La Réserve Paris, the ultimate personalised luxury experience (REVIEW)

The smallest among the Palace ranked hotels in Paris, La Réserve Paris has firmly established itself from opening as one of the finest luxury hotels and to this day, it has been consistently maintaining its positioning, despite fierce competition in the luxury hotel sector of the Parisian capital.

The hotel is housed within a superb heritage building which was originally a mansion built for the half-brother of Napoleon III, and its striking stone façade is suitably impressive. The hotel was created in 2015 Jacques Garcia being tasked to created a unique interior design.

The sophisticated blend of classic, contemporary and sleek has proven to be a coherent aesthetic which would not ‘go out of fashion’. Despite the bold colour accents that may appear rather striking, it is the impressive quality of furnishings, materials and finishes which exude genuine luxury through ultimate comfort, close attention having been paid to even the smallest details. Five years after opening, at the time of my most recent stay in August 2020, I was impressed how impeccably maintained the product is.

Accommodations (14 rooms and 26 suites) are among the largest among all luxury hotels in Paris, with stunning oversized marble bathrooms and heavenly comfortable beds – some of the finest linen and towels I have ever seen in a luxury hotel, not to mention the bespoke bathroom amenities, ultimate technology, including a dual control system – manual and digital, for the full control of the room – AC temperature, lighting and curtains. All aimed to provide the highest standards of comfort.

The Carrara marble bathrooms feature dual sinks carved from single blocks and free-standing metal bathtubs tubs as well as  remote-controlled television. Most accommodations also have large wardrobe space, ideal for longer stay guests. Minibars feature Nespresso machines, kettles and complimentary soft drinks. All rooms include some sports equipment for those seeking ultimate privacy. SmartTvs with Apple Tv are subtly hidden behind framed mirrors.

Suites on the higher floors boast dazzling Grand Palais and Eiffel Tower views. Although steps from Champs Elysee, the hotel is located on a smaller street, thus ensuring a most serene experience which adds to the sound-proofing of all accommodations. It is also probably one of the safest hotels in Paris, within very close proximity to the Élysée Palace (official residence of the French President) and the American Embassy. The luxury stores of Rue Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are also within very close walking distance.

Despite its size, you will be impressed to discover two restaurants (including a Michelin starred restaurant), a luxurious bar, a fairly large courtyard terrace, a superbly appointed library with an impressive selection of books, a cigar room with a small outdoor Spa and well as a Spa with an exquisite 16 metre heated indoor swimming pool but also a hammam – exclusive for hotel guests.

La Réserve Paris spa offers Nescens-Swiss anti-aging science cosmeceutical products. Born of the medical expertise of the Center for the Prevention of Aging at the Clinique de Genolier (Switzerland), created  by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in the realm of ageing biology and anti-aging medicine, the Nescens-Swiss anti-aging science brand offers in exclusivity at La Réserve Paris for men and women, better-aging massages and cosmeceutical anti-aging products. During the pandemic, all the Spa facilities can be.access subject to prior booking.

La Pagode de Cos is the main restaurant of the hotel, open all day, with both indoor space as well as expansive space outdoors in the courtyard of the hotel – which can also be heated into the colder months of Autumn. A contemporary menu has been carefully conceived by Chef Jérôme Banctel to cater to a wide range of tastes including the more demanding Parisian non-resident guests. You will love the innovative twist on traditional French dishes while you will appreciate the finest quality ingredients.

Beyond the product and location, La Réserve Paris has achieved from opening very high service standards – even more impressive with no backing of a luxury hotel chain, being part of a small hospitality group established by entrepreneur Michel Reybier. Service goes beyond personalisation and whether you are a returning guest or a new one, you will not feel any difference. Particularly, the Front Office, Guest Relations and Concierge provide exceptional service – most attentive and caring, often very intuitive too.

The hotel is also attracting a solid based of local patrons (non-resident guests) and even during my stay, the restaurant and bar were running at maximum capacity allowed during the pandemic, from breakfast to dinner. This has prompted the decision to not close the hotel during the lockdown, La Réserve Paris remaining open during the entire pandemic, an exercise which has proven to be a major competitive advantage once the other Palace ranked hotels started re-opening in September. The hotel remains an ideal choice for both corporate (including diplomatic) and leisure guests.

Oliver Petcu in Paris

 

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