When it comes to hotels, the city of lights is home to a veritable feast of the timeless elegance and unparalleled service of an all but bygone era.
During my most recent Parisien jaunt, I had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Grand Powers – a five-star hotel located bang in the centre of Paris’ Triangle D’or; the golden triangle.
When Hotel Grand Powers first opened its doors in 1920, it quickly became the address du jour for the English elite stopping over in Paris on their way to the Riviera.
A century later, having been completely revitalised in 2019, the hotel takes queues from its illustrious history with a luxuriously timeless design that embraces modernity while remaining true to its heritage.
Location
Hotel Grand Powers sits at the corner of Rue Pierre Charron and Rue François 1er. It’s about a five-minute walk from the iconic Champs-Élysées, so if you’re coming from the George V metro stop, turn right at Louis Vuitton and left at Hermès.
At number 52 Rue François 1er, the hotel occupies an imposing corner building with a spectacular cut stone façade, long balconies with cast-iron rails and oriel windows framed in black metal – it’s practically oozing with Haussmannian charm.
The surrounding neighbourhood, Paris’ eighth arrondissement, is home to high-end boutiques representing the chicest fashion houses as well as the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and the Élysée Palace.
The room
True to its boutique nature, the hotel offers 50 rooms and suites featuring unique layouts and furnishings but sharing a cosy elegance that will have you so transfixed you’ll have to coax yourself out to explore the city.
Hotel Grand Powers’ recent renovation paid careful attention to preserving its original beauty, from the delicate ceiling mouldings to the marble fireplaces and oak herringbone parquet floors from Hungary, the rooms offer modern Parisien luxury with all the historic trimmings.
I particularly loved the artworks featured in the rooms; they reflect the hotel’s ability to blend the modern and the classic. Hand-selected by Alexandra Marang, one half of the Parisien sister duo who own the hotel, the works offer a dream-like hint of modernity punctuated by ornate gilded frames.
Another delightful design feature; the rooms are painted and furnished to reflect a chosen colour for each floor, with powder pink, celadon green and blue on offer depending on which floor you stay on.
I stayed in a pale blue Superior Room, featuring a desk, white marble bathroom and queen-sized bed.
The room was a cosy 20 sqm, but the floor to ceiling oriel windows create a sense of space and light that instantly opens the room up and offers spectacular views of the uniquely Parisien streets of the eighth.
It’s also equipped with a Nespresso machine, minibar, smart TV, 24-hour room service and Diptyque amenities.
Food and beverage
One of the more trendy aspects of Hotel Grand Powers, Le Café 52 is centred around healthy and environmentally responsible cooking that heroes organic, locally sourced produce.
The hotel’s included breakfast is served here, featuring options for an a la carte, American, or Detox breakfast.
If you’re feeling particularly luxurious, as I was during my stay, you can also opt to have brekky served in your room using the QR code provided to select your chosen fare and what time you would like it delivered, which doubles as a welcome wake up call.
Café 52 and its bar also offer an ambient and cosy spot decorated in an elegant art deco style to enjoy natural organic wines, as well as low-sugar cocktails and healthy finger food under the watchful eye of a huge portrait of Sarah Bernhardt, a woman of character if ever there was one.
Good to know
The hotel’s wellness offering at Spa du Grand Powers features a gigantic jacuzzi, as well as a sauna, steam room and treatment room just opposite a fitness room fitted with Technogym equipment.
With three different marbles, including the famous thala, the spa utilises French organic cosmetic brand Absolution, with vegan and eco-friendly products.
Final thoughts
Hotel Grand Powers seamlessly blends Parisian elegance and British cosiness to create a masterpiece of design, comfort and more than just a hint of luxury.
It is a sanctuary and a balm for the bustle of Paris’ picturesque streets – a historical wonder with modern comforts, and an absolute aesthetic dream.
This place really is the stuff of legend.
Find out more HERE.
