Since I just got here my impression may change, but so far I’m obsessed with the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal. I took the RERB from CDG (you can buy your tickets before leaving on an iPhone with Navigo in your Apple wallet — super easy). I could’ve transferred to the metro, but elected to walk 10 mins to the hotel. The final escalator up wasn’t working and it was taxing walking up the large flight of steps with my bag and travel backpack, but I survived. I later saw people with bags looking for an elevator or another escalator, but I didn’t see (sure there was somewhere, but not at the exit I needed).
Got to the hotel around 8:45am and my room wasn’t ready, which is to be expected. I was led to the spa showers, where I had a divine shower (there were a few fancy overhead jets that felt wonderful after an overnight flight). Interesting, I was under the impression that I was in the ladies change room. That would be incorrect — they were unisex!!! Darn good thing I had the place to myself because the shower room was wet so I changed outside of the room; that would’ve been extremely embarrassing if a gentleman had walked in. Didn’t happen so I can chuckle about it now. Doubt I would’ve cared at the time because I really loved the shower and it made me feel alive and ready for the day!
Headed off to La Vallee Village, the designer outlets. This requires taking the RERA just one stop shy of Disney Paris. I’m thrilled to report that nothing untoward happened this time and we arrived on schedule. I did some serious shopping (YSL, Moncler, Golden Goose, Longchamp [gifts] and a birthday gift for my nephew at Lacoste). Stopped for a cheese quiche at Pret-A-Manger and headed back to the city after several hours weighted down nicely with shopping bags.
Since it was close to 5pm my room was ready and I was instantly smitten! I would take this room (smallest room — exactly what I booked) over an upgrade for the gorgeous view. The hotel is capacity for a few nights of my 6 night stay, so no upgrade — didn’t care since I love my room. While it is perfect for me, I don’t know how a couple would stay in the room — the closet barely fits the clothes I brought and I’m team carry-on only. The bathroom has little to no space for my toiletries. This doesn’t bother me at all, but I want to make anyone aware who is considering booking this with a partner or child — it might feel cramped and there is *no way* there would be space for makeup, etc. for 2 people. Welcome gift of a bottle of champagne (no fake stuff here) and 2 luxury chocolate bars! Turn down service was another luxury chocolate bar. I need to ask that they stop spoiling me because I want to move in (I’d need a MUCH larger closet of course LOL).
Breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant or in-room. I checked the in-room menu and it looks alright. I’ll probably order on my last day.
Location is AMAZING. Two mins max from the metro station and 8 mins (w/o bags) from Chatalet les Halles (RER station). I have fallen in love with the 1st again (my first time in Paris in 2012 was in the first, but different part).
If anyone recognizes the outside of the adjacent building, it is the exterior of the building that the advertising company that Emily of Emily in Paris worked at when she arrived in Paris! The concierge told me that Emily (Lily Colins) stays here when they are filming!
Tomorrow I have a ticket to get inside of Notre Dame at 10am and then I’ll wander around St Germain des Pres with a stop at Queen Elizabeth Flower Market. I have a dinner reservation at Le Soufflé at 7pm so I’ll probably head back to the hotel around 5 to freshen up and relax for a bit before dinner.
Random street pic around the corner from the hotel:
