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In France, there is the five-star rating, and there is the Palace status. Introduced in 2010, the “Palace” distinction promotes hotels that stand head-and-shoulders above their five-star competitors. Only ten hotels have earned the distinction—and one of them is Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Distinction Palace is the tourism version of the Pulitzer Prize. So highly regarded is the accolade that when two hotels traditionally thought as Paris’ best failed to get it—which in itself was a shocker—both promptly shut down to undertake major refurbishment work. After all, in Paris, reputation is everything.

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Modern palace

While some didn’t make the cut, Park Hyatt was a newcomer that did. And to many, this was a shocker too. After all, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is no grande dame and it was opened only in 2002.

The hotel’s Haussmann-era building may be historical (formerly a couture house of Paquin) and sufficiently impressive, yet on the inside, the Park Hyatt appears almost American, with its understated design and cozy atmosphere.

But in a sense, Hyatt is French enough. Its stripped-down classicism is seductive without being showy. Its elegance is timeless and sensual. Plus, the rooms feel like Paris pied-à-terre apartments more than suites in a big city hotel.

Behind the design is the architect Ed Tuttle, best known for his work with Aman Resorts. Perhaps this explains the Eastern touches, especially in the selection of furniture—or in the ubiquitous orchids.

Reminiscent of the downplayed Asian luxury are also the plain carpets and floor-to-ceiling mahogany, with warm Parisian limestone setting the tone. Grand mirrors, deep walk-in closets and heavy matte-bronze fixtures in all bathrooms nicely complete the contemporary look.

Its reputation as one of the top five luxury hotels in the city is matched by a great address. Located on Rue de la Paix, just minutes from the Place Vendome and right in the center of Paris’s high-end shopping district, the hotel is ideally placed for exploring Paris’ museums and shops.

No wonder the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme hotel is popular with A-listers—and it helps that many premium suites have smart Technogym’s and private spas. The finest room is the Vendôme Suite, sporting a 60-square-meter roof terrace.

WHAT i LOVEd

• Confident, discreet and extremely competent staff
• The lovely, tranquil interior courtyard is a delightful place to eat—or have few glasses of wine. There is also a healthy drinks menu
• Breakfast at the conservatory-like Les Orchidées—good selection both from the buffet and a la carte
• Food was great overall—the Orchidées serves popular weekend brunch, while the Michelin-starred Pur’ has is the best choice for a fancy dinner
• Location—close to the best city shopping and sightseeing highlights, including the Louvre
• The rooms have very generous sizes, at least for Paris standards

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The (complimentary) Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, which is not always the case at Parisian hotels
• Beige is the sort of color scheme that might not appeal to everyone
• Staff is very well trained but we had some hits and misses during breakfast
• Include the daily breakfast in your booking if you have the chance (it normally costs 100 Euros).

In my opinion, as one of ten official Distinction Palace hotels in France, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome sets the expectations high. And it delivers.

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Until next time, be jealous friends. Be jealous.

Udeety

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