My Beautiful Paris

Where to stay > Luxury

Life is not complete until you've enjoyed a bit of Parisian luxury. Hotel Heaven! These places cost a small fortune – but offer an experience you'll never forget.

Ritz Paris

Ritz Paris is now closed for a two year renovation. I look forward to the doors reopening in 2014!

Although Paris has an ample supply of luxurious hotels, there is nothing quite like the Ritz. I spent a memorable three nights here with my mother a couple of years ago. From the precious chocolates left on your pillow to the ultra-luxurious pink towels and beautifully decorated rooms, I have to say we acted like two girls and could hardly contain our excitement–we were just short of jumping up and down on our beds. It was simply marvellous!

But it's not just about the luxurious finishes. The hotel's history and surroundings are just as appealing. Bar Hemingway is nestled in the back corner of the hotel, named after famed author Ernest Hemingway, for whom it was a favourite drink joint. And the most desirable: the Coco Chanel Suite, available for the lucky few who can afford such extravagance. Imagine staying where Coco stayed! A girl can dream!

Dating back to 1898, this hotel is one of the most recognized hotels in the world and is at the perfect location, right at the heart of Paris. The Ritz is worth every hard earned penny.

Hôtel de Crillon

In the coming spring, Hôtel de Crillon is to undergo a thorough renovation starting on March 29, 2013. The doors will reopen in 2015. 

Staying on Place de la Concorde was fascinating. What an historical wonder!

The largest square in Paris is home to two massive identical stone buildings which sit at the north end. Originally built to house government offices, shortly after its construction the structure on the west became one of the world's first luxury hotels, Hôtel de Crillon: a place for the rich and famous, and where Marie Antoinette and her society friends would frequent for afternoon tea. It has since become a little more affordable for the curious, like me.

What I love about this hotel, besides our wonderfully comfortable room and the superb service, is the easy access to all of Paris's finest areas. The Tuileries garden is just outside the front door, as is Rue Royale with its magnificent shops, the Louvre, the scenic Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe and a view of the Eiffel Tower peeking over the tree-lined walkways.

We loved our time spent having tea and cake in the cozy Winter Garden tea room and later meeting up with friends for drinks at Le Bar Crillon.

Amazing memories from Hôtel de Crillon!

George V

Turning on to avenue George V, pulling up to all those wonderfully-garbed smiling doormen, exiting the taxi and entering through the magical iron and glass front doors; I’ll never forget it. The anticipation and excitement of staying at the George V! My God, how could I not scream? Well, I didn't. I held back, stayed calm and checked in like a grown up.

Four Seasons never ceases to amaze me. It is always clear that customer service is their number one focus; therefore, I do not need to waste any more time elaborating on their never disappointing and always outstanding staff.

I will, however, elaborate on a few features that make George V so incredibly special. After the excitement of arriving, you are taken to your room: top- notch and very pretty, and featuring the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. A large marble bathroom - always a favorite of mine - with heated towel racks, cozy slippers and lush bathrobes also awaits you. Total luxury!

It only got better the next morning over breakfast: dining and people-watching in the elegant La Galerie was definitely a highlight. The vibrant and rich colours, lavish warm fine furniture and that carpet! Taking it all in over a plate of lemon and ricotta pancakes, fresh fruit, and my very own precious silver pot of hot coffee made the experience as close to perfection as it’s going to get.

After a full day of Paris, cozying up to my husband in Le Bar was also a great time. My favorite spot, the side table right at the entrance, is another great venue for people watching and relaxing.

The lobby and exquisite arrangements of fresh flowers, the quiet elegant corridors, the beautiful spa, the over all attitude and ambiance... George V was dreamy, every single step of the way.

Shangri-La Paris

In my eyes Shangri-La Paris is another perfect example of “Hotel Heaven.”

The minute we stepped out of the car they were on. Everyone—the doormen, concierge, reception—all were welcoming and gracious. They seemed genuinely pleased to see us and all of a sudden I became extremely excited about spending four nights in this lap of luxury!

A lady from reception greeted us as we walked into the lobby. “Welcome, Mrs. Thiessen”… How did she know? I arrived two seconds ago!

Advised that our room was ready, we headed straight for the elevators. 

The history of Shangri-La is quite interesting in that it was the former grand residence of Napoleon’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte. It was built in 1896 and remained his primary residence until his death. 

Recently restored into a luxury hotel, it now holds 81 rooms, 27 suites and a few of the most incredible ballrooms you will ever see. Having toured many of the different types of rooms and suites, I can say that I have never seen a hotel offer views like this one. Many of the rooms have full, breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, from its base to its top! And if you are fortunate enough to stay in one of their suites your view will span from Sacré-Cœur all the way west to and past the tower.

Once we arrived in our room we were served a beautiful jasmine tea while we checked in. (Loved the tea pot!) Yes, we checked in in our room—a lovely idea! The room was stunning and included a bathroom and tub facing the tower. Everything was as luxurious as it could be.

Our first night, many hours were spent in the lounge enjoying wine with the company of friends. A perfect place to meet! Later in the evening, we took a room-service Italian dinner on our balcony. We ate in silence; the view literally left us speechless.

Every morning, a breakfast fit for kings was served in La Bauhinia, a remarkable restaurant inspired by the flower. The ambiance gave me goose bumps every time—good ones!

The hotel is within walking distance to the Trocadéro. There is also a metro stop right outside the front entrance with easy access to anywhere you want to go in Paris. I specifically enjoyed this area because it is quiet and peaceful. You’ll find many restaurants within walking distance and of course the concierge can always put you in the right direction if you are unsure of where to go.

You must experience this hotel. You will not be disappointed. In fact, it will be quite the opposite. And next year, it will only get better with a brand new pool and spa.

Thank you Audrey and Laura for making my stay at Shangri-La one I will never forget!

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

I landed at Charles de Gaulle early in the morning. With carry-on luggage only, I was out the door within minutes.

I quickly made my way to the taxi stand; “Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 Avenue Montaigne s’il vous plaît,” I said to the driver. ‘Plaza Athénée!’ I repeated in my head in a high-pitched scream.

With the beautiful red geraniums and signature red awnings slowly coming into view, I can assure you my increasing smile and wide-opened eyes said it all. 

The lobby was welcoming, grand and elegant, yet wonderfully intimate.

The room was beyond anything I had imagined. Every aspect was divine.  How can you possibly describe a room like this? Incredible! I was already dreading my departure and I had only just arrived.

It was unfortunate that I was unable to experience The Dior Institute due to time constraints; however, I did manage to sneak a peek at the hotel's stylish and famous spa. The relaxation area with a decorative pool was most certianly inviting! 

While walking through the corridors I managed to bump right into the hotel's precious little children's electric convertible car. Had I not suspected cameras watching me I most likely would have tried to squeeze in. Adorable! 

On the way back to the hotel, after a full day of touring Paris, I slipped into a pâtisserie, Nicolas, and also a marché for the evening’s staples. The plan was a night on the town with some friends; however, after seeing my temporary life of luxury, plans quickly changed: I was entertaining.

Afterwards, despite my fatigue, I fought so very hard to stay awake and enjoy every possible minute of this remarkable place. Hôtel Plaza Athénée – I will never ever forget you.

A big thank you to Marine Lieber!

Le Royal Monceau- Raffles

I will never forget Christmas at Le Royal Monceau- Raffles. 

The mix of modern design with classic French is stunning! 

Our room was spectacular, to say the least. It was gorgeous, spacious and luxurious. 

The cozy sitting area, with our very own little Christmas tree, made it feel like home away home. 

Our king sized bed was ginormous and draped with soft linens and a beautiful comforter. 

I adored the bathroom!

The floors, towel racks and even toilets, with built in bidet, autoflushing, and everything else you can imagine, were heated making your toilette an incredibly comfy experience. 

A highlight was the Nobu pop-up restaurant in La Cuisine. Black cod with miso and a little sushi made for the most perfect non-traditional Christmas feast.   

Thank you so much Le Royal Monceau- Raffles - you are a gem of a hotel! 

Mandarin Oriental - Coming Soon

Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré Hotel - Coming Soon

 

 

Site by fact244