To tell you the truth, this is the second time I’ve stayed here. It’s so good, I had to come back…
Well, what’s not to love? A great location steps away from the beating heart of Paris, the Place Vendome, the Jardin des Tuileries and the Rue de Rivoli, not to mention the Seine, the Louvre and Notre Dame around the corner… Add on great service, sexy rooms and the chance to spot a visiting celeb, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is a luxurious bolt-hole anyone would love to stay at. Even Rhianna…
For those with the larger expense accounts or rock star earnings, there are huge suites, a sometime home from home for the likes of Lady Gaga with grand pianos and full blown spa Hammam bathrooms.
I might not have a baby grand in my room, this time, but the plush décor is for everyone. Super sleek with plenty of gold trim, exotic dark mahogany wood, mustard and black velours, plenty of mirrors and all the necessary gadgets – including rather handy electric outside blinds – once you’ve worked out how to use them!
The rooms also have lovely little extras including a welcome dish of fresh fruit and tasty juice, the all-essential Nesspresso machine (what else?) and a bathroom bigger than my first apartment. The bathroom also plays the part of ‘dresser’ so I can only imagine the suitcases someone like J-Lo might bring along… The size is a little surplus to my nifty overnight bag! Other lovely perks in the bathroom include a snazzy Sandlewood razor set, swish black encased lotions and potions branded with ‘Rue de la Paix’ – the famous street the hotel is located on, and a Toto Japanese toilet. And, yes, I did try it. And, no, I’m not sure.
In the lobby you’ll find a cosy fireplace, blazing even in August, a gorgeous outdoor yard, or terrace, yach-themed – all marina stripes, ropes and compasses. Just the spot for sipping an al fresco cocktail after a hard days’ spending in the French capital.
The hotel is also home to an impressive art collection, with over 200 pieces and recurring Giacometti inspired bronze statues adorning everything from light fixtures to door handles adding to the luxurious ambiance.
Breakfast is a sumptuous affair. Pick the ‘American’ breakfast and you’ll be spoilt with a glass of champagne, eggs and trimmings and of course, the amazing buffet where you’ll find everything from healthy salads, seeds and quinoa to not quite so healthy cakes, meats, plenty of fantastic cheeses, yummy yoghurts, a plethora of exotic fruit, croissants and more goodies from the pastry chef including the butter heavy melt-in-you-mouth Kouing Amman pastries.
After all that action, before heading out you can always get your nails done in the Kure Bazaar Nail Suite or head to the in-hotel John Nollet hair salon, tucked away in Suite 101. Rumour has it, Nollet is the coiffeur to the stars like Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Paradis, so his exclusive secret salon is just the spot for a Parisian make over – be it a drastic cut or a quick blow dry.
After the indulgent breakfast I signed up for more indulgence. When in Paris…
Off I disappeared into the basement’s Crème de la Mer Spa. Petite but perfectly cosy, with a small Jacuzzi pool and delicious lemongrass fragrance in the air! Like an exotic cocoon to hide away in and get pampered. The facial with the famous Crème de la Mer is a real treat. Not only do all the products feel and smell glorious, it’s a welcome hour of me-time where I can semi-snooze without guilt, and after I’m glad to say, I actually do look better! Result. I’ll have to come back. Again.
Fact box:
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, 5 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris, +33 1 5871 1234
Park Deluxe King from £900 (average price) Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme – parisvendome.park.hyatt.com
Le Spa at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme