"Why book?A luxury stay that blends Parisian style with a more American level of service, comfort, and friendliness in a historic area of Paris. Set the sceneIn the shadow of the Palais Garnier, the hotel immediately draws onlookers with its preserved Belle Epoque façade, trimmed with turquoise metal, embellished with stylized floral patterns, marble panels, copper and wrought iron balconies, and arched bay windows that once housed product displays when it was a department store (more on that below). On the inside, soaring volumes and historic decorative touches serve as chic eye candy. The backstory This is the first Kimpton property in France and sets a high design bar. For one, it occupies a listed Art Deco building on the historic Boulevard des Capucines, constructed by architect Frantz Jourdain at the behest of the Cognacq-Jay family in 1914 to house the luxury outpost of La Samaritaine department store. Much of the historic department-store interior remains intact as well, including the imposing spiral stairway, interior balconies, mezzanine-level alcoves and monumental period lifts (that are mostly eye candy: they’ve been restored but aren’t in use). Naturally, the design scheme throughout, led by local design darling Charles Zana, elegantly updates the Art Deco style of 1930s luxury hotels. Zana brought on French artisans to contribute to the Parisian pied-à-terre esthetic, from ceramics and mosaics by Pierre Mesguich, textiles from Pierre Frey’s Le Manach that recreate 19th century archival designs, and lighting by Maison Lucien Gaud. The rooms There’s a creamy elegance to the hotel’s 149 rooms and suites with a decor that plays up all the covetable Parisian essentials, like intricate moldings, woodwork and parquet floors, with contemporary furnishings designed by Zana. Armchairs in dusty pink and peacock blue with multicolor velvet throw pillows add a vibrant touch to the otherwise bright and off white room scheme (think: a cream kidney-bean sofa, Carrara marble bathroom, and Chanel-inspired black and white curtains). True to Kimpton style, there’s a clearly American notion of convenience, from the yoga mats in rooms and the “forgot it, we got it” amenities like toothpaste, portable phone chargers, and even a little sex kit.Food and drink Perhaps the property’s most un-Parisian place of all is the 190 seat Montecito restaurant designed by Humbert & Poyet that channels Palm Springs insouciance. The main dining room is built around a patio with a photo-worthy green wall, and furnishings pop in a refreshing seaside color palette. The Cali-inspired menu, with dishes you’re not likely to find at other Parisian hotels such as fish tacos, crab cakes, and Huevos Rancheros for breakfast, was co-created by American recipe developer and author Carrie Solomon. It all makes for an ideal spot to dine for travelers who prefer an experience that mixes Parisian and International sensibilities. In spring and summer, the Sequoia rooftop bar opens for best-in-class views of the entire skyline and excellent craft cocktails (yoga classes take place on the rooftop in the warmer months, too). And in true Kimpton fashion, there’s a daily complimentary social hour at the hotel at 5 p.m. with drinks and nibbles. The spa For such a large property, it’s a bit of a shame that the Codage spa and pool occupy such a small area (two treatment rooms). Still, the pool packs a relaxing punch and is worth packing your favorite bathing suit. The neighborhood/areaIt’s hard to get more historic than the Boulevard des Capucines, a stone’s throw from the Opéra house, the Place Vendôme and the Church of the Madeleine, and a short walk from the Palais Royal Gardens and the Louvre. The close proximity of the city’s leading department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, makes for convenient shopping, too. The service Service is casual but cheery, and significantly more here-if-you-need-me than at other five-star properties where staff can be a bit heavy-handed. For families From the spacious rooms and children’s corner (with special amenities for kids upon request) to the spa’s child-friendly pool and complimentary rental bikes, this is a stylish spot for kids and kids at heart. Anything left to mention? As comfortable as the rooms are, travelers in boulevard-facing rooms who are sensitive to noise may want to come armed with ear plugs to drown out the sound of cars, buses, and motorbikes." - Lindsey Tramuta
