1st arrondissement, Paris
Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
What Francophile Dreams are Made Of
What it is
In an 18th-century building, where 68 exquisite guest rooms stand watchword over the ornamental Palais Royal Garden.
What it isn't
Clean-lined as Philip Johnson's glass house. But nobody comes to Paris for clean-lines.
What we think
If this hotel were a person, we’d hate her a little bit: she’s stunning, stylish, rich and somehow, simultaneously, both organized and fun. Light-filled rooms come with palace-worthy touches, including 24-hour room service and daily turndown with gratis mineral water (ask for a room with a balcony). The concierges are Clefs d’or-trained and know every millimeter of the city, but you may just as well stay in. There is a mosaic tile-lined Turkish hammam on-site, not to mention a spa that prides itself on sustainability (manicures are done with Kure Bazaar’s 85% natural nail polish—we know, 85% doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s better than the more typical 100% unnatural).
You're here because
The property is certified with France’s La Clef Verte label (translation: it’s extremely eco-friendly), and you burn enough jet fuel every time you go to Paris that these little carbon offsets add up.
The Moment
After a morning spent pounding the cobblestones in search of the perfect cannele, you’re happy to rest awhile at Le Lulli, the hotel’s just-revamped restaurant helmed by Jean-Baptiste Orieux, who garnered a Michelin star at Lutetia. It’s not until you tuck into your coconut pavlova with raspberry and lime that you realize you need never leave the property in search of deliciousness again.
Restaurants & Bars
Le Lulli Restaurant - Local and seasonal products and regularly renewed menus.
Lounge Bar - A perfect place to enjoy a drink.
Location
Parisian perfection. A 45-minute taxi trip from Charles de Gaulle, you’re only two blocks from Notre-Dame and two from the Louvre.