By Ilona Kauremszky

In one of Paris’ most luxurious districts you will quickly forget overspending on pricey hotels with the clichéd Parisian service once you stay at the Hotel Elysees Regencia.

Located in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe between the tony Champs Elysees and the Avenue King George V this four-star boutique property somehow remains under the radar.

Great service and good value are part of the appeal.

The 43-room property is part of a boutique hotel collection known as the SISTER HOTELS which offers guests location, location, location without having to break the bank. SISTER HOTELS lauds itself on best rates guaranteed. The independent hotel group with five boutique hotels in stylish Paris districts offers more than just a hotel room with its tailor-made typically Parisian experiences.

On my latest Paris visit, I took a traveling companion who has never seen the Champs Elysees nor toured the Eiffel Tower or taken a subway ride beneath the Seine River. After staying at this charming hotel, she managed to experience these Paris highlights and more. You can too. Subway stations George V, Iena and Alma Marceau are an easy walk, giving you ample options for exploring the many districts. From the Hotel Elysees Regencia, foodies can embark on a fascinating new Paris culinary walking tour, Eating Europe Paris. A local foodie guide leads you to acclaimed Paris backstreets through the most diverse neighborhoods for culinary samplers.

The Louvre also attracts its own cachet and is accessible from the hotel via subway. A lunch at Cafe Marly on a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon feeds the soul and prepares you for a memorable tour of the iconic museum. The Louvre celebrates 30 years of the late I.M Pei designed grand glass pyramid which recently was clad in an art installation by none other than French street artist bad boy JR in his tribute to the late filmmaker Agnes Varda, his beloved friend. The Louvre is also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, who is getting her big close-up in this year’s salute to the 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s passing.

You need not go very far from the hotel for other arts-filled moments. The recently renovated Hotel Elysees Regencia is part arts hotel filled with eclectic original art pieces as well as a baby grand piano on display in the lobby.

Now why should you go?

Hotel Elysees Regencia Highlights

The high level of service and attention to detail – hallmarks that are best described for 5-star properties equally qualifies at this boutique hotel. The friendly staff offer personalized attention to ensure an incredible stay in the City of Light.

At this historic building which dates back to the Second French Empire guests get to experience a pied-à-terre-style setting that beautifully meshes the old with the new. By the lobby, guests can linger in the front bar enjoying complimentary organic Parney’s teas, herbal teas, and Nespresso coffee and snacks refreshed throughout the day. Tucked behind the check-in counter find a private salon stocked with sumptuous velvety red chaise lounges and a computer terminal available around the clock.

Head to the lower floor for a hammam spa experience but be sure to schedule a time in advance. While smaller compared to other properties this one nicely does the job with its hot steam and dry sauna complimentary for guests. Afterwards, unwind in a tranquil relaxation lounge with well appointed lighting, essential aromatherapy infusing oils, and complimentary beverages to help restore hydration.

The Parisian flare is evident throughout the property. By the enormous lobby see a baby grand piano and a cork screw circular staircase in bold black steel rails. Local artist Alexandra Fadin has collaborated with SISTER HOTELS to showcase a unique exhibition dubbed ‘Paris’ on view.

Suite Pluses

Spacious rooms with windows that open onto fabled Marceau Avenue also give this boutique hotel a welcome relief over other hotels that typically offer compact accommodations on bustling streets. The recently renovated accommodations themselves have the ambiance of a friend’s home with dark hardwood floors, a seating area, and a desk alongside soaring ceilings with muted wall tones. Expect large closet spaces.

There’s an assortment of welcome goodies like homemade biscuit treats with fabulous expressions like “Paris is always a good idea” to L’Occitane products.

The marble bathroom has plush bathrobes (his and hers), exclusive L’Occitane bathroom products, and a bathtub and shower with a separate washroom and bidet.

Rooms are available in various categories which are themed in colors.

We stayed in the Aniseed Collection rooms that combined dark woods, light walls, huge open windows with light shades of green accents for a perfect spring time feel.

Hotel Perks

You’ll have free access to the wellness area (little gym space + hammam/shower/ lockers). Just let the front desk know 1 hour in advance if you want to use the hammam (time to warm up). Not all 4 star hotels have space for it so it’s not very common – Generally 5* properties have a swimming pool/hammam/sauna.

We loved the quiet neighborhood void of busy street traffic and appreciated the expertise of knowledgeable staff who offered incredible sightseeing tips. You have free wi-fi.

Hotel Diversions

Five minutes from the Arc de Triomphe, 10 minutes walk to the Eiffel Tower, and fabulous museums like the Yves Saint Laurent Musee and the Musee Guimet plus minutes to the Seine River provide so many sightseeing possibilities. For sightseeing, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must. Enjoy a visit to the top of the “Iron Lady” as the iconic tower celebrates 130 years in 2019.

Dining

Fuel up and enjoy a buffet breakfast to start your fabulous city sightseeing. Enjoy breakfast in a vaulted dining room on the lower floor. There is a wide selection of cold and hot food items from freshly made eggs, pancakes, bacon, organic breads and locally produced jams and honey. The DIY brewed coffee machine has a choice of espressos, cappuccinos and lattes. Find an assortment of nuts, yogurts, cheeses and of course famous French patisseries.

For a night-cap, the hotel bar offers a wonderful vantage point to people watch. Facing Marceau Avenue patrons can sit back amid the dark wood interior with its bold red furnishings and sip on a finely stocked bar with French liqueurs like Cointreau.

Overall Impression

Wedged between the Champs Elysees and the Rue George V, the charming Hotel Elysees Regencia on the fabled Avenue Marceau is the ideal stay-over for business and pleasure in the City of Light anytime of year.

Booking

You can make your booking at the Hotel Elysees Regencia  website or at an online booking site such as  Hotels.com.

Rates in the hotel vary according to season and room type but starting room rates are $279 in a double standard room (without breakfast) and city tax is $3 per day.

Photography by Ilona Kauremszky and supplied.

Ilona Kauremszky was a guest of Hotel Elysees Regencia and the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau which did not approve this editorial.