The Hotel François 1er is something of a hidden gem in Paris, even though it's located in the Golden Triangle area, close to the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Unlike far more famous (and expensive) luxury hotels in this area, such as the Four Seasons George V, Hotel François 1er has just 38 rooms and 2 suites–basically it's like staying in the private residence of a (very wealthy, aristocratic) Parisian friend. This 4-star hotel would be perfect for chic shopaholics or minor celebrities dodging the paparazzi, but it also served wonderfully for simply sleeping off my subpar OpenSkies Business Class night flight and resting up for a superb tasting dinner at Spring Restaurant. It didn't hurt that I got a great rate of around $200.
From Orly South, I took one of the Air France buses to Etoile, which lets you off on Av. Carnot. From there I walked about 15 minutes to the hotel. Although I didn't have much luggage, I did have a 3-year old in tow, so if you're up for a walk, it's very doable and will cost about a third of a taxi. If you're a couple though, you may as well take a taxi and get there faster.
I almost thought I had the wrong street, it was so residential in nature, but sure enough the hotel entrance appeared, and with it a friendly doorman who ushered me in. There was a brief wait as I waited for the front desk (there's just one manager, who also serves as concierge) to finish helping another guest, then I mentioned that my husband had already arrived and I just needed a key to the room. The manager remembered exactly who I was from my earlier call adding my husband's name to the reservation, and I was soon on my way up to our third floor room.
The room itself was exactly as I expected–perhaps even a bit larger than I expected, given the tiny size of most Paris hotel rooms. Most importantly, given my needs at that moment, the bed was firm yet comfortable, there was great blackout drapery, and the room was quiet–no noise of any kind to disturb even daytime sleep. The decor was very French–sumptuous silk covered walls and furniture in gold (for our room) and rich red for some of the other rooms in the hotel. Decidedly not for lovers of modern minimalist hotels, but entirely fitting for this 19th century building with an interior designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The marble bathroom was small but well appointed, with a full bath, bath salts, plush robes and VRAI toiletries by Fragonard, one of France's leading perfume makers.
While we went out for dinner and didn't sample the hotel's bar, it looked very cozy, with its fireplace and winter garden.
Turndown service was very friendly and included complimentary bottled water, sweets, and, interestingly, hand sanitizer. A bit odd perhaps, but certainly handy for airplanes. Having stayed everywhere in Paris from hostels to the Four Seasons George V, I've a good sense of the range of options; Hotel François 1er was a great find and a steal at $200. It won't suit those looking for a large chain hotel with a gym, spa, etc. but for those who appreciate hotels that reflect a sense of place and enjoy a more elegant, intimate vibe, this is a superb boutique choice.
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