HOTEL PARADISO
Far away from the tourist crowds, but still close enough to all the worthwhile Paris attractions, is the ultimate hotel for cinema buffs. Hotel Paradiso was conceived by two brothers Nathanael and Elisha Karmitz, whose family has been in the film industry for decades. In 1974, their father Martin Karmitz, founded MK2, a chain of cinemas throughout France, dedicated to screening international, independent, films. Afterwards, he developed a successful film production and distribution company. Growing up immersed in the film world, Nathanael and Elisha entered into the family business and decided to take it to the next level by launching the first ever cinema hotel, Hotel Paradiso (the name comes from the beloved Italian film from 1989). “It isn’t so much that I am passionate about film; rather, that I was born and raised in the film world, and that it’s like the air I breathe” says Elisha.
Hotel Paradiso (Photo by Hotel Paradiso)
Each of the 34 rooms is slickly designed with faux mid-century furnishings with jewel tone shades of curcuma, sapphire blue, and ruby red, and vintage movie posters from the family’s private art collection line the walls. The special feature is the state of the art laser projector that projects films on a 9-foot wide, white wall. A custom tablet lets guests choose films from the extensive collection of the hotel’s film library, access streaming platforms such as Netflix, Canal Plus, Mubi, and Disney plus, as well as being able to order room service meals and snacks. Another cool extra is after a guest selects their film, the lights dim automatically, and the curtains close electronically.
Hotel Paradiso Screening Room (Photo by Hotel Paradiso)
On the top floor of the hotel, two suites have exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, but the big treat is a private screening room. Imagine impressing up to eight of your friends by inviting them for a dinner and movie in your own suite.
A nearby branch of a popular American style diner in Paris, Bob’s Juice Bar, offers comfort food such as bagels with cream cheese and lox, pancakes, healthy bowls, organic, sweet and savory popcorn, and even a New York hot dog, around the clock. During the summer months, the rooftop bar serves cocktails, beer, and wine accompanied by outdoor movie screenings. 135 Boulevard Diderot. Tel: +33-1-8859-2001. mk2hotelparadiso.com
PAVILLON DE FAUBOURG SAINT GERMAIN
Refined elegance is the essence of Chevalier Paris, a family-owned trio of boutique hotels around the city which include the Pavillon de la Reine on the Place des Vosges and the Le Petit Moulin in the upper Marais. The group recently launched the five-star Pavillon de Faubourg Saint Germain, a welcome addition to the Rive Gauche.
Pavillon de Faubourg Saint Germain (Photo by Pavillon de Faobourg Saint Germain)
We asked the owner Jerome Chevalier why he chose to open a hotel on the Rive Gauche, he replied “The vibrant neighborhood of SaintGermain-des-Prés is synonymous with intellectuals, beautiful boutiques, and fascinating history, making it the perfect location for Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain. The site of the hotel was where James Joyce finalized Ulysses, and we’ve referenced the writer in many ways, from our modern bistro and bar to our luxurious presidential suite.”
Pavillon de Faubourg Saint Germain (Photo by Pavillon de Faobourg Saint Germain) (1)
Interior designer Didier Benderli, who also created the interiors for the Pavillon de la Reine, has transformed the 47 rooms into the epitome of Parisian chic with soft, neutral colors of taupe and eggshell contrasted with accents of aqua blue and plum. The deluxe room measures 300 square feet and features a king bed and a white bathroom with an oversized shower, separate tub, and Codage toiletries.
Pavillon de Faubourg Saint Germain (Photo by Pavillon de Faobourg Saint Germain)
For some much-needed R & R after strolling the glorious streets of Paris, take advantage of the Codage Spa in the lower level, where you can have a swim in the heated pool, indulge in a Travel Detox treatment, relax in the meditation and yoga suite, or chill out in the hammam.
Restaurant Les Parisiens, the place to see and be seen by savvy, well-heeled Rive Gauche locals, offers a menu of updated bistro classics by the award-winning chef Thibault Sombardier in an elegant but relaxed dining room. After dinner, make a toast to James Joyce by having a cocktail expressly named after characters from his novels at his namesake bar. 3 Rue du Pré aux Clercs. Tel: +33-1-4261-0151.
pavillon-faubourg-saint-germain.com
