Grand Powers hotel Paris, the expert opinion

The Golden Triangle, in Paris, between Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne is enriched by a new luxury address, The Grand Powers, where this week we are heading our column.

8/10 for The Grand Powers
A pretty glass marquise, supported by an imposing ironwork, is anchored on the entrance of this hotel of the purest Haussmann. Balconies and bow windows punctuate the six floors of the Grand Powers, the latest of five Parisian stars. Large velvet curtains fringed with a fringe frame the entrance, rue François I, a gust of wind lifts the sides. It's like being in a film by Luchino Visconti because all this is chic. The interior does not disappoint either, with the feeling of elegance we feel when we enter the home of a collector. The lobby is extended by a bar and a very intimate restaurant, in an environment of beautiful materials that reinvents the Second Empire style with a very sure taste. We feel calm.

8/10 The situation
The Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, Avenue Georges V are within reach. What can we expect best to discover Paris ?

9/10 The decor
Arnaud Bezhadi and Cathy Crinon sign as decorators their first hotel, and manage a coup de maître, supported by the hotel owners, Julie and Alexandra Marang, both passionate about the place. Their family group owns two other establishments in Paris (Grand Hotel du Palais-Royal, and the Plaza Tour Eiffel). Pastel and velvety tones, objects of curiosity and works of art, chosen with a nearby Parisian gallery, sum up a classic decoration. It mixes with subtlety beautiful materials such as marble, brass or stone Paris ... The Grand Powers has kept the Parisian spirit of Power, a first hotel opened a hundred years ago and which he took the after two years of work.

8/10 The rooms
Numbering 50, they have in common to have kept the standards of the Second Empire. Beautiful height of ceiling, high marble fireplace (to stand up), moldings and woodwork. Lacquered headboards, hinged like a screen, are lined with brushed brass, the same as the bathroom faucets. Here, we reject everything that shines too much, for the benefit of what has been anointed with a beautiful patina. Also, the bathroom floor in a matte marble summarizes alone this desired discretion. It's just beautiful. Ours, n ° 507, vast and luminous, in a pink powder, has a spinning balcony and all the comfort that a five-stars offers in Paris. There are two other room tones, celadon green and powder blue.

7/10 Services,
equipment In the basement, a beautiful spa area with jacuzzi, steam room and sauna (open until midnight, which is rather rare). In a cabin, a professional provides care operated with the American brand Dermalogica, whose hotel is exclusive to Paris. Once a month, one of the suites of the hotel welcomes Morning Yoga, from 8:30 to 9:30, with a teacher from the very select Tigre Yoga Club in Paris and followed by a breakfast form ... An activity also open to non Residents of the hotel, by reservation only and in the limitation of 7 persons (75 €).

9/10 At the table and at the bar
​ The dining room of the "Café 52" restaurant is an extension of the lobby and a small intimate bar. We have lunch or dinner on benches placed so that we feel separated from others, while being close. On the plate, a snack wanted concocted by a young chef, Maxime Raab, defector Fouquet's. Everything is good and rather rich, including desserts prepared by Christophe Michalak. Count 35-40 €.

6/10 Value for money
This beautiful five-star hotel, excluding suites, has a room rate of between € 425 and € 650, all seasons combined. Is it expensive? We are in the tariffs of the Golden Triangle.

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Grand Powers, 52, rue François Ier, tél.: 01.47.23.91.05 ; www.hotelgrandpowerparis.com
By : Philippe Viguie-Desplaces