooking a garden that’s seen better days and directly faces the back of an office building (from where I write).
This morning, I’m quite sure I heard my neighbor above using the bathroom. I definitely heard my neighbors across the hall squealing with joy as they entered their rooms late last night. And that familiar clang of housekeeping also was apart of the symphony of sounds I’ve heard at inopportune times during my stay. The walls are thin. I saw a blood stain on the comforter. But I must say this balcony is nice and I’m hoping for a better stay ahead.
On day 2 of my stay, I felt the need to satisfy my sweet tooth. I called Room Service, who told me they didn’t have much. So, I decided to try Uber Eats. Quelle Surprise: despite not having room service, they also don’t let delivery guys upstairs (but they let my makeup artist up every morning–you don’t need a keycard to access the floors). Why is delivering food “interdit” (not allowed)? Who knows why? Oh, it’s because this hotel is an outrage! It was confirmed as I slipped a snake skin trench coat over my pajamas, put on some hotel slippers, and went downstairs to the lobby to grab my chocolate cake. The people I encountered on the elevator on my way back upstairs echoed my sentiments, and added their disgruntlement with the amount the hotel reserves on their credit card each day in addition to their rates (not cheap).
I have another few nights here and will check in, but in the meantime, I’ll tell you about Five 5 star hotels I’ve LOVED while in Paris that have the same personality of the kind waiter I met during my initial 7 hour wait. Sometimes I think it’s not about what IS but how an interaction makes a customer FEEL. I paid thousands to stay at a hotel: a bottle of water and some care for my well being would have elevated my first impression.
At any rate, I have no complaints and would stay again at the below hotels below (I’m also going to try to book my rooms NOW for next season, so I don’t have to settle on HDC):
- Brach Paris (1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, 75116 Paris, France)
Brach Paris truly delivered a 5 star experience. If I had one complaint, it would be that it’s a bit far from the Fashion Week action. That said, the room was amazing, they had room service (hello!), and they were the bomb. They also had nice touches like cookies and flowers. It’s the simple things.
2. Hotel Mansart (5 Rue des Capucines, 75001 Paris, France)
I’ll admit that this hotel is probably not 5 stars (I checked–it’s 4 stars), but the location is! It’s right by Place Vendome, Rue de Rivoli, and all the attractions and sites you need. And at around $230 per night, you can’t beat the price. I’d say this is the oldest of the hotels, and it could probably use a renovation. And this may seem weird to admit, but I felt some energies in that old hotel if you know what I mean. If ghosts don’t give you the heebie-jeebies, then sashay on. I have to add that while I felt…a presence, it wasn’t mean. They didn’t like wake me up or anything, they were just hanging out. Basically, you’re in their house!
3. Intercontinental Paris Le Grand ( 2 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France)
You know this chain if you’re American, and honestly, I think Americans get the basics right. Room service, comfy beds, a TV you can watch YouTube on, it was pretty perfect! I attended a dinner here during Fashion Week and it was everything. This might be my first choice for next time!
4. Hotel de Crillon (10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France)
Crillon is the crème de la crème. It is 5 star, but let me tell you Collectionneur could learn something from them. The rooms are amazing (heck, you’re paying a fortune), but the service is what really sets this place apart and probably why they are able to command such high prices. Please note, this is for high rollers, this is definitely for special occasions.
5. Le Meurice (228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France)
Similar to Crillon, located on Rue de Rivoli, Le Meurice has an amazing location, along with a lovely dining room. Rooms aren’t big, but beds are comfy, and yes: 24 hour room service. This hotel is allegedly for ‘serious’ business people. It is the epitome of POSH.
Other great hotels that are favorites of the fashionable set (and my bougie friends) include the Ritz, Plaza Athenee, and Cheval Blanc.
Where do you stay when you go to Paris?
Leave some suggestions below. I go to Paris all the time…but please believe I’ll never stay at Hotel du Collectionneur again!*
Love & Light,
*Ok: A few positives. The housekeeping staff was very pleasant and greeted me every morning (they were sistas, and complimented me on my hair. Extra points for that haha).
*The lobby and garden are really beautiful, kinda wish I had taken some photos there.
*Das all I got.
