A Family Festive Stay at The Peninsula Paris

Stepping foot into 'Little Versailles' main lobby, we were instantly captivated by the glass art installation floating in the centre. This intricately designed installation piece was put together by Lasvit designers Luděk Hroch and Jitka Kamencová Skuhravá in collaboration with Chhada Siembieda & Associates Shanghai and Hong Kong, and is made of 800 hand-blown glass abstract sycamore leaves. This representation of 'dancing leaves', set the tone of our stay - liberating in a delicate and refined atmosphere.

Our check-in experience went smoothly and was made all the more welcoming by the Peninsula team who each embody the Peninsula spirit — warm and inviting with a hint of far eastern flair. Guests will be pleased to know that The Peninsula Paris doesn’t adhere to strict check-in and check-out times, meaning you can arrive as early as 6am and check-out as late as 10pm. 

Whilst our children were waiting impatiently, a team member quickly organized little Peninsula branded cars for them to drive around the lobby in - needless to say, this was a hit. They were allowed to drive their cars up to our Junior Suite, where we spent the next two nights.

The rooms

There were many highlights for us during our stay, one of them being the in-room facilities. It quickly became apparent that the hotel prides itself on familiarity when it comes to the overall guest experience. Our Junior Suite was set up in the most thoughtful way — an indulgent welcoming platter set up for our family including sweet treats for the children, a hand-written note by the General Manager and balloons to excite our children.

The Suite was also a great layout for a family with ample bedroom space and a separate living area where a sofa bed can be set up each evening. In addition to the main bedroom there is a generous walk-in closet and a stunning marble-cladded bathroom replete with a bathtub, shower, Japanese toilets, TV and digital radio system. 

The in-room hardware is excellent and guests who care about modern and a fully-equipped room will be pleased to know that it comes with fully-customized interactive bedside and desk tablets available in 11 languages. There’s also LED touch screen wall panels that operate the lights, TV and radio, curtains, the 'do not disturb' sign, temperature control and weather preview. 

When considering a stay at The Peninsula Paris, the modern in-room features are definitely an aspect to consider. 

The dining

Another great highlight for us as a family was the dining experience. We highly and personally recommend dining at The Peninsula Paris, even if you’re not a guest.

Fun fact: This is where Gershwin composed "An American in Paris", where Marcel Proust met James Joyce and where Picasso, Igor Stravinsky and many personalities of the time met for tea or cocktail receptions.

It was a privilege to enjoy daily breakfast here during our stay. Each morning, as you come down Le Lobby, you’re shown to your seats, which have already been set up with croissants and pain au chocolat on a silver platter, before choosing between a Continental, English or Chinese breakfast.

Le Lobby is also where the hotel serves their renowned afternoon tea, which we had the pleasure of experiencing and highly recommend. It is a memorable and delicious experience of expertly prepared sweet and savoury bites paired with your coffee or tea, whilst admiring the high ceilings with their extravagant mouldings and paintings of the Belle Epoque era. Note, their afternoon tea is highly popular and we recommend booking far in advance.

In addition to dining at Le Lobby, we also sampled their Cantonese restaurant LiLi for dinner. Serving up truly authentic gourmet Cantonese cuisine, including dimsums, barbeque pork, fried rice, black pepper beef, and sweet and sour shrimp, it was like visiting Hong Kong and eating at a fine Cantonese restaurant. As a local Hong Kong person, I couldn’t fault the dishes here — they are exceptional and anyone who is a guest at The Peninsula should really experience their lunch or dinner menu.

The amenities

We spent the remainder of our luxurious time at The Peninsula’s indoor pool which was heavenly. As we stayed in the lead up to the festive period, we feared a bit of a crowd, but were surprised when we only found one person using the pool. This area also offers two jacuzzis with eight private treatment booths including two suites for couples. 

The verdict

Our two nights at The Peninsula Paris were so joyous, spent as a family in the lead-up to Christmas. We loved that the experience wasn't too different from our one at The Peninsula in Hong Kong, which tells you just how important it is for its guests to feel familiarity. The Peninsula brand ensures that guests who have been to other Peninsula properties feel that striking similarity when it comes to hospitality and in-room experience.

This is an ideal hotel of choice for families wanting to enhance their stay in Paris, and is also the perfect place for couples celebrating a special occasion, or for those visiting Paris and wanting something luxurious and modern with exceptional hospitality and dining. Overall, it is a stunning setting in a renowned Parisian address and that fine Peninsula spirit.