Not long ago, I had the pleasure of re-uniting with the city of lights, Paris. The reason for my visit was the opening of a beautiful boutique hotel, which I’m sure you’ll love if you’re (also) a fan of intimate hotel experiences and hand-picked interior. Welcome to Lord Byron; a fashionable piece of the Parisian hotel scene.
(Hosted stay)
Like many others, Paris mesmerizes me with its French charm and thousands of lights. Have you ever heard the phrase; “Paris is prettier in the rain”? Well, it is! Luckily for me, it was raining on my latest visit, and I got to snuggle up in front of the fireplace in a chic new hotel by the name of Lord Byron.
Nestling on a calm side street to Champs-Elysées, Rue de Chateaubriand, this boutique gem recently opened its doors after a year of refurbishing. The owner, Catherine, bought the hotel (which wasn’t in the best of conditions) and she decided to add new life to the place. The hotel DNA isn’t new, though. Since the 1950s, the old doors have been letting in guests from far and wide along with the neighbouring house (the former The Mayflower Hotel). Only recently have the two hotels been merged into one, showcasing a sparkling new facade and interior. “Bienvenue a l’Hotel Lord Byron!”, you might hear. And you can finally begin your very own Parisian adventure!
I love when a hotel feels like home. It may sound like a cliché, but the feeling of being able to unwind completely and just indulge in the surroundings is worth gold when traveling. Lord Byron (a gentleman, whom I’ll address in a few minutes), welcomes you with open arms, lets you sink into the soft lobby couches with a cup of tea and a magazine. And speaking of coffee; of course you’re able to make yourself a cup whenever you please. Self-service (in the best of ways) takes place in the Honesty Bar from 2PM – a place I really loved during my stay, as I also had to get some work done.
The four-star hotel offers 54 stylish rooms wrapped in dark wood, warm earthy colours and soft fabrics. There are several different room categories ranging from a 16m2 classic room to a 29m2 suite, and all rooms are fully equipped with minibar, free cosmetics and individually regulated aircondition and heating. Some rooms have a small kitchenette with a coffee machine as well. Fancy breakfast (or dinner) in bed? Why not give the best local Italian eatery a try? They deliver delicacies straight to the door! Psst – the Spaghetti Carbonara was one of the best I’ve had in a long time!
“I want guests to feel at home here; they can make a drink or a cup of coffee, play a board game and just relax” – Catherine Dupasquier
You’ll also be able to relax in the hotel’s “mini spa” consisting of a gym and a steam bath, which can occupy two people at the time. Guests have free access from early in the morning until late in the evening. Unfortunately, the steam bath wasn’t in operation during my stay, but I’m already looking forward to trying it out on my next visit, as I can’t imagine anything more soothing after a long day of exploring.
Lord Byron offers no restaurant, but a cosy breakfast room with self-service and a TV. Guests in a hurry can enjoy an ‘express breakfast’ in the lounge. Obviously, with Champs-Elysées being just around the corner, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafés to choose from, but I must admit that I usually like to spend quite some time at my hotel as well. At least if it’s as cosy as this one!
Final words:
Hotel Lord Byron is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore Paris and stay in calm, homely and stylish surroundings at the same time. The city is full of hotels, but few offer the genuine warmth and charm as this place does. Given its convenient location, it’s easy to reach – and did I mention it’s also child-friendly? All children under two years stay for free, breakfast for children under four years is free of charge, and baby equipment is available upon request.
For more information, visit the hotel’s website here.
So…Who is this Lord Byron?
If you’re not already familiar with the character, you might have been wondering…who is he?! Mr. Byron happens to be one of my favorite poets of all time, and naming a hotel (in Paris!) after him, is just wonderful! Here’s why;
A famous British poet born in 1788, George Gordon Byron dedicated most of his life to romantic poetry and countless love affairs until he died in Greece in 1824, only 36 years old. In between, he managed to have two daughters and a sea of mistresses and lovers of both sexes. He’s the Author of the famous Don Juan, which is partly self-biographical.
Although I haven’t been able to find records of him being in Paris, I’m sure he must’ve been at some point, since he traveled excessively. His spirit certainly lives on in the romantic little boutique hotel bearing his name; Hôtel Lord Byron.
Quick G&A with Catherine Dupasquier,
Owner of Hotel Lord Byron
Q: In your words; what sets Lord Byron apart from other boutique hotels in Paris?
A: I believe in a warm and homely atmosphere with a friendly staff who makes you feel at home right away. Anything is possible and all requests from our guests are taken into consideration. I think that characterizes us quite well.
Q: You immediately notice the hotel’s love for interior and stylish details when entering the lobby. Can you tell me a bit more about that?
A: We’ve worked with an architect and an interior designer to assist with the design and visual development of the hotel. They proposed options to me, which I either took in or rejected. My goal for the interior was to feel like I could actually live here myself.
Q: Paris is a big city! Do you encourage your guests to explore the local area?
A: Our reception staff is of course trained in advising and organizing trips and events for our guests. We work with something called Mon Petit Paris, which is sort of a tour organizer. When it comes to our local neighborhood, Champs-Elysées is literally just around the corner, but we have many wonderful small shops and cafés “off the beaten track” to choose from. For example, we know the best local hairdresser, and the best little Italian eatery is located just down the street! They deliver all our in-room dining. We call them with our orders and they deliver within 20 minutes or so. It’s great!
