Stay & Play in France
Napoleon Hotel Paris
Upon arrival, the grandeur of Parisian artistry is on display. Classically designed, the Napoleon Hotel seamlessly blends old world elegance with modern convenience. The lobby is stunning, with regal chandeliers and a décor that recalls Hemingway’s era with small, intimate alcoves and comfortable couches for family vacation planning sessions.
The hotel has been lovingly kept this way by the Pavlovich Kliaguine family, whose patriarch built it in the 1920’s as a wedding present to the Parisian girl he fell in love with.
Ahh, the city that romance built indeed!
Check-in was textbook and the concierge was well informed and eager to assist us in our vacation planning, as well as informing us on how to take full advantage of the hotel’s many amenities.
Recently renovated, the room was comfortable, classy and offered a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower, which was nice during the day and spectacular at night when it was lit up with thousands of lights. The rooms and suites all contain unique touches and are based on the style and furnishings found in Napoleon’s era. No expense is spared, as the beds are fitted with soft, high thread-count sheets and the washrooms are filled with well recognised brand name toiletries. As we arrived late, we spent the evening in our room enjoying the Cable TV, Wi-Fi and appreciating the air conditioning!
Mornings are a delight in this wonderful palace, and we stuffed ourselves on the rich breakfast buffet filled with a dizzying array of cheeses, cold cuts, breads of all kinds, freshly squeezed juices, the best melons I have ever had, bacon, eggs of any style and perfectly prepared coffee, espresso and cappuccino.
The coffee is best had while relaxing in the Bivouac Café, where the subdued lighting in the evening that highlights the room’s domed frescoes is contrasted with the lovely morning sun shining onto the terrace. Large armchairs and enveloping couches welcome guests after a long day of sightseeing or to read the local paper while sipping on tea.
Aside from being a 5-star hotel, the Napoleon Hotel is ideally located just steps away from the centre of Paris tourist central. The concierge was always happy to make reservations or recommend places for us to visit. Even so, the location of the hotel provides many opportunities to explore the monuments that have made Paris famous. Just out the door, visitors can choose to visit the storied L’Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of France that links old and new Paris, standing proud and strong. Another few steps and there is the famous Champs de Elysee, from the Place de la Concorde to the Rond-Point. The Avenue runs through the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, a park containing several landmarks including the Grand Palais and Petit Palais and several restaurants, gardens and monuments.
The Champs-Élysées ends at the Arc de Triomphe, built to honour the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Another bonus?
To explore elsewhere, including the Louvre or Notre Dame Cathedral, the Hotel is next to a Metro station!
The days pass by quickly in Paris, and returning to this luxurious haven each evening is great. It was a treat going to a clean room once the day of shopping and discovering the many great Paris sites was complete.
The staff is polite, courteous and the room service is prompt and second to none. Researching this hotel online I was also impressed as the after-service, as for every Trip Advisor entry I read had an answer from the hotel!
An amazing place to stay for a romantic foray or family getaway!
www.hotelnapoleon.com
