Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris
"How did it strike you on arrival?My first thought was, oh boy, this is dangerously close to Le Bristol, is that a good idea? And then as soon as I stepped inside and saw that it felt like your rich aunt's own personal hôtel particulier, I knew it wasn’t comparable. It has old-world charm despite being brand-new—which means none of the fustiness of a traditional hotel that can't afford its upkeep, nor the up-to-the-minute flashiness of someplace au courant. A mix of newly upholstered antiques or made-to-look-old traditional furnishings in a cream and gold palette, oil paintings, coffee table books and white marble busts. And that’s exactly what the owner was going for. No traditional check-in desk, either. Just a room with a stunning old desk and only one person manning it at a time, another room that acts as a welcome lounge and elevators in the lobby that lead to the guest rooms (there are only 12!). Nice. What’s the crowd like?Discretion is key for this property. If you run into anyone, it would be briefly and most likely diplomats, members of royal families, and fashion entrepreneurs from the Middle East, Europe and U.S. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I was upgraded to the 65-square-meter Suite Elysée that contained a kitchenette that folds behind closet doors, along with a living room, spacious bedroom, and exquisite bathroom. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Everything about the room was high luxe, including the level of comfort on the king size bed. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Although there is butler service, the service in general is very discrete and intuitive. Italian mineral water is a plus. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.This was a bathroom fit for royals. A spacious rainfall shower and a deep bathtub, all beige marble floors and countertops, plenty of mirrors and lights that can be dimmed for mood, and Lorenzo Villoresi products to keep with the Italian vibe. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free and fast. Room service: Worth it?I stayed shortly after the property opened and the restaurant downstairs had not yet been completed. Delivery options were thus very limited. We ordered smoked salmon tartines with a side salad, on the house since they couldn’t offer us a proper meal in the restaurant. Prices were hefty, though, upwards of 15-30 euros for a small dish. It was a perfectly decent meal but the draw now would be the Italian restaurant Tosca downstairs. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The receptionist for being accommodating on our room service order despite the late hour and the lack of full staff (at the time). She was never without a smile. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Restaurant: pricey Italian but a welcome addition for the neighborhood. Spa and gym access from local partners, not on site. What’s most important to take away from this hotel is that it’s all about extreme privacy with luxury service for people who want to be anonymous. A departure from the era of wanting to see and be seen. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The respect for privacy and discretion is something many travelers prize and that is a promise on which the hotel can definitely deliver. A traveler can actually say they felt like they had their own pied-à-terre in Paris, with all the services and amenities of a hotel. It’s the best of both worlds. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Luxurious neighborhood with kinder prices than nearby Le Bristol and total privacy." - Lindsey Tramuta
