TRAVELAlly PorteeNovember 27, 2023Hotel review: Kimpton St. Honoré Hotel Paris, Paris Hotel, Paris, IHG Hotel, Kimpton HotelComment

Review: Kimpton St. Honoré Hotel, Paris

TRAVELAlly PorteeNovember 27, 2023Hotel review: Kimpton St. Honoré Hotel Paris, Paris Hotel, Paris, IHG Hotel, Kimpton HotelComment

When you step through the sliding doors of the hotel, you know you’re in a luxury hotel but there’s no air of stuffiness, just hospitality.

The Kimpton St. Honoré isn’t the Paris Ritz or Plaza Athenee. Don’t get me wrong, these are elegant and beautiful hotels, and you can’t compare these three hotels, nor should you try. They are all unique and delightful in their own way. But, what sets the Kimpton St. Honoré apart from any other hotel in Paris is that it’s a luxury hotel with humility. It also boasts magnificent views of the city, from the heart of the city.

Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts and the Kimpton brand, which has 75 hotels and 80 restaurants in more than 52 cities, it’s a part of a vision started by Bill Kimpton. Starting the company in 1981 in San Francisco, Mr. Kimpton had a vision: to tailor-make his hotels in the image of the city they are in. In his own words, Mr. Kimpton noted that his hotels are “luxury without the fuss,”- or what I like to call “luxury with humility.”

The best thing by far in my experience, is that the hotel was professional and quick to solve any issues. The staff is also inviting and welcoming, which makes staying all the more memorable. As people tend to have their preferred hotel when they travel to a city, the Kimpton St. Honoré can easily become one’s preferred Paris hotel- I know it has for me.

Background

Housed in a former department store, in a 1917 Art Nouveau building, with strong Art Deco influences is the hotel. Paris’ famed Samaritaine department store was once in the hotel, and it’s poignant, in the interior design of the hotel- it looks like it was once a department store from the wooden elevators with cast iron gate detailing, to the passageway hallways, and elaborate staircase.

What’s It Like?

You notice the Art Deco details outside of the building and inside as you walk in. Interior design architect Charles Zana was able to preserve the historic elements of the hotel in a modern way. The moldings, ledges, paneling, woodwork, parquet, brass light switches, and baseboard strips are historic touches but presented in a contemporary way. The Art Deco detail in the building is contrasted with the curvy and fluffy sofas, which are also designed by Zana.

Where is it?

Located in the Opera area of Paris, it’s in the heart of the city. In seconds you are in front of the Paris Opera as well as the famed restaurant Café de la Paix. In minutes you can walk to Madeline, Concord, and Place Vendôme.

Rooms

There are 149 rooms, 26 of which are suites. A delightful touch is that each room or suite resembles a Parisian apartment, so guests feel like they are going home and not to a typical hotel room. It’s the parquet floors and molding that really does this.

The Suite Collection Bathroom | Photo Credit: Kimpton St. Honoré Hotel

The City Single Room is built for one person. With a queen-sized bed, it comes with a wireless Bang & Olufsen speaker, TV, and a sizeable bathroom. The Essential Room for two people can come with a queen, king, or twin beds. And, this room type can come with a balcony. And, the Premium can house up to three people. All rooms and suites come with complimentary tea and coffee, Codage bathroom products, and a minibar with gourmet snacks. The Suite Collection offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower on one side and Opera Garnier on the other. It’s also spacious with a bedroom area and a cozy living room area, and the best part is the soaking bathtub.

Food and Drink

Montecito Restaurant | Photo Credit: Kimpton St. Honoré Hotel

Montecito Restaurant & Bar is a California style restaurant, with a French twist found on the ground floor. There you find starters like Guacamole and Tortilla Chips, Beef Tataki, and Lobster Roll. While main courses include Fried Chicken, Grilled Fish Tacos, and Beef Asada. And desserts include Cheesecake Dulce de Lech and Macadamia Nuts, Apple Pie, and Pineapple with Hibiscus. There are also tasty cocktails as well.

Leisure

In the basement of the hotel you will find a gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and spa. The spa uses the Parisian beauty brand Codage. A tailor-made beauty brand, products like the serum are bespoke for each person’s unique skin type. In such a busy city like Paris, the gym and pool area are much-needed, offering a moment to pull out of kinesthetic energy and plug into getaway energy.