W Paris - Opera

“An even more perfect stay at W Paris - Opera!!”

We have stayed at this wonderful hotel in the past, and thought it was a perfect experience then. But we just returned in December . . . and is it possible for something that is perfect to become even MORE perfect? This was our experience at W Paris - Opera. The hotel itself is delightful . . ... more

We have stayed at this wonderful hotel in the past, and thought it was a perfect experience then. But we just returned in December . . . and is it possible for something that is perfect to become even MORE perfect? This was our experience at W Paris - Opera. The hotel itself is delightful . . . modern yet quintessentially french, avante garde but quaint, exceptionally comfortable, luxurious yet funky, quaint and hip at the same time, trendy yet warm and friendly. and completely comfortable in every possible way. The location, a literal stone's through from L'Opera Palais Garnier, could not be more convenient, with close and easy access to the Metro and all other forms of transportation. Many great restaurants and shopping are nearby and walkable, and the food court at the Lafayette Galleries -- an entire building -- is an extravagant culinary and epicurean theme park. We were upgraded to a lovely suite with a direct view into the crystal-chandeliered foyers, halls, and galleries of L'Opera, Everything was perfect. But what made it all the more than perfect was the extraordinary and exceptional staff in this sublime hotel. And our communication with the staff began two full weeks before our arrival, when we began hearing from the amazing Kate Plakina, one of the managers at the W, and she should really be called Guest Experience Manager. Kate's mission was to make our stay exceptional and to exceed all expectations, and she more than delivered in every possible way. We actually spoke on the phone several times before the trip, and we emailed as well. When she found out that the trip was marking my husband's and I's 30th Anniversary, she told us it would be an experience we would never forget. And we never shall. On our first night, our room was festooned with a gorgeous bottle of great champagne, and a selection of gorgeous desserts. And we thought how lovely, what a beautiful gesture for our anniversary. Little did we know it was just the beginning. The next day, we spent a full day at the epic Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition at Le Grand Palais, and when we came back in the evening, we opened the door to our room to find the entire suite festooned with red roses and rose pedals everywhere you looked. On every table and surface imaginable, and the epicenter of it all, a giant heart made of rose buds and rose pedals centered right on the bed. It was so beautiful we just stood motionless and looked at it -- it was too beautiful to move, and the scent of the room was intoxicating. We truly didn't want to turn down the bed and disturb it. And in the middle of the heart, another bottle of champagne and glasses. This was all Kate's doing, and we loved it. The entire staff is like this at the W. They go out of their way to greet you, recognize you, converse and connect with you, do very special things. In the evening there is always something fun going on in the intimate lobby with libations and really creative treats -- always festive and unique, and you feel like you are a guest at a party. Monchuda, the night manager, was amazingly accommodating when we needed things, and the guest assistants -- they did much more than just serve as bellmen . . .Matthieu, Sebastien, and Alex ... were also amazing. They would great us by name every time we returned to the hotel, and we had some great conversations with them. Concierge services were superb, and the hotel's restaurants were fantastic. The morning breakfast restaurant exceeded by far, on a daily basis, the breakfasts at far grander and more legendary hotels at which we have stayed in Paris -- and we've stayed at most of them -- but this breakfast was exceptional -- a full and generous buffet with all you could want, many hot dishes, delectable house-baked french pastries, incredibly fresh fruit (no easy feat in December), lovely cheese and charcuterie boards, fresh baguettes . . . and then you could order any variety of eggs from the chef, including the best Eggs Benedict I have ever tasted. Lovely teas, coffees, hot chocolate, Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and truly spectacular hand squeezed juices done right at the bar, with a house-made fresh green apple juice like I have never before tasted. Every single team member in the breakfast restaurant was friendly and delightful -- I wish I knew everybody's name. But one server in particular, Alex (or Alexei) really was great, and we had such great conversations with him. After breakfast, food services move to the W Cafe for lunch and dinner, which is also excellent. A truly unique menu, and a gifted mixologist who concocts the best cocktails imaginable. We ate several meals there, and enjoyed them immensely, and somehow when we brought an important business client for a crucial lunch meeting, our champagne glasses kept mysteriously filling, although somehow that didn't end up on our check. As our trip was supposed to officially end, the French General National Strike began, and we got stuck for a few more days in Paris. The W took care of us; even though they were booked to capacity, we were kept in our same room with the gorgeous Palais Garnier view for three or four more days. When we finally got a flight scheduled, the W Team made sure we could get transportation to CDG, which was next to impossible during the strike as trains, metro, buses, taxis, and more were all not running, and even Uber was impossible to get. But the W Crew made sure we got to the airport. Those last few days at The W were even more enjoyable than the original part of the trip . . . all I can say is that if you have to be stuck somewhere in the world during a national strike, Paris is the best possible place to be stuck, and The W is where you want to be! We were truly sad to leave, and several members of the staff came outside to wave goodbye to us as we departed. We really felt like we were leaving family and friends, and we didn't want to go. And that is a complete and total credit to the incomparable staff at this phenomenal hotel, starting with the amazing Kate, who truly made our 30th Anniversary one that we shall never forget. They could give a master class to any number of larger, more legendary, more pompous, and more iconic Paris hotels as to the fine art of truly making a guest feel welcomed in every way . . . and they do it in a way that is fun, enjoyable, engaging, and not the least bit stuffy. Merci donc de tout cœur à tout le personnel du W Paris L'Opera. Ce fut le séjour le plus merveilleux que l'on puisse imaginer, et nous vous reverrons très bientôt. Vous nous avez tous fait sentir comme si nous avions une maison à Paris. . .et nous avons hâte de revenir. See you soon! George Daughety and David Wong, San Francisco.

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“We loved it!”

We truly enjoyed our stay. Service exceeded our expectations, W crew was so positive, attentive and helpful. Location is perfect! Lots of cafes and restaurants around hotel, amazing department store Lafayette, opera house and lots of other attractions.

“Great location”

This modern hotel is in a perfect location. Easy to walk the train or around Paris. There are a number of good restaurants and shopping around. The hotel faces the historic opera house which is a very pretty view. The rooms are good sized, and very clean. They staff was very attentive and gave us... more

This modern hotel is in a perfect location. Easy to walk the train or around Paris. There are a number of good restaurants and shopping around. The hotel faces the historic opera house which is a very pretty view. The rooms are good sized, and very clean. They staff was very attentive and gave us water bottles whenever we returned from a day out and upon check in we had a bottle of wine waiting in our room!

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“My best hotel experience in Paris”

I have been to the city for work many times over the years , and the staff at the W made this stay the best by far. If I could give 6 or more stars I would. Even the bartenders who at times seemed slow or inattentive, completely changed my mind once I came to know them. Everyone from the managem... more

I have been to the city for work many times over the years , and the staff at the W made this stay the best by far. If I could give 6 or more stars I would. Even the bartenders who at times seemed slow or inattentive, completely changed my mind once I came to know them. Everyone from the management to the front desk to the security and the staff at the buffet breakfast were extremely helpful and went out of their way to give me impeccable service. As long as I can negotiate a decent rate, I am sure I will be back many times. And it is hard to beat the view from my room!

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