The rooms have six categories: Paris Style, Boho, Urban, Artist’s Studio, Skyline and Penthouse – which was still under construction when we visited. I stayed in three different rooms – due to a hot water issue (snagging problems are quite usual in the early days) ranging from a lovely compact room with a balcony and views over the Parisian rooftops, and down to the inviting outdoor area below – to a larger room at the front overlooking the main street. The bed was the most comfortable I have ever slept on and I loved the open plan bathroom (with discreet shades for the shy) that gave the space so much light. Soundproofing is excellent.
A generous mini-bar, replete with powdered aphrodisiacs, locally brewed beer and chocolates, huge TV screen, blackout curtains (yay!) a Nespresso machine and quick-to-respond room service gives the Republique my vote. In the suites, guests will even find mixology kits to create their own aperitifs, plus gin and whisky flasks.
Choose a room between the 6th and 9th floors and you’ll be given superlative views across the City of Lights towards Beaubourg, Notre Dame, Montmartre (bring binoculars) and the towers Eiffel and Montparnasse.
I had a sneak peek into the Penthouse Suite: a huge 50s-inspired living room and sleeping space on the 5th floor that boasts its own Jacuzzi on a large terrace. Perfect for private parties or intimate celebrations.
Breakfast can either be enjoyed in bed à deux or make your way downstairs to the capacious dining area where buffet dining has been eschewed in favour of table service. Choose from a selection of hot beverages, fresh juices, pastries, granola, fresh fruits and eggs of the day with one main dish of meat, fish or a vegan plate. Sublime and superbly fresh. The croissants were to die for and the coffee superb.
The lobby area – with its bright red desks – sweeps down in a slight curve through to the bar and lounge area, the restaurant and at the very back, the kitchens. Amazingly it all works seamlessly. Attention to style and detail are paramount: armchairs from Hamilton Conte, original ceramics by such notables as Claudine Monchaussé and Gustave Tiffoche, as well as vintage pieces from Christian Defrance and Joseph-André Motte.
The fabulous Art Deco-looking Bar Martin at the epicentre of the lounge area serves an eclectic selection of aperitifs, dinner and bar snacks. The perfect segue into an evening of live DJ sets on the terrace when the warm weather kicks in. The outdoor space is stunning. Running alongside the lobby to the restaurant, a 245m2 slate garden wall has been created with green plantings (by the Tracer Society) suffused with geraniums and bellflowers that a tranquil space for late lunches or drinks after midnight.
I didn’t get a chance to sample lunch or dinner at the Republique but a look at the inventive menu suggests you might like to stay in at least one night, with prices starting at €25 and €50 respectively.
If you’re in need of a relaxing recharge, then take advantage of the spa underneath the lounge area with its sauna, hammam and jacuzzi. You can work off lunch at the gym or lie back and think of France while in the expert hands of the hotel’s aestheticians who only use acclaimed Sothys products for face and body treatments.
All in all a wonderful place to stay during your next visit to Paris, the Paris Republic Renaissance combines street cool with sophisticated attention to detail, in addition with excellent service from its friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff. Vive La France!
Where and How?
Le Renaissance Paris Republique
101 rooms, 19 suites, 1 penthouse.
Standard double room from €300
40 Rue René Boulanger
Paris 10ème
Tel: +33 (01) 71 18 20 95
Web: www.Marriott.fr
Twitter: @Ren_Republique
Facebook: Renaissance Paris Republique
Instagram: @renaissancerepublique
For more information on Paris:
www.parisinfo.com or www.parisweloveyou.fr
For more information on France: www.france.fr
Travel by Eurostar to Paris
- Eurostar operates up to 21 daily services from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord with one-way fares starting from £29
- Fastest London-Paris journey time is 2hr 15 minutes.
- Tickets are available from eurostar.com or +44 (0) 3448 224 777.
Standard Premier
- In the quiet, spacious surroundings of a Eurostar Standard Premier carriage, you’ll find the freedom to unwind and enjoy a light meal served at your seat.
- Standard Premier fares from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord start from £97.50 one-way*.
Customers travelling by Eurostar can enjoy a range of benefits including:
- Seamless city centre to city centre travel, with stations located in the heart of our destinations
- Fast and convenient check-in – passengers are requested to arrive only 30 minutes before departure (or 10 minutes if travelling Business Premier)
- The extra baggage allowance you get on Eurostar versus planes (Eurostar offers each person 2 bags/suitcases and 1 piece hand luggage)
- No queues or baggage reclaim upon arrival – simply take your bag with you on board
Comfort and space on board to work or unwind
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