{Hotel Review}: Trianon Palace Versailles – a Waldorf Astoria Hotel

I stay at hotels in every price range and star category.  But I really love discovering a hotel that is truly worth its rating and worth a return visit.  This is also the first time I’ve stayed at a #1 rated hotel (this is the #1 rated hotel on Tripadvisor for Versailles). I wanted to give you a bit of a peek into the Trianon Palace Versailles (a Waldorf Astoria hotel and my first Waldorf Astoria experience!)  I would heartily endorse this hotel for a small, luxurious getaway, honeymoon, birthday, or other special treat.  See this post for a few favorite sights in Versailles.

The hotel is composed of two buildings – the grand/main Trianon (estate) building and a smaller and much plainer Pavilion building.  I booked the hotel relatively last minute, but emailed them to inquire about free upgrades because of a special occasion and the fact that I’m a Hilton Honors gold member. The front desk staff was very responsive and we did indeed get an upgrade upon check-in.  The front desk spoke great English and were warm and informative.  Even though we arrived at the hotel late, I felt comfortable almost immediately and loved the subtle luxurious touches everywhere (hello chandeliers!)  It was also great to receive complimentary welcome drinks at the Gordon Ramsay bar.  You had me at champagne and marshmallow macarons!

We received responsive, friendly and quick service from the front desk.  The concierge was also very helpful, though not as friendly.  Overall, the service was great.

The rate can start at 192€  (depending on the time of year and occupancy rate) which my husband and I think is a pretty incredible value for money considering its location virtually inside the Versailles estate.  Note that this is likely for a room in the Pavilion building (the annex building) which essentially looks like a big, gray box or dorm next to the magnificent main building.

Tip: If you are a Hilton Gold or Diamond member, you get a free upgrade (depending on availability).  Our upgraded room was probably about 50€ than the room we originally reserved.  If you don’t have Hilton Honors status, I would recommend getting a Hilton Surpass American Express card.  There is a $75 fee for this card, but one upgraded visit (complete with free welcome drink or breakfast and wifi) and 50,000 bonus points after a $3,000 spend make this card completely worth it (so perhaps get this card right before planning an overseas trip to guarantee the bonus points).

The usual list of amenities are present here: spa, pool, and gym.  It is also the site of a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and one other hotel restaurant, the V bar/Veranda restaurant.  I really loved that you could literally see into the Versailles estate from the hotel restaurant.  We saw goats grazing on the grounds during lunch! The hotel was well maintained and as you can see, the architecture was just stunning.