It was my daughter Serena’s eleventh birthday and my wife and I decided it was time for her (and younger brother Theo) to see the magic of Paris. There is nothing more spoiling than escaping to Paris for a weekend of sightseeing, shopping, fabulous food, and indulgent pampering. But where should I take my little princess to stay in the City of Love and be treated like a Royal? Why, the Prince de Galles of course!
Situated on the incredible Avenue George V and near the luxury boutiques on the Champs-Élysées and legendary landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, the Prince de Galles was the prefect hotel from which to explore the city. This storied 5-star Art Deco property ranks amongst the finest hotels not only in Paris but in the world. Since its opening in 1929 the hotel has attracted the great and the good including Sir Winston Churchill, and Marlene Dietrich, however, even more exciting for my children was spotting none other than Hollywood megastar Jackie Chan (of Karate Kid fame) having breakfast on an adjoining table!
We visited just after the Olympics had ended, but during the Paralympics. Due to this momentous occasion most of the streets around central Paris had been closed off which lent an air of tranquillity to this normally frenetic city. Summer walks to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and along the Seine were magical and the hotel was a great base to venture out from.
The hotel, which is a member of the Luxury Collection is as elegant as its name suggests. The stately façade is a sign of the opulence that is to follow. From the moment the valet opened the door to our car and parked it for us through to our seamless check-in they couldn’t have been more welcoming. The gorgeous lobby decorated in beautiful fresh flowers is teeming with very polished and professional staff who are willing to help and is buzzing with guests dressed as impeccably as only the style-conscious Europeans can do. As we were escorted to our room we all had the usual anticipation of what our room would look like. The Prince de Galles didn't disappoint as we had the most incredible suite which was a haven of exquisite elegance. Spacious adjoining rooms that are beautifully decorated with feel-at-home soft furnishings and flooded with natural light and every luxury convenience on-hand.
One of the joys of staying at a hotel is to start the day by enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the style of royalty in palatial surroundings. We chose to sit in their elegant courtyard which is adorned with thousands of mosaics and lies at the very heart of the hotel. This oasis of tranquillity is perfect for escaping from the bustle of the hotel and nestled in our own private cabana we devoured fresh pastries, pancakes and fresh juices, as we planned our assault on the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées and more.
For dinner we dined in the Restaurant & Bar 19.20 by Norbert Tarayre – of French TV fame. The restaurant is centered around the theme of an artistic and carefree life in Paris during the roaring ’20s. A spacious and elegant modern dining room dominated by fabulous contemporary art and an atmosphere that captures the ‘joie de vivre’ of Parisian life at the time. Here Chef Tarayre showcases his skills while paying homage to the influence of French bistronomic cuisine – a unique twist on the bistro concept.
My wife and I enjoyed classic French dishes including a steak tartare prepared tableside, my wife raved about the Salmon, while the children devoured the huge plate of pasta. The open plan kitchen adds theatre to an already atmospheric and extravagant culinary show which includes a very in-demand dessert trolley – Oui, s'il vous plaît!
Although we didn’t try it on this visit – the hotel boasts the Michelin-starred chef Akira Back and his first restaurant in Europe. Opened in 2022, the venue offers modern Japanese cuisine with Korean and international flavours that has earned Chef Back an international reputation though signature dishes such as crispy tuna pizza and Wagyu tacos!
Over the course of two days at the Prince de Galles, I was truly impressed with our contact with the entire staff at the Prince de Galles who interacted with my children and offered attentive and friendly service. Every team member seemed to embrace the philosophy that real luxury lies in providing a caring and attentive service while making your guests feel welcome and special – and we did! I’ve been very fortunate to have visited many beautiful five-star hotels across the world but honestly the level of attention to detail and the overall polish of the Prince de Galles in both the culinary offering and service they offered my family was truly stunning – Merci beaucoup!
Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel
33 Avenue George V, Paris
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