With travel restrictions finally easing in a world that’s ever adapting to COVID-19, I finally took the chance to jump on a plane and escape to a place that I hadn’t been to in years: Paris.
As an aspiring francophone, a history buff and a lover of a good promenade, Paris has always held a special place in my heart. I was thrilled to get the chance to return to the city of lights, and began dreaming of all the landmarks and must-sees that I had to visit. Once my wishlist was made, it came time to determine where I would stay so I could make the most of my trip.
When it comes to accommodations in a city like Paris, it’s truly all about location, location, location. Paris has to be one of the most walkable cities in the world, with a world-class public transportation system, but it still helps to pick a great home base, in a great neighbourhood, to make the trip all the more enjoyable. And that’s why The Kimpton St. Honoré was a fantastic pick for my first Parisian home away from home.
Location Location Location
The Kimpton St. Honoré is located in Paris’s 2ieme arrondissement (one of the 20 administrative districts that make up the city, and that form the swirling shape of a snail’s shell on a map). The 2nd is known for its high end shopping, its gourmet restaurants and its proximity to historic French monuments. The Kimpton is mere steps from the beautiful Opera Garnier, and an easy walk to the Louvre Museum and the lush Tuileries Gardens and so much more. My very first stop after checking in was the iconic Galeries Lafayette. One of France’s most well-known department stores, Galeries had taken over several blocks near my hotel since my last visit, with the flagship location joined by dedicated men’s and gourmet food stores as well. I indulged in my first croissant of the trip, and took the time to explore all the sites (and shops) nearby, including the stunning Printemps store, the Opéra, Place Vendôme and everywhere else my feet could take me that first day.
The History
Before the Kimpton St. Honoré was a boutique hotel, it was actually a boutique. From 1917 to 1981, the property that now hosts the Kimpton was the very first “Samaritaine de Luxe” luxury department store in France. While the racks of clothing and counters of perfumes may no longer line the halls of the hotel, famed architect Charles Zana ensured that the memory of its origin would remain within the walls of the hotel he was designing. His touch remains in the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, the antique elevators that make for fabulous photo opps, the grand double revolution staircase, and the beautiful wood and marble accents hearken back to the original soul of the building.
The Rooms
The Kimpton St. Honoré boasts 149 carefully curated rooms, including 26 suites, each laid out like small Haussmann flats. While I knew that the rooms would be beautiful, there was another very welcome surprise in store for me.
When I arrived at check-in, the front desk team was hard at work arranging my accommodations. They lead me to my room, number 911, and showed me to the Juliet balconied window, revealing the most beautiful Eiffel Tower view. It was the perfect welcome to Paris.
Between the epic view and the comfortable room, I felt right at home. My room was beautifully decorated, featuring the teal and gold accents that characterized this Kimpton Property, along with lush raspberry tones and that clean, glowing white that only hotels seem capable of maintaining. The queen-sized bed was incredibly comfortable, exactly what I needed to recharge after my first transatlantic flight in years.
The bathroom featured a rain shower head, with water that warmed up nearly instantaneously. I loved the crisp black and white tile, classic and refined. I spent way too much time lounging in the luxurious teal bathrobe, and I definitely indulged in the well stocked coffee bar, complete with fresh milk the concierge delivered to my room to accompany the gourmet espresso I could make with the touch of a button.
The Experience
The staff at the Kimpton St. Honoré were so very welcoming and accommodating, and just absolutely lovely humans. From the front desk hosts who gave me my Eiffel Tower view to the absolutely adorable young man who came ot check the minibar, and the concierge who ensured I didn’t leave before taking in the rooftop patio 360 degree view of Paris, and the random staffer I accosted into taking my picture on said rooftop, each and every person I dealt with was just fantastic.
The Kimpton creates such a wonderful hospitality experience that I almost didn’t want to leave the hotel at all. I mean, I was in Paris so of course I did, but if I hadn’t, I would have been well taken care of. The Kimpton St. Honoré boasts 2 great drinking and dining establishments: Montecito, a California inspired restaurant with innovative yet elegant cuisine, and Sequoia, the flawless rooftop patio bar, serving delicious cocktails and the aforementioned 360-degree views of Central Paris.
While I can’t run back to Paris as quickly as I’d like, this video helps showcase the beauty of a stay at the Kimpton St. Honoré.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, well situated and welcoming place to land on your next trip to Paris, I highly recommend looking into the Kimpton St. Honoré, one of multiple fantastic Intercontinental Hotel Group properties in Paris and around the world.
https://kimptonsthonoreparis.com/
*photos by me and from the Kimpton St. Honoré
Nadia Elkharadly
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