  Updated 03/12/2007 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 We stayed in 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 178 rooms and 47 suites have been recently refurbished, with a similar one. Bathrooms at the BRISTOL are now the largest in 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 is Céline Dion's house, when in Paris. 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 ground floor two Michelin star RESTAURANT, managed by world famous 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 similar ownership. Another particularity: those who like to go shopping on their own can ask to the concierge the key... of a Smart car. A complimentary service, which seems to please very much the Rolls Royce and Ferrari addicted! 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 2006 - 2007 rate for a double deluxe room starting from EURO 750, and from EURO 900 for a Junior Suite (EURO 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 top four major 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. This is one of the LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD. SEE OUR SPECIAL REPORT ABOUT THE HOTEL LE BRISTOL HOTEL
LE BRISTOL: 112, rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris
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, 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 the CRILLON ?- 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 USD750) 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. This is one of The Leading Hotels of The World. SEE OUR COMPLETE REPORT ABOUT THE HOTEL DE CRILLON HOTEL
DE CRILLON: 10, Place de la Concorde 75008 PARIS
PLAZA-ATHENEE
(*****L): More glamorous than the Crillon,
more mundane than the bristol, and more relax than the Ritz, the PLAZA
ATHENEE goes on with its fame since The service is run with discretion and high efficiency by 400 staff members, in charge of 200 apartments only. While most of the Parisian palaces lend to be empty on business hours, the PLAZA-ATHENEE still survives as the ultimate tea times for the rich and famous invading the "Galerie des Gobelins" by 4pm: the most elegant gossips, gifted stylists and powerful politicians like to see and be seen in this sanctuary of high life. We didn't got the opportunity to try LE REGENCE: one of the best restaurants in Paris. The RELAIS PLAZA is not bad neither, with its 1930's decoration: this is a very Parisian "Brasserie" enjoyed mostly by American tourists, looking for the posh remains of a dreamed Paris beautified by the camera of Vincente Minelli. Just remember that an apartment on the avenue Montaigne is a must for VIP's; while a room with a view in 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. The PLAZA-ATHENEE is one of The Leading Hotels of the World. PLAZA ATHENEE:
25, avenue Montaigne 75008 PARIS
MEURICE
(*****L): This is the "hotel of the
kings". Its richly paneled walls are haunted by the legendary ghosts of
the sovereigns of Denmark, Greece, Italy, the Archduke of Austria, not
to With 238 staff members in charge of 152 rooms and 27 apartments, the service remains one of the very best in town. Neglected during the unfortunate Inter-Continental period, the hotel renewed with its former splendour during the reign of HH Karim Aga Khan, who recently sold the hotel to the Sultanate of Brunei (under the operation of the Dorchester Group). We particularly like the top luxurious Salon Pompadour , its chandeliers made out of rock crystal and gold, its deep and smooth rhea sofas trimmed with precious passementerie: tea time ,there, is so exceptional we cannot find the words to describe it. Unfortunately, the "Salon" is
sadly as empty as the restaurant "LE MEURICE". This is a pity, indeed!
: the food is succulent, with extremely soft prices for such a prestigious
place. A real palace, which need to be re-discovered forthwith.
MEURICE:
228, rue de Rivoli 75041 PARIS Cedex 1
ROYAL
MONCEAU (*****L): Still
young and fashionable at the eve of its 70th birthday, the ROYAL
MONCEAU remains intact with its "Annees Folles" atmosphere. Of course you
will find in Paris The 220 rooms and suites offer a remarkable comfort. There is no ostentation. Fabrics are warm, heavy, very often made out of precious silk. Wood panels and smooth carpets make you somehow feel home away from home. Bathrooms are great, very old fashioned: with huge tubs, 1920’s taps… and toilet seats made out of mahogany. That’s nice ! Where else in Paris can you find similar one, now that American standardization made so many charming hotels look like Hilton ? The friendly staff satisfies with pleasure any kind of requirement. Should you be a movie star, a prince, or just a palace hotels lover: you will feel persona grata in the ROYAL MONCEAU. You will pay quite a lot for it, of course; though room rates tend to be less expensive than in the major five star deluxe hotels in the capital city of France. Anyway, do not expect to find accommodation here for less than USD400 per night: which is the strict minimum for a single room with a view on a dark courtyard… The ROYAL MONCEAU is part of the History since May 14th 1948, when Israel was proclaimed a country during a ceremony which took part in the "Salon Louis XVI" (now the "Carpaccio" restaurant. NB: The hotel
is closed until further notice, due to refurbishment.
ROYAL
MONCEAU: 37, avenue Hoche 75008 Paris
NAPOLEON
(****L): Located
one minute away from the Arch of Triumph and the 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. Our last stay (in Summer 2005) was in the sumptuous, brand 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 and a walk-in closet. It features, among multiple facilities, a bed-side room control panel, two TV with satellite and cable channels (plus Internet accessible via the TV Network), personal bar with courtesy tray, hair dryer and bathrobe (with the coat of arms of the Emperor!). For nostalgics, the best suite in the hotel remains the remarkable Two Bedrooms Suite Errol Flynn (the Hollywood movie star's home away from home in Paris): this luxurious, spacious and sunny two-bedroom suite, decorated in typical Napoleonic style, is 100m2 and offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe from a private terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast or lunch! 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 EURO 175 till 274 for a standard single or double room. Superior rooms and Junior Suites cost about EURO 243 up to 457. Attractive packages are available. Multiple attentions awaits guests in the room: potpourri on the desk, bedside and bathroom, and palatable dried fruits 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 (two three 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 ever enjoyed in a four star deluxe hotel in Paris), served at the new Bivouac Café: with unmatchable crunchy "Baguettes", "Canelés de Bordeaux" (delicious cakes from the South-West of France), great French cheese, 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. Convenient business center "Le Bureau", and extremely smart Napoleonian executive meeting rooms and lounges ("Les Salons de l'Etoile"): well equipped with the latest modern communication techniques (retro-projection, sophisticated sound system, simultaneous translation, computers, etc). The hotel publishes an interesting newsletter, that you might like to read before scheduling a visit to Paris. The HOTEL NAPOLEON is undergoing a step-by-step refurbishment, under the tight control of its new General Manager, Mr. Ludovic Corpechot (imported from the legendary Hotel Le Bristol), which will make it sooner one of the best property in Paris. An excellent address: both for businessmen and distinctive tourists, looking for an authentic and luxurious Parisian atmosphere at a good value for money rate. HOTEL
NAPOLEON: 40 Avenue de Friedland 75008 Paris
LES
JARDINS DU TROCADERO (****L): Lying in the
shadow of the Trocadéro Palace and the Eiffel We must say that the Jardins du Trocadéro is attractive, indeed: and therefore dedicated to success. This is the contrary of a standardized soulless hotel: each detail has been created to please the guest, with no accounting restriction. Period furniture alternate with museum paintings. Don’t claim if a chair is rickety: the cabinetmaker who designed it died at least two centuries ago… The cozy bar and the smart reception area boast stonewalls. The corridors are decorated with guiding muses painted by art-school students. The 20 rooms (5 of which are junior suites) are most tastefully displayed, and very well lit. We like very much the corner rooms, they are not more luxurious nor larger than the other ones, but make you feel like in the sky: with a breathtaking view on the Eiffel Tower, the Passy hill and the Trocadéro Palace (simply ask any number finishing with a 0): wonderful for a first visit to Paris, or for honeymoon. The suites are large, with a wider Jacuzzi than in the other rooms. Air-conditioning, minibar, safe, Satellite TV, VCR, IDD telephone, complimentary WiFi and ritzy marble bathrooms with a Jacuzzi are a standard in the hotel. Warm, anticipating service. Great concierge: very efficient for last minute restaurant or concert reservation, and even offering free exclusive invitations to private high-fashion shows! Fine buffet-breakfast in a romantic lounge. Room-service and reception rooms. Attractive rates, starting from approximately EUR 129 for a Standard Room. Don’t hesitate to inquire with the hotel before booking: there are lots of money saving special offers (up to 50% effective discount!) all the year on demand. Car park, taxi and metro station (Trocadéro) are just right the corner. You dislike
the standardized Hilton or the Sofitel? You hesitate before big spending
in a palace hotel? You will love Les Jardins du Trocadéro.
LES
JARDINS DU TROCADERO: Place du Trocadero, 35, rue Benjamin-Franklin,
75116 Paris
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 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. This is a JOLLY HOTEL. LOTTI :
7, rue de Castiglione 75001 Paris
RENAISSANCE
PARIS VENDOME (****L): In the very heart of
Paris, this new boutique hotel is 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. Anticipating
multilingual lobby staff. Safe parking in the close vicinity.
RENAISSANCE
PARIS VENDOME HOTEL: 4, Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
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, The MARRIOTT CHAMPS-ELYSEES 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-ELYSEES 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. The pride of the Marriott group of hotels! MARRIOTT
PARIS CHAMPS ELYSEES: 70, avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris
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 The guests actually come from the latter, looking in the RAPHAEL 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. RAPHAEL:
17, avenue Kleber 75116 Paris
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 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’Hotel. 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. Hotel guests receive free membership to the wonderful "Thermes", located in the nearby Royal Monceau. A small palace, and a very "grand" hotel. VERNET:
45, rue Vernet, 75008 Paris
RELAIS
CHRISTINE (****L): The most famous hideaway
hotel in Paris, with a well 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. The ideal
residence to feel like the left bank atmosphere in style.
RELAIS
CHRISTINE: 3, rue Christine 75006 Paris
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 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. Very fashionale and chic! L'HOTEL:
13, rue des Beaux-Arts, 75006 PARIS
KLEBER
(***L): Lovingly refurbished according with the Second Empire building
in which it is housed, First of all a charming and intimate hotel with a warm atmosphere, the KLEBER offers twenty-three smoking/no smoking cozy rooms, plus one lavish Apartment Suite. All display a most distinguished Empire style, with unique period furniture. Soundproofed and air-conditioned, they come equipped with satellite TV, IDD telephone/modem, and mini-bar. Fax machine are available on simple request. Each bathroom has been ritzily decorated with comfort in mind, and includes toilet and bath or shower. Some even boast a Jacuzzi and high-pressure jet shower! A hearty buffet breakfast (EUR 14) is available from 7.30 am in the breakfast room or can be taken in the intimacy of the bedroom. The tasty croissants and pain au chocolat are guaranteed home-baked. All services at this hotel meet up to all expectations. Including: two restaurants / conference rooms (equipped with OHP, fax, screen, up to 12 telephone lines, VCR, television and modem links etc.) which can welcome up to 20 people; two private lounges; safety deposit boxes; air-conditioning; room-service; laundry service; car rental and private car park.. English, Spanish, Arab, Portuguese, Hebrew and Japanese spoken. Dogs are allowed. With its dreamed location in the whole heart of Paris, sharing its neighbourhood with embassies and ministries, the KLEBER makes the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées, and the Etoile a short walk away. World famous shopping brands, glamourous designers, offices and business areas are within a quick and easy reach. Rates are good value for money (from EUR 99) . Discounts apply from July 15th till August 31rd, and from November 15th till February 28th, allowing up to 40% off.. Major credit cards are accepted. One of our best addresses in Paris, both for businessmen and distinctive travellers. KLEBER:
7, rue de Belloy, 75116 Paris
SEE OUR COMPLETE REVIEWS OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN PARIS OUR SELECTION OF DELUXE SHOPPING IN PARIS
 FIRST
CLASS AROUND THE WORLD |
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.
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.
1915,
when it established on the avenue Montaigne, , in the whole earth 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 upgrading
the very best palaces in the world.
forget
the exotic Sultan of Zanzibar. The MEURICE keeps on welcoming the high
profiled guests who, since it exists, feel like "home away from home" (we
should rather write: "in a castle away from the castle"), above, above
the vulgar "nouveaux riches" who rush now toward some more famous neighbouring
hotels.
more
luxurious and flashy rooms: some of them obviously need the quick refurbishment
the new ownership from Brunei will sooner imposes step by step to the hotel.
Anyway, any distinguished traveller will immediately feel that extraordinary
touch of glamour which makes the difference between the palace and the
grand hotel: the faithful jet society haunting the place ranks it in the
first category. Even Ritz addicted stars like Michael Jackson, Robert De
Niro and Madonna like to stay here incognito. Mixing with emirs, professional
playboys parking their Rolls-Royce right at the front door, and above all
prominent businessmen dealing with millions dollars contracts in the intimate
Royal’s Bar, or in the superb apartments with a view on the avenue Hoche
and the Arc de Triomphe. They live the adventure of money and power. But
we do not envy them; we prefer to relax in the pool and steam bath of the
wonderful "THERMES DU ROYAL MONCEAU", certainly the most exclusive hotel
spa in town with the Ritz and the Bristol. This is where the "top models"
and the most beautiful women in Paris like to pamper themselves, mixing
with enthusiastic playboys who definitely don’t mind the pricey membership...
Hotel guests receive unlimited access to the spa during their stay.
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 (we
met there quite an impressive concentration of Mexican!): God knows why?
Tower,
this discreet, luxurious Napoleon III style boutique hotel inhabits a prestigious
neighbourhood. 
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.
located
between the ritzy Rue de Rivoli and Rue Saint Honore. The Tuileries and
Place Vendome stands a two minutes walk only.
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 CHAMPS- ELYSEES is the
main element in a general remodeling of the image of the avenue: God bless
such a great initiative!
"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.
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.
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
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'HOTEL in 1968 under its new top luxury version.
featuring
stonework, precious purple fabrics, animal painted walls, marble floors,
wonderful varnished solid-oak woodwork, gold-plated ironwork, a glass dome,
Bohemian crystal chandelier, sculptures and mirrors, the KLEBER is worth
much more than its three star (even "deluxe"). This is actually one of
the jewels of the hotel industry in the 
