Few cities in the world are more enchanting and alluring than Paris.
And when it comes to luxurious Parisian hotels, few come close to the Peninsula Paris.
In a city devoted to opulence, the Peninsula Paris goes above and beyond it all. It's the sort of hotel I've dreamed of staying at my whole life. And when the Peninsula Paris offered to host Sapna and I for two nights during our trip to France last month, it was truly a dream come true.
I mean, this is a celebrity hotspot in one of the biggest cities for celebrity sightings! And we would be there mingling right there with them?
*PINCH ME*
Being devotees of the Peninsula hotels for YEARS, we knew our stay at the Peninsula Paris would be magical. All of my stays at the Peninsula Chicago have been unforgettable and -- since their Paris hotel has only been open for 4 years -- we expected them to take everything we love about the Peninsula brand and amplify it.
And... did... they... ever.
From their famous rooftop restaurant (with one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower) to the Gatsby-esque Lobby ballroom glittering in chandeliers to the incredibly attentive staff ready to make any dream a reality, this is truly the BEST hotel I've ever stayed at in Europe.
Our Luxurious Stay At The Peninsula Paris
The Hotel
The Peninsula Paris has one of the best locations in all of Paris. You are STEPS away from the Arc de Triomphe, close to the shopping on the Champs-Élysées, and just over a mile away from the Eiffel Tower.
Located in the 16th Arrondissement in a 19th-century Haussmann building, the Peninsula Paris is both modern and yet traditional.
And positively breath-taking.
At the risk of sounding ridiculous, I really felt like I was on a set for 'Beauty and the Beast' (I just needed to bring this outfit along)...
The Rooms
After my first stay at the Peninsula Chicago, I struggled to stay at other hotels.
Where is the touchscreen to control the lights and window shades? And what about the espresso maker for my morning coffee?
It's true... the Peninsula will SPOIL you when it comes to hotel rooms.
And the Peninsula Paris is no different. From the massive walk-in closet (a must when you have two women sharing a room!), to the soft beds you'll melt into, to the incredible range of amenities and little luxuries you'll find everywhere, these rooms will downright pamper you. Touchscreen controls and ALL.
The Service
Despite being one of the world's top luxury hotel brands, The Peninsula is still a family-run business. And it shows in every little detail.
The service here is beyond luxurious. Every need and want you could have is addressed almost instantly, and usually by a staff member who is not only smiling but genuinely interested in whether you're having the best possible stay.
I've stayed with many luxury hotels but I've never been pampered quite like at the Peninsula.
And I'm certainly not the only one to think that. As of 2019, the Peninsula is the only hotel chain in the world to hold Forbes' 5-star brand title. ALL 10 of their properties around the world hold five-stars from Forbes -- the only time in the travel company's 61-year history that one brand has swept the five-star category completely.
And one night at the Peninsula will truly show you why they're in a class of their own.
(If their fleet of 30+ Rolls-Royce cars didn't already impress you...).
During our stay at the Peninsula Paris, not only were all of our needs addressed, they even surprised us with a few personalized details!
Upon our arrival, Sapna and I found a photo of each of us framed next to our bed! How incredible is that?
And -- during our last dinner at L’Oiseau Blanc -- they presented me with a personalized dog tag for my pug Apollo. I'll admit this touch made me cry, especially considering Apollo's special connection to the Peninsula Chicago. It just goes to show WHY the Peninsula is the very BEST. Not only will they take care of everything you ask for, they'll take care of everything you never even dreamed to ask for too.
The Food
Paris is a city of incredible food. Loving the Peninsula Chicago restaurants like I do, I knew I'd love their Parisian counterpart just as much.
What I didn't expect was three of the most memorable meals of my life under ONE ROOF.
Every spot we tried in the Peninsula BLEW US AWAY. From the breath-taking locations to the incredible presentations, Sapna and I truly found ourselves in foodie paradise.
And, regardless of whether or not you plan to stay at the Peninsula Paris, these restaurants are a 'must visit' for anyone truly looking for an incredible meal in an incredible setting.
L’Oiseau Blanc
When I asked friends who'd stayed at the Peninsula Paris about their experience, EVERYONE said the same thing: dinner at L’Oiseau Blanc is an absolute must.
The space itself is perfection. Perched atop the Peninsula Paris rooftop with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower... what's not to love?
But the food makes the experience beyond special. There are many rooftop restaurants in Paris with views of the Eiffel Tower. But a Michelin-worthy meal? L’Oiseau Blanc is in a class of its own.
From our stunning burrata appetizer to their famous "cloud" dessert, nothing disappointed and everything excited.
This is now my #1 spot for a romantic meal in Paris. And a spot I MUST bring Hubby next time we're in Paris together.
Lili
Typically Chinese cuisine can feel "uninspired" in Paris. It's often microwaved, poorly prepared, and incredibly inauthentic.
But seeing as Lili is the Peninsula Paris' culinary crown jewel, we decided to give their take on Cantonese cuisine a chance.
And I'm beyond glad we did.
Headed by Michelin-starred Chef Tang Chi Keung, Lili serves some truly memorable dishes (the eggplant is a must order!). The flavors in each dish were masterful and the cocktails equally as delicious. We especially appreciated that Lili offers MANY options for vegetarians. And the staff were only too happy to help make accommodations to any of the dishes we wanted to try.
Brunch Buffet in Le Lobby
Le Lobby in the Peninsula Paris was once an opulent ballroom, as evidenced by the ornate windows and sparkling chandeliers. Now it's the hotel's main restaurant hosting breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea AND a very special brunch buffet on weekends.
While this is easily one of the priciest brunch buffets I've ever seen, it's also one of the most worthwhile.
You won't find the typical omelette stations here!
Instead you'll find a chocolate fondue fountain, a huge sushi selection, salads so beautiful you'll mistake them for artwork, and the most Instagrammable yogurt parfait station.
It's truly an experience you have to have for yourself. Sapna and I literally smiled through every second of our 2 hour brunch!
Drinks at Le Rooftop
As a connoisseur of rooftop bars, I was insanely excited to have a drink at Peninsula's Le Rooftop during our stay.
I see this spot ALL over my Instagram. And with good reason.
With a stellar view of the Eiffel Tower (though not as great as the view from L'Oiseau Blanc) and a stunning open-air bar with killer cocktails, I could easily spend every night at this rooftop. Even if I WASN'T staying at the Peninsula Paris.
(Don't forget to order the frites for a snack -- they're some of the best fries I've had in all of Paris.)
Room Service
For our last morning in Paris, we had an early room service breakfast before leaving for the airport.
We both ordered some eggs (egg-whites for Sapna), a selection of fruit and breads, and lattes.
Everything came on-time and tasted excellent. It may have been the 6 am wake-up call talking but I ate every last bite of that omelette! And was so grateful once I saw the dining options at Charles de Gaulle Airport... which leave A LOT to be desired.
Afternoon Tea in Le Lobby
I've enjoyed a lot of incredible afternoon tea services in my time -- and while I always love an excuse for afternoon tea, often the selections can feel rather... predictable.
But the Peninsula Paris took what is typically a formulaic experience and turned it into something unforgettable.
So unforgettable, I'm devoting an entire blog post to this meal. Because one small paragraph cannot possibly do it justice.
So stay tuned for a thorough review!
CONCLUSION
I'll be honest, I adore the Peninsula hotels.
I've worked with them professionally for years and know that from the inside-out, there are few hotel chains that even compare. They truly are the BEST OF THE BEST.
And experiencing their acclaimed Parisian bastion FLOORED me. I've experienced luxury in European hotels, but not like this. No other spot even comes close: so many amazing restaurants, such an incredible spa, so many personalized touches, and a perfect location all in one. I truly don't have one single complaint from our stay EXCEPT that it wasn't for longer.
Not only will I be dreaming of this experience for years to come but I'll be counting down the minutes until I can go back again.
This truly is THE spot in Paris to stay.
Interested in experiencing the Peninsula Paris for yourself? Book your stay HERE!
Disclosure: We received a complimentary stay with Peninsula Paris to facilitate this post. Review and all opinions are ALWAYS my own.
