This place started with an unfair advantage – it was in my old ‘hood, so I was always going to love it…
Located on rue de Ponthieu, a stone’s throw away – literally – from the Champs Elysées (and really very close to the president’s residence), the 4* Hotel du Rond Point des Champs Elysees was always going to be the perfect spot for me. Just a few streets away from my old apartment (in the opposite direction to Mr Macron’s digs) – I felt right at home, as soon as I’d checked in.
Brand spanking new, the boutique hotel only opened in July 2018, so everything is sleek and shiny. The interior décor by Italian designers Dimore Studio might hark back to the mid 20s’ Art Deco glam era, but it comes with a modern twist: sexy leopard skin carpets, a 13m long snazzy pool in the basement (where a Turkish style Hammam steam bath also hides) – not to mention keen staff, who can’t do enough to help out. A real plus in Paris, where service can still be left wanting.
The rooms are simply chic cocoons of elegance where candy striped walls sit against pristine white beds, all decked out in the finest white linens. Head up to the 7th floor for a cosy hideaway – room 71, which has its own private roof terrace with a damn good view of the Eiffel lady herself.
I felt as if I had my own little bolthole in the rooftops, right in the heart of the city, but still blissfully tucked away. I loved the attention to detail like the books and the reading light, not to mention the sleek bathroom with its Klimt inspired look, all touches of gilt, enough to add to my list of #bathroomgoals.
Downstairs, in the dimly lit Daphne bar, gorgeous green emerald velvet sofas await. It’s just the spot for a plate of charcuterie or cheese – or what the locals would dub an ‘apero dinatoire’ (drinks with nibbles) –ideal to soak up a glass or two of lovely Pétales de Rose rosé wine…
The excellent location of the Hotel du Rond Point also means there’s a world of dining at your fingertips. A few yards away, you’ll find some of the world’s finest restaurants like the secret gem that is Komatsubaki on rue d’Artois for the best Japanese in town, or the very plush Apicius on the same street. There are also more low-key haunts like the Ponthieu brasserie, the Chat Blanc and the lesser glam but good fun O’Sullivans just a few steps away!
The location is also great for those keen to shop, with the Champs Elysées’ boutiques around the corner, it’s also a quick stroll to Boulevard Haussmann, home to the Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and so many more.
Such a shame my quick layover does not allow for a shopping expedition! After the very best possible continental breakfast (fresh croissant, baguette, yoghurt and fruit) washed down with an excellent café latte, it was sadly time to run and say goodbye and disappear into the Parisian traffic.
Though I don’t live around here any more, I can see how I’ll keep coming back to this corner of the French capital. It might be a tourist hub with iconic landmarks and throngs of visitors pounding the pavements from the outside, but this slightly surreal “neighbourhood” feels wonderfully familiar to me. Indeed, what better way to experience the city than by staying in the utmost comfort of a stylish boutique hotel? Paris is always a good idea, and this is just the place to stay: a home from home, in a place I once called home.
Hôtel du Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées
10, rue de Ponthieu – 75008 Paris
T +33 01 53 89 14 14
[email protected] www.espritdefrance.com