Hôtel Panache

Arriving at a hotel early, before your room is ready, is usually a hassle. In the case of Hotel Panache, it’s a welcome treat.

We’re ushered to a cozy corner of the lobby – adorned with peaks of crystals, art-deco shapes and exposed lights – where a delightful selection of teas and pastries awaits, and the old-world Hollywood treatment begins.

What seems like the whole of Paris passes us by out the window, the crowds moving swiftly through the chill – trying to stay warm in the morning rays. Our bags still sit beside us but it feels like we’ve lived here for days.

A friendly hotel staffer approaches us softly so as not to disturb the glamorous Parisian film fantasy playing in my mind. Our room is ready and we’re directed up to the third floor.

Mr Smith rides the petite elevator with our well-travelled luggage; I opt to take the spiral staircase with the monochrome carpet. Level by level, I hear the hum of exotic languages, and that filmic fantasy kicks back in.

Our expectations are high – Parisian native Dorothée Meilichzon is responsible for the interiors and is known around the world for her eclectic style and custom furniture designs.

We swing the door open to our Double Superior room and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows softened with linen drapery, the busy Parisian streets just three floors below. Our double bed is framed by a feature wall covered in eye-catching wallpaper; a custom brass pendant light floats above. As I glide through the room searching for the perfect place to house my handbag I notice the corner seating nook complete with a set of lilac lounge chairs. Mr Smith is distracted by the quaint desk adorned with personalised Panache stationery (which will be making it’s way home with us…)

At the exact moment my stomach reminds me we’re in the land of sweet treats, fortune cookies appear – one for me and one for Mr Smith. It really feels like the secret messages were written just for us. We won’t spoil the surprise but bravo Hotel Panache: nice touch.

Our new home in the 9th arrondissement is just south of one of the city’s best lookouts: the church and steps of Sacre-Coeur and, after a quick freshen up, we set off to explore it and the surrounding streets – we’re spoilt with cafes, artsy boutiques and local produce markets

As late afternoon creeps up, we retire to what now feels like our private pied-à-terre. The muted chaos from the streets below makes the perfect soundtrack for a well-earned holiday nap.

We wake feeling rested and ready for dinner. We descend the spiral staircase and head out to a local restaurant, a small dose of confusion sets in as we sit down in an empty dining room just before 7.30pm – who knew Parisians ate so late? After toasting Paris with our chilled prosecco we turn our attention to some local cheeses and expertly cured charcuterie. We finish off our meal with a sweet chocolate dessert, a glass of red wine and a fond farewell to our waiter before we work our back way past the tables of food-loving locals.

A slight stumble up the slanted stairs, and we’re back in our suite, the window to our Juliette balcony left slightly ajar as the Paris streets below continue to buzz late into the night.  

The long sleep fixes us for another day of exploring. With pastries on our mind we’re out the door in minutes to make our way down to breakfast.

Waiting by the elevator, the success of a girls-only shopping trip is uncovered as housekeeping clears the excess shopping bags from next door. Dior, Balmain, La Bon Marche, Chanel – the whole gang was there. I feel a return trip brewing…

As we exit through the oversized glass doors onto the street we reflect on just how lovely our stay has been. The impeccable service encourages you to make it your home; the sublime interiors have you rethinking your whole world.

Hotel Panache: so glamorous, so individual, so Paris…