Vive la France!Princes, presidents, and plutocrats love the luxurious HÔTEL DE CRILLON in Paris
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THE
ADDRESS
Ideally located in the geographic heart of Paris on the
place de la Concorde, the historic Hotel de Crillon
is within easy walking distance of many major attractions:
the Louvre, Madeleine, Opera, Grand Palais,
Musee d’Orsay, Champs Elysees and Place Vendome
(where many of the top couturiers and jewelers are
to be found). The Left Bank is a short promenade
across the River Seine and—for those without chauffeurs
waiting—there are plenty of taxis and a main
line Metro stop just to the left of the front entrance.
THE GUESTS
Royalty, presidents, plutocrats, and entertainment
celebrities have long favored the Crillon. (Madonna
recently drew enormous crowds out front every
time she and her entourage were rumored to be
leaving the hotel). Otherwise, major fashionistas, especially
during the spring and fall shows; businessmen
(many Asian); and lots of well-heeled older couples.
THE
DRAW
Everything you would expect from one of the City of
Light’s grandest and most luxurious nesting spots after a
spectacular $25 million renovation: ornate decor, top notch
Les Ambassadeurs restaurant (chef Jean-Francois Piege
won back a second Michelin star this year), snazzy bar,
cozy Winter Garden Tea Room with soothing harp music,
superior service and faultless attention to every detail.
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THE
DRAWBACKS
Despite “sound-proofing,” it is much too noisy in many
rooms, especially those facing rue Boissy d’Anglas, where
a garbage truck approximately the size of the old S.S. Ile
de France hoists innumerable dumpsters most mornings
between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. Also best avoided are
accommodations off the central elevator corridor, where
housemaids gather to chat near their service carts.
THE
ROOMS
Ornate moldings, wood paneling, Baccarat chandeliers
and sumptuous silks, velvets and brocades from worldrenowned
weavers such as Lelievre and Frey lend the aura
of a palatial cocoon to the 103 guest rooms and 44 “Grand
Apartments” restored in the Louis XV style by interior
designer Sybille de Margerie under the supervision of the
French National Landmarks Commission. All fully airconditioned
of course, with plasma screen TVs, high-speed
Internet access, multi-line telephones, safes and mini-bars.
THE
BATHROOMS
Most are a minimum 100 square feet and have
been rebuilt with lavish use of Cararra marble; separate
bathtubs and walk-in showers, double sinks;
bidets (naturellement); sinfully soft robes and
towels and Annick Goutal perfumed toiletries
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AMENITIES
Private fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and
training coach; “Femmetastique” private tour and shopping
services for women traveling alone; special sleeping baskets
and walkers for pets; currency exchange, baby-sitting.
ROOM
SERVICE
Extensive menu available 24 hours. Try the famous and
incredibly delicious club sandwich with secret ingredients.
Could it be a smidgen of champagne mustard with
a tiny trace of anchovy paste? Mine was so good I saved
part of it to savor the next day. Breakfast croissants are predictably
flaky and fresh, and the water was boiling hot for
tea. (It does help if you remember to order lait chaud.)
THE
BOTTOM
LINE
The minimum price for the simplest single occupancy
room ranges from $600-$700 depending
on the season. Superior double rooms: $730-$800;
Deluxe doubles: $800-$1,000. Seven categories of
suites range from $1,500 to $9,500 per night.