Review: Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel- Paris
Amenities
3 On-site restaurants
24/7 Gym
Spa suite
The Review
Background
It’s the hotel where Elvis Pressley would stay at during his time in the City of Light. There’s a lot of history in the building, and if you’re an Art Deco fiend then the Prince de Galles Hotel is the place for you. A Marriott Luxury Collection hotel, it opened in 1929, drawing to it, not just the King of Rock n’ Roll, but also Marlene Dietrich, Sir Winston Churchill, and the King of Yugoslavia- all of whom had impeccable hotel sensibilities.
What’s it like?
It’s an Art Deco paradise. The lobby captivates with the light stone walls contrasting with the black and gold accenting found in the chandelier, curtains, giant rug, lamps and reception/concierge area. The sizable revolving door at the entrance adds natural light and personality to the space. Overall the hotel is very quiet, catering to people on vacation or those on business.
Where is it?
Located on Avenue George V, the hotel is a 3 min walk to the Champs-Elysées where you can shop till you drop. Avenue Montaigne is a 5-7-minute walk where there’s even more luxury shopping of Europe’s top luxury brands from Gucci to Dior. It’s also not far from the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower. If you’re wanting a quick full view of the Eiffel Tower, you only have to walk to the corner of Avenue George V and Avenue Montaigne, and you can get a full view of the magnificent structure. Or, you can walk 15/20 minutes and stand directly under it!
Rooms
The Art Deco 1 King bedroom is spacious with 280sqft, and has a small sitting area in the room overlooking a window that opens- though some rooms come with a balcony. Our window overlooked the courtyard and its colorful tile. Ideal for two people there is central heating and air in the room. Connecting rooms are available upon request. The absolute best part is the king bed. It’s spacious but oh-so comfortable with a pillowtop mattress, featherbed, and duvet so you’re going to sleep like a baby.
Bathrooms are marbled and the shower has intricate mosaic tile work. There’s also a bathtub for soaking, with bath salts provided. There’s a separate WC space, and two bathrobes and house slippers are provided.
Bottle water is complimentary, and a coffee and tea maker are provided in the room with a selection of teas and coffees.
Food and Drink
Room service is available 24/7 but there are two on-site restaurants available + the courtyard café Le Patio. Breakfast can be ordered via room service, or had in the Akira Back restaurant where dishes range from eggs to the acai bowl, fresh juices, tea, and coffee. Akira Back serves Japanese with Korean and international flavors. The Prince de Galles was its first European location, outside of Japan.
Restaurant & Bar 19.20 by Norbert Tarayre has a very grown up feel to the ambience. Its dark tones are inviting for its all-French menu. The décor centers around Paris in the 1920s with paintings that describe the city’s rich history. Dishes are small in portion, yet filling. As a starter the French Onion Soup is going to be unlike anything you might imagine. Tarayre has reimagined the French dish and let’s just say, it’s going to look far different from anything you will find in a Parisian café.
You can order a la carte or from a set menu. The set menu starters include Escargots de Bourgogne persillés, ail noir (Parsleyed Burgundy snails, black garlic) or Poireaux grillés, grenobloise, moutarde fumée (Grilled leeks, grenobloise, smoked mustard), while Plats (or main courses) where Parmentier de canard (Duck shepherd’s pie) and Butterflied sea bream with butternut squash and Swiss chard is on the menu. If you’re in a beef mood, the Filet de boeuf rôti, pommes frites (Roast beef tenderloin, French fries) is seasoned just right, but we would recommend that even if you prefer a well-done medium-well is better.
For dessert, the Tarte soufflée chocolat banane, glace (Soufflé chocolate banana tart with ice cream) hits the spot. The banana contrasts well with the chocolate and ice cream.
Leisure
There is a fitness center in the basement of the hotel. Open 7 days a week for 24 hours. Keeping in line with the hotel’s dark and earthy tones, cardiovascular equipment, treadmills, weight machine, free weights, stair climbers, elliptical machines, and more.
While there isn’t a dedicated spa, there is a Wellness Suite by Olivier Lecocq with Unique Elixir products. From massages (couples too), to body scrubs, facials, men’s services, and makeup and nails, just about any beauty and wellness services can be arranged by calling +33 1-53237885.
Verdict
Location
Stay here. The hotel is quiet and a great place to unwind in the busyness of Paris.
Best For
Its central location for shopping, and proximity to the Champs-Elysées and Avenue Montaigne.
Don’t Miss
Dining at Restaurant & Bar 19.20
Price
Midweek rates in April for the Art Deco 1 King bedroom is $1,336 (for Marriott members), and is 1,363 (for the flexible rate).
Contact
33 Av. George V, Paris, 75008 | marriott.com
Images supplied by Marriott
