Pikke Allen
Napoleon, dressed in his fine Roman generals’ costume stares down at you from above on his perch in the centre of Place Vendome. Some distinguished addresses adorn this grand courtyard, but in a quiet corner one remains the most discreet. Number One, Place Vendome, the location of the 4 star deluxe Hotel Vendome. The hotel is somewhat of a surprise, neighbour to but not overshadowed by the imposing Ritz hotel just around the corner. But this building has a pedigree that far exceeds that of its neighbor. Once the ancestral home of the Vendome family built in 1727 and latterly the embassy of the Texas Republic, when it was first recognized as its own country. Imagine: Paris, Texas.
You know you are in for an intimate experience as soon as you step through the door. The hotel’s ambience envelopes you as you enter the quiet lobby, with its inlaid Italian marble floor, and crystal chandelier that sparkles above.
The suites are all decorated in unique combinations of traditional French antiques and art. A beautiful corner room suite, with an elegant French master bathroom in Italian marble and a huge tub even has a guest bath for your visitors, just off the petit salon. The layout of the room, the historic views and the handsome bedroom in traditional French Blue Toile patterns is impressive.
The entire operation is handled by its Chief Manager, Ms. Etiennette Clamouze. Like a quiet, yet commanding general she manages a diverse staff of professionals who work behind the scenes to keep the guest’s experience seamless and enjoyable, with impeccable and personalized service. Location is everything in Paris and with this emplacement there is not a metro, bus, taxi or limousine service that won’t take you to where you want to go. Shops, cafes and the nearby fashionable districts are so close, its dangerous (but in a really good, way).
Executive Chef Didier Aniès is at the helm with his award winning team, creating seasonal menus using fresh ingredients. The recently renovated Mezzanine bar and restaurant has local business people flocking there for lunch. For the fashion set, the décor in the restaurant is perfect: Michele Bonan, a designer who has already made his mark at some extraordinary hotels, has taken what once was a rather stuffy atmosphere and made it fresh and chic. Soft dove gray walls and silk draperies accent the painted wood paneling to create the background setting that is dreamy and subtle. The restaurant windows overlook the famous rue Castiglione. The surprise of black and white ‘hounds tooth’ club chairs with pink accents makes the décor both masculine and feminine, comfortable and inviting. There are no bells and whistles here to distract you from the comfort and quiet of the place. With beautiful appointment, quality service and wonderful “home made” food this hotel is a unique “Classic Parisian” luxury experience.
Hotel de Vendôme
1 place de Vendôme 75001 Paris