La Clef Champs-Elysees is the epitome of Parisien chic tucked away in the French capital

PARIS might be the capital of romance, but La Clef Champs-Élysées – a five-star hotel tucked off the Champs Elysees – stole my heart entirely in a whirlwind, 24-hour stay. The stunning marble architecture, painstaking attention to detail and jaw-dropping apartments spread across two floors are the epitome of luxury. It’s no exaggeration to say checking out of the glam surroundings, which are also soon to host a restaurant, required a huge, concerted effort. If I had a lottery win I’d be holed up in that two-floor, tow bathroom apartment with a balcony over looking the city every single night – here’s why Je T’aime La Clef – and why I think you will too.

ROOMS

Paris might be known for romance but it’s just as good for a girly break, too.

I stayed in one of La Clef’s Duplex Apartments with a Terrace – the creme de la creme of the room selections – with a friend, and it was sheer indulgence from start to finish.

We were met by a tasty plate of macarons and our luggage in the room, a sofa to kick back on and a balcony just drawing us outside to soak up the views – despite the spitting rain.

There’s an en-suite on the upper floor with a bath and downstairs a stunning marble bathroom with a shower and the with perfect light for mirror selfies.

Its quiet location down a pretty Parisien side street mean a sound night’s sleep, free from the noise of traffic and with plump cushions and a bouncy mattress to relax on.

The room is so indulge, so lavish it’s almost difficult to leave to explore the sights and sounds off the French capital.

Of course, we did, but the allure of coming home to perhaps the most dazzling apartment I’ll stay in was strong.

DINING

La Clef is soon to host a restaurant on the bottom floor, with Asian cuisine on the menu.

When we visited in spring it was not yet open, so we ventured to the Champs Elyees for a few glasses of French red and a warming French onion soup.

Yet not before taking a trip to the hotel’s honesty bar – a must do if you fancy a chilled tipple while soaking up your surroundings in the early 20th century, Haussmannian style building, oozing elegance and grandeur Paris is so well known for.

We ordered two glasses of champagne which a waiter shuttled off to get from the fridge, to ensure it was ice cold.

While sipping down the bubbles we mused on the hotel’s exclusive, bespoke collection of perfume flavours, from mandarin to geranium, which have been curated for the venue’s fragrance lounge.

The plush, green chairs are ideal to kick back in whether it’s titles pre or post night out.

THE FINAL WORD

The hotel is within walking distance from Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais and the Avenue des Champs-Elysées – the latter where you’ll be bound to splash your cash on a host of high end goodies.

If sight-seeing is your thing, it’s just a short walk or George V underground to the iconic locations Paris is known for.

Yet a word of warning, the tubes are mostly closed when Les Gilets Janues protests are held, so take your walking shoes to head to the locations instead.

Once a Sunday, every month, the Champs-Élysées closes to traffic and is dedicated purely for pedestrians, so La Clef guests are in the perfect spot to take an uninterrupted stroll or jog down and scurry to the shower after, ready for much-deserved French wine and cheese.

THE NEED TO KNOW

La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris can be found on 44-46 rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris, France.

It’s a five minute walk from George V Metro underground.

source: express.co.uk