Like any exciting, always-evolving European city, what’s in one day in Paris is out the next. Such is the fickle nature of cities as fabulous as the French capital. Which is why we’ve tracked down the latest and greatest offerings from the City of light, love and luxe labels. Read more from A Hedonist’s Guide at www.hg2.com.
1. Mandarin Oriental Paris
Having thrown open its shiny glass doors on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, the brand new Mandarin Oriental Paris comprises 138 rooms decked out in the brand’s sleek Asian style and a restaurant headed up by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. Guests can expect all the other trimmings, too, such as a 900-square-metre spa, indoor swimming pool, Oriental garden and suitably decadent bar to prop up — all tucked away behind a stunning Art Deco façade. Highly recommended is the “J’aime Paris” introductory package, priced quite steeply at £678 per night but £265 of that redeemable against the hotel’s eateries and spa facilities. As if we needed another excuse to hop a plane for a hedonistic weekend away!
2. La Bauhinia
Get it while it’s hot, as they say. And it doesn’t come much hotter than La Bauhinia, having opened inside the all-new Shangri-La Paris late last year. It is here, amid ultra-glamorous surroundings — think soothing mint greens, vibrant Chinese reds and plenty of colonial-style potted plants — that you’ll be treated to a sumptuous supper of French/Asian fare. Decadent dishes include Thai Beef Salad and Crispy Fish Fillets for starter, and Shrimp Pad Thai and Malaysian Lamb Curry for mains; as you’d expect, plates are served with fabulous French flare. And with everything consumed beneath a gorgeous cupola designed by starchitect Maurice Gras, diners feel like they’re dining under the stars. With A-listers and celebrities flocking here in their designer-clad droves, they’re certainly dining among them.
3. Hotel Le Seven
Now open in the Latin Quarter is Hotel Le Seven, hailing from the team behind The Five Hotel Paris. 28 rooms are offered inside, and feature everything from levitated to ceilings painted like starlit skies. It’s all very whimsical, and the creative crowds love it. Our pick of the luxe litter is the Black Diamond suite, dark, decadent and dramatic with a crystal diamond-cut bathtub to please even the most discerning sophisticate. There’s no restaurant to speak of, but with a bar, lounge and well-stocked wine cellar we’re sure you’ll be kept suitably satisfied.
4. Septime
There’s plenty of buzz about the culinary prowess of chef Bertrand Grébaut, with the Alain Passard-trained chef churning out fine-dining dishes in chic but casual surroundings at Septime. Found in the 11th arrondissement, the atelier-style dining room – featuring an open kitchen, tables made from recycled wood and work-bench lamps – is the stage on which this bright young thing truly dazzles; with a daily-changing menu, diners can expect the unexpected – but mouthwatering French fare always comes as standard. Prix fixe lunch menus are a welcome addition, and two- or three-courses only set you back €21 and €26 respectively. Buzz-worthy stuff.
5. W Paris Opéra
It’s not open yet, but it soon will be. Continuing the Starwood-owned giga-brand’s expansion in Europe will be W Paris Opéra, just steps from the Garnier Opera House and wedged between the shopping Meccas of Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps. Perfect for the luxe-loving, label-lusters among you, the hotel will comprise no less than 91 guest rooms – go for a WOW suite, featuring a lounge area with bar and a rotating bed – a world-class destination restaurant, well-stocked bar, full-equipped fitness facility and on-site superspa. We can’t wait for the cutting of the ribbon.
