Review: The Peninsula Paris

_Location: On Avenue Kléber, one of the 12 roads branching from Place Charles de Gaulle – the famed home of the Arc de Triomphe. Despite being a stone’s throw from one of the busiest junctions in Paris, the property feels very peaceful and secluded. For those wanting to use the city’s Metro service, the nearest station is Kléber, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. It’s likely though that affluent clients will want to make use of The Peninsula’s fleet of cars, which includes a vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom II and two Minis. Branded electric bikes are also available.

_{First impressions:} As I turned the corner and first caught a glimpse of the stunning façade of The Peninsula, I was wowed. The definition of a grande dame, this belle époque property has been maintained and restored to ensure period features shine alongside more modern and contemporary touches. The lobby area is equally impressive, with polished white marble, a grand staircase with wrought-iron railings and smiling staff awaiting. But my eyes were drawn to an intricate piece of art seemingly floating in the centre of the space – a striking display called Dancing Leaves, made up of 800 hand-blown sycamore leaves suspended on transparent wires. It’s one of the most beautiful art displays I’ve seen in a hotel and I was completely mesmerised every time I entered or left the property. The hotel runs by ‘Peninsula Time’, meaning there’s no set check-in and check-out times. I arrived mid-morning and my suite was ready and waiting for me. On departure a late afternoon Eurostar meant I kept my room for as long as needed.

_{The facts:} Home to 200 rooms, of which 93 are suites, The Peninsula is one of the city’s finest hotels. Rooms here are, thankfully, much larger than your average for Paris. The culinary offering is a huge draw for guests and locals alike. L’Oiseau Blanc gets a lot of attention for its panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Serving French haute cuisine, dishes focus on regional specialities and French ingredients. The attached open-air rooftop bar is the perfect place for a cocktail, but make sure you book as it’s incredibly popular. Catonese eatery LiLi is sublime and the decor is glamorous and fun. Le Lobby serves breakfast and light bites throughout the day including tapas options and afternoon tea. There’s a popular brunch on Sundays from noon to 5pm. The spa is home to one of the longest hotel pools in Paris, plus a large gym and treatment rooms.

_{Ideal for:} Couples will adore the romanticism of the hotel, but it’s equally suitable for families. Hotel staff fawn over tiny travellers, and my son (one at the time) loved all the attention.

_Explore: Guests will want to enjoy the City of Light’s big hitters. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre, Notre-Dame and the Louvre will be on the hit list whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor. For something a little different recommend the Tuileries Garden, the Pompidou Centre, the Orsay Museum and the stained-glass magnificence of Sainte-Chapelle.

_Wow: I think all readers will clearly see how much I loved my time at The Peninsula Paris. Every moment was a wow. From the views of the Eiffel Tower from rooftop restaurant L’Oiseau Blanc to enjoying a hearty breakfast under stunning chandeliers in Le Lobby, every experience was exceptional. A small but impressive detail that caught my eye was a mini nail dryer in the dressing room of my suite, perfect for anyone needing a polish touch-up during their stay. Everything has been thought of in this ‘palace’ property.

_{Book it:} €1,318 per night in a Deluxe Room on a room-only basis.
peninsula.com