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Interlude in a Romantic Paris Hotel

By Betsy Wuebker 57 Comments

(Last Updated On: January 23, 2017)
romantic Paris hotel

Our romantic Paris hotel

A romantic Paris hotel is a sequestered cocoon from which we can conjure imaginative stories about our fellow travelers. These may or may not be true.

Few would argue that there is no better place to be in the City of Light than a romantic Paris hotel with the one you love.

The appeal would be far, far less without its temporary nature, of course. Others who share the space during your stay will move on, just as you. But for a brief interlude, you’ll have something in common: a sequestered cocoon from which the outside world secedes. A hushed serenity in which footfalls are muffled by thick carpets and upholstered walls. A world within a world.

IMG_3986.JPG

Our room reflected in a mirror

Gilded details befitting a regent.

romantic Paris hotel

Gilded details

A princess canopy with pillows and coverlets in profusion. Windows with elaborate wrought-iron latches which when open, send sheer curtains billowing.

romantic Paris hotel

Our room

If a romantic Paris hotel is the ideal way to spend your city sojourn, then second best would have to be at quiet breakfast in the same romantic Paris hotel with an hour or two to spare. Not only to dine, but to take in.

Part of the appeal of travel is freedom from outcome. Unfettered by the complications of familiarity, a traveler may observe a moment’s tiniest details in stark relief as it unfolds. Adornments painted and carved long ago, monograms on silver cutlery, incense mimicking woodsmoke in a public room to welcome a newcomer. The way a person is dressed, the things they carry, their set of mannerisms – all can evoke an imaginative story in the traveler’s mind, the truth of which is immaterial.

romantic paris hotel

The salon where woodsmoke incense sets a wintry mood

The woman who dines alone, hair effortlessly arranged with a tortoise shell comb, paisley shawl with fringe artlessly draped and wrapped, impossibly chic. Did she leave a lover languishing upstairs? Here he arrives with a hand on the portiere, older than expected, eyes alighting on her as she turns to meet his gaze. They smile rather than speak.

romantic Paris hotel

Velvet portieres in the dining room entrance

The businessman reading a German newspaper from the entry table. The older Japanese couple, he tapping on his phone, she pouring his tea. The fashion buyers going over their notes. All too soon they will fade away, and you wonder how many others like them – and you – have transited through this room in the three centuries since it was part of a family home.

romantic Paris hotel

Marcel disappears through a secret panel door. Can you guess where it is?

The waiter, Marcel, glides swiftly and soundlessly about his tasks, disappearing and reappearing by way of a secret panel door. In an instant he is before you with a discreetly-whispered, “Madame?” Silver tongs proffer the perfect croissant or rounded hard roll from a plate draped with white linen. Another minute and he returns with vivid raspberry juice, flawlessly seedless, each sip staining your winter lips with a bit of heavenly promise.

romantic Paris hotel

Seedless raspberry juice – how does it happen?

Your coffee is poured from a personal pot sized for no more than a half cup extra at a time – it should never be cold. Marcel will replace it with a white-gloved flourish before you ask. Your omelet lies in a golden triangular fold on a porcelain plate, toast points are cosseted in a napkin, the salt and pepper are spooned. The charcutiér has shaved today’s délicieux jambon transparently thin. You may have as much of anything as you like and linger as long as you wish.

romantic Paris hotel

Savor every detail

The rest of the world can seem very, very far away in a romantic Paris hotel.

Tips and information:

IMG_4013.JPGOur delightful romantic Paris hotel stay (free with Club Carlson points) was with Radisson Blu Le Dokhan’s Trocadéro, a 4-star boutique property. Please note that since this post was published, Le Dokhan’s has left the Carlson Hotels organization, and is now affiliated as a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, with the SPG-Marriott organization. The hotel is a former 18th century residence and has the city’s oldest champagne bar (where the breakfast experience we described is served) with over 70 varieties available. Concierge and check-in services were seamless. If you are short on cash for taxi, you may run in for some from the hotel’s petty cash to pay your fare. As we were staying during Fashion Week, there was an apology that a Club Carlson member upgrade was unavailable due to the hotel being completely full. Instead, we were offered free breakfast for two, a 60 euro daily value. The hotel’s 16th arr. neighborhood is convenient with many dining and pub options. We found it very walkable with metro stop, Champs Elysées shopping, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Notre Dame easily reached on foot. Lovebirds may want to venture out in the predawn to Trocadéro Circle and await the sunrise. In winter, it illuminates the Eiffel Tower in gold across the Seine. Truly a breathtaking sight that we, alas, glimpsed only from our taxi as it sped us to our train for Zurich.

Le Dokhan’s Trocadéro, 117 Rue Lauriston, Paris 75116  Tel: +33 1 53 65 66 99 Free high speed internet, pet friendly. Classic rooms from approximately $241/night.

 

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Filed Under: France, Hotel Reviews, Travel Tagged With: Paris

Comments

  1. Donna Janke says

    January 5, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    I loved how you described the other people. I felt as if I was there. This place sounds wonderful. My husband and I have a trip to England planned in fall – this post has me thinking how we night add some days and manage a romantic interlude in Paris.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      Hi Donna – It’s been about a year since this stay, and I would love to go back. Hope you can manage it!

      Reply
  2. melody pittman says

    January 5, 2015 at 5:27 am

    this looks fantastic. full of romance, pampering, deliciousness, and fun. 😉

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      Hi Melody – It’s all that and more. Truly a lovely experience.

      Reply
  3. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go says

    January 5, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    You had me at romantic PARIS hotel and your photos show me a place that lives up to my dream of romantic. Your descriptions of the people, hotel decor and breakfast experience were so detailed and sounded like you were definitely “in the moment” and enjoying it immensely!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:43 pm

      Hi Anita – It definitely is a vivid moment. With my memory these days, it’s amazing how many details I can recall from a year ago.

      Reply
  4. noel says

    January 6, 2015 at 12:43 am

    Well that looks quite a swank stay in the City of Love and Light – wonderful details and color to the rooms. It does looks like a special stay!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      Hi Noel – Swank is a great word to describe it. Great style and attention to details.

      Reply
  5. Marilyn Jones says

    January 6, 2015 at 9:39 am

    What a delightful article! Your hotel sounds so posh and your keen observations — true or untrue — were fun to read. Your photos are excellent too!!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      Hi Marilyn – It is a great little hotel, fairly reasonable by comparison with others of its calibre in Paris. Glad you enjoyed this post.

      Reply
  6. Carole Terwilliger Meyers says

    January 6, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Oooh, la, la! Radisson Blu Le Dokhan’s Trocadéro sounds like it delivers the goods.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:47 pm

      Hi Carole – They certainly do. Everyone there works very hard to maintain the standard, but they make it look effortless.

      Reply
  7. The GypsyNesters says

    January 6, 2015 at 11:20 am

    What a great looking hotel for a stay in The City of Lights. Really captures the feel of Paris!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Gypsynesters – Yes, it really does have that uniquely Parisian feel.

      Reply
  8. Irene S Levine says

    January 6, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    This hotel looks like a great find~
    It looks so very Parisienne! Loved your very evocative writing.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Irene – We actually had the choice of two in this neighborhood with Carlson points and it was hard to know. Perhaps we would pick the other next time, but they would have to work very hard to match this experience.

      Reply
  9. Nancie says

    January 5, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    Love the details. I wouldn’t even need a significant other to enjoy this space, immensely! 🙂

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      Hi Nancie – Neither would I. I’d just hang out in the champagne bar and hope to meet an interesting person or two. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Michele Peterson says

    January 6, 2015 at 12:16 am

    What a beautiful hotel and you described it in such a lovely way!. I’ve only ever stayed alone in Paris and in budget rooms with bathrooms down the halls at that but I still thought the city was one of the most romantic places to be. I wonder what Carlson points are? They look worth collecting if you can get such a beauty of a hotel room.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:44 pm

      Hi Michele – Carlson points are the rewards program the Radissons and their related properties have: http://clubcarlson.com. We’d managed to stockpile quite a few in anticipation of our trip with various programs and stayed for our month in Europe in luxury hotels for next to nothing.

      Reply
  11. Anne says

    January 6, 2015 at 4:15 am

    Oh you make me long for a romantic escape! We’ve just completed a wonderful week of Umbria Jazz Winter in Italy, and though we had as much fun as our Music and Markets guests, after those late jazzy nights we jumped right back into our kitchen renovation. Oh would a restful getaway be welcome! I’ll just look at your beautiful photos and dream…

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      Hi Anne – You’re close enough that a quick getaway would be relatively easy. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Josie says

    January 6, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Happy New Year Betsy!

    Your writing is indeed lovely, transporting me back to Paris. You have captured the details that make travel fun — the differences in culture and histories evident in everything you see, smell, taste, and feel. Paris holds so much inspiration!

    And portieres! I love that they were there — and that you knew the correct term for them!

    Well done, Betsy! Wishing you happy and safe travels.

    Josie

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 7, 2015 at 9:40 am

      Hi Josie – Yeah, portieres! Historically used to keep the cold out before central heating. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

      Reply
  13. LarsErikNYC says

    January 6, 2015 at 11:57 pm

    While Radisson’s program is called Club Carlson (after Curt Carlson, their founder), the points are called Gold Points (not Carlson points). That name too refers back in time to when Curt Carlson ran Gold Stamps. Along with S&H Green stamps, these were early customer appreciation/loyalty programs where you actually had to paste the stamps into little booklets. My how times of changed! I look forward to my first trip to Paris, but it’s on my list for this year!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 7, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Hi LarsErikNYC – Thanks for clarifying. Club Carlson is a relative newcomer from our hometown of Minneapolis within the last five years to hotel points. We were fortunate to get in on the early days and rack up tens of thousands with fairly little effort. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Sand In My Suitcase says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:42 am

    Oooh, love those thoughts on other guests who’ve stayed or are staying in your romantic hotel. What are their secrets, their loves? Great creative way to write up a review of a hotel. You make us want to cocoon there too!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 7, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Hi Janice – I think you’d love the experience. And doesn’t everyone speculate when they people watch? Where’s the fun, otherwise. 😉

      Reply
  15. Brianna says

    January 6, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    I was transported to the CIty of Light with this post. I too love to people watch when traveling, and the food lookd fab.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 6, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Brianna – It’s so fun to imagine when people-watching, isn’t it. Glad you liked it.

      Reply
  16. Linda ~ Journey Jottings says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:02 am

    “Part of the appeal of travel is freedom from outcome.”
    Love this and your following observation –
    “Unfettered by the complications of familiarity”
    You’ve summed up perfectly the love we experience when roaming the world!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 7, 2015 at 9:47 am

      Hi Linda – Yes, indeed. I finally realized this about myself a year ago on this inspiring trip, and I know it resonates with many. We just don’t have to vest in everything that goes on, which is easier said than done in a familiar milieu with expectations, etc.

      Reply
  17. Lisa Chavis says

    January 8, 2015 at 12:22 am

    What a delightful read! I felt transported back in time to the Paris of old…soooo nice! Your pictures are amazing – what a treat. This is how someone who visits Paris should spend their time. A wonderful experience!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 8, 2015 at 5:33 pm

      Hi Lisa – We were just talking about this stay again over dinner. Posting about it brought up so many additional details. It truly is a gem. Glad you liked it.

      Reply
  18. Conor Walsh says

    January 8, 2015 at 2:18 am

    Damn, that place is nice man. The last time I was in Paris I slept on an air mattress in my friends apartment. Next time I’m hoping to upgrade to her couch. Maybe one day I’ll finally make it to an actual hotel. I do love a bit of people watching as well.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 8, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Conor – I would think people watching in the champagne bar (the same as the breakfast room) in the evening would bring even more imaginative results. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Pablo says

    January 9, 2015 at 1:54 am

    What a great place to stay, love the little intricacies and nuances. I need to make it back to Paris again. : )

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 9, 2015 at 7:49 am

      Hi Pablo – We all do. Especially now. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Stephen & Jess says

    January 8, 2015 at 11:15 am

    What a great review and a beautiful hotel – when I do make it to Paris i will sure keep this place in mind.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 8, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Hi Stephen and Jess – I hope you do consider staying at Le Dohan’s Trocadéro. It was really the quintessential Paris experience for us.

      Reply
  21. Neva @ Retire for the Fun of it says

    January 9, 2015 at 9:26 am

    I loved the romantic stories intertwined with your stay in Paris. Okay, did I miss it? Where is the secret doorway that the waiter came through? People watching is such a fun pastime.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 10, 2015 at 9:18 am

      Hi Neva – If you look in the photo, you’ll see a faint horizontal line above the picture hanging above the bar counter; that’s the top of the door panel. That wall is actually perpendicular to the bar and the kitchen lies behind. So the whole thing, picture and all, swings inward to the kitchen. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Sue Reddel says

    January 9, 2015 at 4:03 am

    Loved your review! I just love all things France and a romantic hotel like this in Paris makes me yearn to return immediately.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 9, 2015 at 7:50 am

      Hi Sue – I fell for Paris hard and fast, and love France dearly, too.

      Reply
  23. santafetraveler says

    January 9, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Loved the hotel- it was so mysterious not knowing the name until the end. Great evocative post. There’s nothing like fresh croissant and petit pan for breakfast with great butter and jam. Whenever I have this at home, I pretend I’m in Paris.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 10, 2015 at 9:19 am

      Hi Billie – Glad you enjoyed it. I agree, it’s fun to pretend we’re there when the things we have remind us.

      Reply
  24. Larissa says

    January 11, 2015 at 3:14 am

    I love how you’ve captured the mystique of the experience–great writing!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 11, 2015 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Larissa – Glad you enjoyed this. It was fun to reminisce. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Kristen Sarra says

    January 11, 2015 at 11:32 am

    I love your description of the Parisian hotel experience! It is really weird to think about how many lives came before you and had varied experience in the same place!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 11, 2015 at 12:14 pm

      Hi Kristen – I love trying to imagine the various experiences. Sometimes the energy they have left behind is palpable. This space was very peaceful.

      Reply
  26. Michelle - Very Hungry Explorer says

    January 11, 2015 at 6:40 am

    That looks like a wonderful place to stay. I love a hotel with a good breakfast, starts the day off perfectly.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 11, 2015 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Michelle – Especially one you can linger over and people watch! 🙂

      Reply
  27. alison @GreenWithRenvy says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Beautifully written piece Betsy. I loved your descriptions and am feeling the romance all the way in frigid Boston!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 12, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      hi Alison – glad to transport you, if only temporarily.

      Reply
  28. Margot says

    February 16, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    Paris my fav city in the world Now being widowed I can only dream of another romantic holiday
    I too notice such details when I travel many of my friends are taken by the things I retain from a dinner, visit, journey. I consider writing but feel others would only be bored. After reading your essay I see I am not alone
    Thank God
    Thank you for a lovely revisit to my beautiful Paris

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      February 16, 2015 at 2:22 pm

      Hi Margot – Write! If you’re an observer and a reader, and it sounds like you are both, you can be a writer. You’ll never know until you try. 🙂

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Betsy. I traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited more than 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, I can help you refine your bucket list!

Here’s to a happier, travel-centered life!

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