Le Meurice

One of the things we have to fight against is a tendency to expect too much when visiting a hotel. That goes for hotels we stay at regularly, as well as hotels that are new though the stakes are different. If we’re coming back to a property it’s because we’ve had a good experience. And the hopes are such that we get rooms that are at least as good as the ones before. Over the last few years we stayed at the Bristol. I’ll throw my thoughts down in a proper review at some point as it really does deserve considerations. In many respects it sets the standards for the Parisian Palace hotels. Yes, I’ve stayed at the Ritz (pre-reno) and we’re about to stay there again over New Years as a family (which I’ll review when we get back) and I’ve now stayed at Le Meurice—the subject of this review. To be honest, the Bristol got almost a little silly. We’d stayed in Paris over a July 4th trip and had booked two adjoining rooms. Except we we’re upgraded to suite plus an adjoining. And the Bristol rooms are not small—far from it. So we really were rather surprised. As fate would have it we decided to return that Christmas. I told my wife not to expect the same treatment so you can imagine the shock when we found ourselves in a massive suite plus a massive room in a corner of the hotel on the top floor with view of the Eifel Tower. Same thing the following year. The experiences were incredible. So why the Meurice? Well, last year (over New Year’s) we had less time in Paris than normal. My art historian wife had stayed at the Meurice years ago and loved it and, to be frank, for her the Meurice’s location is just so much more convenient. For museum lovers there simply is nothing to beat the Meurice’s proximity to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay across the Seine. Expectations were high as we entered but I could see my wife’s face fall when she took in the new renovation. Let me be clear here: we love modern, our house is modern, and mixing modern with new can work (see Hotel Widder, Zurich, for example), but, no, not here. To my wife’s sensibilities, this was wrong. I’m not articulate enough to properly put it into words; suffice it to say, I understood what she was saying. It felt like we’d stepped into one of those Roche Bobois catalog shoots. All this modern décor set in contrast to a classic setting. Unless I’m wrong, Philippe Stark was the designer. The kid in me wanted to start singing: The King is in the altogether, the altogether, the altogether… Last but not least, there was no Christmas tree. No biggie, unless you’re Christian with young kids that still believe. But even if you’re not, it’s hard to deny the warmth and atmosphere they provide any room. Just ask Ralph Lipschitz. The rooms they gave us? No view. Ok, fine, we didn’t ask for one. But they were surprisingly cramped for a Palace Hotel. There wasn’t much in the way of storage either and, if I remember correctly, there was something wrong with the furniture unit that held the TV in the kids’ room. Of course, the rooms had not had a modern décor makeover. Which, frankly, I wish they had as all the velvet and the ornate tables and chairs mad for a very over-stuffed setting. Service was secondary. Plates were not cleaned up after room service (we had to call twice) and once I saw one of the floor staff strolling down our corridor talking on a cell phone. It did not sound like a call from the service manager telling the guy to hurry up and do his job. In sum, I don’t know… the vibe was wrong. It was a step off, like it was trying to compensate or live up to the new modern, edgy décor in the lobby. In some respects, it was a bit sad. The Meurice has so much going for it. But for us… no.

We have traveled to many luxury properties, and I can say without question that Le Meurice is simply peerless. The hotel is absolutely extraordinary in every possible aspect. It is the finest city hotel experience in all of our travels. The property is exquisite and no detail is overlooked. The location could not be better. What makes Le Meurice so truly exceptional is the staff. Their professionalism is unparalleled. They work exceeding hard to ensure that your stay is perfect in every way. We would like to thank Mr. Pascal Brihat, Mr. Gabriel Camacho, Mrs. Marine Sternbach, Ms. Melanie Van Oevelen, as well Laeticia and Gil at breakfast (which is not to be missed). The concierges were fantastic too (Laurent and Daisuke as well as their staff). Le Meurice, je t'aime!!!! I cried when we had to leave.

The hotel was very understanding of our situation and went out of their way to help in every way. They made sure we had a taxi to the cemetery and even had fruit and chocolates in the room after the funeral. The food at the Dali was superb. Definitely the hot spot in Paris these days.

Business brought us here, as only a company would pay These prices. Location perfect, but general experience was of being underwhlemed. Breakfast disappointing, as in the City Of Light Croissants we had some very non-Parisian offerings. I almost dare to say the croissants, small danishes etc were the standard run of the mill (upscale) restaurant types. Staff is excellent, and deserves all the praise that they receive- polite but not unctuous, welcoming to the over-dressed and the overly casually clad vacationer. Wouldn't book it on my own credit card. But if you're loaded, and like walking to the Louvre, go for it.

Le Meurice is one of the finest hotels we've stayed in anywhere. That it is on the rue de Rivoli steps from the Louvre and across the Jardin du Luxembourg from the Muse d'Orsay makes its location perfect. Once off the busy street it is a quiet haven with unsurpassed, smooth and friendly service and perfect dining.