“Paris With a Little Luxury… or A Lot | Travel and Escape”       PDF

http://www.travelandescape.ca/2013/05/paris-with-a-little-luxury-or-a-lot/ Published 5-6-2013  in Travel+Escape a Canadian Publication that is close to one million UVM.

On a recent visit to Paris, I was fortunate to experience two extremely different hotels, equally pleasant, but at totally different ends of the cost spectrum. One was a four-star hidden gem of design, the Hotel Beauchamps. The other, Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris, was extreme luxury. Both possess their own distinct charm and features in an ideal location, proving you don’t have to spend a fortune in Paris—unless you want to.Hotel Beauchamps is located in the 8th arrondissement, about a block from the Champs d’Elysées. Its 89 rooms and lobby have been decorated to create a contemporary, yet cozy atmosphere, and showcase some interesting artwork. Rooms are small but well equipped. Its restaurant, Velvet, is intimate and offers a menu focused on cuisine from the south of France.Beauchamps-RoomCredit: Maralyn Hill

If you want to be near Paris’s bustling centre of commerce in a comfortable setting with great service at an affordable rate, this location is ideal. Room rates start around €119 for a standard room and €145 for a deluxe room.

Le Royal Monceau—Raffles Paris is a five-star property. This hotel certainly maintains the Raffles tradition of excellence and is the first Raffles location outside of Asia. Also in the 8th, on Avenue Hoche, Le Royal Monceau is a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe and Parc Monceau.

When entering this elegant old hotel, you might expect to find a traditional aesthetic. Instead, the lobby could be described as eclectic, blending old and new in a contemporary, welcoming and comforting atmosphere. Treasures of old-world Paris have not been discarded, just rearranged. Glorious crystal chandeliers cover the ceiling of the grand stairway, casting a spectacular glow. There are many treasures to find as you explore the hotel, both new and old, that delight and intrigue—from a wall of small seashells to a collection of stick figure animals.

LRM-Side-Staircase

Credit: Maralyn Hill

Art is a major theme of the hotel. In addition to the interesting works on display in the corridors and lobby, there is an exceptional art concierge, an outstanding art bookstore and an art collection beyond one’s imagination. The collection could be a museum in and of itself.

The hotel’s spa includes a 23-metre pool, the largest in any Paris hotel, and the onsite Katara Cinema is considered one of Europe’s finest screening theatres. For music aficionados, an acoustic guitar is in every room for guests’ enjoyment and guitar lessons are offered for those inclined to learn.

LRM-Room

Credit: Maralyn Hil

For foodies, Le Royal Monceau is home to La Cuisine (one Michelin star), Il Carpaccio (one Michelin star) and the Terrace Garden, where I sipped champagne that bubbled continuously for 20 minutes of heaven.

Rooms here start at approximately €870 and increase quickly.

 

MARALYN HILL

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is past president of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, effective Dec. 31, 2012. She contributes to numerous publications, and her articles cover luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn says, “I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect, from food, wine and destination, to conducting business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.”

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