THE HOTEL WESTMINSTER, RUE DE LA PAIX

The Hotel Westminster is a hotel I have had the pleasure of staying in before. I celebrated my birthday here in September 2014 so when the opportunity came to visit this gorgeous hotel again, I didn’t hesitate in accepting the hotel’s very kind offer.

The Hotel Westminster oozes refined elegance, that’s no surprise as it’s located in one of Paris’ most prestigious roads and neighbourhoods on the rue de la Paix feet away from Place Vendôme and the Palais Garnier, Paris’ majestic Opéra House. Rue de la Paix is home to some of the finest designer shops in Paris, right next door is Cartier, opposite is Tiffany’s and of course many others such as Breitling, Alfred Dunhill and Bulgari. Rue de la Paix leads on to what is surely Paris’ most beautiful square, Place Vendôme where the newly renovated iconic Ritz Hotel is situated.

A Brief History

The Place Vendôme was built around 1681-1699 by order of the French King, Louis XIV and designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
The original Vendôme Column was destroyed during the French Revolution. Place Vendôme has such a regal feel not least because there are even more super-lux couture designers here, but the buildings are the epitome of French neo classical style which adds to the understated glamour of this beautiful square. Then there’s the historic green Vendôme Column in the centre erected again in 1806 commissioned by Napoléon to celebrate the victory of the Battle of Austerlitz and modelled on Trajan’s column in Rome. The column is complete with the statue of Napoleon.

The hotel was first built in 1807, around the time the current column on Place Vendôme was first erected. Many historic events have come and gone since its opening, but the hotel has always remained steadfastly true to character with grace and authenticity. The hotel is named in homage to the Duke of Westminster and his patronage to the hotel in the 19^th century and bears his coat of arms. Further construction was completed 1877 under the guidance of architect A Gautier with the façade of the hotel in typical Haussmann style. The hotel was acquired by the Warwick Group of Hotels in 1981 but has retained its authenticity, unique style and quintessential Parisian flair and grace. The Suites have recently been sympathetically updated but still reflect the hotel’s grand palace style. Throughout the hotel and rooms, note the presence of beautiful antique clocks thanks to the original owner of the Westminster being an avid collector of antiques.

First Impressions of the Hotel Westminster

The hotel with its striking black and gold awning and dramatic all-glass entrance is full of timeless Parisian charm and regal elegance.

The spacious lobby is gleaming with luxurious marble walls and floor, rich heavy curtains adorn every passageway, the hotel is reminder of its 18^th and 19^th century past with period pieces and furnishings.

A stunning crystal chandelier sparkles from the ceiling and directly below, a beautiful floral display brightens and completes the serene ambience of the lobby.

The majestic looking reception is flanked by several staff and concierge with beaming smiles and French hospitality.

Luxurious jewellery and watches are safely displayed behind glass should you wish to splurge on some special pieces to add to your collection while at The Westminster.

Lots of antique furniture and artefacts in regency style complements the stately look of the lobby. Off reception is the entrance to the gorgeous richly decorated wood-panelled Dukes Bar which leads through to the One Michelin starred Le Céladon restaurant.

I arrived at the hotel around 12:30pm and was greeted by Caroline, one of the receptionists who immediately recognised me which was so welcoming.  The hotel is just as beautiful as when I first saw it when I stayed here in 2014. My room wasn’t quite ready as check-in is normally at 3:00pm but I was told that final checks were being made making sure my Suite would be ready much earlier than is normal which I very much appreciated. I had 20 or so minutes to spare so I took advantage of the short time available and took lots of photos before relaxing on the super-comfy and luxurious velvet sofas.

The Rooms & Suites at the Hotel Westminster

There are 102 rooms in all at the Hotel Westminster, all very different. The Superior Opéra Rooms are a generous 20cqm in plush fabrics, marble bathrooms and look out on to the garden courtyard. Deluxe 25cqm Saint-Honoré, Executive Vendôme, Signature and Family rooms follow all dressed differently however no rooms at the Westminster scrimp on luxury whether it’s a Standard Room or a Suite, all are equipped with the same facilities, rich fabrics and marble bathrooms.

There are six different Suite options to choose from which have recently been updated and all are grand and regal in style. There are Junior, Saint-Honoré and Signature Suites large in size from 35-50 cqm, also a beautiful 70 cqm two-bedroom Saint-Honoré Suite which was the style of Suite I was staying in plus the Vendôme and two-bedroom Vendôme Suites.

My Saint- Honoré Suite was the stuff of dreams.  I was simply blown away when Caroline showed me around.  There are two rooms, a living area and of course the bedroom looking out to the Parisian rooftops and the hotel’s courtyard.

In typical Regency style, both rooms are elegant, regal and luxurious full of character, antique marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers and vintage touches. The sofa is super-comfy and cosy perfect to relax and unwind in while watching TV perhaps or enjoying a coffee provided by the stylish Nespresso coffee machine available in all rooms.

There’s even a kettle if you prefer to make a cup of tea instead, below is a fully stocked mini bar.

 

The bedroom was simply beautiful dressed in a luxurious silk bedspread, lots of plush pillows, silky draped curtains, another flat-screen TV, writing desk and a walk-in wardrobe with ironing board supplied and a safe too.

High speed Wi-Fi is also available and really handy USB ports and international sockets on the side of the writing desk adding to the necessary mod-cons we all need and desire.

The bathroom really had the wow factor, an expanse of shiny grey and white marble, fabulous lighting and to my pleasure, a stand-alone shower and separate bathtub with luxurious scented Bulgari toiletries and gorgeous fluffy bath towels and comfy slippers to lounge around in.

Facilities at the Hotel Westminster

As well as 102 rooms/suites, there is a plethora of facilities at the hotel to make for a really special Parisian break. On the 5^th floor, you’ll find a 120sqm fully equipped state-of-the-art gym with sauna and steam room plus private massage rooms available on request; open from 6:30am-8:00pm. A family-friendly hotel, the Westminster have large family rooms with many children’s facilities including baby cot, high-chair, kids’ channels on request, changing mat and baby bath even bottle warmers and baby-sitting service.

There is a member of concierge always available ready to offer advice and guidance on what to do and where to eat in Paris, reception is manned 24 hours a day, bell boys and porters to assist with luggage which is also kept safely locked away after check-out if you have a late departure. There is dry cleaning and laundry services available, complimentary WIFI, newspapers, 24 room service, business centre, even pets are welcome at an additional cost.

Valet parking, car rental and currency exchange is also available.

The Hotel Westminster has a one Michelin starred restaurant, Le Céladon where I was invited to eat the evening of my stay. Le Céladon is accessed via the hotel’s stylish wood panelled Bar, Dukes Bar which is a super cool place to unwind with a cocktail or three.

Dukes Bar oozes old-school glamour with cosy fireplace, rich wood interiors, deep green leather armchairs which harmonised perfectly with the glossy wood plus a grand piano which plays live jazz in the evenings.

My Stay

My Suite was simply stunning, I was so impressed I had to immediately phone my husband who couldn’t join me on this trip to let him know all about not just my Suite but the hotel too which he couldn’t even remember staying in; such is his terrible memory! But after seeing the video I sent him, memories of 2014 came flooding back and he was desperate to join me however I feel very confident that this won’t be my last visit to the Hotel Westminster. As soon as I took the customary photos and videos of my Suite and the hotel, I ventured out. I had a list full of things to do in Paris sticking to the Opéra neighbourhood, Paris by the way was beginning to look very festive as the decorations were slowly going up in the City of Lights and I was also very lucky with the weather, the sun shone during my two days in Paris.

Later that evening, I came back to the most generous surprise. The hotel provided half a bottle of champagne on ice, half a bottle of Merlot wine and some delicious macarons, I was truly amazed by the hotel’s generosity.

Champagne is my favourite tipple so I enjoyed a couple of glasses while getting ready for dinner after a refreshing shower in the luxurious marble-clad bathroom.  Wrapping myself in the warm fluffy bathrobe was just what I needed.

Dinner was booked at 8:00pm at Le Céladon Restaurant but before that, I enjoyed a cocktail made by Duke’s Head Barman Gérard. Gérard is absolutely charming, knowledgeable with perfect English, it means the bar is always full, the Saint-Germain champagne cocktail he made me was delightful as was my dinner at Le Céladon which you can read more about here.

After dinner, I grabbed a seat at the bar and enjoyed an after-dinner sherry which Gérard very kindly offered while I enjoyed listening to the soothing tones of the piano.

Next morning, I woke early to enjoy my final full day in Paris.  Breakfast is sumptuous at the Hotel Westminster served at Le Céladon.

Everything is mostly self-service with plenty of choice from the central pastry section with the usual delectable French viennoiserie, plenty of crusty French baguette, brioche and cute Madeleine cakes.

There is also a hot selection with eggs cooked any way you like, bacon, sausages plus an array of cheese and hams, fruit salad and yoghurt. A variety of teas, coffee and juice is also available; there’s something to suit everyone. I love croissants and French bread with butter, juice and coffee or tea otherwise known as tartine in France, a simple but delicious breakfast, I also had a small fruit salad and yoghurt.

After Breakfast I checked out and left my luggage in the safe hands of the hotel; I had a full-on day with lots planned.

Final Thoughts

The Hotel Westminster is a super-classy sophisticated and elegant hotel in one of Paris’ most sought after and extravagant locations. Given its glamorous surroundings and grand palace feel, it’s also extremely reasonably priced. The hotel is within walking distance to many of the 1^st and 2^nd arrondissements’  famous sights – The Palais Garnier, Café de la Paix, the Tuileries Gardens, the covered passages of the Grands Boulevards, the Louvre Museum, Place Colette and the Palais Royal including the Jardin du Palais Royal.

I loved the luxury and space of my Suite and the gorgeous light and airy bathroom. The hotel is full of elegant touches while retaining its majestic stately ambience; The Dukes Bar I found warm and relaxing, a gorgeous space to enjoy a bit of down-time in the afternoon with a coffee or some cocktails in the evening and Le Céladon served the most delicious food which I thoroughly enjoyed. Staff are friendly and warm and won’t hesitate to help you. I’m so grateful to the Hotel Westminster for inviting me to stay and I cannot wait to bring my husband here next time. If you’re looking for a romantic stay in glamorous surroundings, the Hotel Westminster is your choice.

My stay was part of a collaboration with the Hotel Westminster. My upgrade to a Suite, champagne, macarons, wine and dinner at Le Céladon were complimentary but all views and photos unless stated are my own.

Prices of rooms/suites depend on time of year but as a guideline: Superior Opera rooms start at 251 euros with breakfast – member rate 197 euros

Junior Suites from 351 euros with breakfast, member rate 297 euros. The Saint-Honoré Suite is from 397 euros member rate or 480 Romance Package which includes breakfast, rose petals and a bottle of champagne.

The top Vendôme Suite is approx 670 euros with breakfast or 597 member rate.

Please check the hotel website (below) for full details. Become a member of Warwick Journeys for offers and benefits throughout all Warwick Group Hotels,

Hotel Westminster

13 Rue de la Paix

Paris 75002

+33 01 42 61 57 46

info.westminster@warwickhotels.com

https://www.warwickhotels.com/hotel-westminster/