Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris, Paris

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Quality of Rooms
Standard of Service

Advantages:	It's the height of fashion daaahhhling
Disadvantages:	It's ability to be tres expensive

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

It's no secret that I like expensive things, so when my partner told me we were going to Paris for a weekend, I was beside myself with excitement and worry. Ok, with a destination such as Paris you can't really go wrong, but when you've got a partner like mine, the choice of hotel can leave a lot to be desired. (Like the time we went to Thailand and he thought it would be great to live in a hut for a week with the local wildlife. Not funny)

However, he decided he would keep it a secret until we arrived. As we drove along Rue de Coucelles, it became very apparent that he had made the correct choice. A massive "Hilton" sign appeared in view, and my excitement trebelled. It is a very massive and inspiring building, spanning 7 floors of sheer opulence.

The Arc de Triomphe is a stonesthrow away from the hotel lobby, and it truly is an awesome sight.
There is a beautiful building next to the Hilton, reminiscant of the 1930's Art Deco constructions, from which it is clear the Hilton has drawn it's inspiration for it's clear cut lines and fresh appeal. Anyway, enough about the other buildings...

The Hilton also boasts 2 plush and comfortable dining rooms, "Le Saffran" and "Art Deco Brasserie". Le Saffran serves traditional cuisine as well as a plethora of foods from all over the world, whereas Art Deco Brasserie serves the finest local cuisine to a very very very high standard (although they could use a lesson in portion sizes)!!

The rooms are gorgeous, with prices ranging from the low, low price of £166.00 for a double room including buffet breakfast (2 people), up to the more celubrious price of £620.00 (King sized suite with personal terrace overlooking Paris and buffet breakfast for 2 people). This price is per night, so the fainthearted need not apply.

In addition to the restaurants (if I dare call them that), there is a stunning terraced bar, simply named "The Purple Bar". Swathed in deep purple drapes with expensively soft chairs and sofas, you can relax on one of the terraces whilst drinking any cocktail of your choice from around the world, or a simple light beer. Live music is also available most nights in "The Purple Bar". A quick note should be inserted here to reiterate that everything in the Hilton comes at a hefty price. Even a glass of house white will set you back approximately £7/£8, whilst a small beer will cost roughly £5/£6.

The Hilton literally swarms with staff, from the concierges at the front desk, to the bellboys and valeters, so theres never a dull moment. It also boasts a beauty salon, 2 spas, a florist and a ballroom. For the high-powered executive, the Hilton offers a massive meeting room with it's own private elevators, and has a "Dedicated Business Centre" (don't ask me - I was not there for a meeting).

The car park has room for 100 cars and 3 buses, just in case you fancy taking the car. I wouldnt advise it because the roads seem a bit manic!!

The rooms are well decorated in the Art Deco style you will find prevalent throughout the hotel, and have a minibar and satellite television as standard. We opted for a middle-of-the-road package, that cost my partner approximately £330.00 for the night (inlcuding breakfast, of course). There's nothing extra included in the price - you pay for a bed in a nice room and thats exactly what you get. Ok, the beds do feel like they are made of air, and the tv's in the rooms are massive. It's very well decorated, but it does lack a sense of individualism.

All in all, I enjoyed my day/night with the Hilton Arc De triomphe. It is expensive, and unless you are dressed in your finest Dolce and Gabbana or Gucci/Pucci outfits, you will be stared at as though you were an animal. Jeans (in fact, denim in general) is frowned upon, even if it is by the best designers. And whatever you do - don't wear a vest in the foyer - you will be politely asked to put on a longer sleeved item of clothing (not from personal experience).

What more can I say? If you fancy a bit of indulgence, give it a try. If you want to keep your money and are more than happy with a standard bed and breakfast - find a travel inn !!