Tag Archives: Paris

Hotel Seven, Paris

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Paris is not short of classic luxurious accommodation, but places with quirky character are less easy to find. Hotel Seven is a fabulously funky place to stay, one of the most magical hotels I have ever discovered. This four star establishment is located in the city’s 5th arrondissement, next to the Latin Quarter and a short walk from the renowned rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris known for its shops and lively restaurants.

The entrance sparkles with tiny twinkling fairy lights providing mysterious light and shade. It is a small boutique hotel providing all the essentials and more for a cosy weekend away. On entering, I noticed the downstairs bar offering cocktails and a comfortable lounge for relaxing. The friendly girl at reception seemed genuinely delighted to welcome us to the hotel, and was even more thrilled to upgrade us to a suite. There are seven intriguingly themed suites on the website.

Rooms at Hotel Seven are indulgent but affordable, proving luxury doesn’t have to break the bank. The simplest room, Absolute Levitation, starts at 167 Euros a night; the most expensive of the suites, Lovez-Vous, costs a more painful 667 Euros. The hotel prides itself on the individual features and unexpected surprises in each room, and I am pleased to report that aesthetics always come first at Hotel Seven.

We were lucky to be staying in the On-Off Suite, a world of wonderful white luxury. Created by Paul Mathieu, this suite explores the wonder of travel, and depending on your mood can be transformed – using just one switch the appearance is altered. The design is impressively modern and yet sophisticated and subtle. The interior is a playground for guests, versatile and adaptable with an element of fun.

Other buttons control the clever lighting and reveal or conceal individual areas of the room. The fresh white colour theme is used throughout the room, with soft and appealing materials used everywhere. I was a big fan of our fluffy cream carpet and the futuristic leather chairs in the lounge area of the room.

An unmissable feature is the elegant white canopy bed. Draped around in thin white cloth and stacked with sumptious pillows and bedding, it was a dreamy place to sleep. Hidden behind the bedpost are more switches for total on-off control!

The bathroom is similarly spectacular, with a grand white bath (with varied coloured lighting), a huge sink, soft bathrobes and a generous variety of L’Occitane toiletries. The only thing lacking was a proper shower, instead you had to use the small portable shower head in the bath, which seriously risked flooding the bathroom floor .

Other amentities ensure your every need is catered for: free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, Air Conditioning and an iPod base.
Breakfast is served downstairs in an intimate dining room, a wide selection of fresh pastries and other continental treats are on offer.

I’ve only just left Seven Hotel and already I’m desperate to plan a return visit. With six other suites to experience, including Alice in Wonderland, 007 and Marie Antoinette themed rooms, it will be a while before I’m bored of this hotel.

More information here.

http://www.sevenhotelparis.com/

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.

Breakfast at Le Bristol, Paris

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Le Bristol in Paris is known for both its fine accommodation and exquisite food. It is a palace of luxury situated in the fashion district of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

We skipped out of our hotel bright and early for a breakfast booking at Le Jardin Francais , one of the many prestigious dining options at the hotel. We were greeted like royalty at the door by the smartest doormen I’ve ever seen. The interior twinkles: polished marble, blooming flowers and magnificent chandeliers.

Le Jardin Francais is a pretty floral sitting room offering an extensive morning menu of Parisian treats. The waiters are smart but humorous and made our meal luxurious but relaxed.

Vibrant fresh orange juice was first brought to our table, the sweetest I have ever tasted, and free from unwanted pith. A basket of fresh pastries followed soon after, a feast for the senses, smelling, looking and tasting divine. When people talk of unbeatable French croissants they are referring to the baked goods at Le Bristol. Buttery, soft and sweet, they melt in the mouth.

Eager to try something else from the menu, we both ordered a plate of pancakes with red fruits and vanilla cream. These were beautiful, arranged perfectly with a dusting of icing sugar and a miniature white chocolate Le Bristol medallion. They were as delicious as expected, a soft subtly sweet pancake with ripe strawberries and raspberries and a drizzle of contrasting cream.

Along with my cup of strong coffee, it was the perfect Parisian breakfast.

More information here.

www.lebristolparis.com

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.

Hotel Legend, Paris

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Hotel Legend is part of the Paris Elegancia group, evocative establishments each featuring its own style and personality.

Moments away from Saint-Placide metro station, and on the busy Rue de Rennes shopping street, Hotel Legend is conveniently placed for tourists wishing to see the city’s main sites. When we arrived, exhausted from the journey, the front desk staff instantly settled us and within a few minutes we were in our room, map in hand, feeling totally at home. My first impression: the Elegancia team welcome everyone with a smile, cater to individual needs and ensure a happy stay for every guest… this is the service we received throughout our time at the hotel.

Our room, named Echo, was minimalist and chic… small and cosy, but with a fresh, slick feel. Decorated in white with simple features, it was a very pleasant and versatile room. There is no denying the petite size was a challenge and may frustrate some guests… but for business trips or short city stays this wouldn’t cause a problem. The room itself was very comfortable, a lovely place to relax and watch tv (which comes in the form of a big flat screen in front of the bed). A small desk with stool, plug sockets and iPhone speakers were located next to the bed should one need it.

The bathroom and storage space were both limited in size, the loo and shower squeezed into a tiny side room and the sink placed just outside in the main bedroom. An intriguing smashed glass effect barrier partially separated the bedroom and bathroom areas. I loved the power shower with multicoloured lights, it made the whole bathing experience very exotic. Toiletries were by Pascal Morabito and smelt delicious.

Perhaps the most luxurious touch at Legend was the memory foam mattresses and pillows. It took a little time to get used to this dense material but the effects were miraculous. A good night’s sleep is not a challenge when you have an indulgent bed like this to sink into.

We dashed off into the Parisian streets without getting a chance to sample breakfast, although I will admit it looked very appetising displayed under the illuminated sculptural tree in the lobby. Guests are also invited to help themselves to the honesty bar downstairs as and when they desire, a choice of delectable snacks and drinks are available.

Affordable but fashionable, and in a great location… this is the ideal hotel for a weekend away. By the time we left I felt very fond of our little echo room.

More information and book here.

http://www.legendhotelparis.com/

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.