The Best Room At... The Prince de Galles in Paris
The hottest selfie this past Paris Fashion Week was not with Naomi Campbell after one of her various runway appearances, or before a feast at Caviar Kaspia, or even at one of the concerts by the French band Yelle at La Cigale. It was in front of a 185-year-old architectural marvel that was looking hipper than ever thanks to the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. They had envisioned the Arc de Triomphe draped top-to-bottom in fabric, like one of the models who grace the catwalks all over this fashion capital, and even after Christo died in 2020, the project went on to fulfill his last wishes. When it finally opened in September, the already busy tourist attraction was besieged with onlookers and fans of the artists, making it hard for many, especially the New Yorkers visiting Paris for the first time in nearly two years, to get close to the Neoclassical world wonder. I had a unique advantage, however; I happened to be staying at the Prince de Galles, itself an architectural gem in the so-called Golden Triangle that happens to be a twelve minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Whenever I wanted the Arc all to myself, I'd just wake up early, and stroll over. Location is just one of the features that distinguishes this venerable property, one of two in France that are part of Marriott's the Luxury Collection, but don't sleep on its Art Deco flourishes, cutting-edge cuisine, and, most of all, a concierge team that is, to borrow a word, extraordinaire.
The signature room at the Prince de Galles is the Suite Lalique. Tell me what makes it special.
Designed by Patrick Hellmann, the suite is nestled on the 8th floor and was conceived as a modern take on the hotel’s Art Deco lines, which are the very symbol of glamorous celebrations à la française. The custom interior design can be seen in everything, from the bedside lamps to the crystal inlays of the coffee and dining tables. Additionally, many of the objet on display were handcrafted specifically for Prince de Galles. Besides the Suite Lalique itself, there is also a terrace and unparalleled views of the entire city of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.
What is the starting rate for the suite, and what kind of guest packages can you build around it?
Suite Lalique is available starting at 15,000 euros a night and it can be connected to two bedrooms to create a larger suite. Guests who book Suite Lalique also enjoy a complimentary special Lalique gift, a private cocktail experience with our bartender in the dining area of the suite, and complimentary roundtrip airport transfers.
Just two years ago, Prince de Galles marked its 90th anniversary. That history is probably one of the reasons the hotel is one of two in France that are part of Marriott’s The Luxury Collection, which includes some of the world’s oldest and grandest hotels. What does that distinction mean to you, and to your guests?
The Prince de Galles is a Maison Deluxe, conceived as a residence for the most discerning travelers who seek an elegant and intimate environment in the city’s most desirable area. An Art Deco treasure prized for its warm atmosphere, the hotel sets itself apart from other Parisian hotels as the place for local and international guests to experience residential luxury and unparalleled service.
What is one feature that you think first time visitors will find surprising? The remarkable mosaics in the garden terrace caught my eye, for instance.
Indeed, the historical mosaics in the patio are stunning, as well as the original crystal glass wall sconces in our new restaurant, Akira Back. Over the decades and despite the multiples renovations, those impressive sconces are still here, as a true witness of our Art Deco legacy.
Prince de Galles is located in what’s known as the Golden Triangle, a fabulous location whether you're in Paris for business, like me, or pleasure. What sights, shops, and restaurants should visitors check out?
To name few of them, avenue George V with its flagship Hermes and Louis Vuitton stores, avenue Montaigne for designer boutiques, as well as the Concept Store Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées, which is completely different from the historical department store. As far as sites and museums are concerned, I would definitely suggest Arc de Triomphe, Musée Galliera (preserving some of the richest fashion collections in the world estimated today at nearly 200,000 works), the Saint-Laurent museum (a mix of retrospective displays and temporary thematic exhibitions), the Guimet museum (National Museum of Asian Arts), the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine and the Petit Palais (Beaux Arts museum of Paris). Last but not least, Musée d’Art Moderne and Palais de Tokyo, where you will find three vibrant restaurants that are among the finest in Paris.
Now, the hotel itself has two signature restaurants, one that recently got a face-lift, and one that’s about to open, which you alluded to earlier. Tell us more about that, and other major initiatives for 2022?
Akira Back is an innovative restaurant concept never seen before in Europe. Chef Back adds a sense of adventure to his culinary creations. His menus are a melting pot of culture, which present each guest with his stories and expressions that can be enjoyed and appreciated on a personal level. Today, guests are looking not only for food and beverage; they want an experience, which is why I like to talk about F&B&E more than just F&B.
I know from personal experience your concierge makes the impossible happen, like a last minute table at Loulou, which happens to be at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Are there any special experiences guests should ask her for when they arrive?
We tailor each experience to the guests specific requirements; the credo of our Clef d’Or Concierge team is: as long as it is legal, we strive to do it!
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