Rates: €360-1800 per night
Added extras: a shop and the innovative concierge service ‘Whatever-Whenever’
Services: valet parking, fitness studio, restaurant and lounge bar
Opposite Opera Garnier, sits a classic Haussmannian building which houses the recently renamed W Paris-Opéra. The latest member of the Starwood Group, the W is at your beck and call – and that’s not just a code of conduct, but a trademark: Whatever-Whenever. The unique concierge service, for example, organises gourmet picnics or shopping sessions in luxury boutiques.
The W’s aesthetic is strong: contemporary art is everywhere, ranging from photography to furniture and fuses perfectly with the building’s original details (think ornate columns, vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.) The rooms and suites are an elegant blend of historical details and contemporary design, but some may find such open spaces overwhelming. For example, some bathrooms open onto the living room, yet such strong design choices give the place an undeniable charm.
It’s a shame the Bar Brûlé has closed its doors to the public, although it’s still possible to rent for private events. Instead, the W Lounge hosts guests from 7am to midnight, so between cocktails, a meal at the Coquette restaurant and a session in the gym overlooking the Paris rooftops, you will have more than enough to keep you busy. Not forgetting a stop at the hotel shop to pick up a few souvenirs. Although, in truth, a stay at the W will not easily be forgotten.