A very exciting time in Paris—Prince de Galles, Paris has once again reopened an icon after a two-year transformation. This Starwood Luxury property is the “Toast of the Town”.
I have visited the finest hotels all over the world but this is the only time I have been a pre-opening guest at a hotel. What an interesting experience, as I was asked to look at it through the lens of a discriminating traveler. Actually, Prince de Galles opened five days after my visit, so to my eyes, it was ready to greet the world.
The general manager, Simon Rusconi, is the most charming, passionate, caring, delightful gentleman one could find welcoming guests to his hotel.
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| For Nancy Strong, being a pre-opening guest at Prince de Galles, Paris, was an interesting experience. She is shown here in Venice at the Gritti Palace reopening,in her her private gondola. |
The hotel is high drama, Art Deco, sophisticated style (it is Paris), understated elegance, contemporary design, beautiful color schemes (wait till you see the aubergine/black carpet off the white space). The hallways pop like a runway fashion show. The playful lighting as well as all the clever but practical hardware is very user-friendly. All 159 rooms are stunning—even the entry level rooms have all the qualities of a suite. There are lots of connectors, and some with views of the Eiffel Tower, particularly the contemporary duplex suite Appartement Parisien.
There is a theme in the décor by Pierre Yves Rochon—the original mosaics in the courtyard are visualized in the guest bathrooms, each shower a different color. The bathrooms are state of the art, with perfect lighting, and the most phenomenal hairdryers in Paris. The rooms throughout are decorated in a beautiful local native wood called Macassar, which has a very rich texture and luxurious touch.
The bar/lounge is a welcoming room where one can have breakfast, lunch, or an aperitif. It is Paris, the home of perfect pastries, but the hotel does boast about its morning pastry basket. I can attest to its temptations; keep digging and you will find one filled with praline crème. Edith with the big smile will serve you the most perfect boiled egg in the morning. The large glass windows open up on the inner courtyard and garden, weather permitting. All the great hotels in Paris have lovely Gardens but this one is different, one would think they were in Casablanca, Luxor or Tunis. Perhaps it’s the palm trees, the mosaics and the unusual furniture (each piece is different)—a truly eclectic setting.
The dining room is called “La Scène”—it means ‘the stage’. The restaurant has an open kitchen, again with incredible design and color, starring a very young, lovely, talented woman, Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec. I ate at the chef’s table and each course was amazing and delicious.
Prince de Galles is located right next door to the Georges V—could not ask for a more familiar and accessible location. It has a separate entrance at the front called the ‘White Space’. A completely white room with modern lighting and featuring revolving art exhibits create a “wow” impact. This is the private arrival place for the local Parisians coming for dinner.
Starwood’s Luxury Collection has put another star in its crown with the Prince De Galles. It’s a beautiful hotel ready to welcome the world and I had a firsthand experience of all this. Thank you, Starwood.