Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense

BACKGROUND

Fraser Suites is an extended-stay brand from Singapore-based serviced apartment and residence company Frasers Hospitality. This Paris property opened in 2004 and was followed by the Le Claridge property in 2006 – see our review at businesstraveller.com.

WHERE IS IT?

On the outskirts of Paris in La Défense, the city’s business district. It’s at the eastern end of the district, opposite the motorway (A14) connecting the western suburbs to the city, and a couple of minutes’ walk from the Esplanade de La Défense metro station (Line 1). Guests can reach the hotel by taking the Passerelle de l’Aigle footbridge and following the signs to Fraser Suites, which is down some stairs and on the immediate left.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The property is in a large white block with translucent blue balconies, and is part of a cluster of highrise hotels and serviced apartments, with a Citadines directly behind it and an Ibis and Novotel next door. As the entrance is beneath the footbridge, it’s quite shabby and deserted. The aparthotel feels very secure, however, with a keycard-operated gate. This takes you into a landscaped garden, with a small bridge to the front door.

The narrow lobby features a reception straight ahead, with a quiet lounge to the left and the bar/breakfast room and business corner to the right. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out at 12pm. There is a 24-hour complimentary laundrette on the first floor, with washing powder already built-in.

ROOMS

The 134 apartments are in three categories: 38 sqm Studio Deluxe, 50 sqm One Bedroom Deluxe and 70 sqm TwoBedroom Deluxe apartment. All apartments feature green and blue furnishings and include well-equipped kitchens with a microwave oven, Nespresso coffee machine (with pods), kettle (with teabags), toaster, induction hob, a small dishwasher, complimentary soft drinks, and a glass bottle of filtered water. Amenities include a safe, iron and ironing board, umbrella,

Most apartments have balconies, providing plenty of natural light

hairdryer, L’Occitane products, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The configurations of apartments differ but my One-Bedroom Deluxe apartment was very spacious, with a decent-sized bedroom, a small galley kitchen, a separate toilet, bathroom with a hand-held shower over the bath, and a large living area with a dining table, desk and sofa with a coffee table facing a flatscreen TV. Most apartments have balconies, providing plenty of natural light, though these are a little run-down.

The apartments are well-designed for work, with an ergonomic swivel office chair and lime green desks with built-in UK and European plug sockets and two USB points.

There are signs about sustainability, but nowhere to recycle my goods. I put them in a separate bag and told the cleaners, but they just put them in the bin.

My apartment’s air conditioning unit was broken and despite putting a ‘do not disturb’ sign on my door, I was interrupted during a work call, with staff telling me I should have departed (this was not the case).

FOOD AND DRINK

A buffet breakfast is served daily from 6.30am-10.30am (7am11am on weekends) on the ground floor, which is also home to Harmonie Bar (open 6.30pm-11pm). The buffet costs €20 per adult and takeaways can be arranged for €12 the night before. There’s a filtered water machine for refilling in-room glass bottles.

MEETINGS

A business corner includes a Mac and complimentary printing services.

LEISURE

There is a small 24-hour gym on the ground floor, to the right of the lifts.

VERDICT

This property is in a good location, with great amenities for working, though some of the tech needs to be fixed.

BESTFOR

Financial industry travellers in need of a spacious and functional apartment for work

DON’TMISS

A lunchtime stroll admiring the contemporary public art amid the high-rise towers

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February started from €200 for a Studio Deluxe

CONTACT

6 Boulevard de Neuilly, 92400, Paris; +33 (0)1 55 23 26 26; frasershospitality.com