Hotel Vernet Paris

One comes to Paris for the authentic historical elegance, and from the street level, the Vernet’s century-old, purpose-built post-Haussmann building certainly fits the bill, perfectly blending in the area’s architectural style. But it’s what’s hidden behind the sandstone façade that makes this place special.

Our visit to the hotel was only going to be for one night, so our senses were particularly heightened as we set off to take in all of Hotel Vernet in the short amount of time.

Striking the right note with our design sense, Vernet interiors’ appeal lies in how the style complements the building’s heritage.

Seamless redesign

The Paris-based architect François Champsaur transformed the once traditional interiors into an impeccably sleek redesign. In a pared-down and simple approach, the designer employed light and volume to furnish the hotel’s spaces with just the right shapes, fabrics, and colors.

The décor is never overdone, embodying the Parisian elegance. There is a fair amount of art, but it’s quite lightweight and straightforward, and the furniture pieces are almost conservative in their simplicity.

All this lets the historical elements of the building shine: the classic staircase with stained-glass style windows, winding around a glass-fronted elevator—or the hotel’s magnificent centerpiece covering the restaurant: the ornate glass roof and dome, designed by the one and only Gustave Eiffel.

Parisian

From the street level, the hotel doesn’t initially come across as anything out of the ordinary—just another quasi-Hausmann Parisian townhouse… maybe just a bit better maintained than the neighboring buildings.

But the experience of the Hotel Vernet goes well beyond that. It’s small, but well equipped and prepared to cater to business customers, traveling couples—and anyone who comes to Paris for a shopping spree… or just to sightsee. After all, some of the world’s best luxury boutiques are just a short walk away, and Place Charles de Gaulle with the Arc de Triomphe is virtually just across the street.

in our opinion

With an address in one of the best neighborhoods of Paris, Vernet strikes a perfect balance of classy historical credentials and a sleek contemporary design. We checked-in only for one night, and that's often enough to experience a hotel—but at Vernet, we wish we could have stayed longer.

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What we love

• Interior design, with its art and graphics on the walls and skilfully selected furniture. It reminded us that Paris should be hailed for its vibrant design scene, never-mind the fashion;
• Fantastic restaurant space with the glass roof designed by Alfred Eiffel;
• Generously-sized rooms… for Paris standards;
• Its Champs Elysees location, right next to the Arc de Triomphe;
• Excellent cuisine. Lovely breakfast, sublime yet reasonably priced dinner;
• Small but lovely bar space;
• Big and comfortable beds—we had a great night's sleep.
• In good proportion to the room, its ensuite bathroom is large too and beautifully designed. And is stocked with The Hermes cosmetics.

What you should know

• At a hotel of this class, we would expect complimentary bedside water in the rooms, but there was only the expensive minibar Perrier;
• Similarly, there was no tea in our room, only complimentary coffee;
• One of the things that matter when entering a room is fragrance, and the Vernet didn't disappoint—the first impression was very pleasant. However, the insides of the wardrobes had a fairly strong smell of wood glue… or something. We wondered if it would affect clothes, after a few days.
• Some rooms have a view over the not-so-appealing courtyard—though, believe us, this is very typical for Paris. Plus, it's very quiet;
• Complimentary WiFi is fast and reliable.
• Breakfast is a buffet style and a simple affair, not a huge selection but perfectly adequate. It is served from 6:30 to 10 am (from 7 am to 11 am on Sundays).