Hotel Review: Hilton Paris Opera
Designed by Juste Lisch, the Hilton Paris Opera made its debut in 1889 in preparation for the World's Fair in Paris. Initially operating as the Grand Hotel Terminus, it came under Hilton's ownership in 2013 and subsequently underwent a substantial restoration. As the largest Hilton hotel in Paris, France, its grandeur is immediately evident upon entering the lobby. Although I tend to favor smaller boutique hotels, its exceptional location near key attractions and public transportation ultimately convinced me. The Hilton Paris Opera seamlessly combines modern comforts with a rich historical legacy, making it a contemporary hotel with a compelling heritage. Here is my review of the Hilton Paris Opera:
Hilton Paris Opera is located at 108 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75008 Paris, France.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card is currently offering a signup bonus of 180,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in 6 months. Be aware that since this is an American Express card, you’re only allowed to receive the signup bonus once per lifetime. With a valuation of 0.6 cents per point, the signup bonus is worth about $1,080. The annual fee is $550, but cardmembers get a free night certificate, $200 airline credit, $400 Hilton resort credit at select Hilton resorts, complimentary CLEAR membership, and Hilton Diamond status, the highest in Hilton’s member ecosystem.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card has undergone changes, including updates to its benefits, annual fee, and card design.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card earns 14X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when booked directly through Hilton and 7X on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and U.S. restaurants. All other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, you’ll get a 100% points bonus and 10 extra points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Therefore, the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card earns a total of 24X per dollar spent on Hilton properties when booked directly with Hilton, yielding a grand return of 14.4%. With Hilton’s frequent points promotions, you can rake in a serious amount of Hilton Honors points in no time. Even if you don’t stay at Hilton properties too often, this card is definitely worth the annual fee due to its amazing perks and benefits, and I strongly believe it’s the best hotel credit card available on the market right now. The elevated sign-up offer ends on 1/17/2024, so make sure to apply before the offer ends.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
The AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 170,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership. With a 0.6 cents per point valuation, the sign-up bonus is worth $1,020. Since the card is issued by AMEX, you can only receive the sign-up bonus once per lifetime; so make sure to apply when the highest sign-up bonus is available. The annual fee of the card is $150, but cardmembers can receive up to $200 each year for eligible purchases with Hilton. Moreover, it awards cardmembers with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, and if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, you can earn a free night certificate.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card can be a valuable addition to your wallet depending on your travel style.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card earns 12X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when booked directly through Hilton and 6X at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets. You can earn 4X per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases, and all other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. The 6X return rate for purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets would be great for weekly household expenses, and the card really shines when you stay at Hilton properties. The 12X return rate is slightly below the 14X return rate for the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card. Nevertheless, the AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card does come with complimentary perks that will increase the return rate for Hilton stays.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Hilton Paris Opera is situated in the 9th arrondissement, a lively neighborhood within walking distance of several famous landmarks and cultural sites. For instance, the iconic Opera Garnier is just a short walk from the hotel and the renowned Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores. Additionally, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower can all be easily reached by public transportation or taxi. Rue des Martyrs, a bustling street with a vibrant food scene, is just around the corner from the hotel. Hilton Paris Opera is located near several metro and train stations, making traveling around Paris and beyond easy.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Upon alighting from the taxi, a doorman promptly assisted us with our luggage. As we stepped into the hotel's lobby, I was immediately struck by the immense scale of the hotel.
The Hilton Paris Opera is situated on the bustling Rue Saint-Lazare, so anticipate encountering traffic when entering or exiting taxis.
The lofty ceilings, majestic columns, and elegant chandeliers served as unmistakable reminders of its illustrious history, and Hilton's renovation in 2013 truly restored its original splendor.
I was welcomed by towering columns and high ceilings, which impressively highlighted the grand scale of the hotel.
The lobby was intertwined with the hotel's bar, Le Grand Salon, yet there were numerous seating options scattered throughout the space.
The lobby of the Hilton Paris Opera exuded sheer elegance, characterized by its magnificent chandeliers and a refined atmosphere.
My personal favorite was a cozy nook adorned with a striking fireplace that ignited my imagination about the hotel's opulent beginnings when it first opened its doors in 1889.
I was particularly enamored with a cozy corner in the lobby, featuring a fireplace, which stood out for its exquisite and intricate detailing.
There were two front desks available for guests to use at their convenience. During check-in, the receptionist recognized my Hilton Honors Diamond status and graciously offered a slight upgrade to a corner room.
Even if you're not a guest at the hotel, you are welcome to visit Le Grand Salon for drinks and dining.
Additionally, she provided a voucher for two complimentary glasses of champagne at the bar, redeemable once during our stay. After receiving information about breakfast and gym hours, we made our way up to the fifth floor, where our room awaited.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom surpassed the typical size of hotel rooms in Paris, although a queen-sized bed occupied most of the space. The bed was comfortable, and the pillows were especially plush.
The wall decals didn't appeal to me and came across as somewhat tacky in my view.
The walls featured decals depicting the hotel's exterior, although I'm uncertain whether this design positively contributed to the room's ambiance. I did appreciate the mirrored strips adorning the edges of the headboard, which were equipped with USB ports and outlets for convenient electronic charging.
Unfortunately, the USB ports located near the nightstand were non-functional.
Each side of the bed had a nightstand, and one of them held a refillable stainless steel water bottle along with disposable paper cups. However, I would have preferred the hotel to provide reusable glassware instead of disposable paper cups. Across from the bed was a wall-mounted TV and a work desk with an empty mini-fridge.
The presence of minibar items on the desktop slightly diminished the available workspace on the desk.
Although no espresso machine was in the room, the hotel thoughtfully provided an electric kettle for making tea and instant coffee. However, since these items shared space on the tabletop, it somewhat reduced the available workspace on the desk. The bedroom included a single lounge chair and a small side table, and a selection of welcome amenities awaited on the table.
The room featured a single window adjacent to the lounge chair, providing a view of the neighboring Gare Saint-Lazare.
The welcome amenities included French candies and a bottle of sparkling apple juice, accompanied by a handwritten card from the hotel. The candy assortment comprised individually wrapped calissons, fruit jellies, and nougats.
I was thrilled to receive an additional champagne voucher that I could use at Le Grand Salon on the lobby level.
While the sparkling apple juice was a tad too sweet for my palate, the candies evoked fond memories of my first taste of calissons at the Renaissance Hotel in Aix-en-Provence. Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised to discover another champagne voucher that I could use at Le Grand Salon. The room's sole window was next to the lounge chair, offering a pleasant view of Gare Saint-Lazare.
If you want to visit Claude Monet's house and ornate gardens in Giverny, you can take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare.
Personally, I felt the amenities provided had a generic feel; nevertheless, the hotel incorporated modern design elements such as stencil wall decor in the room to set itself apart from the typical Hilton hotel rooms. If you desire more space, I would recommend considering booking executive or master suites, as they offer separate living areas.
Bathroom Review
Much like the bedroom, the bathroom leaned towards the smaller side, featuring a single sink vanity. The vanity had minimal countertop space, making it a challenge to find room for my personal toiletries.
Due to the compact size of the vanity, there was insufficient space for placing my personal toiletries.
In the bathroom, there was a combination of a shower and bathtub, with a sloped design that added an intriguing visual element to the space. The showerhead was of a standard variety but delivered strong water pressure, offering an invigorating shower experience.
Although I appreciated the quality of materials in the bathroom, the shower's water pressure was disappointingly weak.
The toiletries were by Crabtree & Evelyn—a signature among Hilton DoubleTree properties. They were presented in communal bottles, offering a subtly blended scent of fruit and wood notes.
Most hotels in Europe have transitioned to communal toiletry dispensers, aiming to minimize the use of single-use plastics.
There was another window presenting a view of Gare Saint-Lazare, but unfortunately, it didn’t bring in more natural light. The presence of white and gray marble tiles on both the walls and the floor gave the bathroom a contemporary feel, and its upscale interior design harmonized beautifully with the hotel's grand historical ambiance.
Executive Lounge Review
The Executive Lounge, conveniently situated on the first floor right next to the breakfast room, offered a daily happy hour from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, which I decided to visit for pre-dinner drinks. Upon entering the lounge, I was taken aback by the significant crowd and the lack of organization. I was lucky to secure the only available table, and it was evident that the hotel was not actively managing the crowd.
The Executive Lounge was extremely busy and crowded, and we struggled to find an available table.
In terms of food options, the lounge provided cheese, pork pâté, a (somewhat mysterious) pasta dish, and familiar American favorites like onion rings. Most of these dishes were quickly consumed, and as soon as they were replenished, some guests monopolized them, showing little consideration for others.
While the Executive Lounge provided food for guests, were quickly consumed by hungry guests.
The lounge also presented complimentary beer and wine, but this area was equally chaotic, with stained countertops and empty wine bottles.
The area for food and beverages in the lounge was not the cleanest part of the space.
The experience at the Executive Lounge in Hilton Paris Opera illustrated how Executive Lounges can vary significantly in quality. In contrast, my visit to the Executive Lounge at Hilton Tokyo was a much more organized and controlled affair, with attentive staff ensuring guests followed guidelines, especially when serving themselves alcohol.
The staff in the executive lounge appeared overwhelmed and ultimately impacted my overall experience.
Unfortunately, there seemed to be a lack of direction from the staff at Hilton Paris Opera, and I believe that with a more effective approach to crowd control, the lounge could greatly improve its overall experience. Until such measures are put in place, I recommend avoiding the Executive Lounge, despite its complimentary food and beverages.
Bar Review—Le Grand Salon
Following my somewhat disappointing experience at the Executive Lounge, I decided to head down to the lobby for cocktails at Le Grand Salon. The ambiance there was truly exceptional; during the day, the skylight ceiling allowed natural light to filter in, while at night, impressive chandeliers bathed the space in a warm glow.
The atmosphere and intricate interior designs of Le Grand Salon splendidly captured the essence of Parisian opulence.
The architectural and design elements embellishing the walls and ceilings bore witness to its century-old elegance, making it an ideal setting for savoring champagne. Although we only intended to have a drink, we opted to sit at the bar; however, it's worth noting that Le Grand Salon also offers food for those seeking a light meal.
The bar offered a selection of simple entrees, though their prices were on the higher end.
I presented my complimentary champagne voucher, and a bartender promptly served us champagne accompanied by purple potato chips and nuts.
Champagne in Paris always tastes superior, and it's even more delightful when it's complimentary.
The champagne itself was crisp and invigorating, but in all honesty, whether you're enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of champagne, the atmosphere of the bar instantly elevates the entire experience. While I can't speak to the food or other cocktail options, I wholeheartedly recommend Le Grand Salon to hotel guests and anyone passing through who wishes to relish a drink or a light meal in a sophisticated setting.
Gym Review
The gym operated 24/7 and was situated on the second floor. Given the hotel's size, I had anticipated a more spacious fitness facility, but upon entering, I couldn't help but feel a bit let down. The gym was rather cramped, and it was apparent that the hotel had tried to fit as much exercise equipment as possible into the limited space.
Despite the hotel's expansive size, the gym was surprisingly small and compact.
Consequently, cardio machines were tightly packed side by side, while there were only a few options for strength training.
Given its limited space, the fitness center offered a constrained range of workout options.
At least there was a versatile, all-in-one machine and a standard dumbbell rack with an adjustable bench, allowing for various muscle workouts.
The availability of strength training equipment was notably constrained, particularly when there was only a single adjustable bench to be shared among guests.
In one corner of the gym, gym balls and yoga mats were available for full-body exercises, although the confined space made it less practical to use them there.
The gym's basic setup left room for improvement, and I hope Hilton Paris Opera upgrades the workout facility to enhance its range of exercise options.
Instead, it would have been more beneficial to have an additional strength machine, possibly targeting the muscles in the legs, as there was no lower-body workout machine in the gym. Having an on-site gym in Paris, where space is often at a premium, was still a welcome feature. However, given the size of the hotel, it was disappointing to find such a basic gym setup.
Breakfast Review
Breakfast was available daily, with service starting at 6:30 AM on weekdays and at 7 AM on weekends, continuing until 10 AM on weekdays and 11 AM on weekends. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, my wife and I enjoyed complimentary breakfast, while standard guests would be charged €35 per person. Guests had the option to dine in either the Executive Lounge or the main breakfast room.
Entering the Executive Lounge, I was greeted with a refreshing shot of orange juice, carrots, and ginger.
Opting for the more spacious main dining area, we selected a table near the windows. The breakfast room was carpeted and had relatively low ceilings. Despite the floor-to-ceiling windows, the architectural design of the exterior facade, with its arches, somewhat obstructed the view, resulting in a somewhat stuffy atmosphere.
The exterior facade's architectural design somewhat impeded the view and created a slightly enclosed ambiance.
I headed straight to the hot food station, where the breakfast buffet offered familiar American and English breakfast classics such as breakfast sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and baked beans. I added sautéed mushrooms to my plate, creating a hearty meal.
The breakfast buffet featured traditional American and English breakfast staples that everyone could enjoy.
The food quality was in line with what one would expect from European Hilton hotels, but it surpassed the standards of domestic Hilton properties.
While the food's quality was commendable, there was a limited selection of hot dishes available.
A wide variety of bread and pastries were available, suitable for pairing with the meal or enjoying on their own.
I started my day the Parisian way—a delicious spread of freshly baked breads and pastries.
While the bread was probably produced on a larger scale compared to smaller boutique hotels to meet the demand, it remained fresh and provided a delightful start to the day. The cold station featured sliced fruits, meat, and cheese slices, along with various condiments.
The salad selection at the buffet primarily consisted of cheese and meat, extending limited choices for leafy greens.
I would have preferred to see fresh salad options on the buffet to cater to a broader audience, but instead, extra cuts of cured meat were offered on the side, which I personally welcomed.
Enjoying Iberico jamon paired with a fresh baguette was my highlight of the breakfast buffet.
Similar to the Executive Lounge, the breakfast hall quickly became crowded as time passed, with one of the most congested areas being the espresso machine. There was only one coffee machine available, necessitating a line to prepare my morning cappuccino. It was evident that a single espresso machine was insufficient to accommodate all the diners.
In the midst of the morning rush, there was a queue forming for coffee.
Additionally, there was limited space in the dining area to display more food for guests. For example, dessert pastries like waffles and muffins were placed on the windowsill, giving the impression that the hotel had set up a makeshift serving station in a hurry.
The children's section of the breakfast buffet was disappointing and gave the impression of being hastily put together as an afterthought.
If you have Hilton Gold or Diamond status, I would recommend taking advantage of the breakfast buffet. However, if you typically prefer a lighter breakfast, the €35 price tag might be challenging to justify.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Hilton Paris Opera is a beautiful hotel. The 2013 renovation brilliantly highlighted its rich history, emphasizing intricate details that have been part of the establishment since the 19th century. I strongly recommend visiting Le Grand Salon for a drink and immersing yourself in its opulent interior.
The hotel's location was superb; the iconic Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette are just a stone's throw away, and if you're in the mood for delicious cuisine, you can easily stroll down Rue des Martyrs. Moreover, the proximity of Gare Saint-Lazare right next to the hotel allows for convenient train access to destinations like Versailles and Normandy.
Negatives
The hotel's fitness center felt somewhat compact given the hotel's overall size. I believe it would have been beneficial if the hotel had allocated more space and equipment during its renovation, as this would have made the gym suitable for more comprehensive workout routines.
The executive lounge was quite disorganized, lacking any form of crowd management, and regrettably, guests tended to hoard food as soon as it was replenished. Even though I valued the lounge's offering of complimentary wine and food, it would greatly enhance the overall experience if the hotel were to establish and enforce some house rules. Furthermore, the breakfast buffet didn't offer the same level of variety as other breakfast buffets I've encountered, and some items appeared to lack freshness.
Summary
Hilton Paris Opera, originally constructed in the 19th century, has been transformed into a contemporary hotel, and the 2013 renovation allowed me to truly appreciate its historical charm. Enjoying champagne beneath the elegant chandeliers of Le Grand Salon was an experience in itself, and my corner room, slightly more spacious than the typical Parisian hotel room, provided a view of Gare Saint-Lazare. While I appreciated its strategic location for tourists and its modern design, I must admit that the Executive Lounge left much to be desired, and the overall breakfast buffet experience fell short of expectations. Hilton Paris Opera wouldn't be my top choice, but if you prioritize the hotel's convenient location, it may indeed be an excellent option for first-time visitors.
