Amy Adejokun
Section editor
"The best solution to any problem is to take a break..." and where better to take a break than at the Claridge Hotel with its small cosy restaurant, recently refurbished entrance hall and neo-classical rooms.
Claridge - ©Pascal Otlinghaus/Blind/2010
Claridge - ©Pascal Otlinghaus/Blind/2010
The hotel is ideally located; it's only a short walk away from Avenue Montaigne and the Champs Elysées where you have a choice of luxury shops, museums, or a stroll down the banks of the Seine. If you decide to leave the hotel on foot, a nice walk takes you to 'place de la concorde', which is most enjoyable.
The 42 rooms of the establishment are relatively small (between 13 et 32m²) but all fully equipped and, more importantly, comfortable. Their traditional interior has been slightly reworked and mixes modern colours such as red, white and turquoise blue with more classical elements: toile de Jouy, velvet, wall-to-wall carpet, thick curtains, etc. There are 20 "superior" rooms, 12 "deluxe" rooms and 10 "junior suites". The junior suites come in two different layouts: with a large dressing room or with a bigger bedroom and a balcony. In terms of amenities, there is individual air-conditioning, a mini-bar with a courtesy platter, a safe, a flat-screen TV and a courtesy bottle of water awaiting you upon your arrival The bathrooms have a hair-dryer, bath robes and slippers. Sadly none of the rooms look out onto the courtyard as they all face rue Marboeuf or rue François 1er. Ironing boards and irons are provided upon request.
The communal areas (lobby area and restaurant) were renovated in December 2009; they have retained a classical style with a few modern touches: chocolate-coloured velvet armchairs, beige camaieu, an 'optical illusion' bookshelf, big candles and black lamps. The atmosphere is relaxing in this establishment with its harmonious blend of colours. The restaurant and bar have been decorated in the same vein. In the corridors and stairways of the hotel, guests can admire paintings and photos. These are provided by an art gallery and changed on a regular basis. The hotel includes a small conference room with natural lighting. It can sit 15 people and is fully equipped (screen, video projector, etc.). There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, as well as a web corner. It should also be mentioned that the management has not forgotten its younger guests, as board games are available.
The ?C? (for Claridge) has recently opened its doors within the hotel and welcomes guests every day from 12:30pm till 11:00pm. This is also where guests have their breakfast. Much like the rest of the hotel, the atmosphere here is refined and cosy and offers a perfect setting for a small break from work, or from shopping. The menu is simple and includes salads, omelettes, soups and quiches... The prices are affordable and do not exceed ?12 for a dish. Furthermore, the menus are interesting, there is the ?10 option that includes a main dish, a small bottle of Evian water or a glass of wine, or the ?18 option that includes a main dish, a desert, half a bottle of wine or water, and a cup of coffee. It could even be said that the prices are particularly reasonable given the hotel's surrounding area. Tea lovers will have a large selection to choose from in the Palais des Thés.
The hotel has implemented environmentally-friendly policies in which it involves its guests: low consumption light bulbs and water regulators, movement detectors in the corridors, a chemical-free laundry service, the management (with client participation) of laundry and hospitality paraben-free products that come in eco-friendly wrapping.
massage, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath
gym, fitness
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