Like all major cities, Paris has a Four Seasons (Bristol, Raphael, etc.). Of course, they go for mighty big bucks a night-650 to start (euros) at the Four Seasons. Are these places worth it? Especially in a place like Paris with thousands of lower-cost charming hotels to choose from?

What are your requirements? Some people think they are worth the price.

I know its tough to answer such a question objectively since there are many variables. For me, I like a clean room with modern amenities and pretty facilities-more a case of having no negatives-ie. mildew, noise, shabby carpet, furniture, dust, etc. Of utmost importance-excellent location.
Examples? Essex House in NY, Marriott
Coronado Resort, Princeville in Kauai=
all in the $200-300 range for our needs. But 600 euros and up in Paris???

Mark, the things you state (clean room, etc) are available at almost all price levels (okay, I wouldn't expect a one star to be modern and pretty much). There are plenty of 100 euro plus hotels in Paris that have those things.

Super-deluxe hotels are a whole different category and you're paying for extra service, spas, extra facilities, super-concierge, luxury touches, ambience, etc -- it's more than just clean and no mildew. Lots of people do think the hotel is worth it and that hotel was renovated fairly recently, I believe, and does have its fans and admirers (George V).

You have to be in a completely different income bracket than most people to even be considering such a hotel, and only those who typically stay at those kind of hotels could say if it's worth it. If you usually stay at those kind of hotels, I don't think you'll be happy with a basic 3* that is clean.

We stayed at the four seasons two summers ago and loved it. We brought our two teenage sons along so we had to get two rooms. As time has passed we've forgotten how much it cost but remember the beautiful rooms, great service and outstanding concierge. If we ever go back to Paris again, we would certainly stay there again.

Christina is right on.
To my mind, a clean hotel in a decent area is the basic requirement, regardless of one star or four. Modernized bathroom and elevator, and air conditioning, raise you and the price up a star or two. Add charming decor and other services and amenities , and you're up to four stars.

But that four star category is a pretty wide one. Once you add in plush carpets, thick bathrobes, 24 hour room service, turndown service, great restaurant on the premises, a concierge who can get you whatever you want, you're talking grand luxe, with prices to match. Some people who can afford it don't care to spend more for those things. Some people who can't afford it, aspire to having that in the future.
Some who can't afford it, still couldn't care less. There' s never a "worth it" that applies to everyone.

I am with Christina and Elaine on this one. We had lunch at Le Cinq, George V
in November and later had a tour of the Hotel with Veronique from the front desk. It is a very nice hotel, especially with all the flower arrangements and period decor. Spa was quite nice as well. Rooms sort of typical 4S with a French tones. Smallish rooms. I am however not enamored with the location which may be fine for the Champs E or Eif T or business, but not near my personal favorite areas of Paris. I find that we tend to do alot near our place of lodgings so as much as I tend to like 4S hotels, I personally would probably not stay at the George V at these prices. I should also say that I do not think the Bristol in Paris is a 4S hotel. It is however a bit better located IMHO.

notice the spelling of the screen name. again not mine. doesn't this guy have a job or is he unemployed

I think you all are completely misinterpreting my comment. I am totally neutral on 5* hotels. I'm just saying you don't go there if you just want a clean room, no mildew etc. I don't think there is anything wrong with anyone staying in a 5* hotel if that's what they want and they have the money. Actually, I'm the one who doesn't agree with the common thought that hotel rooms that are postage stamp size and bare are fine and there is no need to spend more than $60 because "you only sleep and shower there." I like a nice hotel room and don't scrimp. I think it's just a matter of perspective and income level.

Obviously, no one can judge a hotel room out of the context of income. If I were a multi-millionaire and $600 a night was inconsequential to me and meant less to me than $100 a night would to others, of course, I'd stay in places like that.

Nowhere in my comment did I say no one should stay in them or no one should spend over 100 euro a night. I just said you didn't need to spend 650 euro to get clean and modern.

I do basically think anyone who is considering spending that would not be happy in an avg. 3* hotel, though.

Mark,

We stayed at the George V over New Years 2002 and to answer your question
"is it worth it?" In a word, ABSOLUTELY!

We loved the location and the service is unsurpassed. We were on the Bed & Breakfast plan and breakfast alone was amazing. The rooms are completely soundproof....I never heard a toilet flush or a shower running. I thought the rooms were very nice..not huge but then again most aren't in Paris. In my opinion if you're in the market for a luxury hotel in Paris, this one is should be right at the top of the list.

Well, there you go...if "never hearing a toilet flushing or shower running" is worth several hundred dollars to you, then it's probably worth it.....for you.

I confess to despising these "worth it" questions. How am I to know what's "worth it" to anyone other than myself?

I can tell you I'm not about to shell out 650 euros so that I can be in a hotel where I can't hear a toilet flushing or a shower running - that really seems like wretched excess to me. I've been in hotels where I paid less than 100 euros a night in Paris where I didn't hear a toilet flushing or a shower running. I didn't even notice the lack of those noises.

I've also been in plenty of hotels where I did hear those noises, mildly, in the "distance," and it didn't spoil my sleep or my vacation.

I can see advantages in paying 650 euros a night for a hotel if that's affordable for you, but not advantages the likes of not hearing a shower running. I imagine those advantages to be concierge service, business services, lovely lobby, spa services, etc., but frankly, even if I had the budget for those services, I'd rather spend the money on food and purchases - but I guess if you can spend that kind of money to sleep, you can spend even more for food and purchases.

The original poster mentioned that Paris was full of places with lower-cost charming hotels to choose from - well, he's right. Unless you need to impress the neighbors, you can sleep very well in Paris without hitting the 200 euro mark, including in places where you aren't subjected to the horror of hearing showers running or toilets flushing (what do these people do at home when they get up at night to use the bathroom?).

Interesting comments over the course of the week. Obviously, there is no "objective" answer to whether the hotel is worth it. But through a series of individual opinions, I can make my own judgment. Actually, this is all in the name of fun isn't it?
So, if one despises such an inquiry, maybe they should move on to the next posting. However, as for me, a hotel that charges 600, 890, 1500 dollars or euros for 24 hours is NOT worth it per se when you put it into the context of alternatives or what you can do with that money at home, ie. 1500 is new carpeting, 600 is a new hdtv. A lot of merchandise vs. 24 hours or less in a nice room or building. However again, I'm on vacation creating lasting memories that I'll have the rest of my life. I can't recall the carpet or stove I bought in my last house. So, its not that easy to decide, assuming one has the means, to "go for it" at a fine hotel such as the famous FourSeasons. Hence, such a posting allows me to gather thoughts of others to see whats good, fun, special, or lousy about such a place.
Anyone who gets all hot and bothered over such an inquiry, simply misses the point.
Thanks for the responses.
The verdict? I split the baby and booked the Four Seasons for 3 nights in a 6 night stay in July.
Mark

Mark, I'm glad that you have split your time at a lesser priced hotel. I agree with the previous posters who state that paying 600+ euro for a room is very expensive. Personally I cannot justify spending that much money for a hotel room-yes, I will think of the necessities back home that I could have spent it on instead. I can't own that hotel room but that high rate is like a rent or a mortgage payment. To me a small 2* or 3* hotel can be very enjoyable and charming than a luxury chain hotel. I do understand that it depends on what one values however.

As has been said above, what something is "worth" is an individual concept.

I would ask yourself the following questions:
1. How much time do you really spend at the hotel versus out and about sight seeing, dining?
2. Do you plan to use all the extra services - room service, mini bar, spa, etc.
3. Do you really care if your bed is turned down, will you take the time to lounge in that tub or just shower?
4. Do you care if the TV gets 200 channels instead of 10?
5. Do you need that fluffy robe?
6. Do you plan to eat all your meals in their fantastic restaurant or sample around town.
7. When you travel and get back to your hotel at night are you so tired that the noises do not matter?
8. Is the location the best for what you want to see and do?
9. How much do you use the concierge (do you do a lot of planning ahead of time)?
10. Do you have no better use from the difference between $650 and $100 that can be paid at a charming, clean well located hotel without all the extra services?

Based on your answers you should know if it is worth it to you!

For us, even when we could afford the $650, we still stayed at 2 and 3*. We stayed at (and are staying this fall) clean, well located, friendly, charming, places, some with fantastic views of Alps or sea. Sometimes they are small sometimes a little sparse on furnishings but they make up for it in other ways (view of the grand canal great friendly owners,etc).

A recent post talks about a Budget of $30 a night in France at the motels. That would not be for us either. But for many people that is what they choose.
Fortunately there is a big variety out there for all of us!!!!

I think you will enjoy your trip to Paris with the George V. I would however recommend that you do not split your short visit by changing hotels. Changing hotels means losing the better part of one morning when you could be doing something better.
I should also comment that changing the carpet tends to cost more like $1500/room, not house and I am not aware of any HDTV for less than a few thousand dollars not $600. So, by your logic spending $800/night for a room may make sense for you.
I, on the other hand would rather spend $200 to $300/night in a hotel per couple and spend money on nice restaurants etc.
Have a great time!

MJS-You have me confused! You wish me well yet seem to take a shot in the process. So, I'll fence you a little. Maybe I have a studio apartment. Maybe I live in a basement. Just got a quote of $1500 for carpet. Now, do you think a 27 inch Samsung or Sampo HDTV cost thousands? Check out Best Buy or Circuit City. So could your assumption about my "logic" be incorrect? You'll note I mentioned "alternatives." I guess I should have been clearer in that cheaper hotels were being considered (and booked for 3 nights) which frees up funds for other things while on vacation. So you see, yours is far from being an original thought.
Furthermore, in the future, suggestions you make based on experience (I hope) such as not switching hotels, is helpful.
Mind reading or attempting to interpret another's thoughts is not your talent.
Have a nice day.

I am sorry as I cetainly did not mean to offend anyone. My assumption was that one who would spend $800/night on a hotel would not live in a basement but would have a lifestyle consistent with an income which allowed one to travel well. I stand corrected. Everyone has their own way of spending their money.