Tag Archives: Paris

Sofitel Le Faubourg Hotel, Paris

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A Sofitel hotel is the ultimate place to stay if you’re after style and sophistication. Le Faubourg is centrally located in the Saint Honore district of Paris, with designer boutiques and cute cafes on the doorstep (you can imagine my delight discovering Hermes almost next door!). We arrived late after an evening at the Moulin Rouge and our sighs of relief were almost audible as we stepped inside into the luxurious hallway. Silence reigned through the attractive reception room, an area I could imagine was filled with guests socialising in the lighter hours of the day.

High on the fourth floor, the 549 sq. ft. sumptuous Opera suite provides the ultimate in indulgence, and after an overnight stay at Sofitel Le Faubourg I felt completely pampered and prepped, stylish and alert ready for a day out in Paris. Our room was big enough to be an apartment and I would have happily moved in… it would be the perfect Paris abode. The contemporary interiors are designed by Didier Gomez and are swish and sexy, simple and sultry. With glamorous black and white prints on the walls and comfortable velvety furniture, it is a cool modern living area, ideal for relaxing and hanging out.

It took us at least 15 minutes to explore and fully investigate the whole suite. Awe-inspiring extras are found in every corner:  walk-in closet, espresso & tea machine, Home Video, integrated DVD player, Bose system with iPod dock & free minibar. I was delighted to find the free WiFi easy to use and super speedy. Follow the carpeted corridor and you find the bedroom with an absolutely epic Sofitel MyBed, perhaps the largest, softest and most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Why go out and explore Paris when you can stay in bed this amazing all day? I almost convinced myself this was a valid argument.

The bathroom is incredible in the Opera Suite, the bath is so close to the bedroom you can almost jump from one to the other. A huge bath is accompanied by green bottled Hermes toiletries, ideal for a long bubble bath. Through the doorway, a separate boudoir has two sinks with mirrors, a separate toilet and a separate Hammam shower. The space is bright and airy with natural light streaming in through the windows. Exhausted after trying out all the numerous amenities, I slumped into the gigantic bed, it moulded round my body and enveloped me in immersive sleep.

Downstairs guests gather in the lovely dining room for breakfast. An array of fresh pastries, fruit, meats and cheese is on offer…the highest quality and all looking divine. We struggled to pick, and took an assortment back to our table only to be further tempted by the detailed hot menu… waffles, pancakes, eggs… we managed to resist and enjoyed a typical French breakfast of coffee and croissants. Simple and delicious, it was my favourite kind of breakfast.

The service throughout the hotel was exceptional throughout our stay. Kind and yet discreet, I felt the staff were very happy to go above and beyond to ensure our visit to the Sofitel was impeccable. Before leaving I was given a small bag with Le Faubourg flavoured tea and a scented candle, a lovely touch that made our visit here all the more memorable.

France is home to the Sofitel brand and after visiting this branch I can understand how Parisian elegance and style have affected the brand’s concept and design. For guaranteed indulgence and an excellent night’s sleep, I highly recommend the sublime Opera suite, which is full of character and charm, just like the capital city itself.

Visit the Sofitel website here for more information.

http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1295-sofitel-paris-le-faubourg/index.shtml

Four Seasons Hotel, Paris

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The Four Seasons is one of the most renowned luxury hotel chains, of the branches I have visited this Paris location is perhaps the most exceptional. Standing tall on the prestigious George V Avenue, moments away from the impressive Champs, this beautiful fortress is in the ideal location for a weekend away in the city of love.

Walking into the main hall, I was overwhelmed by the tall ceilings, the bright and airy feel and abundance of fresh white flowers blossoming in every corner. It is the epitome of Parisian elegance. All your worries are instantly alleviated, your bags whisked away by a smartly dressed team and all your needs met by the kind reception staff. We were briefly shown round the ground floor – every room is utterly stunning and remarkable, decorated and arranged with the utmost care and attention, pristine clean and sparkling.

We were guided to floor six where the door was opened to one of the newly decorated suites. A beautiful buttery yellow room, the pale walls and furniture reminded me of the Parisian macaroon shop LaDuree’s dainty displays and pastel coloured cakes.

The Four Seasons’ designers are so clever, our room was decadent but delicate, cosy and yet spacious. There were too many amenities to enjoy in just one night, everything has been thought of. A lavish marble bathroom is a lovely place to relax, with a huge bath, separate power shower and toilet room. Sweet smelling Bulgari toiletries, super soft slippers and terry bathrobes are on hand for your comfort. In the living area modern luxuries are discreet presented: a large interactive television, iPod speakers, CD player and clock/radio. A desk fully kitted out with FS stationery is placed appropriately by the window and bookshelves are filled with gorgeous vintage books, if you do have a moment to read a French classic. I was amazed by the sophisticated and intricate artwork on our bedroom walls. Particularly pretty monochrome prints added a unique flair to the otherwise traditional room.

Never before have I stayed in a room that I loved so much, the character and feel suited me so well. We intended to hit the French nightlife on Friday evening but after retiring upstairs and collapsing exhausted onto the marshmallow bed, we found it impossible to leave our luxurious hotel room. Instead the curtains were drawn and I fell into a deep dreamy sleep.

Breakfast at the Four Seasons was a trip highlight for me. Brought up to our room on a trolley we dined in style refreshed by a gentle breeze from the balcony. Divine plates of fruit, warm flaky croissants and vibrant freshly squeezed orange juice. Sipping the hot frothy cappuccino, it was difficult to imagine being anywhere more indulgent. If there is one meal the French do well, it is breakfast – I savoured every mouthful of the delicious pastries and ripe fruit. Packing up our bags whilst listening to a melancholy Edith Piaf from the speakers, I was devastated to be leaving this glorious accommodation.

The Four Seasons on George V Avenue is a palace of Parisian perfection… I adored every second of my stay in this heavenly hotel.

More information on Four Seasons Paris here.

http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/

On Set Off Set photo exhibition, cocktails, afternoon tea and manicures, Sofitel London St James

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The Sofitel in St James immediately evokes happy memories of Paris, it is a very sophisticated and stylish hotel. Although part of a huge chain, this branch has its own character and atmosphere, with immaculate tasteful decor and an understated sense of luxury.

To celebrate the current On-Set Off-Set Cinema Photography exhibition in association with Polka Galerie, a group of bloggers were invited to indulge for the afternoon and appreciate the photographs.

Arriving at 2pm we were directed through the opulent reception to the spacious SO spa where we chatted away and tried fruity cocktails. In turn we were treated to gorgeous mini manicures at the spa choosing our shades from the selection of lovely rich OPI colours. I chose a summery shade of coral.

The “pretty in pink” tearoom is an idyllic setting, with a musician playing gently on a harp and the iconic portrait photographs watching down from the walls. It was a glorious place to spend the afternoon sipping tea! Appropriately named the Rose Lounge, it is themed with girly features, and has an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ vibe. At the Sofitel ‘Tea en Rose’ is served daily between 2.30 and 5.30pm offering a selection of French inspired treats: finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a variety of unique tea choices. For further luxury there are Parisiennes Pastries and Rose and Litchi Champagne cocktails on offer. I thought the scones were particularly good, arriving warm straight from the oven. I also loved my whole rose bud tea, light and sweet-edged, perfumed subtly with rose.

We were so preoccupied with the delicious food, I didn’t spend as long as I would have liked perusing the striking photos on display. Celebrating cinema in Europe, these photographs by Stefano De Luigi, Derek Hudson, Alain Loison and Emanuele Scorcelletti capture famous faces from Woody Allen to Johnny Depp, Jane Birkin to Penelope Cruz; moments caught on camera of the young and beautiful.

The Cinema exhibition finishes at the Sofitel St James at the end of May but I would highly recommend visiting either the So Spa or Rose Tea Room for a very memorable afternoon at this sensational hotel.

Visit the Sofitel website here for more information. More information on the photo exhibition here.