The Bottom Line: A solid, relatively reasonably-priced pick for luxury accomodations in Paris, the four-star Hilton Arc de Triomphe offers tasteful decor, near-impeccable service and modern comfort. This is not "creme de la creme" luxury, but a good choice for travelers looking for self-pampering and service close to top attractions like the Arc de Triomphe.
Pros:
- Near-impeccable service and cleanliness
- All rooms and areas tastefully decorated in art decor style
- Elegant restaurant, bar
Cons:
- Spa services including jacuzzi not complimentary for most rooms; no pool
- Not a particularly authentic Parisian experience
Hilton Arc de Triomphe Practical Information
Address: 51-57, rue de Courcelles, 8th arrondissementTel.: +33 (0)1-5836-6700
Metro: Courcelles (line 2)
Reservations: Book a room at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe
Rooms: Standard, family, executive suites.
Decor: 1930's-style art deco, meant to be reminiscent of transatlantic cruise liners. Designer and architect Jacques Garcia and Alexandre Danan brought art deco design flourishes to nearly every detail of the hotel, from the artwork to the in-room furnishings.
In-room services: Room service, bathrobe, minibar, safe, complimentary water and mignardises (gourmet sweets), entertainment center (movies are pay-only), internet access.
Other services: Concierge, car rental service, executive lounge, meeting rooms, banquet hall, fitness room, luxury "mosaic" spa and treatment rooms (Decleor/Carita treatments). Some spa services, including jacuzzi and steamroom, are complimentary for executive room guests.
Restaurant and Bar:
- The Le Safran restaurant includes three outdoor terraces and serves traditional French cuisine with a continental twist. Fixed price menus available.
- The Purple Bar boasts, as predicted, plush violet decor that continues the art-deco theme. Extensive cocktail menu.
Payment Options: All major credit cards accepted
Visit the official website
Other: Small pets and seeing-eye dogs allowed. All rooms non-smoking. Nearby Attractions: Arc de Triomphe, Parc Monceau, Champs-Elysées
Guide Review of the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Hotel: Ambiance and Accomodations
The Ambiance: I was impressed by how a hotel inaugurated in 2004 managed to sweep me away to another era. The art-deco style is applied coherently throughout the hotel, from the stately lobby to the plush purple bar and the stylized paintings of fashionable women that line the halls and decorate the rooms. Unlike older Paris hotels that present a luxurious veneer but often lack certain modern comforts, this hotel creates an illusion of old-world charm while providing all the contemporary fixtures sometimes missing in certain Paris hotels (spacious elevators, abundant hot water, and lots of space). One caveat, however: if you're looking to catch up on your Parisian gossip by listening in to the concierge's conversations or stay in a storied Paris spot brimming with history, this very-American chain hotel is not the place for you.
The Room: My standard room (with king-sized bed) was impeccably clean and comfortable. A large bathroom with bathtub, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries promised a relaxing stay. I appreciated the delicious "mignardises"-- chocolate mousse, chocolates and mixed berries-- and bottled water left for me.
My only small gripes: One bedside lamp flickered and buzzed when I turned it on, and I had to unplug it because the switch next to the bed didn't work. I also found the entertainment to be a little slim for a luxury hotel: of the 27-odd TV channels available, most were cable news channels, and none were movie channels. Pay movies were a bit pricey, too, at around 17 Euros each.
Service at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe
Overall, I found the service at this hotel to be excellent, even in cases where staff was not likely to be aware that I was there to write a review. Staff was consistently friendly, warm and helpful, and for a hotel that ranks below uber-luxury spots like the Four Seasons George V or the Plaza Athenée, attention to detail and extras in even the most basic rooms is top-notch. The buffet breakfast, complete with complimentary newspaper and made-to-order eggs and coffee, was also very good.
Note to readers: As is common in the travel industry, the writer of this review was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing these services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
