Here are 7 factors to consider when booking your destination wedding in Paris hotel for you and your guests, as well as 4 recommendations.
Raph & John at Le Grand Hotel, Paris.
1. Price. Whether you or your guests are paying for their rooms, the price or a room or a suite is an important factor. It is also likely negotiable if you have enough guests staying in the same hotel. Look at search sites such as TripAdvisor Price Finder or Trivago to find the best price for the type of room you want. Then call the hotel and tell them you have ‘x’ number of guests coming on ‘y’ date, and the best price you found online is ‘z.’ Ask them if they have a group rate, and if not, if they can do better than that price. Even better, before you call the hotel you really want, do the same for at least two other hotels; no matter if the other hotels two have enough rooms to accommodate you, your dream hotel will never know. It’s possible your dream hotel will give you a better price than the one you’ve quoted. If they give you a group rate, you will likely have to pay a deposit based on the total number of guests. Notes: It is important to do this in a phone call rather than an email. Also, if you are considering to hold your ceremony and/or reception at your hotel, be sure to give this information at the time of booking.
2. Type of rooms available – single/double/suite. Consider not just your needs, but the needs of your guests. Is anyone coming with a child? Will you have guests who are elderly or have special needs? Some guests will likely be more comfortable in a suite (with additional seating and space to move around) than a single or double room.
3. Location near ceremony and/or reception. It is said that while in Paris, you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a metro stop. Still, in the event of foul weather, you would want to be close to metro if that is your mode of transportation, or, if your ceremony/reception is on the outskirts of Paris, you will want to stay as close as possible to your venue. If it is important that you stay near your reception, search the address on Google and click on “Maps.” From there, use the Nearby search and search for hotels close to it. There will be many, most likely. At least it will help you narrow down your search.
4. Location in view of favorite landmark(s). Have you always dreamed of staying in the 7e in full view of the Eiffel Tower? You will pay handsomely for that view, regardless of what kind of room it is. Again, use Google Maps to locate your favorite landmark, and search Nearby for hotels.
5. Hotel also to be your ceremony and/or reception venue. If you hold your ceremony and/or reception at the hotel, it will certainly make it easier on your guests, if not yourself. Try to find a hotel with gardens or other public spaces so your guests won’t get bored with their surroundings.
6. Level of Luxury desired, including Wi-Fi (pronounced “wee-fee” in France). Gardens, restaurants, furnishings, all will have an impact on how you remember your wedding in Paris.
7. Close to metro and/or parking. Try to make it easy to get there. Check out the parking situation (if important) and tell your guests.
Le Bristol Paris
112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore
75008 Paris
Phone: +33 01 53 43 43 00
A Mercedes parked outside Le Bristol Hotel.
Email: reservation@lebristolparis.com
Amenities: 3 restaurants (a 3-Michelin star and 1-Michelin star) and a bar; Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, one of the world’s most luxurious skin care names; Swimming pool; Fitness Centre.
Metro: Saint-Phillippe-du-Roule
Le Bristol came to my attention when it was featured in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. I fell in love with the plush interiors of the rooms, the flowers, the elegant look of the place. And get this — what really did it for me was the trim moulding on the walls; that detail just speaks luxury to me. History? Le Bristol was built in the 18th century and features furniture in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, along with paintings and fine fabrics reflecting the eras. Chef Eric Frechon is a recipient of the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (“Best Craftsman in France”) title for his 3-Michelin star restaurant Epicure.The hotel makes many Top Hotels in Paris lists. Located in the 8th arrondissement, it’s located in-between the Champs-Elysees and boulevard Haussmann, two luxury shopping areas. Le Bristol is a 5-minute walk from Saint-Philippe-du-Roule metro.
Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris
2 rue Scribe
75009 Paris
Phone: +33 01 40 07 32 32 (Hotel)
Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom.
Email: parhbevent@ihg.com
Amenities: Cafe, Bar & La Verriere Restaurant (set in a winter garden); Spa treatments; Sauna; Shoe shine; Private limousine; Business Center.
Metro: Opera
The Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris, also known as “Le Grand Hotel,” opened in 1862 and is classified as historic. The 9th arrondissement is mostly known as the home of the Opera House, and Le Grand Hotel offers floodlit views of it. The hotel’s Opera Ballroom, which Raph & John rented for their reception, is said to be the most renowned ballroom in Paris, and is so stunning it took my breath away the first time I saw it.
Four Seasons George V Hotel Paris
31 avenue George V
75008 Paris
Phone: +33 01 49 52 70 00
Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel.
Email: Contact Page
Amenities: Spa (Massages, facials, hair salon); Health Club; Pool & whirlpool; Saunas & steam rooms; 24-hour Business Centre; Multilingual Concierge; Complimentary standard WiFi; Babysitting services; Internet access in meeting rooms; Family activities.
Metro: George V
I became familiar with the Four Seasons brand by the chain’s DC hotel where I used to have tea. Luxurious and elegant, I always felt at home there. The Four Seasons George V Hotel came into my radar when it was featured in the movie “French Kiss.” As you might imagine, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe via the Champs-Elysees, the most famous shopping district in Paris. Other than shopping, the 8th arrondissement is known for the Place de la Concorde and the Elysees Palace, the official residence of the President of France.
Les Jardins de la Villa & Spa (Boutique Hotel)
5 rue Belidor
75017 Paris
The Les Jardins de la Villa is modern and ultra chic.
Phone: +33 01 53 81 01 10
Email: info@jardinsdevilla.com or Contact Page
Amenities: Garden terrace; Sauna; Steam bath; Massages; Fitness room; unlimited Wi-Fi; balcony with upgraded rooms; children under age 2 stay free.
Metro: Porte Maillot
This boutique is small with 33 rooms but has a lot of character and class; it is considered a small luxury hotel. Located in the 17th arrondissement, a relatively quiet living area for mostly upper-class and middle class young couples and families with children, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe, and very close to Porte Maillot metro.
Au revoir!
Raph & John at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Mercedes SLS outside Le Bristol Hotel by Ian McWilliams, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel by Calwhiz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Les Jardins de la Villa by TripAdvisor.
I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.