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" !
L’Abeille, the gastronomic restaurant at the Shangri-La whose kitchens are run by Chef Christophe Moret, has just been awarded its second star in the Michelin Guide 2016, while Le Shang Palace, the Asian restaurant headed by Chef Samuel Lee, has retained its star and confirms its position as the only Chinese restaurant with a star in France. Shangri-La, 10 avenue d’Iéna, Paris 16 (01 53 67 19 98).
On March 27th at the Buddha Bar Hotel, it will be comprised of extraordinary buffets giving an original and delicious new spin to traditional Easter offerings. A new stall of fresh fruit and vegetables ready to blend will invite guests to personalize their juices. Traditional eggs will be marbled with soya, and the essential lamb cooked for 7 hours will be garnished with carrot purée with ginger and lemongrass. Le Vraymonde, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8 (01 83 96 88 70).
This discreet 5-star address which has just blown out its first candle is an elegant address well worth the detour. At its helm, chef Ricardo Lucio - who sharpened his knives with Pierre Gagnaire and Anne-Sophie Pic, among others - follows his own inclinations to propose an inventive cuisine based on the freshest seasonal produce. Crisp vegetables, shell-fish tossed lightly on the grill, and a “terrine de foie gras” made on the premises… Reservations essential ! Le Cinq Codet, 5 rue Louis Codet, Paris 7 (01 53 85 15 60).
At 28 rue Saint-Roch in the 1st arrondissement, nestling on the corner of the Rue Saint-Honoré, Le Roch Hôtel & Spa, a new 5-star address, both classic and discreet, will be unveiled in the spring. Entirely decorated by Sarah Lavoine, it promises to be a refined experience brimming with Parisian chic. We already know that a sunny terrace, an indoor pool and a restaurant directed by Arnaud Faye (2 stars, 4 toques) will complete the offerings of this establishment with 37 rooms including 4 suites. To be continued... Le Roch Hôtel & Spa, 28 rue Saint-Roch, Paris 1 (www.leroch-hotel.com
Following three years of renovation, the Hôtel Edouard VII, occupying a Haussmann building not far from the Opéra Garnier, has been entirely refurbished and redecorated by designer Christophe Daudré. A new atmosphere in “couture” style can now be discovered in its 69 rooms, 10 suites, and gastronomic restaurant, L’E7. Hôtel Edouard VII. 39 avenue de l’Opéra, Paris 2 (01 42 61 86 02).
Taking its cue from “Singles Day” held on November 11th in Asia, Le Peninsula has introduced a formula offering privileged rates for 1-night stays booked for the 11th of each month. A first ! Peninsula Paris, 19 avenue Kléber, Paris 16 (01 58 12 28 88).
Until the end of February, the spa at the Bristol is proposing a new treatment for the body developed with La Prairie. For both men and women, this stimulating massage is inspired by traditional Russian techniques using a powerful cocktail of essential oils of juniper, Siberian pine and mandarin orange, guaranteed to boost the morale. 210 €. Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 53 43 41 67).
The Buddha-Bar Hôtel Paris and its teams of “Clefs d’Or” concierges aim to make the wildest dreams come true with four new packages revolving around the hotel’s most magnificent suite : the Suite Gagny, with a floor area of 182 m2. On the programme, services taking luxury to its dizziest heights, private classes in mixology, mixing by resident DJs, fabulous luncheons, and relaxation massages in one’s room... Buddha-Bar Hôtel, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8 (01 83 96 88 88).
For Valentine’s Day, Chef Eric Frechon proposes a menu brimming with flavour at the gastronomic restaurant L’Epicure, awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. And to ensure perfection on this very special occasion, the Bristol is joining up with Boucheron. A “Reflet” watch will be presented to the lucky winner of the evening’s tombola. Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 53 43 43 00).
Once home to the Marquis de La Fayette, this 18th-C. mansion has just become a “Relais & Châteaux” hotel. At the heart of the most enchanting part of Paris, close to the Louvre and Place Vendôme, architect Michele Bönan has succeeded in giving a new lease of life to this outstanding residence distinguished by “haute couture” intimacy. Hôtel Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 8 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8 (01 44 80 00 00).
On the first floor of the W Paris Opéra, the Brûlé bar-club run by the Maselli brothers, aka “The Twins”, proposes a new ambiance from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., Thursdays to Saturdays. Red lighting, ultra-dense sound to benefit from deep house and hip-hop sets by Toni Vegas and Bryan Birget, and a choice of 14 cocktails and over 60 kinds of spirits comprise the recipe behind the success of this address for discerning night-owls. W Opéra, 2 rue Meyerbeer, Paris 9 (01 77 48 94 49).
Inaugurated in December, L’Echiquier offers 88 rooms in an 18th-C. building. Designed by Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto, the decor reflects the intimate, velvety atmosphere of Parisian apartments of the early 20th century. A sumptuous bar in the guise of a winter garden provides a chic cocoon sheltered from the hubbub of city life. A new address with a decidedly Parisian soul. L’Echiquier Opéra Paris, 38 rue de l’Echiquier, Paris 10 (01 42 46 92 75).
For the entire winter, the cosy terrace at the Buddha-Bar Hotel has been transformed into an enchanted forest full of snowy birch trees and sparkling firs in the colours of the aurora borealis. In the centre, an ephemeral restaurant created in collaboration with the UGG Australia brand. On large tables edged with comfy woollen and sheepskin rugs, guests feast on Shabu Shabu, a Chinese fondue of Mongolian origin ! Buddha-Bar Hôtel, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8 (01 83 96 88 70).
A 5-star boutique-hotel in the Opéra neighbourhood, Le Banke is well-known for keeping a close eye on international culinary trends in its restaurant Josefin. This winter, chef Cyril Chevalier concocts exquisite dishes with pure, stylish presentation. The “pressé de foie gras de canard” with mandarin jelly, Saint-Jacques scallops “à la plancha” with liquorice powder, and spaghettini with cream and truffle oil sprinkled with grated black truffle will all delight the most demanding guests. Banke Hotel, 20 rue La Fayette, Paris 9 (01 55 33 22 25).
Transformed into a real shrine for fans of chocolate, Le Royal Monceau-Raffle Paris is again playing host to the Pierre Hermé Chocolate Bar. On the menu, a trip to the kingdom of cocoa in rare blends of flavours : Mogador, Chuao, Fresh Mint, Inca, Aztec... Delicious drinks playing on textures and flavours perfect this unique experience. Royal Monceau - Raffle Paris, 37 avenue Hoche, Paris 8 (01 42 99 98 50).
Until January 31st, the restaurant at the Plaza Athénée proposes a designer sled seating four guests for dinner (by reservation only). An exclusive menu is proposed and accompanied by an exceptional Dom Pérignon champagne, the P2 1998 vintage, with 16 years in the making. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (01 53 67 66 65).
Nestling in a handsome building dating back to 1854, the Hôtel Providence has just opened its doors behind the Théâtre de la Renaissance and Porte Saint-Martin on a small and typically Parisian square. Guests will appreciate its warm and cosy cocktail bar, its lounge with a crackling log fire in the hearth, its dining-room with walls decorated in Popium velvet from the House of Hackney, and Gien porcelain tableware with a flowery decor, its restaurant proposing divine platters of shell-fish, and its 18 intimate and elegantly decorated guest-rooms. Hôtel Providence, 90 rue René Boulanger, Paris 10 (01 46 34 34 04).
Each winter the 5-star Hôtel du Collectionneur installs its enchanting bubble as part of its year-end festivities. In the midst of the Andalusian patio, it is clad this year in the colours of Léonard Paris and SIA which have worked together on creating a floral ambiance of rare refinement. An enchanting setting in which to enjoy a “Fleur d’hiver” cocktail, specially concocted by Joël Veyssière, and discover original treats for the tastebuds beneath the stars. Hôtel du Collectionneur, 51-57 rue de Courcelles, Paris 8 (01 58 36 67 00).
Initially scheduled for December 2015, the re-opening of the Ritz (closed for renovation since August 1st, 2012) will finally take place at the beginning of 2016. To keep us on tenterhooks, the management has just revealed the name of the Pastry Chef who will officiate alongside Kitchen Director Nicolas Sale : François Perret. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, this accomplished professional won his spurs at Le Meurice, Le George V and Le Lancaster before winning 2 Michelin stars at Le Shangri-La. The gem on Place Vendôme is being treated to an exemplary team. Ritz, 15 Place Vendôme, Paris 1 (www.ritzparis.com).
From November 23rd to 28th, the Relais Plaza plays host to Rachid Agouray, Chef at the restaurant in the palatial Mamounia Hotel in Marrakesh. Throughout the week, he will invite guests on Avenue Montaigne to discover the very essence of Moroccan gastronomy, such as a turbot “tajine” served with a saffron-verbena emulsion, and the famous “pastilla” with pigeon. An exclusive menu has been prepared in collaboration with Philippe Marc, Chef at the Relais Plaza.
