Amy Adejokun
Section editor
This establishment represents a new concept in the hotel industry, referred to as the ?baby palace?, in the words of the owner, who wanted to create "somewhere where every guest is immediately immersed in the cosy, intimate and elegant ambience of the place".
Intercontinental - ©Pascal Otlinghaus/Blind/2010
Intercontinental - ©Pascal Otlinghaus/Blind/2010
The hotel enjoys a prime location on the Avenue Marceau, between the city's 8th and 16th arrondissements, in a part of the city which has good public transport links, though there is plenty to explore on foot in this area.
The hotel's 55 guest rooms are each different from the next in terms of the layout, decor and colour scheme. The same contrasts can also be noted in the communal areas, with unique pieces by Starck and Le Corbusier and a canvas depicting Renaissance frescoes stretched across the ceiling, whilst the bed linen is made from Egyptian cotton and the cushions and tartan rugs by Kenzo and Missoni. The rooms here come in 5 categories, namely Classic, Superior, Executive, Prestige (with or without a balcony) and of course the Suite, also with or without a balcony, though all rooms come with Hermes hospitality products, an iPod docking station, a plasma-screen television, Ladurée confectionery, a complimentary bottle of Voss water and a welcome tray, irrespective of the category. The Prestige room even come with Bang & Olufsen speakers and a Nespresso coffee machine, whilst the Suites have everything you would expect, as well as a few extras, such as a Wii games console (with Wii Fit!). If you really want to splash out, the Suite with the balcony is a wonder of design, with views spanning right across the rooftops of Paris.
When you enter the large porch of this 5* boutique hotel, you'll immediately understand the true meaning of the words"intimate atmosphere" as this is a boutique hotel in the most literal sense of the term. You can buy just about anything here, and the original decor in the lobby, designed by Bruno Borrione, who has worked with Starck for some 20 years, is particularly tempting. The unusual style is a combination of several periods, using contrasting colours and styles to showcase a variety of objects - a large, light vase juxtaposed with a bright red modern sofa in the entrance hall, low 70s-style tables against an antique mirror in the lounge area, a charcoal wall toying with the bright colours of the lobby, and a huge Raymond Moretti painting heading up the lounge area at the entrance to the hotel. From here you'll notice the pretty patio area and the terrace of the M64 restaurant, giving you a striking impression of being in a bubble, as if you're now at the heart of a luxurious cocoon, rather than in Paris.
The hotel's M64 restaurants is just one of the many to be found in this upmarket part of the city. Indeed, chef Romain Marzet is a former sous-chef of the George V. The menu here features a selection of fine creations at affordable prices, just as the chef likes it. Whether you go for the Linguini with Imperial Sologne Caviar or the Langoustine Lasagne, it has to be said that the à la carte prices are pretty reasonable when you take into consideration the quality of the ingredients used. The lunch and dinner menus are interesting, too, as they change daily depending on what fresh local produce is available. The restaurant is surprisingly low-key in terms of its decor, with soft colours, leather armchairs and an open kitchen, not to mention a very pleasant and pretty terrace, which is further enhanced by a plant-covered wall and discreetly tucked away from the prying eyes of the Avenue Marceau, making it perfect for business lunches. Indeed, hosting events has had a major part to play in the success of the restaurant and the bar, with a Homard & Jazz evening held every Tuesday evening where guests are served a 3-course lobster-based meal with live jazz entertainment. You will need to think about making a reservation if you'd like to attend the event, though! For the ladies, the chef offers a Lunch Vitrine shopper's menu on a Saturday, consisting of a ?32 meal-deal (Club sandwich or salad + glass of wine or soft drink + a coffee), a quick option for those who are in a rush to get back to the shops!
The owner of the hotel bought out the company Solex some time ago and now provides his guests with e-Solex bikes for an alternative way to explore the city!
keep fit, massage, beauty salon
fitness, sports, tennis, golf, gym
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