Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel reopens

“MY favourite space in this entire hotel is the check-in area; when guests register at the Renaissance Paris Vendome, it is as if they are sitting at someone’s kitchen table simply having a chat, rather than enduring the formality of a check-in process” claims Didier Gomez, the world famous Spanish interior designer, who looks like one of the Hollywood stars on his star-studded client list, rather than the architect responsible for the multi-million Euro redesign of this hotel that has just been completed. 

Renaissance Paris Vendome hotelRenaissance Paris Vendome hotel

I am sitting in the Le Studio, the lobby lounge area, enjoying a cappuccino while watching the glamorous clientele saunter in and out, laden with designer-labelled shopping bags. Elaborate oversized Italian-designed gold light fittings brighten the whole room, seemingly mimicking the dazzling jewellery on sale in the numerous boutiques surrounding the hotel. 

Le studio at Renaissance Paris Vendome hotel_4Le studio at Renaissance Paris Vendome hotel

As I enter my cosy room I pick up the distinct waft of Diptyque fragrance. The room features designer furnishings from Didier Gomez’s studio in shades of blue and white, which dominate the space with a floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom complimenting the tranquil colour scheme. 

Balagan bar & cocktail loungeBalagan bar & cocktail lounge

The hotel is home to the recently opened Israeli restaurant and sassy cocktail lounge, Balagan, which is co-operated by The Experimental Group, known for their renowned London eaterie The Palomar in London. Jerusalem’s talented Israeli chef, Dan Yosha, directs his energetic model-looking team in the open style kitchen. Meni highlights include the basket of frenavan, a hybrid of Moroccan and Italian bread.

Served in abundance, it’s perfect to soak up juices from the platters of colourful starters, including eggplant salad, deconstructed kebab and chicken liver Ashkenazi style. The restaurant is brought to life like a theatrical production, when ordering the Balagan Show for dessert. The staff sing and dance while serving up the selection of sumptuous desserts and cream drizzled fruit directly onto the paper-covered table. 

Interior of BalaganInterior of Balagan restuarant

A corner bedroom at Renaissance Paris Vendome hotelA corner bedroom at Renaissance Paris Vendome hotel

On June 6 each year guests staying at a Renaissance Hotel in any of their locations can enjoy the brand’s Global Day of Discovery. For those staying at Renaissance Paris Palace Vendome, they will have the opportunity to spend time with an up-and-coming atelier in their studio, visit a premier shoe designer, or even a specialist perfumer. And for foodies, perhaps a behind-the-scenes peek inside a local chocolatier or a wine tasting session at one of the oldest established merchants in Paris?

by Amanda Bernstein

Prices start from 379 euro per night including breakfast (if booked in advance). For more information visit here

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