STYLE: PARIS STAYS
Travelling in style means staying in style. And why not, in the style capital of the world?
I’VE VISITED Paris many times and stayed in hotels, but I decided, this year, to experience Paris like a Parisian and stay in a one-bedroom apartment at La Réserve Paris.
Prior to my arrival, I received an email with a short questionnaire to help personalise my stay. What the type of Mercedes would I like to collect me from the airport? What are my favourite flowers, French pastries, newspaper? Do I have any dietary requirements?
So, after being delivered by Mercedes, and walking into my 140-square-meter apartment, it was as if it had been decorated especially for me – which it had. There were fashion books on the coffee table, fresh flowers in the living room, bedroom and bathroom, a fridge fully stocked with my favorite things, and three crystal decanters filled with Johnny Walker, Absolute, Hennessy XO, and a welcome letter accompanied by a huge box of macaroons.
With a dedicated butler and concierge, room service and housekeeping, the apartments are operated like an award-winning five-star hotel.
As I took my morning shower, my personal chef was busy in the kitchen making breakfast as housekeeping lay the table. With a cheerful, “Au revoir, Monsieur”, they closed the door and left, signalling that breakfast was served.
At the dining table I enjoyed a feast of French pastries, fresh berries and the lightest omelette I’ve ever eaten.
Huge windows framed the cafés across the road, so while I ate I checked out the handsome waiters in their black waistcoats and white aprons dancing between tables.
The Eiffel Tower gleamed in front of me as the sun rose behind it. Later, that view was the perfect backdrop for my photoshoot with a sexy French waiter from one of the cafés.