u/floorpanther

Just thought I’d share some info for those who may be looking forward to a summer stay in the CB Paris. I stayed there with friends during the heatwave and the hotel had no AC - not in the rooms, restaurants or public areas. The staff passed out a limited number of electric fans for the rooms (they ran out so some people didn’t even get them), and that was it. Their excuse was “Paris has never been this hot and we don’t have AC in France.” I’ve stayed in other 5 stars in Paris in the summer and they all had acceptable AC. Cheval Blanc is an excellent hotel and I’ve stayed there many times, but this was not okay for the price. We ended up being compensated for a small portion of the stay. I’m curious to know if anyone has been there with AC working. It was just weird that they wouldn’t say it was broken. They just kept saying it was because Europe doesn’t have AC. Of course I know cooling systems aren’t everywhere in France, but a LVMH palace hotel? It was very weird. Anyway, please keep it in mind if you’re splurging on a warm weather visit!

After decades of fancy hotel stays, I still feel like I’m figuring out the timing when tipping during hotel arrival and departure. In real life, I’m not someone who uses cash often. So there’s always a bit of frantic searching for cash (and deciding the tip amount) while being whisked inside or out. Everyone’s helping, everyone’s saying hello or welcome or thanks, and my brain turns to jet lagged mush.

Upon hotel arrival, there might be several people dealing with luggage. One takes it out of the trunk, gives it to someone else, and maybe another person takes it to the room. Do you tip them individually, find the Bell Captain and tip them, or just tip whoever brings luggage to the room?

If someone else provides a room tour and shows how to use everything, are you tipping them (if it isn’t the same person who brought the luggage)?

When I call for bags to be brought down for check out, I usually just leave some tip money in the room on the luggage, so that’s easy.

But when leaving and getting into a car, there can be the reverse of the arrival process - several people helping with bags, car doors, etc. Are we tipping someone here? I find it awkward to dig out cash for every single person while they’re all giving their enthusiastic goodbyes.

I like giving tips to those who deserve them, and I suspect I’ve been doing fine, but I’d love to hear how you’re all handling these scenarios!

The Airelles Venice is in the process of opening. My husband and I are thinking of a few nights there in the fall for our 25th anniversary. We’ve stayed in two of their other properties and had great experiences. Thoughts on this new hotel vs. Aman Venice?

When sending flowers from an online site or florist, ask the recipient to share a photo with you. Floral delivery companies often send expensive arrangements that are nothing like the ones on their websites. If possible, casually ask the recipient to send you a pic of what arrived. That way the florist can be held accountable if the order isn’t right. Happy Mother’s Day (in the US) btw!