BTilke

I would pick the George V or the Plaza Athenee, and I actually like the PA's neigbhorhood. I have heard, however, that the PA's reception and service can be frosty to those who are not regular or who aren't staying the more deluxe rooms or in suites. There's no excuse for that attitude if that's the case; however, I've gone there for tea a few times and they've always treated me very well even though I was only spending about 10 euros. The George V has some gorgeous suites and very plush spa amenities. How nice it would be to come back to the room after a long day's sightseeing and relax in the spa or have massages in the room. Ahhh.
I asked my husband which hotel he would pick and he said, definitely Four Seasons (George V).
The Pav. de la Reine is lovely, but the Marais just doesn't float our boat.

BTilke

"...who are not regularS"--I'm sure the PA would, of course, direct guests who aren't "regular" to a pharmacist ;-)

jody

If price were not an issue , I'd still stay where we always stay. We love the location, we like the staff, we like the rooms ..it is not budget but it is not over the top either.

as

If you enjoy dealing with a bunch of snobs--The Crillon is for you.

starrsville

George V.

Heavens

Jody, where do you always stay?

We loved our hotel too, the St Germain des Pres in the 6th. Comfortable, wonderful neighborhood, the staff treated us like regulars, very helpful and sweet to us. We would love to go back and hang out int he 6th...

AnthonyGA

Among the major hotels, the Four Seasons George V seems to be the best rated.

Spygirl

No contest: Plaza Athenee-best people watching in town, well-located, luxurious public areas, friendly, and oh so French!

richardsonsnm

Have stayed at the Lancaster, small boutique, itimate, expensive, the Athenee a half dozen times, minumum room, 8oo euro, very irratic, one visit i get a shoe box sized room with a bad shower, the next a 1600 sq ft suite, the very BEST people watching in town i agree, i sat outside the bar one night and marvelled at the clientel. the very best was GEO V, the best maintained, a great spa area with steam and sauna, and impeccable service, minimum room 860 euro. i have heard good things about the Hyatt.

Underhill

I'd take one of the fabulous suites as the Lancaster.

Aileron

The Plaza Athénée is without question, a truly luxurious experience. Unlike the Ritz, it has a great restaurant, Alain Ducasse.

inlovewithparis

I would and maybe will stay at the Fouquet's Barriere Hotel right on the Champs Elysees. It's going to open on october and would be one of the best in Paris.

AnthonyGA

How do you know it will be "one of the best in Paris" if it isn't even open yet? If it's anything like Fouquet's itself, I'm not optimistic.

Heavens

Just a follow up on this. They are staying at the Ritz. So, some of you will be happy about that.

missdaisy

i dream of a stay in the panoramic suite at the hotel de sers. it's a mere 1900 euro per night.

http://www.hote-de-sers.com

thit_cho

I don't know your friends, nor their taste, but the Ritz is perhaps the worst choice. The damage could only be compounded by dinner at Maxim's.

BTilke

What made them pick the Ritz?

Heavens

I'm not too sure. They consulted with a hoity toity TA and this is what they came up with. Yuck. I would never be happy staying there. Just too much. I looked it up online and it is way too fancy for our tastes.

loved our little French boutique hotel in the sixth where everything was so convenient and the people were so nice. Cordial staff, all very helpful. I am just not the Ritz type. And the area is just not me, but very them. So...

My H thinks they will go, make no effort to speak French, stick with the American tourists, shop in the expensive shops and complain about how much Paris costs, think everyone is snooty, all bc they don't want to get out, meet the people, and make the effort. I tend to agree.

Aileron

Heavens, there is another side to this issue. Your friends want pampering and the Ritz will provide that in abundance.

Heavens

Yes, good point, but one can get pampered in a number of places. When traveling and exploring and seeing the sights, who has time for pampering? I didn't even have time to write a postcard, so much to do. But you are probably right, with the customer care, you don't have to figure out to much on your own. What fun is that?

These are just my opinions, mind you...