Review: Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel
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I recently spent a few nights at the Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel during the 2023 Paris Air Show. The location is unbeatable, directly attached to Terminal 2 of CDG Airport. However, the hotel is starting to show its age. Here is my detailed review after this stay, with my observations on the rooms, the Club lounge, the restaurant, and the services.
For travelers in transit or those wanting to avoid the hour-long commute to central Paris before an early morning flight, this is probably the best option. On the other hand, do not expect a luxury hotel. Marriott Bonvoy members can also book this property with points.
Location: Directly in Terminal 2
The great asset of the Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel is its location. Indeed, the hotel is integrated into Terminal 2 of CDG, between piers C and D. You step off the plane, walk for a few minutes, and you are at the reception. Furthermore, the hotel is located right above the RER station platforms. Allow five minutes on foot to reach any train departing from the airport.
For those arriving at Terminal 1, you must take the CDGVAL (free, frequent) to Terminal 2. The journey takes about 8 minutes. Then, the signage to the hotel is clear as soon as you exit the train.
Main entrance of the Sheraton Paris CDG and direct access to the Terminal 2 RER station.
Lobby and Arrival at the Hotel
The lobby plays the modern card with its atrium architecture and futuristic-looking elevators. Honestly, it almost feels like entering a high-end hotel. However, keep your expectations measured: the disappointment happens in the room.
The reception is located to the left, slightly set back from the main entrance. To the right, you can see the Galaxy Bar and Les Saisons restaurant. The check-in staff speak English well and remain courteous. As a Marriott Bonvoy member with status, I received an upgrade to a Club room, which included lounge access.
The lobby of the Sheraton Paris CDG: atrium architecture and contemporary design elevators.
The Room: Comfortable but Dated
This is the hotel’s weak point. The rooms measure between 23 and 28 square meters. They are clean, quiet, and well-soundproofed. However, the decor shows its age. Light wood furniture, beige tones, carpet from another era: it is a classic 2000s Sheraton that is in dire need of a complete renovation.
Rooms at the Sheraton Paris CDG: comfortable and well-equipped, but the decor shows its age.
What We Like
- Comfortable bed: Firm mattress and four generous pillows, perfect after a long flight.
- Excellent soundproofing: Despite the immediate proximity to the runways, you hear nothing in the room.
- Well-placed desk: Workspace facing the window, ideal for working between two flights.
- Free bottle of water: Available in the room’s mini-fridge.
What Falls Short
- Dated decor: Aging furniture and a bland color palette, far from a premium standard.
- Temperamental shower: Hot water that suddenly switches from scalding to freezing without warning.
- Electrical outlets: All in European format, with no USB ports. Bring your adapter.
- Unappealing mini-fridge: Mine was dirty inside. Needs more frequent cleaning.
The bathroom
The bathroom visually compensates for the room’s flaws. It features a deep bathtub, a separate walk-in shower, a marble sink, and a bidet. Toiletries are from Gilchrist & Soames, in reusable wall-mounted dispensers. However, as mentioned above, the water temperature regulation in the shower remains a real issue.
Bathroom at the Sheraton Paris CDG: bathtub, separate shower, and marble finishes.
The View: The Real Bonus
This is what saves the stay. The hotel is shaped like a ship in the heart of Terminal 2, so every room offers a view of the runways or the terminals. For avgeeks, it is a treat. I was able to watch Air France A380s taking off from my window, as well as the iconic CDG control tower. Ask for a high floor for the best perspective.
The Club Lounge: Decent but Nothing More
Access to the Club lounge is reserved for guests who have booked a Club room, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members or higher, or those who purchase access. It is located on the fourth floor, with the same spectacular view of the runways. The space remains small but is rarely crowded compared to North American lounges.
Club Lounge Hours
- Daily access: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with non-alcoholic drinks available all day.
- Afternoon tea: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with simple pastries and sweet snacks.
- Appetizers and snacks: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM for food, until 8:30 PM for wine.
- Breakfast: Served in the lobby restaurant, not in the lounge, from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
The appetizer selection is decent without being impressive: crudités, cold cuts, cheeses, a few canapés, and a limited wine selection. For Paris, a gastronomic capital, one would expect better. But for a snack before a flight, it does the job.
The Club lounge at the Sheraton Paris CDG: relaxation areas with runway views and a high-end coffee machine.
Appetizer buffet in the Club lounge: cold cuts, cheeses, and wine selection.
Breakfast at Les Saisons Restaurant
The buffet breakfast at Les Saisons restaurant is by far the best meal I had at the hotel. Expect to pay about 33 euros per person if not included. The selection is varied: fresh pastries, a French cheese platter, cold cuts, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, hot dishes (eggs, bacon, sausages), and a full beverage station.
Les Saisons restaurant and its breakfast buffet: pastries, French cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh fruit.
Hot dishes and beverage station at the breakfast buffet.
The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner service, but online reviews are mixed. Furthermore, prices rise quickly: expect 25 euros for a club sandwich and over 100 euros for dinner for two. Thus, the Galaxy Bar in the lobby (open from 7:30 AM to midnight) remains a decent alternative for a light meal.
The gym
The gym is located on the second floor and is accessible 24 hours a day. It offers treadmills, ellipticals, a stationary bike, free weights, and several strength-training machines. The size is sufficient for a quick session between two flights. As with everywhere in this hotel, the runway view accompanies your cardio.
The gym at the Sheraton Paris CDG: full equipment and direct view of the runways.
Booking with Marriott Bonvoy Points
The Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel can also be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points, generally around 44,000 to 50,000 points per night. Cash rates fluctuate between 240 and 350 euros depending on the period. During major events like the Paris Air Show, prices soar beyond 400 euros.
To maximize value, look at strategies for booking free nights with Marriott Bonvoy points. Additionally, don’t forget the famous fifth night free on five-night stays paid with points. You can also combine a Free Night Award with up to 15,000 points to reach this hotel’s category.
Who Is This Hotel For?
Recommended for
- Early morning flights from Terminal 2: A few minutes’ walk to your boarding gate.
- Short layovers: Ideal for recovering between two long-haul flights without wasting time on transportation.
- Avgeeks: Spectacular runway views from the room, lounge, and gym.
- Bonvoy members with status: Upgrades, lounge access, and included breakfast make the stay worthwhile.
Avoid if
- You are looking for a luxury experience: The hotel is decent, but not at the premium standard expected given the price.
- You want to visit Paris: Allow 45 minutes on the RER B to the center; the stay becomes illogical.
- Your flight departs from Terminal 1: The CDGVAL is fast, but other hotels (Hilton, Pullman) are better located.
- The budget is tight: The Ibis and Novotel around the CDGVAL cost a third of the price.
My Verdict After the Paris Air Show
The Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel is not an exceptional hotel. It is, above all, a practical hotel. During the Paris Air Show, the compromise was fully justified: avoiding the daily traffic jams to Le Bourget from Paris was well worth the extra cost and the aging room. For a traveler in transit with an early morning flight at Terminal 2, it is also the right choice.
On the other hand, if you have time to go into the city or if you are departing from another terminal, look at the alternatives. The Pullman, the Hilton, or even the Ibis hotels around the CDGVAL station offer better value for money. To compare all the cards that can help you pay for this type of stay, consult our best credit cards page.
Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel – Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel directly connected to the terminal?
Yes. The hotel is integrated into Terminal 2 of CDG Airport, between piers C and D. You can access your boarding gate directly on foot, without a shuttle or taxi. It is the only hotel at the airport that offers this direct connection to the terminal.
How much does a night at the Sheraton CDG cost?
Rates vary between 240 and 350 euros per night during normal periods. During major events like the Paris Air Show, Roland-Garros, or Fashion Week, prices often exceed 400 euros. Booking with Marriott Bonvoy points requires approximately 44,000 to 50,000 points per night, depending on the season.
Can you book the Sheraton Paris CDG with points?
Yes, the hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. You can use your points for the reservation, as well as the fifth night free or a Free Night Award combined with points.
How do I access the Club lounge?
Three options: book a Club room, hold Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status or higher, or purchase access directly at the reception. The lounge offers drinks all day, afternoon tea, and evening appetizers.
Is the hotel suitable for a flight from Terminal 1?
Yes, but with a caveat. You must take the CDGVAL (free, frequent) between terminals, which is an 8 to 10-minute journey. If your flight departs from Terminal 1, the Hilton CDG or hotels around the CDGVAL station are better located. Nevertheless, for Terminal 2 or to enjoy the runway views, the Sheraton remains unbeatable.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is included for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members and above, as well as for guests in Club rooms. It is served at Les Saisons restaurant from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. For other rates, expect to pay about 33 euros per person. If you depart before the buffet opens, ask for a free continental breakfast in your room.
Do the rooms really need a renovation?
Yes. The decor dates from the 2000s and the furniture shows its age. The rooms remain clean, quiet, and functional, but do not reflect the standard of a premium hotel. For this price, one expects better. However, the soundproofing and bed comfort partially compensate.
What alternatives exist near CDG?
Several hotels are located around the CDGVAL station: Hilton CDG, Pullman CDG, Novotel, Citizen M, and two Ibis hotels. These properties require a short walk from the train but often cost 30 to 60% less. The Pullman offers a good quality-price compromise, and Citizen M will appeal to travelers who like modern design.
Are there USB ports in the rooms?
It depends on the room. Some partial renovations have added USB ports, but many rooms still do not have them. All outlets are in European format. Therefore, bring an adapter if you are arriving from North America. If you forget, the convenience store in the terminal sells them for about 10 euros.
