In 2015, the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal became a member of the exclusive “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” portfolio. In 2016, it was rated one of the top five best hotels in Paris by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. In 2017 and 2018, it was listed as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in France on tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice. And, most recently, they have joined the short list of Virtuoso’s luxury properties. There’s a trend here and I have no doubt that the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is well on its way to becoming the number one hotel in Paris. I will do my best to tell you why.
When I say “do my best” it is because words only get you so far. In today’s world of luxury hotels, it is all about your experiences and especially how that hotel makes you feel. Now, imagine the pressure of doing that as a hotel in a city as iconic as Paris: the city of love, or is it light, or is it both? I’m sure you’ve heard that famous Audrey Hepburn quote, “Paris is always a good idea.” There’s a lot of pressure creating a feeling within a city that is so sensual and evocative in and of itself.
The Service
That is why, before anything else, I have to talk about the service at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal. How they know you. For example, when I was scrambling to find the best macaroons in Paris and the concierge asked, “Is this for tonight?” Knowing that my husband was arriving that night and, after being away from him for two weeks, his arrival was a big deal. How they make you feel like you are home every time you walk through the door. How you are greeted with genuine warmth and how nothing you can ask is too much.
I arrived in Paris after two weeks of traveling. I had some things that needed to be taken care of, but I also wanted to enjoy Paris. After stressing about getting these things taken care of, I went down to see if the concierge could help me with any of them. He sent me to have lunch. When I returned, he had a car waiting for me to get a few errands done and he took care of the rest for me.
When I asked how to get somewhere, I wasn’t just given a map, I was escorted outside and shown where to go. I was asked how my day was and if there was anything that could be done to make it even better.
The service at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is incomparable because of its perfect combination of dedication and warmth. In my opinion, this is the key ingredient for making a five-star hotel.
The Hotel
Nestled in a beautiful 18th century building, The Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is the only luxury hotel near the iconic Palais Royal. In 2011, the independently owned hotel was renovated by the renowned Pierre-Yves Rochon and the end result is stunning. Designed around the hotel’s historic iron staircase, the history stayed and the “Parisian chic” décor became the revitalizing cherry on top.
So much thought and care were put into every linen, piece of furniture and art that fills this hotel. One of my favorite details is the “luggage room”, which is actually a giant trunk that sits at the bottom of the staircase.
Each piece of furniture in the guest rooms was made to fit that room, making it functional as opposed to forced. There are no awkward fitting pieces or wasted space.
Palais Royal Suite
And speaking of rooms. WOW. I tried to maintain my composure as I was given a tour of the suite. I could hardly pay attention when I was given instructions on what remote operated what function. They completely lost me after taking me out to the balcony…the balcony that looked over the Louvre as it leads your gaze to the Eiffel Tower. This is the view you dream of when you dream of visiting Paris. This is the suite you dream of.
The suite is two levels. Upon entering on the bottom level, you have a lovely sitting area with large windows that overlook the courtyard. As you take the stairs up, you enter the bedroom area and a large marble bathroom to the left.
The elegant space continues into a separate, naturally lit sitting room.
Off of that sitting room is the balcony (where I enjoyed many glasses of champagne) with a beautiful view directly overlooking the Louvre. The sitting room itself is a piece of history, as it sits right below the dome of the 18th century façade.
Each window has a different view of Paris.
The suite was so Parisian, it made it hard to leave to go enjoy Paris. The Palais Royal Suite is one of two signature suites and makes a stay in Paris even that more special.
Le Lulli
Le Lulli, The Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal ’s restaurant, is their pride and joy. Chef Jean-Baptiste Oriex has recently taken the reigns and creates a delicious seasonal menu. I ate there twice during my stay. I enjoyed the cod one evening and the cheese plate on another evening. Both were exquisite. The restaurant itself has very limited hours, but you can enjoy the same menu in the bar area, which is what I did. And, as with the rest of the property, the service was flawless.
Le Lulli also opened a lovely terrace, in the courtyard of that historic 18th century building that houses the hotel, and it is a perfectly peaceful place to enjoy a meal or one of their specialty cocktails.
Location
The Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is perfectly situated. Within walking distance to high end shops, cafes and sites, like the Louvre and Palais Royal Gardens, yet tucked away on a quiet side street.
Hotels are an important part of your travel experience and this is especially true in Paris. I am going to save you from digging through the over 1800 hotels in Paris and tell you that this is the hotel your Parisian dreams are made of. It doesn’t matter if this is your first time visiting Paris or your 20th, this is your hotel. This is the one.
You can find out more about Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal here.
• Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal has a captivating “hotel tour” on their website. Click here to watch it
• Ask for a tour
• Learn about the history of the hotel
• Have a cocktail at the bar…it is art. I highly recommend the “Passion”. Watch the detail in it being made
• There is a lovely Hammam on the bottom floor. Call the front desk to have them turn it on for you. When it’s ready, they will give you a call
• Take the stairs. They are a piece of history
• Make reservations at Le Lulli as hours are limited
• The concierge team is excellent. Use them
• Treat yourself to one of the signature suites
