OFF Paris Seine
"How did it strike you on arrival?Two major train stations may be less than a five-minute walk away, and major attractions like Notre Dame reachable within 15 minutes, but once you board this floating sanctuary, you'll feel far removed from central Paris. Yet, in some ways, more connected to the city than ever, as Paris's first boat hotel puts you right on the Seine for a truly unique perspective. Designed by Parisian nautical architect Gérard Ronzatti, and constructed in Normandy, the purpose-built barge (one of the largest docked on the river) evokes an over-sized catamaran wrapped in glass and steel. The hub is the sleek bar/lounge, which stretches from the main deck up to the U-shaped upper level where, in good weather, locals and guests gather around the plunge pool for cocktails, tapas, and selfies on inflatable gold swans. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The creative cocktails and Insta-braggy setting draw a steady crowd of trendy locals, so guests checking in to a room here have direct access to an always-buzzing party. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Despite the maritime setting, this isn't your parents' cruise ship: the 54 rooms and 4 suites place a premium on design, with wooden slat accents, sticker-adorned walls, and a sophisticated palette of cream and bronze. Deluxe rooms face either the river or the dock, and Horizon Suites are a bit more spacious thanks to their position at the front of the boat. The two specialty suites were crafted by haute couture designers Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman in fiery monochromatic tones, down to the circular soaking tubs. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Smart TVs, USB outlets, air conditioning, and a mini-bar stocked with local products (like beer from a nearby craft brewery) offer all the comforts you'll need if you're hanging out in the room. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Deluxe rooms have Italian power showers with chromotherapy lighting (the colors change at the touch of a button), while the Designer suites encourage soaking with oversized tubs placed the room itself. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free. Room service: Worth it?A limited room service menu is available when the bar is open, and during breakfast. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.A generous Continental breakfast is served daily by the pool or in your room. Open to both in-house and outside guests, the restaurant serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, while the bar offers a selection of hot and cold tapas until midnight. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Service can be inconsistent, but the unique set-up, water views, and resort-y vibe make OFF feel like a true getaway within the city." - Sandra Ramani
