with a Clarins spa and a restaurant that was conceived by culinary maestro Yannick Alleno as an experimental kitchen where an inter-generational roster of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) chefs could create together. Inside the famous ‘paquebot


blanc’ – Molitor’s original design was inspired by an ocean liner – many of the 124 guest rooms have porthole windows overlooking the outdoor pool. The roof deck is a sublime spot for sipping a cocktail and gazing out over the rooftops. Molitor isn’t located far from Le Stade Roland-Garros, where the French Open tournament is held every year, so tennis fans should consider reserving a room there well in advance of the big event. Tel: +33 1 56 07 08 50 Email: H7326@accor.com www.mltr.fr


HOTEL VERNET


This century-old landmark just off the Avenue Champs-Élysées was given a new lease of life last June, with a chic upgrade by celebrated interior designer François Champsaur. Now a member of Design Hotels, this five-star establishment still boasts its gorgeous marble lobby and, in its restaurant, the spectacular glass dome designed by Gustave Eiffel. However, it now channels a contemporary vibe, as evidenced by the colourful modern carpets, a bar fresco by artist Jean-Michel Alberola, the spa-like bathrooms and the high-tech gadgetry in the guest rooms – which include a smart phone charger right next to the bed and international power adapters built into the desk. The rooms feature oak floors, organic cotton curtains by Pierre


The service is top-notch and the concierge team can provide insider tips and access to hard-to-book restaurants and shows. Hotel Vernet is part of the family-owned Bessé Signature Group, which is also behind Hotel Bel Ami in the 6th arrondissement and the Hotel Édouard 7 in the 2nd. Tel: +33 1 44 31 98 00 www.hotelvernet.com


HOTEL PULLMAN PARIS TOUR EIFFEL


Gustave Eiffel’s spectacular glass dome in the restaurant of the Hotel Vernet


Frey and, in the bathrooms, Carrara marble. The Vernet’s ‘Executive Suites’ are appreciated both by families and business travellers, as each one’s small salon can easily host a business meeting or double as a bedroom for children.


You can’t get much closer to ‘La Dame de Fer’ (The Iron Lady) than this Pullman hotel, which unveiled the fruits of a 15-month renovation project last year. It may be situated in a modern tower but the Pullman has some seriously attractive attributes, including the enormous vegetable garden, where the chef plucks organic herbs and produce for the kitchen of the Frame restaurant. Not only is it the largest hotel kitchen garden in Paris – a veritable oasis of verdure in the 15th arrondissement—but it’s also equipped with beehives, an orchard and a hen house for fresh eggs. Filled with natural light, the hotel also has a gym on its ninth floor, so you can burn off that copious breakfast buffet while gazing over the Seine. The view is certainly one of the highlights of a stay here – almost half of the 430 guest rooms overlook the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to request a room with a balcony which directly faces the city’s most famous monument. Tel: +33 1 44 38 56 00 Email: h7229@accor.com www.pullmanhotels.com


The restaurant at the Hotel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel boasts an unbeatable view of ‘La Dame de Fer’, as do many of its 430 rooms


HÔTEL LE CINQ CODET This 7th arrondissement boutique hotel is a glorious new addition to the City of Light scene from the owners of Le Burgundy Paris.


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IMAGES: © HOTEL VERNET; ABACA CORPORATE/BORIS ZULIANI


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