My clients always ask me what my favorite neighborhood in Paris is and where do I suggest they stay. That is like asking someone about their favorite child, which is impossible to choose. All Parisian neighborhoods offer something wonderful and it all depends on what one is seeking.
The first question is RIGHT BANK (Rive Droite) or LEFT BANK (Rive Gauche)? These shoes may know the answer –
Historically, the Right bank was known for money and power, while the left bank was a place for romantics and intellectuals. I think today you’ll find something special on both sides including museums, monuments, dining and life!
To choose your favorite Paris neighborhood, you actually need to experience it. Roam aimlessly on both banks, talk to the locals, go inside the places, explore and discover as much as you can. I would suggest to always stay in a different neighborhood to soak it all in. On this visit to Paris, I visited several of my favorite hotels on both banks and have given you a bit of a recap below.
Plaza Athenee – Dorchester Collection –
Located on the prestigious avenue Montaigne, the tree-lined boulevard of French fashion, the Plaza Athenee is the hotel to see and be seen, with easy access to the city’s best couture boutiques.
What a welcome …..
…and what a view from my room –
A glamorous breakfast is served in Alain Ducasse restaurants and is a treat in itself.
Breakfast is as magical as the surroundings and guests of Resort to Laura Madrid enjoy breakfast with compliments (Approximately EURO 70 per person daily value!)
Courtyard Facing rooms are wonderful at Plaza Athenee, so peaceful and glorious –
Suites with exceptional appointments, interconnecting rooms …
..and even the coveted Eiffel Tower view is available!
The dining room at Alain Ducasse is one of the best reservations in town for dinner and will impress for any special occasion –
Le Gallerie is the place for an afternoon glass of champagne following a shopping spree on the Avenue Montaigne – you never know who you will see!
Food Touring in the 16th Arrondissement –
I tend to be one of those people that explore a destination by way of its food and doing at least one food tour in each city I visit. Understanding what people eat, how they source their food, how they enjoy their friends and spend time with their family around food, is the best way to understand the culture! If not a food tour, a cooking class, a meal in a private home, or a traditional tour with stops for bites. These adventures are my favorite thing to arrange for my clients as well. There is no shortage of food-focused touring in Paris, I headed to the more local and less touristed 16th Arrondissement for my day with my guide, Aurelie and had a beautiful day eating as a Parisian.
“The Saint James Paris is much more than an exclusive luxury hotel – it’s an experience.”
Built in the 19th century on the site of Paris’ first aerodrome, it was the neoclassical home of the Thiers Foundation for over a century. Today the Saint James Paris remains an exuberant masterpiece, but more so than ever before. It’s a bourgeois estate, a château and an experience to treasure.
For those seeking to be in an authentic and slightly less crowded neighborhood in a hotel with grounds that make you feel like you are staying in a private home, but with a most eclectic mix of furnishings and a wonderful culinary scene, The St. James may be the place!
Yes, you can rent this mini for the day and head outside to the city, perhaps a visit to Versailles?
The Saint James’ majestic neoclassical façade can be deceiving. Step inside, and you’re now surrounded by the elegant madness of Bambi Sloan. Like in a dream, this unimaginable mix of styles turns temporal and spatial markers on their heads.
Each room and suite tells its own story…
My favorite place in the St. James is actually outside in the garden where cocktails, lunch or even a special celebration – a small wedding or birthday party – is simply “parfait”!
The small but mighty gym offers natural light…
Below is my simply delicious lunch, but this will give you an idea of the chef’s delicious menu –
Breakfast and lunch for hotel guests and club members only. Dinner and brunch by reservation.
This sumptuous 5-star Palace hotel on the right bank is a Resort to Laura Madrid client favorite.
For a true overlook of Paris, be sure to ask me to secure you a room or suite in the splendidly re-styled rooms overlooking the Tuileries Garden.
A welcome fit for a queen…
What’s a more wonderful way to cap off a day of visiting hotels, but in my room overlooking Paris and the gardens, while tucking into this sinfully perfect pastry and a glass of sumptuous champagne! I am staying!
The lobby gives way to several creative dining outlets and bars – each eye candy in its own right. While, Le Meurice’s sister property, the Plaza Athenee is about seeing and being seen, I feel a stay at Le Meurice is more about privacy and discretion, which creates its own wonderful vibe.
Here are a few shots of the elegant room options…
A variety of view options are available including the courtyard…
Or the amazing views of the Lovre and the Eiffel Tower, that do not disappoint…
Crossing the Seine River over to the Left Bank –
…and the feel is decidedly Bohemian and a bit more cozy with an abundance of bistros and Braserries….
Markets and shops..
This historic Palace hotel was closed for many years and underwent a complete transformation, reopening as the only Palace hotel on the left bank.
Hotel Lutetia is an iconic landmark situated in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris and is the only luxury grand hotel on the city’s Left Bank. Originally opened in 1910, the building’s design was a daring move from art nouveau to the emerging style of art deco. The Lutetia delivers an authentic Parisian experience and has been at the heart of the local community for more than 100 years. The hotel now features an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and lounges throughout the historical ground floor including the return of the Lutetia Brasserie under the supervision of three Michelin starred chef Gerald Passedat. Unique to the area, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, is Lutetia’s 700 sqm/7,500 sqft spa dedicated to wellbeing and fitness featuring a 17m swimming pool bathed in natural daylight.
The design throughout is very contemporary and minimalist…
The Top suites are fantastic with superb design and comfort and lovely outdoor space…
This is a favorite boutique hotel on the left bank for clients of Resort to Laura Madrid.
The impression on arrival is one of coming into a private home –
Several of the rooms have their own terrace or garden area to enjoy a drink, a coffee or even a bit of breakfast al fresco.
Each room and suite is completely different in shape, location, size and design – I work with the on-property sales team to ensure you have a little home that suits you perfectly. All our ooh la la charming!
The spa is a true oasis and delight, underground in what was formerly the restaurant and wine cellar…
The Managing Director, Jean Luc, is completely hands-on from taking guests to their room to serving them a glass of wine in the living room.
Visiting hotels in Paris is great exercise! Now I know why Parisians stay so fit despite all of the spectacular nibbles! One day of hotel site inspections equated 17,000 plus steps and nearly nine miles! Cest Bon!
I did not get a chance to visit my friends at Shangri-La Paris on this visit but rest assured that the views of the Eiffel Tower do not get any closer! See you on my next visit, Mon Cherie!
If you love Paris, contact me to insure you stay in THE HOTEL that suits your style and let me plan the perfect way to discover Paris whether seeing the coveted highlights or discovering the road less traveled, I have just the guide!
Enchante, Paris! A bientôt.
