Excellent restaurants, royal suites, dreamy spas, star-rated chefs, amazing wine-cellars, exquisite decors… The most sublime hotels in Paris pursue their goals for luxury to extremes, for an art of living which is truly "Palatial" !
On the occasion of the Tutankhamun exhibition, “Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh”, at La Villette until September 15th, the Hôtel de Berri suggests an escapade in the footsteps of archeologist Howard Carter who discovered the Pharaoh’s tomb. On entering, visitors are greeted by reproductions of the Code of Hammurabi, a Sekhmet and two Sphynxes. Afternoon tea with an oriental touch takes guests to the banks of the Nile, with a view of the shady park. Hôtel de Berri, 18-22 rue de Berri, Paris 8 (01 76 53 77 70).
An expert in the bounty of the sea, Gérald Passedat, famous star-rated chef from Marseille, has come up with an inventive menu giving pride of place to the Mediterranean. The dining-room has also had a change of decor. Under the tutelage of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, its legendary atmosphere has stepped into the 21st century while preserving its ornamentation midway between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Brasserie Lutetia, 46 boulevard Raspail, Paris 6 (01 49 54 46 92).
The highly esteemed French reference for beautifully crafted interiors and exceptional expertise, James 1840, based in La Manche, has undertaken ambitious expansion enabling it to deliver turnkey projects. A firm representing a living but historic heritage, pairing traditional techniques with modern equipment, James 1840 has succeeded in winning over large luxury hotels such as the Nolinski, which has entrusted it with decorating its suites. Nolinski, 16 avenue de l’Opéra, Paris 1 (01 42 86 10 10).
Nestling at the heart of Le Marais, the intimate new “9Confidentiel” swings from neo-classicism to modernity thanks to the talent of its illustrious decorator, Philippe Starck. Characterized by its Art Deco facade with impressive windows, the building is comprised of 29 rooms on six floors, including three suites offering panoramic views of the rooftops of Paris. In the afternoon, the breakfast room becomes a tea-room proposing treats from well-known pastry chef, Yann Couvreur. 9confidentiel, 58 rue du Roi de Sicile, Paris 4 (01 86 90 23 33).
Eric Frechon took over the kitchens at Le Bristol in 1999. Twenty years and 3 Michelin stars later, the Chef and the famous palatial hotel are celebrating this impressive anniversary with a special menu that can be discovered all year long at “L’Epicure”. Comprised of 9 signature dishes, this outstanding proposition illustrates the sheer excellence of a leading name in French gastronomy. 380 € par personne. Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 53 43 43 00)
One of the first prestige hotels in Paris, inaugurated in 1889 to welcome wealthy foreigners visiting the Universal Exhibition, the Hilton Paris Opera has succeeded in preserving all its splendour : pink granite columns, crystal chandeliers, a lobby listed as an Historic Monument… A great opportunity to reserve at the “Grand Salon” to discover Eric Lenormand’s new menu and cocktails specially created for the occasion... Based on champagne, of course ! Hilton Paris Opera, 108 rue Saint-Lazare, Paris 8 (01 40 08 44 44).
Chef Jean-François Rouquette has adopted a new approach by adding creations bursting with vitality to the menu in the bar “La Cheminée” at the Park Hyatt. In slow food style, new dishes boosted with “superfoods” (sumac, curcuma, acai berries...) are aimed at those wanting to enjoy and take care of themselves while eating as healthily as possible. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, 5 rue de la Paix, Paris 2 (01 58 71 12 34).
This winter, the 5-star Buddha-Bar Hotel on Faubourg Saint-Honoré has joined up with the well-known French tea company, Palais des Thés, to propose a tasty tea-time break taking guests on a trip along the Great Silk Road, from 3 to 6 p.m. On the programme, surprising pairings of treats and teas. Buddha-Bar Hotel, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8 (01 83 96 88 88).
Until the end of April, the Courtyard Garden at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is hosting an exhibition/sale of artworks entitled “Femmes, je vous aime”, organized by Art Photo Expo Production. Discreet, sexy, committed, fragile, iconic or anonymous, women provide inspiration for these works by twenty international artists. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (01 53 67 66 65).
The Chalet les Neiges Courchevel has taken its place in the midst of the Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris. In a warm, traditional and intimate atmosphere, up to eight guests can share a "raclette" here, selected by cheesemaker Xavier Thuret, "Meilleur Ouvrier de France", or a gourmet menu composed with the complicity of Veuve Cliquot. Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris, 46 avenue George V, Paris 8 (01 40 69 60 00).
This winter, a skating-rink of 100 m2 in the midst of an illuminated fir-tree forest in the Cour Jardin welcomes children aged 5 to 12 to enjoy ice-skating in all safety, accompanied by an instructor. Mainly dedicated to hotel guests, the rink is open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 3 to 7 p.m. Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (01 53 67 66 65).
This new 5-star boutique hotel lays claim to assertively Haussmann-style elegance. Its rooms and suites with signature furnishings, gilded mouldings and silky materials play host to generous marble bathrooms. Offering a restaurant and bar extended by a terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower, the hotel boasts an exclusive Lacure Officine spa with an indoor pool, specializing in de-tox experiences. Hôtel Bowmann, 99 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 8 (01 40 08 00 10).
A discreet 5-star hotel on the Seine side of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Hôtel d’Aubusson is comprised of 49 elegant rooms and junior suites. Benefiting from a charming patio rather like a winter garden, and the Café Laurent, a jazz venue holding 250 concerts a year, the hotel is about to play host to a sumptuous spa of 400 m2 designed by Bruno Borrione, an architect of recognized expertise in the field.
Offering a real getaway to the Mediterranean at the very heart of Paris, the terrace at the Westin Vendôme, ideally located between the Tuileries Gardens and Place Vendôme, has been dressed up with bougainvillaea, olive-trees and white wooden pergolas to create an enchanting summery setting. Open until the end of September, it proposes a gourmet menu signed by Chef David Réal with dishes of Spanish and Lebanese inspiration, including cool, fresh soups, fish and grilled vegetables. Westin Paris Vendôme, 3 rue de Castiglione, Paris 1 (01 44 77 10 20).
From September 3rd, the Hôtel de Crillon will welcome well-known gallery-owner Emmanuel Perrotin. Each month, his "Table Calendrier" in the lobby will provide discerning selections of what's on in the capital. Then, in the Suites Signatures "Ateliers d’Artistes", he will exhibit a number of artworks from his gallery. Hôtel de Crillon, 10 place de la Concorde, Paris 8 (01 44 71 15 00).
Nestling inside a noble 18th-C. building, the Saint-James Albany, a new member of the WorldHotels network, benefits from a prime location on the Right Bank facing the Tuileries, a stone's throw from the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, at the entrance to the Champs Elysées. The major asset of this warm, refined hotel is its relaxation centre and Deep Nature spa occupying an area of 500 m2. As well as an indoor pool, a hammam and gym, it offers a varied choice of treatments and massages signed Algotherm. Saint-James Albany, 202 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1 (01 44 58 43 21).
Discovering Paris by bike is the latest activity proposed by Le Bristol. Set off from this palatial hotel, then, in a pretty Parisian park, a porter from the Bristol will bring you a delicious Eric Frechon picnic basket, at the hour of your choice. Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 53 43 43 00).
Sheltered from view, this century-old courtyard on Avenue Montaigne is a real garden brimming with enticing flavours. Relooked by decorator Bruno Moinard, it welcomes guests for lunch or dinner, with creative seasonal dishes concocted by Chef Mathieu Emeraud. One suggestion is smoked eel served with cauliflower, yuzu and golden croutons. Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (01 53 67 66 65).
Le Shangri-La and Maison Krug have teamed up to perpetuate their shared past on the iconic terrace of Room 410 in this palatial hotel. Presented as a waterfront belvedere overlooking Paris, this open-air bar seating 16 guests offers a panoramic view of the capital's finest landmarks. An exclusive experience, with a glass of Krug Grande Cuvée, 166th edition. 55 €. Until october 7th. Shangri La, 10 avenue d’Iéna, Paris 16 (01 53 67 19 98).
Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec is hosting the renowned Lebanese chef, Hussein Hadid. In the enchanting setting of Le Patio, in the shade of its Art Deco columns and mosaics, the restaurant Les Heures proposes a gourmet trip to the land of the cedar. Until september 30th. Le Prince de Galles, 33 avenue George V, Paris 8 (01 53 23 77 77).
