PRESTIGIOUS PALACE HOTELS IN PARIS & LUXURY GRAND HOTELS BY FIRST CLASS AROUND THE WORLD: the leading luxury travel magazine on the Internet

MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS (*****L): The name speaks truth: this new, modern palace hotel, comes with that authentic Asian touch so many travellers, looking for a cool alternative to the Regence design and stiff ambiance of the leading Parisian luxury hotels, were expecting since at least a couple of decades.

We are quite familiar with the awards winning Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, operating 45 hotels in 28 countries. Its latest palace edition has got it all for a success story. A prestigious address, in a strategic part of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, half way between the Opera, Louvre, Champs-Elysées and romantic Left Bank. An elegant 1930s building, next door to the showy hotel Costes and its mundane bar (the challenging competition with the Bar 8 goes in favour of the patrons of both places), one of the coolest lobby in Paris, a couple of restaurants operated by a two-Michelin star chef, a lovingly designed courtyard-garden, a large pool and one of the most attractive SPA in town. And last but not least 99 splendidly appointed rooms, plus 39 impressive suites: the Suite Royale Mandarin, fills 350 sq m on two levels. Its terrace offers a stunning view of the city, including the Garnier Opera, the Grand Palais and of course the Eiffel Tower. The top floor of the hotel may be privatized to create the biggest suite in Paris, measuring 1,000 square metres.

The hotel is new, but the service already well trained, under the supervision of GM Philippe Leboeuf (he managed the Hotel de Crillon in Paris, and Claridge's in London). Doormen actively operate in the corridor-like entrance, and it takes less than a couple of minutes to have piles of luggage picked up to the room. We have been offered a glass of chilled Champagne upon check-in: which was fine, and even astonishing as none of the palaces which we already visited in Paris complied with the tradition of the welcome drink (a standard in the Middle East and Asia). We have noticed quite a lot of Asian reception staff: anticipating and smiling. The lobby is not as large as what one might expect from a palace-hotel. Amazingly Zen, it complies with the Mandarin Oriental green and flowered concept: warm and welcoming, it opens to one of the most lovely, and certainly the best designed hotel gardens that we have ever seen in Paris. This 455 sq.m oasis is planted with trees and flowers: including the camellia, which symbolises elegance, harmony and beauty. It gives access to almost all the public areas: amongst the most spacious in the capital.

We stayed in a Mandarin Room, with a garden view. So nice and so quiet! So different from the other leading palace hotels in Paris also. What we first noticed is the “high tech” concept: a consequent budget has obviously been invested to provide the large room (approximately 47-52 sq.m) with all those technologies the young generation of wealthy travellers has already at home, and can't miss on a business or leisure trip. The large writing desks are equipped with plugs and sockets for a local (TV, Video) and external (Phone, Voice-mail, Internet...) connectivity. It took us a few minutes to get familiarized with our superb Bang & Olusfen 40'' plasma TV with 150 channels and virtual music juke box with 1,000 tracks: it goes out of the wall and, remotely controlled, orientates in all directions (bed, desk, sofas...). There was a second TV in the palatial bathrooms (well worth the stay, they are amongst the most smartly designed in the world), ideal to screen a good movie relaxing in the tub. The iPod docking station is now a standard; but the room is furthermore equipped with Playstation 3 for the kids (the Mandarin Oriental group is children friendly, indeed). We liked the Nespresso coffee machine, with complimentary refill; a generous idea, though having a cup of much better espresso in the Camélia garden is a much more exciting experience.

Camélia is the second restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental. “Second” means that the prestige -and the stars- rather goes to the “Sur Mesure”; though Chef Thierry Marx caters both places. Camélia is refined, yet more casual. We had a delicious lunch there, but our best souvenir will rather be associated with our glorious breakfast. As a matter of fact, we have often been disappointed by the not up to the mark breakfast in Parisian five star deluxe hotels. At Camélia, the ingredients were so fresh (with the best ham and sausage ever!), the fruits so tasty (we won't forget the bio-raspberries), the choice of yummy breads so rich, and the desserts from the Cake Shop so French and worth the best confectioners. Having such a high end early morning culinary experience in the terrace is certainly what would make us come back. Have a lunch at Camélia if you like, but don't miss the breakfast!

The SPA is a master-key in all Mandarin Oriental Properties. This Paradise of well being, with a 15 metre pool refreshed by a cascade of water, is so relaxing -and original- with its very unique video installation of fluttering animated figures casting images of foliage and yet more butterflies on the walls: butterfly symbolises guests’ sense of renewal following treatments. There is a steam room, and state of the art fitness centre. The SPA is equipped with seven completely private treatment suites: including a couple suite, with a large mosaic vitality pool for two.

The SPA experience can be totally -or partly- included, via a daily credit featured in some extremely attractive packages and offers, unfortunately not available all year long. The “Luxury Break” and “Delight Rate” packages start from EUR 765 per night, and feature EUR 150 daily credits guests can use in the restaurants, for room service or at the SPA.

The Mandarin Oriental Paris celebrates its first anniversary in summer 2012, and it is quickly reaching a cruise speed which will hopefully make it as perfect as the legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (which all fans still call “The Oriental”) in a near future. This is already one of Paris pre-eminent luxury hotels.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS: 251 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
PHONE: +33 (0)1 70 98 78 88
E-MAIL: mopar-info@mohg.com

INTERCONTINENTAL PARIS LE GRAND (*****L): Affectionately known as «Le Grand Hotel», the largest and most impressive palace hotel in Paris celebrates more than 150 years of history. Inaugurated on May 5, 1862 by Empress Eugenie, spouse of Napoleon the IIIrd, to the fanfare of an orchestra led by Offenbach, this was the largest hotel in the world. A gem in the heart of the entirely new district of the Opera House, finalizing Baron Haussman's pharaonic works to transform the old, unhealthy Paris into the «City of Lights». Kings, queens, maharajahs and sultans from all over the world have stayed in that caravanserai: from last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia and King Edward VII of England up to Queen Rania of Jordan. Victor Hugo hosted banquets at the hotel, and Emile Zola had his decadent and tragic heroine, Nana, die in a flowered room at the fourth floor. More than ever a famous and fashionable hotel, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand attracts lots of statesmen, fashion designers, international movie stars and directors who eventually used it as a dreamed shooting location (Polanki's «Frantic», Robert Altman’s «Prêt-à-Porter», etc.).

Totally revamped in 2003 by its present owner, the InterContinental group, it retained the elements and amazing atmosphere of its original glory. The rooms design has been reestablished in the Second Empire style. Many parts of the actual hotel kept their original decor. The Salon Opéra, for instance: the most sought after ballroom in Paris, known all around the world thanks to the high-fashion shows, is well worth the visit. Another landmark, the legendary Café de la Paix, which is a precious part of the Grand Hôtel, is a treasure of Empire-style architecture, where the ceiling, columns and wall painting have been carefully restored.

When some illustrious Parisian palace-hotels live out of their former glory -the neighboring Ritz is a an example on how a legend can go downhill- the Grand Hôtel, a modern product in 1862, still gets it all in 2013 to seduce nostalgic and geek travellers alike. Shouldn't it be for the pay-per-use Internet in the rooms (but free-of-charge in all public areas and Club Lounge), we would say that our stay was 99% faultless; which is rare enough to be mentioned.

All 470 rooms and suites are lovely: including those oriented to the inner courtyards and monumental glass-roofed bar-restaurant «La Verrière». We loved the classy furniture, precious fabrics, and sumptuous bathrooms with L'Occitane toiletry. Concealing the latest technologies: high-tech air-conditioning systems, up to 40 television channels from across the world on flat plasma screens, films on request, dual telephone lines and high-speed Internet connections, they have it all to make you feel like in Paris.

We would nevertheless recommend anybody visiting the French capital city for the first time, or on a romantic trip, to straightly book into one of the rooms with a dramatic view on the Opera House. The higher the better: the InterContinental Club rooms are splendid, comparable with what one could ever expect from a more expensive palace-hotel in Paris, just like Crillon or Meurice. Well worth the EUR 60 extra charge to the basic room rate, they come with an unexpected bonus which we used very much: the classy VIP salon (Club Lounge), actually unique in Paris where no palace offers this treatment, is open to the club’s guests. Spacious, covering two levels, it overlooks Paris and, of course, the Opera House. The Club Lounge opens early in the morning, serving a fine breakfast which we enjoyed the first day only; alternating, the day after, with the traditional, so classy Parisian -and Japanese!- breakfast experience provided in style by Le Café de la Paix. The Club Lounge serves yummy, top quality hot and cold snacks (our memory -and scale- can't forget the delicious home-made «Foie Gras» and unforgettable, mouth watering macaroons!), fine wines and Champagne; employing a well trained, very educated and thoughtful staff. This is what we would call the first class section in a first class hotel.

We loved the bar, opening onto the Verrière conservatory: a superb, ritzy and romantic winter garden with a fine restaurant.

The «Spa by Algotherm», splendid and well appointed, is the only spa in the centre of Paris to offer the benefits of thalassotherapy: revitalizing and relaxing sea water treatments, beauty care, traditional and oriental massages. The Gym features a running machine, electronic cycling machines, steppers, body-building apparatus and a sauna.

The hotel is so large that we didn't realized that the InterContinental Paris Le Grand is, first of all, a top class convention venue, with more than 21 meeting rooms and ballrooms. So many visitors, and still so much intimacy...

In the heart of the capital’s bustling business district, just a step from the main tourist sights, department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Le Printemps), and luxury boutiques, this is one of the most lovable hotels in Paris.

INTERCONTINENTAL PARIS LE GRAND: 2, rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
PHONE: +33 (0)1 40 07 32 32 FACSIMILE: +33 (0)1 42 66 12 51
TOLL FREE CALL: +800 80 800 800
E-MAIL: legrand@ihg.com

HOTEL DE CRILLON (*****L): Nowhere else in Paris will you find such a physical and human proximity between palace and hotel. Part of the background of the most beautiful square in the world, the former property of the distinguished Counts de Crillon was converted in 1909 into a very plush palace hotel emphasizing the best of the best in French style. This is actually a tradition that the official guests of the French President are accommodated in the Hotel de Crillon, and therefore it shows its merits better than any press inspection. This may be a paradox: this jewel on the Place de la Concorde doesn't offer many rooms with a view on the obelisk of Luxor. Guests should previously be informed about this characteristic of the Hotel de Crillon; else they might feel somehow disappointed. Though the 163 rooms and suite are ALL extremely pleasant, luxurious and spacious, this is obvious that only the top prestigious "Grands Appartements" (Grand Deluxe and Presidential Suites) open on this dramatic panorama on the City of Lights. They are of course sublime, and above all extremely cozy with their pale wood panels, and also their elegant wall and roof paintings ( just like in the suites 158 and 101, called "de l’Empereur" and "Royale"). On the rich marble fireplaces are displayed original –and therefore precious- clocks and candelabras. Impressive indeed: even for palace hotels addicted.

These much requested "Grands Appartements" are decorated with sumptuous period carpets from La Savonnerie, equipped with a long tail piano, while flowers are dispatched on any table, desk and gueridons.! The "Standard Rooms" –can something actually be standard in theCrillon ?- are simply luxurious and palatial. The guest may decide to pay for the lowest rate: he will get much for his money. "Deluxe Rooms" (about EUR 750) are huge, with a separate sitting room: practical for discreet or intimate meetings. A "Grand Appartement" will cost much more, as a matter of fact. There is a wonderful restaurant, "Les Ambassadeurs", and a fashionable piano bar. The service anticipates with omnipresence and discretion: this is certainly the very best in Paris.

PLAZA-ATHENEE (*****L): More glamorous than the Crillon, more "bling" than the Bristol, and cooler than the Ritz, the Plaza-Athénée goes on with its fame since 1915: established on the avenue Montaigne, in the heart of Paris "Triangle of Gold". Following Marlene Dietrich, Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Jackson or the Maharadjah of Jaipur's footprints, we took residence in the "Plaza", enjoying one of these splendid Regency apartments characterizing the very best palaces in the world.

The service is run with discretion and high efficiency by 400 staff, in charge of 200 apartments only. While most of the Parisian palaces lend to be empty on business hours, the Plaza Athénée still survives as the ultimate high-tea time for the rich and famous invading the "Galerie des Gobelins" from 4pm: nice peoples, elegant gossips, gifted stylists and powerful politicians like to see and be seen in this sanctuary of the Parisian social life.

We experienced with much satisfaction the Three Michelin star "Alain-Ducasse au Plaza-Athéne": one of the best restaurants in Paris, though quite overpriced. The Relais Plaza is actually attractive, with its 1930's decoration: this is a very Parisian "Brasserie", frequented by American and Japanese tourists, looking for the posh remains of a dreamed Paris beautified by the camera of Vincente Minelli.

Just remember that booking a suite on the avenue Montaigne is a must; while a room with a view on the green patio is a delicious privilege for the most faithful guests, who know what the song of the birds is the only free gift in this very expensive hotel, though warmly recommended hotel.

HOTEL LE BRISTOL (*****L): Ava Gardner, Marylin Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Robert de Niro and Céline Dion once pushed the revolving door of the elegant 112th, rue du Faubourg St Honoré building: stepping inside the most confidential palace hotel in Paris. The whiter shade of pale marble floor, the Gobelin tapestries covering the immaculate walls made out of Ile de France white stone (that kind which was used to build the Sacred Heart basilica, in Montmartre), the Arabian Nights carpets bought for extravagant prices and substituted by newer one once a year, and even the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries paintings formerly exhibited in the Louvre, don't catch the attention as much as the cyclopean bunches of flowers artistically arranged on period tables all around.

Year after year, we have been lucky enough to experience different categories of rooms during our repeated stays. One of our favourite remains the suite # 440-441. A bunch of flowers shaped like a globe matched the aristocratic Louis XVth gueridon supporting it. Six people could comfortably seat on the deep and smooth period armchairs and sofa: welcoming outside visitors in the Bristol is a real pleasure. A warm natural light was invading the apartment; which we enjoyed quite a lot, as many other palace hotels in Paris tend to have darker rooms: just like the Ritz, for instance, which is the direct concurrent of the Bristol. Such a brightness made us cheerful at first sight. We actually felt like in a privately owned property. The bathroom, made out of Carrara marble, was palatial. Mostly all the 199 rooms and 52 suites have been recently refurbished, with a similar one. Bathrooms at the Bristol are now the largest in Paris. The newest rooms can be found in the very recent extension: opened in October 2009, it spreads out over a surface area of nearly 3,250 sq. m, comprising 21 rooms, five luxury suites and the trendy "114 Faubourg" restaurant, designed by Maja Oetker, owner of the hotel since 1978. Those looking for a Eiffel Tower view, high ceilings and generous exposition to the daylight, should straightly reserve their room in this section. Note that, though the Faubourg St Honoré is quite animated -which also means noisy- we could sleep like a baby: the windows are 100% sound proofed with a "zero tolerance" technology... making you feel like miles away from Paris.

We could inspect the largest apartments: starting with the superlative Penthouse, which looks like a private mansion. Its living room was formerly equipped with a direct lift, recently replaced by... a fireplace. World famous artists DO love it. This used to be Céline Dion's favourite. Don't expect, nevertheless, to find here anything plush and flashy; the room is simply luxurious and cosy. If decorum is your style, then rather book the Presidential and Vice-Presidential suites. Huge (300sq m), they have been designed for state presidents and Hollywood movie stars. Those very special and distinctive travellers, like Robert de Niro, would never like to stay somewhere else than here: enjoying the panorama over the Sacred Heart, the Eiffel Tower, and the roofs of an idealized Vincente Minelli like Paris they scarcely visit. They rather like organising appointments or resting in their suite, where they also have lunch; avoiding the smart crowd invading day and night the splendid Epicure restaurant, managed by world famous Michelin Three Star Chef Eric Frechon. Which explains why the Bristol provides the best room service in town.

The hotel gets a particular advantage compared to its direct competitors (Crillon, Meurice, Plaza Athénée...): a pool. A splendid, unique, and most enjoyable one, indeed! Sharing the 6th floor with a fitness club equipped the Californian way, it had been designed by Dr Pinnau. A famous name among the jet-society, as he used to be the architect for Niarchos and Onassis yachts. On the freshly restaured frescoes offering the swimmer a seaside panorama, you may recognise the Grand-Hotel du Cap d'Antibes (Eden Roc), under the same ownership.

Should we add that, as a matter of fact, the service is anticipating any normal or eccentric requirement from part of the most pernickety guest. The rate for a double deluxe room starting from EUR 750, and from EUR 900 for a Junior Suite (EUR 6000 / 8000 for a Presidential Suite), one could decently be treated like a king. Maybe one tip: the best valued room, where we also stayed and that we found remarkable, is #736. Part of the Penthouse Suite, it has a double private terrace with a great panoramic view... When the Penthouse Suite is not sold out, this great attic room can be available for booking at the price applied for a double deluxe!

One of the leading palace hotels in Paris. As a paradox, much more famous around the world than in France. Book far in advance if you want to enjoy this sanctuary of the French perfect taste.

NAPOLEON (****L): Located one minute away from the Arch of Triumph and the Champs-Elysées, this prestigious hotel was build in 1928 in a splendid Art Deco style. It became quickly the home away from home for celebrities like Errol Flynn, Jean Gabin, Orson Welles, Joséphine Baker and many others. This is nowadays a favourite for the Central and South American potentates, plus the traditional clientele from the Middle-East..

Combining charm and character, the Hotel Napoleon is one of the very few deluxe hotels in Paris remaining independent from international chains. Still the property of a private family, it offers a very dedicated service in a very intimate atmosphere. The lovely interior design features Directoire furniture, Napoleonian artworks and rich fabrics. This typically Parisian elegance emphasises in the 102 personalised rooms and 34 top deluxe apartments which are similar to the ones we could see in the larger -and more expensive- major palace hotels in the capital city of France or in the Riviera. Some, with balconies or terraces, have a breathtaking view on the Arch of Triumph or the Eiffel Tower. Far from being standardised, richly decorated with period furniture and items, they are fully air-conditioned and soundproofed for the highest wellbeing. The Superior Bedrooms include a sitting area: which we found most convenient to receive our guests. The lovely Junior Suites feature separate sitting room. We had our last stay there in Summer 2012, in the sumptuous new Suite Youssoupoff (composed of two connecting suites 603-605). A superb bathroom with incrusted marble, a flat plasma TV and the most precious fabrics and furniture you will find in Paris makes it a dream come true for the most demanding traveller. It term of luxury and elitist design, it is on the same level like the Suite 618 (called Suite Josephine): this lavish, large, quiet and private one-bedroom suite is decorated in typical Napoleonic style. 80m2 in size, it overlooks the inner courtyard. A large and independent lounge area is equipped with an executive bureau and seats 6 people. A dinner table can be arranged. The bedroom features a king-size tester bed and there are two marble bathrooms with L'Occitane toiletry and a walk-in closet. It has, among multiple facilities, a bed-side room control panel, two TV with satellite and cable channels (plus Internet accessible via the TV Network or the broadband WiFi network), personal bar with courtesy tray, hair dryer and bathrobe (with the coat of arms of the Emperor!). The best suite in the hotel remains the remarkable Two Bedrooms Suite Imperiale, inaugurated in 2009: this luxurious, spacious and sunny apartment, decorated in typical Napoleonic style, displays 130m2 of luxury, and offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe from a private terrace-deck where you can enjoy your breakfast or lunch! Upon request, the main living room can be converted into one the most pleasant meeting rooms available under the Paris roofs, hosting up to 20 peoples.

Note that the suites, like the other rooms, are sold out at very competitive rate, much variable depending on the period of the stay. Expect to pay from EUR 240 for a Classic Room. Junior Suites start from EUR 340. Attractive packages are available.

Multiple attentions awaits guests in the room: potpourri on the desk, bedside and bathroom, chocolates and small cakes which are a good and elegant alternance to the too often flavourless fresh fruits displayed in most of hotels worldwide. Plenty of little details like those make this hotel actually engaging.

The hotel offers an efficient concierge service, which can deal with any requirement: from last minute restaurant reservation (a couple of 3-Michelin star are a short walk away), to scheduling business appointments or more personal services. Almost everything is possible for the communicative friendly concierge, with a 15 years experience in Paris.

Good 24 hours room-service. Rich buffet-breakfast (maybe the best we have ever enjoyed in a four star deluxe hotel in Paris), served at the private-club like Bivouac Café: with unmatchable crunchy "Baguettes", great French cheese selection, and a generous selection of high quality cold/hot meals. The Bivouac Café operates as a restaurant from midday to 3pm, Monday to Friday. His chef, Olivier Le Gentil, specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, using herbs, seasonings and olive oil. He has worked in 2 restaurants in Normandy awarded with the Michelin star. Mahogany and marble bar, deep armchairs and sofas, plus a very chic outdoor terrace, make the Bivouac Café one of the most attractive lounges in Paris.

The convenient business center "Le Bureau", and extremely smart Napoleonian executive meeting rooms and lounges ("Les Salons de l'Etoile") are fully equipped with the latest modern communication techniques: retro-projection, sophisticated sound system, simultaneous translation, computers, etc.

The Hotel Napoleon has just completed its refurbishment, under the tight control of its General Manager, Mr. Ludovic Corpechot (imported from the legendary Hotel Le Bristol), and this is now one of the most lovable small palace hotels in Paris.

The well trained staff made us feel like comfortable as soon as we had stepped inside the cozy, elegant lobby. We had arrived from New York, early in the morning; our room was ready yet, six hours before the normal check in time... though the hotel showed a very high occupancy. We have been hosted in suite # 405; a good choice. Like many other rooms -including smaller Superior Rooms- it has a little balcony and a lovely marble fireplace. We liked the contrast between the wall moulded, very Parisian, architecture, and the fashionable, trendy furniture standing miles away from Ikea type stuff commonly displayed in so many «modern» hotels nowadays; rich materials, fabrics and linen provide an authentic four star deluxe comfort. The bathrooms are magnificent: alternating mahogany and black marble, and displaying separated tub and rain shower with large bottles of Molton Brown toiletries. The lightening is adjustable, there is a plasma TV set with plenty of channels, high speed Wi-Fi is complimentary (when most of first class hotels in Paris still overcharge guests for this facility), an iPod-base, surround sound HiFi music in the room and in the bathroom, and Ladurée «Macarons» (the best butter-cream cookies in Paris) displayed in their elegant violet box as an ultimate touch of style ... Let's say that we felt like in a boutique hotel with a palace hotel comfort and exceptions: like the «hatch»: a wonderful invention, allowing room service to deliver your meal into your room, without the need to step foot inside it. We saw similar facility only once in our life: in the Peninsula Bangkok, where «hatch» was used for shoe-shine service only.

A 42 – 62 sq. M. suite would cost from EUR 680 till EUR 1100, with many special offers and packages available. The Standard and Deluxe Rooms are also quite large (about 35 sq. M) and almost as comfy as the suites. We like the Deluxe Room # 515 (rack rate EUR 560), with 4 windows allowing a lovely luminosity, and quite a large balcony: this is a much wanted room, booked far in advance by regular guests.

There an intimate, smart and well equipped fitness center & SPA, with a sauna.

The buffet breakfast, served in the classy restaurant "Le Louis II"and lounge bar, is generous: featuring smoked salmon, fine French cheese, a crunchy baguette and pain Poilâne. It costs EUR 38, which is not that cheap, but comes included in many packages.

This dreamed hotel comes ideally nestled between the Seine River and the Champs-Élysées. Right in the middle of the "Golden Triangle". A stone’s throw from the cream of the crop avenue Montaigne. With the most prestigious shops, cinemas, restaurants and tourist attractions on the doorstep.

WARWICK CHAMPS-ELYSEES (****L): Modern and stylish, with an upscale lobby recently refurbished by world-famous designer Pierre Yves Rochon, bathed in soothing light and decorated in natural tones inspired by nature, this luxury hotel managed by Warwick welcomes international business and vacation travelers alike.

The beautiful contemporary rooms and suites are actually relaxing: featuring Mahogany furniture and warm colors exuding a modern, classy sophistication. All of them are equipped with the latest in modern conveniences: including flat screen TVs, dual-line telephones with voicemail, and high-speed internet. The top floor suites are palatial and well worth five star: they come with large sofas, large plasma TV with CD/DVD player, and trendy furnished balconies with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. A heaven of luxury and intimacy in the heart of Paris dynamic «Triangle of Gold», they are the Warwick Champs-Elysées signature.

We liked very much the W Restaurant summer terrace: with the W Bar, this is a favorite meeting spot for the Parisian society. The place is most relaxing, the view from the hotel 8th floor is breathtaking, and Chef Dorian Wicart creates a light, aromatic French cuisine from fresh seasonal ingredients and herbs from local markets. Chef Wicart's cooking classes ‘on the grill' are much attended by Parisian and hotel guests alike.

Located just steps from the Champs-Elysées, the most beautiful avenue in the world, the eclectic and inviting Warwick allows its guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and energy of Paris.

WARWICK CHAMPS-ELYSEES: 5 Rue de Berri, 75008 Paris
PHONE: + 33 (0) 1 45 63 14 11 FACSIMILE: + 33 (0) 1 42 56 77 59
E-MAIL: info.whparis@warwickhotels.com

WESTMINSTER (****L): Considered by many to be the crown jewel of authentic, historical Paris hotels, this utterly sophisticated property had been named after the Duke of Westminster, who resided in this sumptuous property in the 19th Century.

The 80 guest rooms and 22 suites are lovingly decorated with antique furniture, marble fireplaces and a collection of noted works of art and fine furnishings. Renovated and individually decorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon, all of the magnificent rooms and suites are equipped with Internet. Lots of them come with a marble fireplace, and provide a view on the elegant rue de la Paix or on the quiet courtyard. This old fashion atmosphere becomes quite hard to find in Paris top luxury hospitality, and has proven popular with major figures from the world of the arts, business and fashion, who have been guests of the hotel.

One of the premier restaurants in Paris, Le Céladon offers one star Michelin cuisine for more than 20 years: courtesy of Chef, Christophe Moisand. His creative menu, combined with attentive service and a dazzling jewel-like setting, are celebrated in the most well-known fine dining guides. Alternatively, for light meals and cocktails, the so-British ambience of The Duke's Bar, with its monumental fireplace, green club chairs, wooden mahogany tables and paneling, provides the perfect spot for lounging.

This palatial boutique hotel, managed by Warwick, is located in the centre of Paris: half way between the prestigious place Vendôme and the Opera House. It is just a stone's throw from a number of renowned Paris travel attractions, including the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre and the main department stores (Le Printemps, Galeries Lafayettes).

WESTMINSTER: 13 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris
PHONE: +33(0) 1 42 61 57 46 FACSIMILE: + 33 (0) 1 42 56 77 59
E-MAIL: info.westminster@warwickhotels.com

RENAISSANCE PARIS VENDOME (****L): In the very heart of Paris, this new boutique hotel is located between the ritzy Rue de Rivoli and Rue Saint Honore. The Tuileries and Place Vendome stands a two minutes walk only.

The 97 upscale, air-conditioned rooms and junior suites are decently sized. Designed in a smart contemporary style with a 1930's influence, they feature king-size bed, plasma sat-TV, DVD/CD player, mini-bar and safety box. We like the lovely marble bathrooms, with separated toilet, displaying Bulgari amenities.

There is high-speed Internet access in the rooms, and WiFi in the cozy, very intimate lounge with a fireplace, flanked with the much pleasant and well-famed « Bar Chinois » (decorated in the Mandarin style, with some fine antiques): where sophisticated cocktails and splendid snacks are served. This is the place for an aperitif, before trying the already much reputed « Pinxo » restaurant (managed by two star Michelin consulting chef Alain Dutournier).

Besides its elegant concept -attracting many fashion designers visiting Paris- the second factor making this hotel a good choice for the tourist and business traveller alike is the SPA. Exclusively for hotel guests, warm and pleasant indeed, it provides a 40-foot long pool (few hotels in Paris have this facility), a workout room with brand new equipment, sauna, steam room as well as a private massage room.

Rate starts from EUR 330 for a Deluxe Room, and from EUR 470 for a Junior Suite.

MARRIOTT PARIS CHAMPS ELYSEES (****L): The world famous Champs-Elysees are struggling nowadays to renew with their legendary past: very much spoiled by invasive fast-food restaurants, cheap stores, and shabby night-clubs which are still attracting a very ugly suburban crowd to the once "most beautiful avenue in the world". This unique grand hotel on the "Champs" –since the legendary Claridge went bankrupt more than three decades ago- looks a wonderful challenge for Marriott. The Art Deco building used to be the Louis Vuitton’s head quarter: from outside it has now the perfect appearance of an old fashioned palace hotel. Nothing like a modern American style bunker. The Marriott Paris Champs-Elysées is the main element in a general remodeling of the image of the avenue: God bless such a great initiative!

The Marriott Paris Champs-Elysées is a jewel of the traditional hospitality, in the heart of the capital city of France "Golden Triangle". So Parisian with its high and straight wrought iron entrance door, covered by a glass roof, and severely kept by a doorman in a blue uniform with red cape, it suddenly becomes incredibly cosmopolitan after you had climbed the monumental stairs and reached the main lobby. You are transported far away from France, in a sort of an Oriental tale: marble is everywhere, and this looks so flashy that you feel like in a day dream. Once in this incredible universe, you may realize there are actually TWO hotels: the one you see from the street, and the second one curiously built with its façade on the lobby.

Most of the 192 rooms and 18 suites, palatial, warmly and richly decorated, don’t have a view on the Champs-Elysees: they are obviously match executive businessmen, to whom offer a very good address and a distinguished service. The Marriott Paris Champs-Elysées we DO like is the one we tested, in the romantic and ritzy atmosphere offered by the 16 "studios" with a dramatic view on the avenue and the Arc de Triomphe. These palatial top deluxe rooms are sound-proofed by thick windows and heavy silk curtains: you may listen classical music while looking the night traffic on the "Champs", drinking a glass of well chilled Champagne, and feeling that good in your protected five star deluxe heaven that you don’t even consider dining out. Strange feeling while, usually, an hotel room is that kind of place you just like to escape from. We actually forgot the Champs-Elysees and its crowd, and preferred to relax in the ostentatious marble bathroom, equipped with Hermes perfumes and soaps. Like in a palace hotel, nice bunches of flowers bring to the room a distinguished fragrance. A panoramic screen TV set brings news from all around the world, by satellite. There is individual air-conditioning, voice mail telephone, and a socket for your laptop computer. Of course, there is safety box in each room. The fitness center is fairly well equipped, but too small. And there is no swimming pool: a pity in such a new and top luxurious place. This is actually the only critic we may express on the hotel.

"Le Pavillon", with classic frescoes covering the walls, elegant decoration and anticipating staff aims to become one of the best restaurants on the "Champs". "La Terrasse", with a pleasant view on the courtyard, already rivals with the Fouquet’s: more and more business people like to enjoy brasserie-type meals in that casual restaurant.

RAPHAEL (****L): Charming, precious and discreet: this is how we summarize the RAPHAEL. We will never forget our stay in this jewel of the Parisian hotel trade, its cosy "chambres-salon" (some of them still equipped with exquisite old-fashioned bathrooms), its pub where communication becomes so easy , its old paintings and polished paneled walls. Also should we remember with nostalgia the friendly and attentive Italian concierge escaped from the Ritz.

The guests actually come from the latter, looking in the Raphaël more incognito for a similar standard of luxury. We felt like in a private club for "happy few". Sure, you will pay for such intimacy ; but the hotel is very good value compared to the other four-five leading palaces in Paris.

This is a wonderful oasis of luxury and silence, located a two minutes walk from the Etoile square.

VERNET (****L): Its location in a quiet street parallel to the noisy –and let’s say quite spoiled !- Champs-Elysees makes the Vernet a perfect hideaway. You will decide whether this is a palace or a charming hotel: may be both? Actually, since renovated in 1990 by the group managing also the Royal Monceau, this 1913 building is one of the nicest places to be accommodated in Paris. There is only 54 rooms and 3 suites: all of them are huge, decorated with romantic and precious fabrics, period furniture and smooth king size beds, and all –we say ALL !- equipped with a jacuzzi. They are extremely quiet, including the one with a view on the street. Guests will find a box of excellent Boissier fudges on the table, together with some cakes, a basket of fruits, and a very generous bunch of fragrant and colourful flowers: the management knows how to treat the very important –but also very famous- guests of this urban Eden.

The staff is so discreet you don’t feel like its yet permanent presence. The six floors are served by an antique "Stigler": with its glass and copper structure, its smooth and silent mechanism, it is compared to the lifts what a Rolls-Royce is compared to the cars. This top luxurious refuge looks like the ideal place for a romance, or for the discreet signature of an important contract: as a matter of fact, the Vernet is a bourgeois counterpart of the legendary left bank L’Hôtel.

Guests names are top-secret. Both the concierge and manager consider this matter as sensitive. But the rich and famous don’t hide anymore, when time comes for an unforgettable dinner at the "Elysees": the international show business, movie stars, and ministers like to enjoy two star Michelin specialties, under a superb Art Deco glass roof. The "Elysees", we didn’t test yet, is considered as one of the most reputed tables in town.

LOTTI (****L): One of the most faithful guest of this small palace was the Duke of Westminster. He assisted its grand opening in 1910, and had been follow in his wake by HH the Begum, HRH Paola of Belgium, or political leaders like Winston Churchill and Richard Nixon. Now, it seems the Lotti turned into a top luxury business hotel, dropped by the famous for the rich only. Still, the hotel is great, extremely comfortable, far cheaper than the Ritz; even if rooms are somehow too small (while the apartments remain palatial.

Perhaps services could be more sophisticated; but could it be more friendly? A charming and discreet palace, fitted to enjoy the whole hearth of Paris, with the glamorous atmosphere of the Tuileries and Vendôme square a few meters away.

HOTEL D'AUBUSSON (****L): Restaurants, nightlife, luxury shopping plus intricated streets, lanes and courtyards driving to historical sights make Saint-Germain-des-Prés one of our favourite areas in Paris. There are plenty of nice hotels; though the top class hospitality segment remains quite unexplored. Located in a nicely refurbished 17th Century stately mansion, the D'Aubusson remains one of the most lavish, real four star hotels in the yet chic and expensive Paris 6th district. The 49 rooms and suites are actually spacious compared with the Left Bank standards. We booked a “Grand Luxe” room. A perfect choice. Quiet, with a view either on the indoor patios, either on the rue Christine, it was as large (about 30 sq. m) as comfy. Displaying original beams and an elegant period design, with a suede head-boarded king-size bed, broad mahogany work desk, flat screen LCD satellite television and a DVD player, plus an ipod dock-station. We have well noted that broadband Internet WiFi was provided free-of-charge: not only in the rooms, but also in the public areas. Which is very fine in Paris: where most of the luxury hotels generally apply a hefty charge for this service. We also loved the Hermès toiletry in the large, classy bathroom (equipped with a hot tub Jacuzzi), and the gourmand gifts delivered to the guests as soon as they have stepped into their room. If home is where the heart is, the hotel d'Aubusson is actually a beautiful one.

Connoisseurs will feel amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the reception rooms: a unique, museum-like atmosphere, with stone walls patinated by the centuries, Versailles parquet floors, beams, antique furniture, and a monumental fireplace made of Burgundy stone. We had our breakfast (excellent, by the way!) in a “petit-salon”, featuring a rare, genuine 17th century Aubusson tapestry. Except a couple of palace-hotels on the Right-Bank, there is no hotel in Paris displaying such a treasure to please the guest's eyes.

After dark, the Café Laurent, flanked by the so pleasant inner courtyard, echoes the babbling of a discreet water feature and, each week-end, the rhythm of sophisticated jazz live melodies.

The Hotel d’Aubusson stands just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Orsay museum, and the Luxemburg Garden. The Latin Quarter is a five minutes walk. One would hardly find a better location to explore the romantic Left Bank. Warmly recommended to those looking for a smart romance in Paris, this is a second to none boutique hotel where guests -many Americans- like to come again and again.

Rates start from approximately EUR 305 for a “Classique” room, till up to EUR 515 for a “Prestige” room. A “Junior Suite” suite costs EUR 625. Our “Grand Luxe Room” was charged EUR 475 (plus EUR 75 for one extra bed) in peak summer season, and the full-buffet breakfast costs EUR 25. Very attractive promotions and Internet rates are available all year long.

Top ranked in Tripadvisor, the hotel d'Aubusson has got a sister hotel, the *** superior Millésime, located a few blocks away, which might be a good-value alternative choice when it is full house.

RELAIS CHRISTINE (****L): The most famous hideaway hotel in Paris, with a well established reputation amongst travellers worldwide, stands in a XIVth century mansion located at the top end of one of those lanes which still make Saint-Germain-des-Près one of the most picturesque area in the capital city of France. In the whole heart of the romantic left-bank of the River Seine, a short walk away from prestigious fashion and antique shops, famous cafés where the intelligentsia like to join night and day, and worth the trip monuments (like Notre-Dame and the Louvre), the Relais Christine offers a dreamed location.

With its lovely courtyard, flowering private garden (which is a real luxury in Paris), the hotel is loveable at first sight. First step inside shows a cosy wood-panelled lounge with open fireplace and smooth sofas, next to a somehow secrete bar. Secrecy resumes on the upper floors, in the quiet and well-fitted 51 rooms and suites. Different one from another, they are bright and cosy. Wooden beams, toile de Jouy, Louis XIII antique furniture are in line with the left bank spirit. This is the place for romance: with a level of intimacy and graduated luxury one just can find in that kind of well managed historical residence. The XXIst century only knock at the door with its advantage: air conditioning, direct dial-phone, minibar, cable TV, safety boxes, round the clock room service, laundry and parking are completing the four star comfort of the Relais Christine.

Having breakfast in a vaulted cellar from the 16th century, flanked by a genuine well and fireplace, remaining witnesses of the time when this room was the kitchen of the Abbey founded by Saint Louis in the 12th century, is a pleasure one can find nowhere else but at the Relais Christine. Where the past shows his real operative face and unmatched style. Even business discussions go with style: in the 13th century vaulted meeting-room, which can accommodate up to 20 people around an oval table. It is equipped with air conditioning, an overhead projector, a screen, a TV/VCR unit, and a paperboard.

Rates start from about USD 236 for a single room, till a maximum of approximately USD 580 for a suite in the peak periods. The lovely Deluxe Duplex start at USD 450, till USD 513. An interesting winter package (accommodation in a double room, buffet breakfast and museum pass for two) is also available.

L'HOTEL (****L): This is THE charming hotel in Paris. In this four stars deluxe house, there is no magnetic pass to open the doors, but a good old key attached to an heavy bronze medal representing Oscar Wilde. Here died, in 1900, the famous Irish writer and playwright: "-Over my means !", he used to tell his last visitors, leaving his last "bon mot" to what was then a third class hotel. His room (number 16) is a reconstitution by Guy-Louis Duboucheron, who relaunched L'Hôtel in 1968 under a new top luxury version, which has been recently re-designed by Jacques Garcia.

This is a real success: the vaulted cellars -built up by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux- become the most elegant rustic reception room in town, the celebrities like to have a cocktail in the bar on the ground floor -note the piano is small, but this is a Steinway- while the stars like Elisabeth Taylor, the Beatles or, more recently, the writer and "fugitive" Salman Rushdie, hide in the rich and original rooms: number 36 allows you to sleep in Mistinguett's Art-Deco bed, number 25 is an apartment with living room, American kitchen, and terrace with a view over the legendary roofs of Paris... and don't forget number 18, a psychedelic delirium for pop art eccentrics. We received number 22, and it was the good choice: classic and romantic, with a nice bathroom made out of venetian marble.

L'HOTEL: 13, rue des Beaux-Arts, 75006 PARIS
PHONE: +331 44419900     FACSIMILE: +331 43256481
E-MAIL: stay@l-hotel.com