Regardless of the time of year, Paris is a major destination for travelers worldwide. But as Sinatra so aptly put it, there is nothing more charming than April in Paris-“with the chestnuts in blossom and tables under the trees.” This month, Luxe Lavs contributors Angela Fairhurst and Natalie Compagno found four standout hotel bathrooms in the City of Lights.
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s
Situated between the elegance of the Champs-Elysées and George V Avenues, sits a 5-star hotel in a grand Napoleon III Haussmann building: the Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s. The hotel, opened in November 2006, is owned by the Groupe Lucien Barrière and managed by Fabrice Moizan and Christian Rossi. Decorated by French designer Jacques Garcia, the stately guestrooms blend tradition with modern comforts.
The bathrooms with golden highlights are black marble with mahogany woodwork. The added flat-screen in the bathroom is a plus, but what we love most are the proprietary designer toiletries that come standard in all rooms. These fragrances have been so well received that they are now available to the public. We succumbed to the Jardin du Sud scent as our personal favorite because it reminds us of springtime.
Le Bristol Paris
Since 1925, Le Bristol Paris on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has paid attention to the minute details, so much so that they were the first hotel in France to earn the distinction of “Palace Hotel.” The 188 renovated rooms and suites are decorated in authentic 18th-century style. Even with the precious fabrics, works of art, and Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, the 500 hoteliers on staff make guests feel at home in the true French style of living. A wrought-iron elevator and plush corridors lead to the spacious rooms and suites.
The standout feature in the bathroom is the natural light created by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The white Carrera marble floors, walls, and double sinks magnify the brightness. With Eau d’Orange Verte by Herms and La Prairie amenities, Egyptian cotton bathrobes and slippers, and towels on heated towel racks, relaxing in the bathroom is a no-brainer.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées are the modern art-filled rooms and suites of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. The hotel has a 99-seat cinema and an art gallery. Designed by Philippe Starck, the 149 rooms and suites, including three presidential suites, are inspired by the iconic years of the ’40s and ’50s, in keeping with the Art Deco heritage of the building.
Our bathroom pick is in the Le Royal Monceau Suite because it’s completely covered from the floor to the ceiling in mirrors and metal shelving. With the silver surroundings, the freestanding white bath becomes a focal point of the room. Japanese Toto toilets start at the junior suite category. The amenities are Clarins and a special organic children’s skin care line by Bon point, France’s couture house for children.
The Mandarin Oriental
On rue Saint-Honoré and steps from the stylish district of Place Vendme, The Mandarin Oriental is situated in one of the city’s most prestigious shopping locations. The hotel joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s portfolio in June 2011. The décor in the 99 rooms and 39 suites designed by Sybille de Margerie is a mix of French Art deco details with Oriental touches.
We enjoy the spa-like feeling of the bathrooms with their unique details. They are light-filled with a sculpted tub and walk-in shower. The amenities are by the high-end line diptyque Paris and the plush bathrobes are by Frette, with silk kimonos provided in the suites. Televisions are cleverly hidden in the wall. Our favorite feature, however, is the frosted glass doors that separate the bedroom from the bathroom. The hotel is also known for its two-storied spa and interior courtyard garden.
