When traveling to Paris with girlfriends, we love to stay in adjoining rooms or suites to maximize our time together without compromising individual space. This past spring, we had the delight of staying in adjoining suites in one of Paris’ greatest gems, Le Burgundy Hotel and found it to be a perfect match for our getaway needs.
The Burgundy is a study in sophistication and modernity. The attention to detail and flawless interior design, cleverly juxtaposing contemporary and antique accents, makes this a standout property in Paris’ most chic of areas, the 1st arrondissement.
The Executive level rooms and suites are generously sized with well-thought-out layouts. The junior suites and full suites are a good fit for families with children who need a little more space. I traveled with my friend Christine and she and I were delighted with our individual suites that connected in the Pavilion wing of the hotel. Our private entryway led to the Tuileries (upstairs) and Opéra (downstairs) suites with a lovely secluded outdoor terrace off the back. We felt like we had our own mansion-house in the heart of the city. Each was replete with copious closet spaces, double-sink vanities, exquisitely decorated living and dining areas with the finest of fabrics and eclectic artwork. We had our individual upscale bedrooms for quick cat naps or long slumbers and lounging spaces aplenty for our late-night “girl talks” recapping our daily excursions.
The smallest of details were planned for and executed well in each room. Light switches next to the bed were thoughtfully placed, as were the plugs (both USB and converter plugs for U.S. devices), and remote controls for the curtains leading to the patio. An iPad bedside meant room service or concierge advice was just a click away. We gals appreciate a technologically equipped hotel.
No task is too great for the concierge team at Le Burgundy and, in fact, they reach out in advance to see if there is any special request on your wish list. Christine and I took advantage of their hospitality and had them book private appointments for tours at Dior and Chanel, both of which just happen to be mere steps from the lobby of the hotel. Pretty Woman eats your heart out… after an exclusive tour of the spring’s latest fashions, we were whisked away to the second-floor salon of Chanel, handed perfectly chilled glasses of Champagne and began our private shopping experience in earnest. I won’t divulge the extent; let’s just say mission accomplished.
Shopping all day can be tough work – the cobblestone streets in heels, changing and unchanging into designer getups with finicky zippers and trying to see as many French boutique stores as one can in a day. Time to hit Le Burgundy’s Spa by Sothys for a relaxing full-body massage and facial. The soothing cool palette of the spaces set the tone for relaxation. Our expert therapists were talented and helped us choose the right treatments for our skin and made helpful, not pushy recommendations for aftercare. We came out refreshed and invigorated to shop another day!
The ultimate ending to an over-the-top amazing trip was our dinner at Le Burgundy’s Michelin-star restaurant, Le Baudelaire. We chose the tasting menu, leaving the wine to the experts. The sommelier paired each course with delicious fruity, dry, robust or sweet wines accordingly. One dish after another tasted as wonderful as it looked. Sea urchin, smoky crunchy beetroot, lobster spaghetti, lamb with a spicy Spanish wine and three gorgeous desserts for the finale were executed so well. It is difficult to say whether Executive Chef Guillaume Goupil or Pastry Chef Pascal Hainigue created the best dish of the night – it would be like picking a favorite child. Both chefs are creative, innovative and rock stars of the culinary world. I am expecting another star or two soon!
From start to finish we found Le Burgundy the perfect place to stay for a girl’s getaway. Our only regret; we couldn’t stay longer in our home away from home.
Le Burgundy Hotel, 6-8 rue Duphot, 75001, Paris
