Waldorf Astoria Versailles Review- One night stay with Amex FHR

If you are planning to visit Versailles/have a Paris trip in the summer, and have the American Express Platinum Card, and are a Hilton member/loyalist, consider staying in the Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace.

I spent one weeknight there to use the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts $200 credit last summer, and only wished I had planned it better to book the Saturday night I had done the Chateau de Versailles Spectacles - Royal Serenade + Night Fountains Fireworks Show. It was cool to be able to take a stroll to Trianon palace and say we stayed in Versailles, but ultimately fell short of feeling like a true luxury experience.

Benefits:

• 12 pm early check in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, if available 
• Buffet Breakfast for 2 people in La Veranda (worth $60 US) 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi 
• Up to 4 pm late check-out
• Experience Credit: US $100 Food and beverage credit. 
• $25 Welcome Amenity (2 fruit drinks, 2 waters, and 4 raspberry macarons.) 

Check-in: 

The registration desk spoke English. They took our luggage- which took over several hours to deliver- maybe because the original room was supposed to be in another building. I might've been acknowledged for being a Hilton Diamond. The staff seemed to be dealing with difficult or irate guests. 

General Grounds: 

I liked that it mirrored Trianon Palace. 

Room: 

I booked a King Bed, Garden View, Annex Building (Pavillon 4 star), which I think was supposed to be in a side-building. (rate in summer between 400-500€, off season as low as 256€, lowest king bed rate) 

We received: King Deluxe Room - Park View (some summer rates higher than 500€, generally higher than 400€) 

The room was just ok. Paint felt old and some corners were dusty and not clean. The window park view was nice, we saw the horses. But it should come with a screen so bugs can't get in.

Turndown service was nice, they left candy on the bed.

Bathroom: 

Highlights of the bathroom were the tub and aesop toiletries. The toilet did not have a fan in the room. I do not recommend opening the window since bugs can get in. 

Spa: 

I liked the indoor covered pool, steam room and sauna. There was also a tanning area. Fitness center was also nice, with a fridge stocked with Evian.

Location: 

We took an Uber from Paris- as it was not near any station. It is at least a 15 minute walk to a grocery store.

We were able to walk to Trianon, but we also saw carts outside so maybe the hotel is able to offer some guests a drop off service. 

Dinner at Veranda:

This is the more budget-friendly option vs Gordon Ramsey set meal that is hundreds of dollars. A meal for two with drinks set us around 120€, which 100€ of the experience credit went towards. I was happy to finally try sole meunire, but it was very boney. Service was just ok, we had to ask for bread while we saw it offered to other tables. 

Breakfast: 

Generally underwhelming. The omelet I had from the station was just ok. Service was also just average. The oatmeal/porridge they brought me was very dry. 

Overall: 

The Walford had some nice parts- I definitely relaxed in the pool, sauna and spa areas. It was nice to check out the Trianon Palace part of Versailles. The food was ok but not great. Service could be better, I did appreciate that they were able to mail my postcards. It was not super luxurious but still nice to say I spent a night on Versailles grounds!