Hotel review: Edouard VII

I
like luxury and see no need to hide it. So when I found myself booked
for a night at the Edouard VII, my bags were packed and I was waiting
by the door 2 minutes after my reservation was made. The reason I was
so excited is simple: the neighbors!

There is
only one hotel that sits on the Avenue de l’Opéra and this one is it.
With the Louvre at one end of the street and the Opéra Garnier at the
other, this place has the grandes dames of Paris for voisines. Not to
mention that the suits of Gucci, the dresses of Prada, the gowns of
Valentino and the stilettos of Dior live in the luxe boutiques around
the corner. Did I mention the bejeweled Place Vendome with Cartier,
Boucheron, Fred and others sparkling in her crown? She’s just around
the corner, too. And anyone looking for fun will find the frisky
restos, bars, cafes, clubs and theatres of the Grands Boulevards good
company during a late night stroll.

In fact, it
is best to think of the neighborhood as “H” for heavenly. The hotel is
situated in the middle of the “H,” and anything and everything
wonderfully Parisian stretches out from this nexus, with Avenue de
l’Opéra running north to south and rue St. Honoré and Les Grands
Boulevards running parallel to each other east to west.

So what about the hotel itself?

The
small lobby that sparkles with style is inviting and full of textures
and touches that delight a weary traveler (or shopper). What it lacks
in opulence, it more than makes up for in an iconoclastic mix of dark
wood, light marble, Venetian colored glass and Napoleon III gilded
antiques. I fell in love with the delicate filigree lights made from
exotic wood that punctuate the space, adding a touch of whimsy.

Off
from the lobby there’s a cozy lounge with leather club chairs, glossy
travel magazines and high speed Internet connection for those needing a
quiet nook to nestle in. Or if you’re looking for a meeting place, a
quiet spot for a cup of tea or a cocktail with a kick, there’s no need
to go any further than through the dark wood French doors. A well
stocked bar back-lit by vibrant stain glass gives the room a warm glow,
while rich-toned lounge chairs paired in intimate seating arrangements
give you plenty of low-keyed privacy without straying a step from style.

When
you are ready to call it a night, the elevator whisks you to one of the
70 rooms spread out over 7 floors. I confess that while walking down
the narrow corridor I was like a naughty child and couldn’t resist
running my fingers along the walls especially since they are covered in
such lush fabrics in tones of pale gold.

Once
ensconced in my room I did the obligatory bed bounce, view check,
closet peak and tidy toilet inspection. Perfectly satisfied, I was
finally able to relax and enjoy the little welcome treats laid out on
the table for two near the window: a bowl with water and lemon slices
to dip my fingers into and a small plate of fresh fruit to cool off
with after a long day.

In fact I was so worn
out that a leisurely bubble bath seemed just the trick for restoring my
spirits. Funny or pathetic, but even after living in Paris for nearly 2
years I still have trouble figuring out how to use the showers.
Something about the hand-held nozzles results in me spraying water
everywhere and in this grand salle de bain, things were no different.
By the time I dumped the full contents of the 2 bottles of
complimentary bubble bath into the tub I had figured out the faucets
and was well on my way was to sudsy nirvana. Thirty minutes and several
rending renditions later, I was wrapped in a fluffy robe and kicking up
my beslippered toes, both thoughtfully provided by the hotel. 

Eventually
I got dressed and met my husband for dinner at one of the lively
restaurants in the quartier. When we returned to the room, the bed had
been turned down and it was his turn to run a critical eye over the
surrounds. It was a little difficult to take him seriously as he sat
wrapped in his plush terry Edouard VII sortie-de-bain and matching
pantoufle. However he did point out a few interesting things from a
male perspective as he nibbled the nougat bonbon that had been left on
his pillow.

The
Edouard VII offers generous-sized rooms of a size that is rare even
among four-star hotels in cosmopolitan cities. The decor is soothing
and in sophisticated colors. The furnishings are tasteful and the
French fabrics of high quality. There is also a clear effort to make
guests feel at home—from the magnifying mirror in the bathroom to the
ultra soft cotton sheets. Most rooms also have a small terrace with a
view of the avenue. In essence, this is a hotel that has everything to
make a pre-occupied businessman, an experience tourist, and a voyaging
family feel at home and at ease.

And just for
you … the hotel has recently finished renovations of all of the 5th
floor rooms and they are just getting started on the third floor so be
sure to ask for the availability on these floors to experience their
most elegant and modern chambres.

The innovative Angl’ Opéra hotel restaurant
Plus,
while you can count on a very respectable continental breakfast buffet
with flaky, rich pastries and fresh fruit and juice, the hotel
restaurant offers an innovative and adventurous menu for lunch and
dinner during the week.

Be forewarned: this is
not for those who exist solely on meat and potatoes or don’t have a
sense of daring when it comes to dishes. Expect whimsical mixes that
tease your palate like risotto with celery, balsamic vinegar, radish … and crab for
an appetiser, roasted fennel, Touquet potatoes, green chilli…and lamb
for your entrée. For dessert, crème brûlée with vanilla, marshmallow,
syrup…and chocolate. Don’t forget to pay attention when your waiter tells you what goes with what and what to drink and what to use as a seasoning!

236€ – 509€: SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS… 10% of when you mention Bonjour Paris!

www.edouard7hotel.com
Phone: 01-42-61-56-90
39, avenue de l’Opéra, 75002
Métro: Opéra, lines 3, 7, 8 and RER A and Pyramids, lines 7, 14