My Beautiful Paris

Where to stay > Elegance

If you don't feel like spending your life savings on one night in a "luxurious" hotel then I recommend one of these dreamy hotels. Just shy of the insanely expensive, you can still experience ultra chic and high quality without having to spend 600 Euros a night!

Hôtel de Vendôme

This small, yet elegant, boutique hotel is located in central Paris on Place Vendôme, two blocks from the pretty Tuileries Garden and walking distance to just about everything you will want to see while in Paris.

Luxurious rooms, beautiful bathrooms, a fine lounge: this little known treasure is a perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway. When inside, you would never know the hotel is located on one of the busiest corners in Paris.

The service was exceptional overall, as I specifically recall the bell boy running after us as we pulled away in our taxi at the end of our stay "Monsieur, Madame!" I had forgotten our passports in the safe! Ahhh!

Pavillon de la Reine

Serenity and finesse describes this hotel best. Nicely tucked away in a charming courtyard off of the glorious Place des Vosges sits Pavillon de la Reine. Pure bliss!

Ever since I laid my eyes on this hotel I had wanted to experience it, and I did just that on my last trip.

The mood of the hotel is quiet and peaceful, almost spa-like. In fact there is a spa and the calm from there spreads throughout the entire hotel; it's a perfect place to rest after a busy day out on the streets of Paris.

The lobby consists of two comfortable lounges where you can help yourself to cold drinks, a glass of wine or even a fine Cognac. Though this service is not included in your room rate, the availability and help-your-self concept is a very nice touch.

Staying in the Marais district has many advantages. The shopping and restaurants are fantastic but you are also surrounded by cobblestoned narrow streets, architecture and landscape that have hardly been altered for hundreds of years. An intriguing part of Paris indeed!

Tiara Château Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly

On our way home we were looking for an alternative to an airport hotel. I've stayed at the Sheraton before and it's expensive for what you get. I appreciate the convenience; however, when having to spend 24 hours in a hotel prior to a flight, the Sheraton wasn't the place I wanted to be. After a bit of googling I discovered Château Hotel Mont Royal in Chantilly. It's breathtakingly beautiful, situated in the middle of a forest, located only fifteen minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport and less expensive than the surrounding hotels!

 

We booked a standard room, which was quite comfortable, roomy and had an amazing view of the forest. Our last evening was spent sitting in the lounge sipping wine by the fire. The buffet breakfast the next morning was not only delicious but served in the gorgeous old ballroom.

All in all, it was perfect. Château Hotel Mont Royal is now my official airport hotel!  

Les Etangs de Corot

Les Etangs de Corot is located in Ville-d’Avray, a small town 15 minutes from Paris and only five minutes from Versailles. The Parisians love and frequent the hotel because of its location. It gives you the feel of a weekend in the country yet you are still so close to home.

The lobby is beautiful, comfortable, inviting and warm. I loved it straight away!

The sunlit corridors lined with bottles and little nooks here and there holding furniture, old desks, mirrors and bookcases are wonderful.

As it’s known for its Vinothérapie spa which offers vine and grape-based treatments, there was no question: I had to participate. My choice was a Merlot Friction Scrub and the Caudalie massage. Both were fantastic!

My friend and I dined on lamb, Bavaria beef sirloin and a mouth-watering pumpkin puff with basil and goat cheese in Le Café des Artistes. With their house wine being Smith Haut Lafitte, we didn’t have to look twice through the drink menu. And for desert, who could resist the poached pear and apple tart?

Les Etangs de Corot is a magnificent spot and I hope to return over and over.

L'Hotel

It was so exciting checking in to the very desirable L'Hotel – the previous home of Oscar Wilde! He died in this hotel and as I entered I couldn't help but remember one of his famous last quotes: "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or other of us has got to go".

From the moment I was greeted by the purple velvet suited staff, in honor of Mr. Wilde no doubt, I was hooked.

The hotel oozes charm and offers an incredibly calming ambiance. My room was full of character and, for lack of a better word, adorable. The lovely scent of their Green & Spring beauty products sealed the deal – another winner!

L'Hotel is located on a quiet, pretty street only steps away from Boulevard Saint-Germain, and one of my favourite lunch spots, Les Deux Magots.

The evening consisted of aperitifs with friends in L'Hotel's intimate lounge and dinner in the lavish dining room. "Please don't hate me for ordering well-done Pigeon," I begged my Parisian friends. I cannot possibly eat it raw! Every dish was a work of edible art and the precious desserts topped it off.

As another perfect day was coming to an end, my eyes were starting to become heavy and I looked forward to retiring to my dreamy little room. It was now pouring with rain and with my windows wide open I took great pleasure in the sounds of the city as I lay there at L'Hotel, reflecting on another amazing time in Paris.

Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré Hotel

One of my favourite boutique hotels in all of Europe is JK Place Firenze. It's a stylish and fantastic little place located in the heart of Florence. The Italian designer and architect, Michele Bonan, has a style that is easily recognizable.

When I heard of Hôtel Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and saw photos, it was simple to see who was responsible: Michele Bonan. 

This precious little 15-suite hotel was once a private mansion dating back to the 18th century. The location and rich setting offers luxury, quiet and privacy. The fact that it is set off of rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, my favourite shopping area, made it all the more amazing.

Although everything was perfect with the check in and the public areas, the real love affair began when I entered my room. It was a "standard room". One of the nicest standard rooms I have ever stayed in. No need for an upgrade here.

When they asked me what I would like for breakfast the next morning because they had to run to the market, I just smiled and, truly feeling like a real guest in a private home, kindly placed my order.

Hotel Lancaster

Hotel Lancaster is a quaint, pretty, well-designed boutique hotel located off of Champs Élysées.

I checked in to my beautiful little room, then enjoyed a cup of coffee and orange juice in their lounge while staring at the incredibly beautiful green clock.

My room was adorable and the size was perfect. 

There was a small balcony containg two chairs and table. A perfect little spot for an apéritif!

The bed was super comfy.  

I enjoyed it here very much. The staff were charming and friendly. 

The courtyard posted on their website is actually what lured me in; however, due to the rain, I was unable to experience it. Next time! 

Saint James Paris

Where to stay? Here! 

For something a little more intimate Saint James Paris is breathtaking.

This chateau hotel offers opulent rooms and suites and has a stunning staircase, lovely lounge, manicured lawns, super-friendly concierge, and a notable feature: hot air balloon wallpaper. It is enough to delight anyone! 

Hôtel Daniel

My love affair with Hôtel Daniel began when a friend who was staying there invited me for tea.

From the images I had seen on their website, I was somewhat prepared for what to expect; however, upon walking through the front door I was immediately hit by its charm. "It's beautiful"! I announced to anyone who was listening.

After that first visit I knew one day I was going to stay! Since that time it has been three times when I have called Hôtel Daniel my home-away-from-home.

Whether you're staying in a tiny, yet charming, room or a gorgeous large one-bedroom suite the quality and comfort is the same.

It was on my most recent stay where I was fortunate enough to experience one of their larger suites... which also had a balcony! 

Look at this view!! Can you spot the Eiffel Tower? I sure did the second I stepped out. 

I really do love this hotel and highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little more intitmate, but also elegant.

Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles

It's a wonderful feeling to be able to take a leisurely stroll from the Palace of Versailles – straight back to your hotel!

Instead of schlepping back to Paris after your tiring day visit you spend the night, or two, in the dreamy town of Versailles.

If you're intrigued, I have the answer: The Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles!

As you enter the hotel lobby, you will bump right into the most stunning, vibrant green, velvet tufted settee you will ever see!

And straight ahead, past this elegant foyer centerpiece, the Bar Galarie awaits you. This restaurant-bar is bright and airy, and it's the perfect setting for you to enjoy the most incredible burger!

And for dessert?!?! A delicious chocolate sheep!

The interiors are stunning... 

... and I loved the large, glass-paneled doors from our suite to our little balcony, which provided the perfect spot for breakfast.

From here we could take in the view of Marie Antionette's little farm, The Queen's Hamlet, complete with her goats and sheep.

One afternoon I noticed them close to the hotel fence, so I ran down the stairs and out the door with camera in tow! Now that was special.

In the evenings you can dine on the terrace at La Veranda, by Gordon Ramsay.

The following day you could head back to the Palace of Versailles or stay around the hotel and spend some time at the spa. 

Day trips from Paris have always seemed sufficient, although they make for a long day. But now I know better.

I hope you get the chance to experience this beautiful place. You will not be disappointed!

Hôtel Alfred Sommier

Hôtel Alfred Sommier is a fairly new hotel which opened its doors in July 2018. I happened to come across it while searching something or other on Google. The photos immediately caught my attention and within minutes I had my first three nights booked!

The hotel is beautiful. I love its location in the La Madeleine neighbourhood, and also the fact that it was the Parisian home of a nineteenth-century French businessman. The warm feeling of staying in an establishment that used to be someone's precious home is special to me. 

The high ceiling in my suite added such glamour and elegance to the space… and the garden views!

One evening I opened my two large windowpanes, dragged over a chair and table, and sat there for hours bundled up in my throw while sipping wine and enjoying a little takeout. 

I returned to Hôtel Alfred Sommier in December 2019 with my niece Lauren. The mood was wonderfully festive! Paris is magical during the Christmas season. 

During my most recent stay I had the pleasure of spending a little time with the hotel's owner, Richard de Warren. It was fascinating to hear how the hotel came to be and the family connection to the great Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Richard toured me around the hotel pointing out interesting historical facts and design features - my favourite being the collection of original architectural drawings displayed in the bar.   

Hôtel Alfred Sommier is the true meaning of elegance. Thank you for being so marvelously perfect! 

 

 

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