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" !
Chef Jean-Luc Rocha took over the kitchens at Le Saint-James Paris in January. He acquired his mastery of high gastronomy alongside Patrick Henriroux at the 2-star Pyramide de Vienne before becoming Thierry Marx's Executive Chef at the Château Cordeillan-Bages in 2002. A chef designated "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" when only 30 years old, his iconic dishes at this "Relais et Châteaux" address include warm "foie gras" in a crust of sesame and poppy seeds, pickled vegetables and chestnut cream, Velouté of potatoes, Papin oysters and caviar from Aquitaine, and a Supreme of leg of pigeon in “pot au feu” style. Saint-James, 43 avenue Bugeaud, Paris 16 (01 44 05 81 81).
Young Chef Ricardo Lucio has come up with a new menu for business luncheons and dinners among friends at Le Cinq Codet. In a decor of chic 'seventies inspiration designed by interior architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, guests can relish Petrossian salmon salad or platters of cold meats signed Pierre Oteiza. In the evening, great classics of French cuisine include a scallop of pan-fried "foie gras" with pear sorbet. Le Cinq Codet, 5 rue Louis Codet, Paris 7 (01 53 85 15 60).
Following top-to-bottom renovation, the charming Hôtel Monge in the Latin Quarter has been transformed into an address of chic refinement. Behind its Second Empire facade dating back to 1876, the 30 rooms have been modernized while preserving the charm of 19th-C. bourgeois Parisian houses. The new decor can be credited to Marie-Agnès Louboutin and Patrice Henry. Hôtel Monge. 55, rue Monde, Paris 5e. (01 53 54 55 55)
The Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie has lifted the veil from its exclusive new treatment called "Line Interception Haute Performance", designed for both men and women. In day and evening versions, this treatment for the face and body is an invitation to enjoy a unique sensorial experience. 245 €/80 min. Spa du Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 53 43 41 67).
Linking Faubourg Saint-Honoré to Avenue Gabriel, the Rue du Cirque was one of the capital's most elegant addresses in the 19th century. The Hôtel Splendide Royal has taken its place in one of its mansions, offering 12 spacious suites (from 45 to 110 m2) with refined, classic decor. A member of the Roberto Naldi collection, this insider address lays proud claim to being the smallest 5-star hotel in Paris. Hôtel Splendid Royal, 18 rue du Cirque, Paris 8 (01 43 87 10 10).
On January 28th, to mark its entrance into the Year of the Rooster, The Peninsula invites you on an “haute couture” voyage both cultural and culinary. Chef Ma deploys all his expertise to offer the very best of Chinese cuisine, and from January 21st the Cantonese restaurant Lili will be transformed into a real stage unveiling the “Splendeur de l’Opéra Chinois”. The highlight of the event will be “New Year’s Eve” on January 27th, and the exhibition will run until February 5th. The Peninsula Paris, 19 avenue Kléber, Paris 16 (01 58 12 66 05).
As in previous winters, Pierre Hermé is setting up his irresistible Chocolate Bar in the Royal Monceau. The world’s best cocoas are presented here in delicious classic or spicy drinks and a multitude of cakes and treats, each one more creative than the last. Le Royal Monceau, 37 avenue Hoche, Paris 8 (01 42 99 88 00).
Beneath a chocolate Place Vendôme hides a light biscuit and an airy mousse made of Sambirano de Madagascar chocolate with bittersweet red berry notes. Accompanied by six chocolate gifts, this Christmas log created by François Perret, Head Pastry Chef at the Ritz, will be available by order from December 1st in the hotel’s Concept Store. 200 €/6 personnes. Hôtel Ritz, 15 place Vendôme, Paris 1 (01 43 16 30 30).
For year-end festivities, the curtain at the Hôtel Collectionneur rises to reveal a fairytale world inspired by the theme of the circus. Decor, menus, cocktails…, the entire 5-star hotel is clad in red, with an enchanting big-top installed in the gardens. As a final festive touch, the restaurant Le Safran has swapped its tableware for the cheerful Circus d’Alessi collection designed by Marcel Wanders. Hôtel du Collectionneur. 51-57, rue de Courcelles, Paris 8e. (01 58 36 67 00)
Between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, the freshly inaugurated Narcisse Blanc is a bubble of voluptuousness. Highly refined decor, attention lavished on details, a conciergerie ready to meet your slightest needs… This luxury hotel guaranteeing total peace and quiet is comprised of 30 rooms, 7 suites, a Carita Spa with a pool 13 x 3 m, and a restaurant beneath a glass roof. Le Narcisse Blanc, 19 boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, Paris 7 (www.lenarcisseblanc.com).
La Réserve Paris - which has just been awarded the “Palace” distinction - has just also opened its second restaurant called “La Pagode de Cos” in homage to Cos d’Estournel, the vineyard property of the Michel Reyber Hospitality group. Very fond of the Far East, its founder Louis Gaspard had exotic pagodas built on top of the wine cellars. This oriental spirit is reflected in the decor and cuisine of this refined restaurant, orchestrated by Chef Jérôme Blanctel. La Réserve Paris, 42 avenue Gabriel, Paris 8 (01 5836 60 50).
Until the end of September, the Annick Goutal perfume company is proposing an unprecedented gustatory and olfactory experience to coincide with the release of its new Rose Pompon fragrance. In the setting provided by the hotel’s restaurant, decorated for the occasion in feminine tones, guests can treat themselves to an original creation every day, from 3.30 to 6.30 p.m. : a baba “à la rose”, signed by pastry-chef Louise Wolmer. Hôtel de Vendôme, 1 place de Vendôme, Paris 1 (01 55 04 55 00).
To take advantage of the Indian summer, Poke Bowls are being given a place of honour on the terrace of The Westin Paris Vendôme. Straight from Hawaii, these tasty bowls contain raw marinated fish usually mixed with avocado, rice, fruit and algae, offering an enticing, healthy menu beautifully orchestrated until the end of September by chef David Réal. The Westin Paris Vendôme, 3 rue Castiglione, Paris 1 (01 44 77 11 11).
At the head of the Table de l’Espadon at the Ritz, Nicolas Sale, successor to Michel Roth - and more distantly, Auguste Escoffier -, remains faithful to the memory of the place while proposing lively cuisine reflecting today’s tastes. The decor ? As for the entire hotel, the atmosphere is intimate yet sparkling, true to the codes of France’s grand art of living. The bonus is a private dining-room, accommodating up to 12 guests in all discretion. Ritz Paris, 15 place Vendôme, Paris 1 (01 43 16 30 30).
Less than two years after its opening, The Peninsula Paris, the 5-star hotel a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysées and some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury boutiques, has been awarded the highly-coveted “Palace” designation. Offering spacious rooms and suites, three restaurants, panoramic terraces and a spa of 1,800 m2, The Peninsula joins the prestigious circle of palatial Parisian addresses. The Peninsula Paris, 19 avenue Kléber, Paris 16 (01 58 12 28 88).
On the occasion of the Paris Design Week to be held from September 3rd to 14th, the Ibride design studio is installing creations from its “bestiaire design” in the Plaza Athénée. Adorned with the hotel’s iconic red, these fantasy works somewhere between duality and symmetry will surprise visitors as soon as they enter the great reception hall. They then follow the exhibition leading to the bar, to sample a new “100% design” cocktail dreamt up by the hotel’s mixologist, Thierry Hernandez. Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (01 53 67 66 65).
The spirit of extreme personalization is more than ever on the cards at this highly confidential Parisian hotel. The 40 rooms and suites now have their own bespoke butlers. La Réserve thus becomes the first “palace” in Paris to propose this exclusive service. La Réserve, 42 avenue Gabriel, Paris 8 (01 58 63 60 60).
Between the Luxembourg Gardens and Place du Panthéon, the majestic Hôtel André Latin stands at the very heart of the Latin quarter. Redecorated throughout by interior architect Michaël Malapert, this address flaunts a “dandyesque” look in homage to André, the owners’ grandfather and a famous 19th-century dandy. The hotel now proposes a cocktail bar where “homemade” concoctions prepared by head barmaid Marie Picard, with or without alcohol, are served from 4 p.m. with a “nibbles” menu designed for “apéros dînatoires” to share with friends. Hôtel André Latin, 50 rue Gay-Lussac, Paris 5 (01 43 54 76 60).
After two-and-a-half years of refurbishment, the Renaissance Paris République has opened its doors a stone’s throw from the Place de la République and the Canal Saint-Martin. The interior architecture of its nine floors of rooms and suites has been entrusted to Didier Gomez who has fulfilled his aim of designing a 5-star hotel reflecting the spirit of the Haut Marais neighbourhood, known as a melting-pot of cross-bred culture. Renaissance Paris République. 40, rue René Boulanger, Paris 10e. (01 71 18 20 95)
Up on the 7th floor, the terrace of the Hôtel Raphaël has just opened its doors. In partnership with the Maison de Champagne Lanson, it invites guests to enjoy a “coupe” of champagne comfortably installed in the shade of parasols, with a view of the Eiffel Tower. For discerning esthetes ! Hôtel Raphaël, 17 avenue Kléber, Paris 16 (01 53 64 32 00).
