Review: The Peninsula Paris

So, can, you tell us a little about this place?
After sitting empty for decades, a former 1908 hotel has been transformed into the first Parisian outpost for the Hong Kong-based Peninsula brand—and one of Paris’ newest Palace-grade (like five-star, but even better) hotels. Four years of work by a stable of skilled artisans has resulted in airy, refined public spaces, where a muted cream palette is accented by restored original wood, decorative stone work, and 40,000 pieces of gold leaf. An extensive collection of abstract art further adorns the spaces, beginning with the sculpture of 800 Lasvit crystal “dancing leaves” greeting guests in the lobby.

It sounds gorgeous. How about the rooms?
Mixed-media works by French artist Patricia Erbelding are hung in each of the 200 guest rooms, which are some of the largest in town. A sedate, residential décor is complimented by lots of techie touches, from interactive bedside control panels and in-room tablets pre-loaded with info, to printer/fax/scanner/copier hybrids for any work needs. Five of the 34 suites have private rooftop gardens with city views.

Very business-friendly! How about the little things, like the mini bar, or shower goodies? What made your stay more comfortable?
Mini-bars are stocked according to the guest’s preferences, and there’s free VoIP international calling, but perhaps the most unique amenity are the nail polish driers in each dressing area.

That's a new—and fun—one! Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
Bathrooms are a wonderland unto themselves, with separate showers and tubs, mood lighting, hands-free telephones (why hasn’t anyone else thought of that?), and TVs built-in to the mirrors.

They might be the best part! Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Perfect. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out?
With five in-house dining venues, you hardly have the venture out. Standouts include LiLi, serving Cantonese cuisine (including a range of dim sum); the sixth-floor L’Oiseau Blanc, an indoor/outdoor French restaurant themed around the early days of aviation with two Michelin stars; and Le Bar Kleber, where original 1908 oak paneling, oversized mirrors, and terrace views set a sexy scene for cocktails. The Spa has a main swimming pool, two vitality soaking pools and six treatment rooms for massages and facials using products from Biologique Recherche or Dr. Barbara Sturm.

We'll have to check it out. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
It's all about the thoughtful details here. Be sure to make use of the house cars, including special Peninsula edition Mini Coopers, for complimentary rides around town (airport transfers available for a fee.)

Done and done! So, bottom line: worth it, and why?
Impeccable service and thoughtful details make this worth a splurge.