In the heart of the romantic city of Paris, nestled among the grandeur of historic architecture a few steps from the Champs Elysee, stands the elegant Peninsula Hotel. This five-star establishment is renowned not only for its opulent design and décor but also for its unparalleled service.

The Peninsula is an historic luxury hotel located in the 16th arronidissement of Paris that was first open as the Hotel Majestic in 1908. It served as a field hospital for wounded officers in World War I and later as government offices before sitting empty for decades. It was converted back to a hotel after four years of extensive renovation and reopening as The Peninsula in August 2014.

From the moment you step into the Peninsula’s ornate lobby, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication with high ceilings, airy wide-open spaces and an elegant central staircase. The design and décor uses muted cream tones in perfect harmony with the marble, crystal and rich wood. Taking center stage in the lobby is a spectacular sculpture of 800 Lasvit crystal “dancing leaves”. The chandeliers sparkle like stars in a Parisian night sky, casting a warm glow on the marble floors and intricate tapestries. The staff dressed impeccably and the bellman in their signature white uniforms greet you with genuine smiles and an air of warm welcoming hospitality.

Arriving at the hotel we are warmly greeted by the debonair Hubert Savoire, the Front of House Manager, whisked through the lobby to the elevator and taken directly up to our suite on the 6th floor to check-in. Stepping into the exquisitely appointed suite, I can’t help but marvel at the attention to detail and all the spectacular flower arrangements throughout the two-bedroom suite and living rooms. The suite with its private garden terrace on the rooftop overlooks the majestic Eiffel Tower, its feels so close it is almost within reach. A bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose champagne chilled on the table, accompanied by a welcome note from Vincent Pimont, the Managing Director of the Peninsula Paris. It was a gesture that set the tone for the exceptional service we were about to experience during the stay.

The hotel has 200 rooms and 34 suites decorated with mixed media art by the French artist Patricia Erbelding and there are beautiful flowers everywhere. The rooms are spacious and well equipped with high-tech tablets in every room that control the lighting, drapes, temperature and media. The mini-bar is well stocked mini-bar and there is a built in Nespresso machine with beautiful China cups and saucers. The bathrooms, closets and dressing rooms are nicely appointed TVs in the mirrors and with plenty of amenities, including the Peninsula branded shampoo, bath and shower gels. 

Throughout our stay, the Peninsula’s staff were exceptional anticipating our every need. When we mentioned your interest in exploring the city’s art scene, the concierge not only provided a meticulously curated list of galleries but also secured exclusive invitations to some of the most sought-after exhibitions. They will even arrange for an art historian to accompany you, providing insightful commentary on the pieces you encountered.

One of my most memorable moments was when we encountered one of the Peninsula Housekeeping staff called Chloe, we shared an elevator and I commented on all the beautiful flowers in the hotel. Returning to our suite that evening Chloe had prepared a special arrangement of flowers personalized for us to say thank you for sharing the elevator. Wow, an incredibly touching and memorable gesture that I will forever remember about my stay at The Peninsula in Paris. Speaking with the Vincent Pimont, the Managing Director of Peninsula Paris, at breakfast the following day I recounted the story and he explained to me that their goal at The Peninsula was to encourage the staff to show their own personalities, empower themselves and take initiative.  

Dining at the Peninsula is also a gastronomic journey. The hotel’s Michelin two-star French restaurant L’Oiseau Blanc on the 6th Floor is an indoor/outdoor restaurant with breathtaking views across Paris. Chef David Bizet’s signature dishes use seasons products and the freshest ingredients, some of which are grown on the roof top garden of the hotel. L’Oiseau Blanc is themed around the early days of aviation and pays tribute to the spirit of adventure of two French pioneers of aviation Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli who were the first pilots to attempt a Trans-Atlantic non-stop crossing. The replica of the original aircraft – with a wingspan of 33 feet is suspended in mid-air in flull flight bound for the Eiffel Tower. Sipping a glass of Champagne on the terrace the restaurant has magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower and out to Sacre Couer. 

Le Bar Kleber in the lobby has it’s original 1908 oak paneling with large mirrors and outdoor terrace views is a vibrant scene for cocktails or an aperitif. There is also a superb Chinese restaurant called LiLi serving Cantonese food and Dim Sum. 

The Spa and indoor swimming pool at the Peninsula offers a tranquil space with six treatment rooms for massage, spa services and a place for a respite and rejuvenation after a busy day seeing the sights of the city.    

Befitting the Peninsula, there is a fleet of house cars at your disposal including the signature Rolls Royces, including a Phantom Extended Wheelbase that will do tours of Paris by night and spectacular vintage 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II. 

During the days we toured Paris and explored the sights, my visit coincided with one of the quietest weeks of the Summer in Paris and so the streets were unusually quiet as many Parisiens were vacationing in the country and coast. It was wonderful to get up early and watch the sun rise over the city from the Sacre-Couer and walk the streets around the Trocadero and Louvre at dawn when no-one was around. We got to see the sights, visit the museums and sample some of the extraordinary gastronomic delights the city had to offer.

Places to Visit:

  • Place des Vosges and Le Marais
  • Palais Royal
  • Montmartre, early morning at sunrise
  • Jardins du Luxembourg, and from there Latin quarter, boulevard St Michel etc.
  • Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame
  • Champs Elysees
  • Jardin des Tuileries

Museums:

  • Le Louvre (Classics)
  • Musee d’Orsay (Impressionists)
  • Pompidou Center (Modern & Contemporary)
  • Orangerie (Monet)
  • Musee Marmottan (Monet)
  • Musee des Arts Premiers on Quai Branly
  • Le Chateau de Versailles

Restaurants:

  • L’Oiseau Blanc at the Peninsula, 19 Av. Kléber, Paris 16th Arrondissement
  • Allard 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, Paris 6th Arrondissement
  • Le Grand Colbert, 2 Rue Vivienne Paris – 2nd Arrondissement
  • Les Climats, 41 Rue de Lille, Paris, 7th Arrondissement
  • Apicius, 20 Rue d’Artois, Paris 8th Arrondissement
  • L’Ambroisie, 9 place des Vosges, 4th Arrondissement
  • Georges at the Pompidou Museum – Nice view of Paris, Paris 4th Arrondissement
  • Le Jules Verne by Chef Alain Ducasse on the Eiffel Tower. Paris 7th Arrondissement
  • La Maison Blanche 15 Av. Montaigne, Paris 13th Arrondissement
  • Les Abesses District near Montmartre… great things to see and taste!
  • Place du Marché Saint Honoré for nice casual restaurants.

Best Bars for a Martini:

  • Le Rooftop, The Peninsula
  • The Hemingway at the Ritz
  • Les Ambassadeurs, Hôtel de Crillon.
  • Le Bar, Four Seasons George V Hotel.

Things You Must Do:

  • Watch the sunrise over Paris from the steps of the Sacre Coeur, the view is incredible, and walk around Montmartre at sunrise and have breakfast in a bistro. Re-enact John Wick 4 on the famous steps.
  • Have a glass of Champagne at Sunset on Le Pont des arts. It’s so Romantic. Go to the middle and relax watching boats and Paris; buy a chilled bottle and 2 glasses in a “Nicolas” wine stores, found everywhere in Paris.
  • Walk to the “Pont de l’archeveche” bridge at the Notre Dame cathedral.  People attach a small locket on the bridge as symbol of their love.
  • Go to Rue Mouffetard on Sunday mornings. At the bottom of the street is Place Saint Medard, where one can see real Paris life in the little market and followed with brunch in a small typical restaurant called La Salle a Manger (best before 9:30 or 10:00am). Close by, visit Rue Censier, the street that starts from Place Saint Medard, and where the best “Patissier” of France is found, Carl Marletti. In a small grey shop near a florist.
  • Walk Cours Saint Emilion near Bercy, east of Paris (it’s also called Bercy Village). Old Wine houses have been converted into shops and restaurants.
  • Take a nice walk through the streets of “Marais” (Rue Rambuteau, Rue des Archives, Rue des Rosiers). It’s part of the 4th district close to Notre Dame. Best day is Sunday.
  • Go shopping on Rue de Passy in the 16th District, Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th District or Avenue Montaigne, Rue du Faubourg St Honore.
  • Visit the 13th district and enjoy the ‘La Bute aux cailles”, a small district with little, very charming houses. 
  • Les Puces at the Porte de Clignancourt, amazing combination of great antique stores and Flea markets. There, you can listen to the music or the jazz “manouche”. .
  • Visit the church Eglise Saint Sulpice on Sundays at around 11:30am. At the end of the religious service, you can enjoy a wonderful organ concert,
  • Rue Mouffetard (5th district) for the colorful Sunday morning markets at around 11am.

The best and most memorable experiences however were the breakfast and evening picnics on our own private rooftop at our suite at the Peninsula and the exceptional service and interactions with all of the incredible people we met.

On the day of our departure, a feeling of reluctance tugged at my heart. The Peninsula had become a home away from home, the staff knew us by name and we had gotten to know many of them. So it was with a heavy heart, that I bid adieu to the Peninsula Hotel in Paris. As we stepped out onto the bustling streets of the city, we carried not only our luggage but a treasure trove of experiences and a deep appreciation for the incredible service that had made the stay so extraordinary. The Peninsula had not only provided a luxurious stay but had woven itself into the story of my time in Paris, ensuring that it would forever be a cherished chapter. I am already looking forward to returning!

Exclusive Resorts has 1 and 2 bedroom Residences at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris that are available Members, more information can be found here.