REVIEWS


THE PENINSULA PARIS Paris, France


LOCATION: On Avenue Kléber, one of the 12 roads branching from Place Charles de Gaulle – the famed home of the Arc de Triomphe. Despite being a stone’s throw from one of the busiest junctions in Paris, the property feels very peaceful and secluded. For those wanting to use the city’s Metro service, the nearest station is Kléber, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. It’s likely ÌhoÕ}h Ìh>Ì >vyÕinÌ VliinÌà Üill Ü>nÌ Ìo m>ki ÕÃi ov /hi *ininÃÕl>½Ã yiiÌ ov V>ÀÃ] which includes a vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom II and two Minis. Branded electric bikes are also available.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: As I turned the VoÀniÀ >n` wÀÃÌ V>Õ}hÌ > }lim«Ãi ov the stunning façade of The Peninsula, Ü>Ã ÜoÜi`° /hi `iwniÌion ov > }À>n`i dame, this belle époque property has been maintained and restored to ensure period features shine alongside more modern and contemporary touches. The lobby area is equally impressive, with polished white marble, a grand staircase with wrought-iron railings and smiling staff awaiting. But my eyes were drawn to an intricate «iiVi ov >ÀÌ Ãiimin}lÞ yo>Ìin} in Ìhi centre of the space – a striking display called Dancing Leaves, made up of 800 hand-blown sycamore leaves suspended on transparent wires. It’s one


of the most beautiful art displays I’ve seen in a hotel and I was completely mesmerised every time I entered or left the property. The hotel runs by ‘Peninsula Time’, meaning there’s no set check-in and check-out times. I arrived mid-morning and my suite was ready and waiting for me. On departure a late afternoon Eurostar meant I kept my room for as long as needed.


THE FACTS: Home to 200 rooms, of which 93 are suites, The Peninsula is oni ov Ìhi ViÌ޽à wniÃÌ hoÌilð ,oomà here are, thankfully, much larger than your average for Paris. The culinary offering is a huge draw for guests and locals alike. L’Oiseau Blanc gets a lot of attention for its panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Serving French haute cuisine, dishes focus on regional specialities and French ingredients. The attached open-air rooftop bar is the perfect place for a cocktail, but make sure you book as it’s incredibly popular. Catonese eatery LiLi is sublime and the decor is glamorous and fun. Le Lobby serves breakfast and light bites throughout the day including tapas options and afternoon tea. There’s a popular brunch on Sundays from noon to 5pm. The spa is home to one of the longest hotel pools in Paris, plus a large gym and treatment rooms.


IDEAL FOR: Couples will adore the romanticism of the hotel, but it’s equally suitable for families. Hotel staff fawn over tiny travellers, and my son (one at the time) loved all the attention.


EXPLORE: Guests will want to enjoy the City of Light’s big hitters. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre, Notre-Dame


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ASPIRE JUNE 2023


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


CREDITS: WILLIAM FURNISS; ANTONIO SABA


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