Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Paris

There are many magical squares in Paris, but for me, the most special and iconic is Palais Royal, a central courtyard with a subtle charm and beauty. I felt very privileged to receive the opportunity to stay in the only 5-star hotel in this exclusive area, Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, with its luxurious bedrooms and spectacular views.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

The hotel is just three years old, but already has a fine reputation amongst locals and travellers. Found within a historic 18th century building with contemporary design by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, it is an exceptional combination of old-fashioned grandeur and modern elegance. It is an artistic neighborhood with the Louvre, the Place Vendome and the Tuileries Garden nearby, and in the hotel lobby important artworks from the Louvre cast workshop feature prominently.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

The boutique property has 68 bedrooms, each individually designed with luxurious fabrics and furniture. We were very comfortable in our junior suite, Room 503. With a small balcony overlooking the city and a lovely living area with champagne and patisserie treats, it was a stylish and indulgent Parisian base. The suite was subtly decorated in shades of lilac and grey with tasteful lighting and dramatic abstract artwork.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

The dreamy bed was silky and soft with fluffy pillows and topped with a beautiful purple blanket. Despite the warm weather I wanted to wrap myself up in the luxurious duvet, and needless to say I slept blissfully well each night. The minimalist white bathroom was equipped with a walk in rain shower and separate bath. Toiletries by Atelier Cologne were generously stocked in the bathroom and seemed to be very good quality when I washed my hair.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

The hotel provides top quality spa experiences and dining options for guests and external visitors. Downstairs, a lavish mosaic hammam is a relaxing retreat that I wish I’d taken advantage of, and there is also a gym with Technogym equipment. The spa uses top Parisian brand Carita for their treatments and a beauty salon offers manicures, pedicures and hairdressing.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

The breakfast at Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is an extravagant array of French delicacies and a la carte dishes. It felt particularly special enjoyed in the comfort of our own room. Choose from freshly baked pastries, fresh juices, strong coffee, eggs and bacon, cooked to your preference. I especially relished the little luxuries in our breakfast of creamy French butter and delicious fruit jams.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

With a prime location and pretty rooms, Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is a fabulously French accommodation for the most sophisticated traveller. I can’t think of a more magical Parisian hotel.

More information and book a room at Grand Hotel du Palais Royal here.

Beauty Travel Essentials

Travelling continuously, through extreme weather conditions and numerous flights, left my skin craving attention. Suddenly my standard London skin routine wasn’t enough to keep my face moisturised and healthy. So while I visited new countries I discovered new international brands and wondrous products that helped me look and feel fresh and glowing even after a 12 hour overnight coach journey!

Glossier is a cult American beauty brand from skincare guru Emily Weiss. English girls celebrated across the country when netaporter.co.uk started stocking the trio pack of ‘balm dotcom’. The balm can be used for anything and anywhere… I love the natural glow it gives my lips but also use it on my cuticles when my hands get dry in cold weather. Now I’m just praying they will start stocking the rest of the range over here, I want to try it all! Buy here.

Aesop makes one of my favourite skincare ranges so I was excited to visit the brand’s hometown, Melbourne in Australia. Here the products are half the price they are in England and the variety is even greater. I found the Boston kit to be the perfect travel companion. A compact case filled with unisex goodies including the classic skincare and hair formulations, mouthwash and body balm. The travel sizes are perfect for a long weekend away and the stylish black case can be used even after the products are finished. My favourites were the Fabulous Face Cleanser, which smells divine, and the B & Tea Balancing Toner that refreshed and smoothed my face. Buy here.

I have always loved the Parisian perfumer, Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The APOM scent – which stands for ‘A Part Of Me’ – is inspired by the perfumer’s travels to Lebanon. It is a romantic fragrance infused with the sweetness of Orange Blossom, the warmth of Ylang Ylang and the strength and intensity of Cedarwood. This travel set contains three handy portable bottles which are perfectly sized for carrying in your handbag or for taking away on holiday. Buy here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 237

I know I wrote about Maison Labiche very recently, but their pop-up shop looks so exciting I can’t help but mention them again. The hipster design studio has set up shop at 56 de la rue de Rochefoucauld to celebrate young Parisian designers and made-in-France craft, the perfect place to find a quirky Christmas present.

Three years after its birth, the Maison Labiche atelier created by Marie and Jenny, opens the doors to its first pop-up store in Paris. As well as offering its signature embroidered t-shirts and sweaters, the temporary space is selling a carefully curated edit of accessories and decorative objects by young Parisian labels, until the end of the year.

The chic collection includes fragranced clutches from Kerzon, sunglasses by Waiting for the Sun and Bois2, hand-made lingerie from Slip Français, cult Parisian stationary by Papier Tigre, umbrellas by Kumo and watches from Rich Gone Broke, this minimalist new space created by Jenny Richard, is a celebration of contemporary cool and French craftsmanship. I want it all.

Discover the Maison Labiche & Friends pop-up store right up until the end of the year, at 56 de la rue Rochefoucault, open Tuesday to Saturday.