Stay at Hotel Splendide Royal Paris, New Sensation

Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris, from Relais & Châteaux, is the place for romantic tête-à-têtes, discrete luxury and ‘family home’ ambience. By Peter Berman.

Italian Flair in Paris at Hotel Splendide Royal Paris

What could be more romantic than an Italian in Paris? This thought follows me throughout my three-day sojourn at Hotel Splendide Royal Paris, a model Belle Époque building and once the residence of Pierre Cardin. The elegant address has now been transformed by its new owner, Roberto Naldi, into a 12-suite luxury hotel for those who have nothing to prove but enjoy sophisticated anonymity.

Hotel Splendide Paris in the heart of Paris

There is much to discover in this exclusive Paris precinct, nestled between the Grand Palais, Champs-Élysées (External link) and Rue du Faubourg Saint- Honoré. Visitors are positioned right in the heart of luxury shopping. Easily recognisable high-end brands are within a few short steps: Hermès, Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton (External link) .

A visit to the concept store of the often celebrated French retail brand L’Éclaireur is well worth doing – even if merely to experience its sensational interiors. Around the corner, head to Carita for a haircut. Despite its glamour the area has a village-like intimacy, albeit with neighbours including the French President.

A brisk 2-kilometre walk lands you at the Louvre Museum (External link) , home to French, Italian, Spanish, Flemish and English works from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Keep walking and you’re at the The Musée d’Orsay (External link) , a converted railway station dedicated to the art of the 19th century and world-famous impressionists including Monet, Renoir, Manet, Sisley, Gauguin and Degas.

Walking a little further takes you to the Pompidou Centre, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, one of Europe’s most outstanding museums, and rooftop restaurant Georges, offering stunning views of the capital.

For exotic dining, Caviar Kaspia has been the go-to spot for high society in Paris since the 1920s. Here, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beyoncé rub shoulders with politicians and the literary elite. It’s like an old-world private members’ club, where guests are welcomed by name and led through the ground floor shop to the second floor where champagne flows and vodka is served in carafes. The menu is simple, with extravagant ingredients and various ways to enjoy caviar.

Refined Italian gastronomy at le Tosca © Relais et Châteaux
Refined Italian gastronomy at le Tosca © Relais et Châteaux

However, you need not venture further than the adjoining door of Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris to Ristorante Tosca where you can dine on fine Italian cuisine. Or, you may choose a cooking masterclass with celebrated chef Raffaele de Mase. He demonstrates the subtleties of refined Italian gastronomy, combining tradition with innovation and contemporary accents of Italy’s finest flavours. An Italian in Paris, Raffaele is equally at ease with Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino as the exotic liver and tongue dishes, to which he adds his designer touches.

Ristorante Tosca, Paris 8ème © Relais et Châteaux
Ristorante Tosca, Paris 8ème © Relais et Châteaux

The Hotel Splendide Royal in Paris and Its Restaurant Ristorante Tosca

Hôtel Splendide Royal and Ristorante Tosca are members of the select Relais & Châteaux group of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants.

Celebrated chef Raffaele de Mase © Relais et Châteaux
Celebrated chef Raffaele de Mase © Relais et Châteaux

Each property is owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft and share the art de vivre engrained in local culture.

Your host in Paris is Maître de Maison Benoit Saudemont. Born from an Italian mother, Benoit is a gentle unassuming manager whose attention to detail has a welcoming balance of friendly ambience that makes you feel at home.

Further Information
Hôtel Splendide Royal
www.splendideroyal.fr/en (External link)

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