The Hotel Review: Le Pavillon de la Reine, Paris
Image: Dex Jones
Review: Dex Jones
This exquisite hotel situated in the Le Marais district of Paris was named in honour of Queen Anne of Austria who stayed in one of the hotel’s wings and later married King Louis XIII of France, who is also immortalised in this area of Paris by means of a great monument of him on horseback in the park of the Place des Vosges (Le Marais which is directly opposite the hotel and also the oldest park in Paris). The large square around the Place des Vosges park was ‘the place to be’ for French nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries and which features iconic red brick and stone multi-storey architecture, synonymous to France and especially Paris. This bustling square is often said to be one of the most beautiful squares’ in the world.
The hotels courtyard garden resembles the fabled ‘Secret Garden’ from the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. A place to wander into your own world of imagination, tranquility and relaxation. Sitting in the sunlight with a glass of Bordeaux, you can feel the history of the hotel all around you and it’s easy to imagine the gentry of Paris once living life to the full in the exact spot that you are in.
Image: Dex Jones
The entrance to Le Pavillon de la Reine (with it’s facade draped in a thick carpet of ivy) is through one of the large arches which leads into the majestic courtyard. This chic hotel has 56 rooms and suites all of which have been individually designed to exacting standards fit for a royal palace by Didier Benderli of Kerylos Interiors. Large double windows symmetrically line the walls at each floor level with wrought iron Juliet balconies, smaller attic room windows sit atop of the building and look like blinking eyes straining in the sunshine. Again with a nod to the royal moniker of the Queen of Austria, Pavillion de la Reine will soon reveal its new restaurant (of course, named Anne) with a feast of a menu by Chef Mathieu Pacaud.
On our arrival in Paris, we took the chance to try the O’ Chateau wine cellar experience before our allocated check-in time at the hotel. O’ Chateau is an award winning a bar, restaurant and wine cellar within walking distance from the hotel and very close to main sightseeing spots such as The Louvre. Housing over a thousand bottles and having 50 wines available by the glass, O’Chateau has a range of sophisticated drinks for most palates, and has been voted one of the best place to sample a tipple in Paris. To start the experience, our Sommelier introduced himself and went through a summary of the agenda which included a guide on how to taste, view and age different wines. The wine tasting consisted of pairing five different grape varieties of wine, champagnes, and dessert wines with a wonderful array of bread, cheese and cooked meats. A visit to O’Chateau is a must-try experience for any connoisseur or amateur wine enthusiast.
Image: Dex Jones
Once we returned to the hotel the check-in was simple and straight forward with multi-lingual staff enthused with the task of providing excellent customer service. A porter and concierge team were on hand for any personal requirements. The ‘Honesty Bar’ is located in the hotels’ lounge areas and offered a selection of Champagne, wine, bottled beers and spirits all available on an honesty policy, just fill in a form as you drink and hand it to reception.
There is a reading room and a library room to the right of the main lobby, with luxurious velvet curtains and comfortable seating, scattered down-lights and stylish table lamps create a warm subtle ambience reflecting light and colour across the impressive collections of oil paintings which adorned the walls.
ACCOMMODATION
We stayed in room number 12 which was located on the first floor over looking the courtyard. 
Image: Dex Jones
Room 12 is a spacious split-level (Mezzanine) Junior Suite with a luxe large red velvet sofa, furniture in period antique dark wood; coffee table, writing desk and chair.The oak balustrade staircase leads up to the Mezzanine bedroom; king-size bed, crisp white linen with jewel toned soft furnishings . The bathroom featured a marbled walk in shower and wash room, with circular hand basin, heated towel rail and an array toiletries by Cordage. Hotel monogrammed towels, bath robes and slippers are also supplied.
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
SPA
Located in the basement, the spa is equipped with gym equipment, steam room and jacuzzi, compact but sufficient for a city centre spa and overall a wonderful relaxing atmosphere created by soft lighting, spa-sounds and scented aromas. I took an advantage of an hours’ relaxation in the form of a full body massage which was excellent. If you wanted to opt for additional treatments there is a compact but well selected spa treatment menu.
BREAKFAST
Served in the lounge rooms either side of the lobby, traditional continental style breakfast with tea and coffee a selection including fabulous French pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages. we finished out breakfast with coffee in the courtyard garden a great end to a wonderful stay.
Stays at Pavillon de la Reine from €335 per room per night, based on two sharing on a B&B basis. To book : www.pavillondelareine.com; + 33 (0) 1 40 29 19 19
Le Pavillon de la Reine, Paris
28 Place s Vosges 75003
Room Rates – per room per night, tax and service charges included, from:
- Classic room: 335 €
- Superior room: 390€
- Deluxe room : 460€
- Junior Suite 590 €
- Junior Suite Prestige, single or double occupancy €690
- Suite Arthur Rimbaud, Victor Hugo and Madame de Sévigné €980
- Family Suite, €1150
- Suite de la Reine, €1550
Airport Transfer
Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, provided the airport transfers. The company serves more than 50 countries, 250 cities and 500 airports worldwide with English-speaking drivers. All-inclusive Business Class rates from CDG to Paris city center are about €80 and are guaranteed when you book.
All airport pickups include a driver meet-and-greet and up to one hour of free driver wait time. Drivers automatically adjust your pickup time if your flight’s arrival time changes. To book, visit blacklane.com.
O’ Chateau Wine Cellar Experience
The wine cellar is within walking distance from the hotel and very close to the Louvre. O’Chateau is a must experience for any connoisseur or amateur wine enthusiast (Read our full review here)
isango! offers a wine tasting at O Chateau’s wine cellars which costs from £26.12 per person. This two hour tour departs daily and includes cheese and wine and an English speaking guide. For more information, or to book, visit: www.isango.com
Airport Parking at Manchester Airport
Holiday Extras offers trusted parking services at all major UK airports. To book airport parking at the Short Stay T3 at Manchester Airport from £73.99 for eight days, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 1313 777. Price searched on June 5 for arrival on July 14.