Review: Hotel La Trémoille

Hotel La Trémoille combines the convenience of a large-scale hotel with the distinct look at feel of a boutique one. Un-showy yet elegant, it’s heralded as the perfect destination for both business and pleasure trips.

Location

Not only is the 19th century building is situated in the heart of the fashionable 8th arrondissement, but it is right in the middle of the Golden Triangle: the Champs-Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine are all a stone’s throw away. Despite its centrality, the hotel itself is on a quiet residential street, so you can escape the real hustle and bustle at the end of the day.

The room

Rooms (ranging from Standard to Suites) are generous in size, and with pleasingly high ceilings – always an advantage of older buildings. If enormous beds are your thing, you will certainly be happy with the furnishings. There is ample wardrobe space, a writing desk, television, a mini-bar full of extras and the usual well-placed coffee table. Special mention must go to the hotel pens: far from being the usual plastic monstrosities, they are slim gold and silver rollerballs (which you are still allowed to take). Sadly the room does not quite capture the charm of the art deco lobby, but there is still personality in the dark panelling and drapes. Small word of advice – try to opt for a room away from the domestics staff’s cupboard, as they are a tad noisy in the mornings.

The bathroom

You can always judge an establishment by its bathing and toilet facilities and Trémoille does not disappoint. The large bathroom is an cornucopia of mirrors, marble and tasteful tiling. There are no fewer than five different scents of Molton Brown shower gel to choose from, the full-sized bottles lined up in colourful array. While the shower is pleasingly powerful, the hair dryer could do with being a little more so. There is the standard selection of toiletry goodies (shower cap, shampoos, emery boards) all of which are readily replenished.

Room service

Not overwhelmingly prompt, but still respectable for a smaller hotel. Each morning you can opt to have your breakfast delivered to your room (by filling out the little card and hanging it on the door handle) and choose whether to have it brought to the door or popped in the hatch. That’s right – each room has a little privacy hatch through which trays can be dropped off and returned. Not only is this a charming novelty, but it also means that you can receive room service without actually having to see anyone (perfect for when you’re especially bleary-eyed). As well as breakfast, a larger menu is available to order from during the day and night.

Amenities

The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant by the rather hip name of Louis2 (after Louis II, naturally). An inventive menu from head chef Yann Frohn is available both lunch and dinner time, though reserving is recommended. For those who like to venture from their rooms, the same space is transformed into a buffet every morning, with a genuinely delectable range of classic French pastries, fresh fruits and other (predominantly continental) breakfast fare. The Fitness Centre is more of an afterthought than a mainstay of the hotel, but it is perfectly adequate with a small selection of cardio machines, a sauna and a couple of beauty treatment rooms. The concierge is both knowledgeable and friendly, and more than happy to make off-the-beaten-track recommendations. You can do your own research too, as Wifi is available throughout the hotel at no extra cost.

Worth the visit?

Trémoille is quietly plush and quietly charming. The facilities and friendly staff cater to guests’ needs without bombarding them with services. It does not aim to be a destination hotel, but with such a fantastic location, it doesn’t need to be. Prices are at the upper end without being extortionate: a standard double room is around €485 per night, rising to €1150 for a one-bedroom suite. Head out for a day of exploring, shopping or business and you’ll be thrilled to return to Trémoille. It is undoubtedly a hidden gem.

From 21 October 2012 to 25 Februrary 2013, Hotel La Trémoille are offering special Autumn/Winter rates with rooms starting from €345 per night. For more information visit www.tremoille.com