HotelChatter

Guestrooms
The newly-renovated rooms are very nice, and ultra modern. We stayed on the 6th floor of the 10-story property, and our floor was fully renovated in charcoal shades (7 & 9 were also complete as of the end of May). From what we saw, there is a world of difference between floors 1-6 (un-renovated) and everywhere else. These rooms are tired and a bit worn; try to avoid them.

Newly-renovated rooms have very high-tech plasma screens built cleverly into the wall, beautifully renovated bathrooms and fairly good lighting. Workspace (if you can call it that) is fairly cramped, and it will be difficult to work for long periods of time at the desk. The chair looks cool, but it is not suitable to work in for more than 20 minutes. You won't want to, either, because the Internet is a whopping €24 a day, and it is a cable-only system, not wireless.

Beds are very firm, but fairly comfortable. Internet cables will not reach. Cool gooseneck reading lamps, like in business class on an airline.

The TV unit is hidden behind the mirror, above, and appears through the glass when turned on. Very cool, although you can't angle it. There is no in-room coffee (come to think of it, we've not seen it in Paris) but there is the ubiquitous very expensive mini-bar.

Concierge
There was a small, circular desk in the middle of the bustling lobby manned by only 2 concierges at any one time, and they were always overwhelmed (despite the fact that the hotel was less than 50% full).

On our visit, they were pre-occupied with explaining the myriad of bus tours available in the area, and seemed too busy to make thought-out restaurant recommendations or to mail a package from the post office for us (they sent it by courier, even though they had taped a note to the package indicating it should go by mail. A €12 charge turned into €63 before we complained and they reduced it.) Do not count on getting any face time with them, and if by chance, you do, make sure you stay right there until your questions are answered.

Bottom Line
Although it always seems busy in the public areas with airline crews, personnel working at the convention centre and meeting delegates constantly moving through the lobby, the entire staff (with the exception of the Concierge staff) is very pleasant and eager to please. At room rates (during our stay in late April) starting at the euro equivalent of about $250 US a night, it is a bargain by Paris standards and an excellent value if one doesn't mind an enormous property. For those not familiar with the Meridien division of Starwood, their European properties tend to feel like Starwood's Westin product in the US. If you visit looking for comfort, space and value (rather than Parisian charm), you’ll not be disappointed.