An opulent indulgence
Mandarin Oriental Paris
ADDRESS 251 Rue SaintHonore, 75001 Paris, France VIBE A modern and contemporary establishment that’s a shopaholic’s dream PRICE From $2,400
A chic enclave located right in the heart of Rue Saint-Honore, the Mandarin Oriental Paris is a contemporary hotel that serves luxury in a modern way. If you stay here, you’ll be hobnobbing with a crowd that’s a mix of Mandarin Oriental devotees, celebrities and the fashion crowd, thanks to its proximity to one of the world’s most upscale shopping streets.
Unlike the old-world glamour of the other Palacerated hotels, the Mandarin Oriental has a contemporary and modern design, housed in a unique 1930s building with Art Deco-inspired architecture – giving you the best of both worlds.
With 135 rooms, the property is not small by any means, but the layout makes the hotel feel cosy, private and never intimidating. Its discreet entrance also ensures privacy for all guests, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to indulge in five-star luxury, but still fly under the radar.
ROOMS Elegant but never fussy, the rooms are spacious for a Parisian hotel, with decor details inspired by the works of Man Ray, the acclaimed American photographer who made 1930s Paris his home.
Works by Iranian photographer Ali Mahdavi can also be found adorning the walls as statement art pieces. While the decor varies in each room, it features a warm colour palette with hints of gold, burgundy or purple – reminiscent of the opulent lobby that greets you when you first step into the hotel.
During our time there, we stayed in the Duplex Suite, which overlooks the garden and contains a bedroom, adjacent bathroom, separate powder room, and living room. The bathroom is equipped with a Japanese toilet that has a heated seat, which will surely come in handy if you book your stay in the winter. It also comes with Diptyque amenities, which was definitely a nice touch!
THE EXTRAS While Paris has no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants, the hotel houses one of its very own within the property itself. Sur Mesure by Thierry Marx has two Michelin stars and is designed like a cosy cocoon, great for guests who want a unique atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For those who want to dine in greenery, there is Camelia, a quaint restaurant where you can enjoy your breakfast in the garden. Other facilities include the Cake Shop for sweet treats, Bar 8 for a late-night tipple, and a spa that boasts a 14m-long indoor pool.
EDITOR’S TIP Try to book a room facing the indoor garden if you plan to wake up to a gorgeous view of greenery every morning. We would give fair warning that Bar 8 on the terrace can get quite noisy on weekends (it’s a key watering hole in the city) — but it is worth it though!