![]() FOUQUET'S BARRIERE (*****L): This classy Hausmannian dressed stone building, occupying the strategic angle of the avenue George V and Champs-Elysée, is since 2006 one the most sought after temples of hospitality in Paris. The first palace hotel in Paris which obtained
a fifth star, it incidentally became world famous on May 6th, 2007,
when Nicolas Sarkozy banqueted and slept his first night as a president
in what is now considered by French people as a symbol of opulence. A
short stay is enough to make this reputation of bling fading away. We
found the concept actually rich and selective, though remaining in the
strict limit of good taste; in one word, the Fouquet's Barrière looks
like more sober, definitely much quieter, than the other leading palace
hotels in Paris. Like it or not -and we did- the style is totally
different.Modern and baroque, the Fouquet's Barrière owes a lot to Jacques Garcia. If something lacks in the entrance of the hotel to create a real, more impressive lobby, we found the all design faultless from the diamond sparkling reception desk up to the large, swank bedrooms. The 21st century comfort, high-tech, luxury, plus a tailored-made sense of hospitality are concentrated in this hotel. We didn't feel like that much in a Parisian hotel; but in one of those South East Asian five star properties, where each detail is taken under a close consideration to seduce the visitor. The personal attention starts from the first exchange of e-mails with the reservation department: we have been invited to fill up a short, well targeted questionnaire, inquiring about our taste in term of flowers, bedding, food... and temperature of the room. Opening the door of our Executive Room Champs Elysées, it stood to reason that there are much better places like home... Large (40 sqm) and luxuriously appointed, this category of room is praised by tourists for panoramic view on the most beautiful avenue in the world. Else, it doesn't show much difference in term of design and comfort from the 107 guest rooms. A lavish selection of rich materials and fabrics (mahogany, velvet, Carrara marble, silk and leather) combines with geek technologies: such as wall mirrors that amazingly turn into televisions equipped with premium and free movie channels, both in the bedroom and in the smart bathroom, iPod dock, and complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access. Few if none leading palace hotels in Paris offer free access to the Internet; a basic service anywhere in the world, it is still considered a privilege in France. This is a nice policy to offer that kind of bonus to those who like to pay the price for a five star hotel against a real five star service. The minibar, filled everyday with a selection of fine soft drinks, was also complimentary. Those details make guests come back, and the new manager -imported from the legendary hotel Le Bristol- deploys many initiatives of that kind, lifting Le Fouquet's Barriere higher and higher in Tripadvisor since a few months. We didn't use that much our butler, but his presence must be precious to families: he introduced himself a couple of minutes after we checked in, offering his assistance to unpack our luggage, make a last minute reservation in sought after restaurants... A key man to those who don't know Paris, or need a dedicated assistance. Again, a very good mark to this hotel, distinguishing quite lot from its competitors. We have seen only one suite: certainly the best one, called Presidential: thought not as impressive as in the other leading palace hotels in Paris (so hard to beat Meurice or Bristol in that category), it looked indeed more high-tech, formal and finally more practical than what we used to experience in Paris. All in all, it would rather fit the tastes of a family or a businessman than honeymooners, who would certainly prefer the cozy atmosphere of an Executive room on the Champs Elysées... The wow factors doesn't concentrate in the accommodation. We have been taken aback by the luxury of the U Spa, which we found more attractive than the SPA at the Ritz. A privilege of the new hotels, the concept is totally up-to-date with the 21st century norms of rejuvenation. Huge (600 sqm), it has a large swimming Pool with a separate water passage therapy called «Aqua Slimming Course» (our first experience swimming against streams of running water was funny and exhausting), sauna and steam rooms, fitness studio with the latest digital equipment, and luxury rooms for first class cosmetic treatments. Home of the legendary Fouquet's brasserie and of the gastronomic Diane -unique restaurant on the Champs Elysées with an interior garden- the Fouquet's Barrière gives its guest one more privilege: the exciting opportunity to go backwards and forwards to any Paris attraction, restaurant or shop just walking a few minutes in the heart of Paris «Triangle of Gold». Rate starts from approximately EUR 700 for a Superior Double Room, up to EUR 1000 for an Executive Room Champs Elysées, with very attractive packages available. Owned and managed by the Lucien Barriere group of hotels, restaurants and casinos, this is one of the Leading Hotels of the World. FOUQUET'S BARRIERE: 46, av. George V, 75008 Paris PHONE: +33 1 (0) 40 69 60 00 FACSIMILE: +33 1 (0) 40696005 E-MAIL: reservationsfouquets@lucienbarriere.com 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
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 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. This is one of The
Leading Hotels
of The World. HOTEL
DE CRILLON: 10, Place de la Concorde 75008 PARIS
PHONE: +331 44711500 FACSIMILE: +331 44711502 E-MAIL: crillon@crillon-paris.com
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 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 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. Jewel of the Oetker Hotels Collection, this is one of the Leading Hotels of the World. HOTEL
LE BRISTOL: 112, rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris
PHONE: +331 53434300 FACSIMILE: +331 53434301 E-MAIL: resa@hotel-bristol.com 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 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. HOTEL
NAPOLEON: 40 Avenue de Friedland 75008 Paris
PHONE: +331 56684321 FACSIMILE : +331 47668233 E-MAIL: napoleon@hotelnapoleonparis.com
LA
TREMOILLE (****L): Still
a secret hotel, like
a jewel in its case, protected by a couple of elegant doormen, this
beautiful
property distinguishes itself at first sight by a certain chicness.
Once
attracting musicians (this used to be Louis Armstrong and Duke
Ellington
haunt in
Paris),
producers and actors, La Tremoille is now very much sought after by
fashionists
finding here the «blue note» missing in larger and more impersonal
hotels. 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.
LA
TREMOILLE: 14, rue de la
Trémoille 75008
Paris
PHONE: +331 56 52 14 00 FACSIMILE: +331 40 70 01 08 E-MAIL: reservation@hotel-tremoille.com 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
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. 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.
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
PHONE: +331 40202000 FACSIMILE: +331 40202001 E-MAIL: reservations@renaissancehotels.com
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 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. The pride of the Marriott group of hotels! MARRIOTT
PARIS CHAMPS ELYSEES: 70, avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008
Paris
PHONE: +331 53935500 FACSIMILE: +331 53935501 E-MAIL: reservations@marriotthotels.com
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 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. RAPHAEL:
17, avenue Kleber 75116 Paris
PHONE: +331 44280028 FACSIMILE: +331 45012150 E-MAIL: management@raphael-hotel.com
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’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. VERNET:
45, rue Vernet, 75008 Paris
PHONE: +331 44319800 FACSIMILE: +331 44318569 E-MAIL: reservation@hotelvernet.com 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.
LOTTI:
7, rue de Castiglione 75001 Paris
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 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.
HOTEL
D'AUBUSSON: 33, Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris
PHONE: +331 43 29 43 43 FACSIMILE: +331 43 29 12 62 E-MAIL: reservations@hoteldaubusson.com 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 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
PHONE: +331 40516080 FACSIMILE: +331 40516081 E-MAIL: relaisch@club-internet.fr 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
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