The Saint James, Paris

After visiting the Palace of Versailles, I was terrified I might have exhausted all my oohs and ahhs, but I needn’t have worried, Saint James’ eccentric, yet elegant interior design, radiates a beauty all its own. It even has a hall of mirrors! Here, classicism, elegance and downright daring live side by side, with a great dollop of glamour.

Check-in

It must have been effortless because I only vaguely recall sampling complimentary cologne at reception before I was ushered into the library for a restorative espresso. As I glanced across at a Chanel-clad Pomeranian dancing on his owner’s lap, in a room wreathed by leather-bound tomes, I had the distinct feeling this establishment was going to be something rather special. 

Room

You know you’re in a huge suite when the buzzer sounds and you can’t find the front door. Apparently it was a junior suite. I imagine the standard suites come with a compass and map. French chateaus are distinctive on account of their pitched lead or tile-covered roofs, with small windows in the eaves. Herein I was lodged – the sole occupant of a suite so vast it took me several minutes to get my bearings. With only small portholes for windows, the architect, rather ingeniously, designed glassed-in sections of the roof so the already huge space seemed infinite and light-filled. 

The carpet is faux parquette, which lends a touch of elegance and warmth. But there’s also a raised tiled area complete with Nespresso machine, and bistro table and chairs. A touch of alfresco 'gay Paree' indoors – genius!The bedroom was unfussy save for the bedhead which seemed to manifest the wilder excesses of the Rococo in a riot of golden swirls, but still super comfy! And so, so quiet. Ten out of ten.  

Bathroom

Spacious to an Olympic degree and everywhere the gleam of chrome fixtures. Hands down the most sumptuous shower ever. It felt more like a squash court and such was my delight at showering, I was very, very late for the opera. The freestanding slipper bath was equally inviting and also responsible for much lateness at mealtime – at breakfast the following morning. There's a separate WC down the hall and Guerlain Eau Imperiale amenities all around. 

Tech

Two flatscreen televisions with countless channels – one in the living room and another in the bedroom. Password Wifi which was high-speed and reassuringly steady. There's also a Nespresso machine, insanely well-stocked minibar and a Marshall speaker – my playlist belched out nonstop Edith Piaf... naturally. There are iPads for loan, a charging station for electric cars, electric cars for hire and bicycles for loan. You name it...

Food and drink 

I didn’t dine in at night; the nocturnal delights of Paris were far too tempting, but breakfast was just the tonic to fuel up before pounding Parisian pavements and kilometre upon kilometre of Louvre Museum. 

Everything you could want for at petit dejeuner... and then some, with a special nod to the smoked salmon. In addition to the main dining room, there's the 300-square metre terrace with its own set of surprises.

To honour the site where Paris’ hot-air balloons once launched, three balloon-shaped pergolas adorn the garden.

And of course, there's the Library Bar where head bartender Gaël Brissiaud and his team enjoy experimenting with the latest cocktails. 

Location 

In the centre of Paris, an easy walk to the Eiffel Tower and conveniently located for the Metro and RER. Even in rush-hour traffic, it was just a little over 30 minutes by taxi to the Gare du Nord. The hotel, hidden in its walled garden, and a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysées, offers guests a unique setting to wine, dine and recline. 

Perfect for

Being spoilt. 

Would I return?

Bien sur. A chateau in Paris? Come on!

www.xx