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George V, Four Seasons, Paris

Thalia Charalambous visits George V, Four Seasons, Paris where 'you can rest assured your expectations of service will be met, if not exceeded'

The Credentials:

A hotel steeped in history, the George V, Four Seasons in Paris is centrally located just moments away from the Champs-Elysee. Understated, this restored 18th century hotel is not. From the intoxicating smell of the breathtaking flower displays to the sounds of the well heeled jet-set on the polished marble floor, you succumb to the realisation that you will sleep well at George V. Service is of the utmost importance and you can rest assured your expectations of service will be met, if not exceeded.

Don’t let the occasionally brash A-lister deter you, the hotel is large enough to shield you from the hoopla of the Kanyes, Kims and I’m sure North West.

Dine:

While we waited for our suite we were booked into Le Cinq for a decadent lunch that stretched over four hours. With two Michelin stars, Le Cinq is fine dining at its best. There is a sense of humour and a family feel to the superbly executed menu.

With a hint of Japanese influence due to the head chef Eric Briffard having lived in Tokyo and his wife being of Japanese descent, the menu offers many welcome surprises. The staff are attentive, friendly, surprisingly unassuming and unsurprisingly knowledgeable. If you wish to eat a little lighter, and reduce the risk of gout, then the Courtyard is a stunning alternative…

Sleep:

We spent two nights in the period designed Four Seasons Suite which was luxurious and, more importantly, supremely comfortable. The George V is the sort of hotel you don’t want to leave and you are in danger of missing the very city you came to visit. However, if you happen to lose yourself in your suite, then simply step onto one of the terraces and glance to your right and you will have a clear view of the Eiffel Tower. The Four Seasons Suite delivered that ‘Carrie’ moment from Sex and the City. A moment I will never forget. All in all, a night’s sleep in this Parisian opulence will leave you feeling pampered, rested and thoroughly spoilt.

Who Goes There?

A-list celebrities, dignitaries, royalty and businessmen, the George V attracts the uber rich and famous. It is old world glamour executed to perfection.

Out & About:

For a short city break this type of hotel is perfect. It’s centrally located, near major attractions, very close to George V Metro and about a 20-minute taxi ride to Gard Du Nord.. I loved that I could be within walking distance of all my meetings and local hotspots.

The Worst Thing:

I found the pool very small – it is not a pool you can use for a morning workout. Three front crawls and you’re done.

Also, the Ipod sound system was poor.

The Best Thing:

The flowers. The theatrical spectacle of flowers can be seen throughout the hotel and are changed every two weeks. A small fortune is spent on design and quality, resulting in the most beautiful arrangements of colours and scents.

Their spa treatments are to die for. I had their signature Tropical Magnolia massage (€345) which began with a relaxing rose petal foot massage and then I honestly couldn’t tell you what happened next. I entered another realm, all I know is that it felt amazing. A must is their ginger tea (recipe available if you ask) – and I hate ginger!

The location is amazing and you have some fabulous shops on your doorstep – dangerous…

The Details:

Thalia traveled first class to Paris Gard Du Nord, courtesy of Eurostar. Prices vary.

Four Seasons, 31 Avenue George V, Paris, 75008, France; 33(1) 4952 7000; www.fourseasons.com/George-V-Paris