Hotel Intercontinental
2 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France
Why We Like It
Stepping into this grand hotel—and its famous restaurant, Café de la Paix, is like stepping into another era, in a good way. Once its total renovation is completed, in 2020, it will no doubt stand among the great hotels of Paris.
Fodor's Expert Review
Inaugurated in 1862 by Empress Eugenie, this majestic hotel was a cornerstone of Napoléon III and Baron Haussmann's makeover of Paris, predating the Opéra Garnier across the street. It's placement in the heart of Paris, and it's famous restaurant, the gilded Café de la Paix, will thrill both lovers of Paris and history buffs, as this grand hotel was once the domain of royalty and illustrious Parisians.
You Should Know Beginning in 2018 hotel will undergo a total two-year renovation but its enormity will allow this to happen wing by wing, so the hotel will stay open throughout.
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Room
Featuring the larger volumes of Paris's older hotels, all of the hotel's 470 rooms are decorated in the deep colors and elegant furnishings of the Napoléon III style, with period antiques, lofty draperies, original and reproduction artworks and objets d'art, and rich carpets. Though all of the rooms will be redesigned during the renovations of 2018-20, they will retain the Napoléon III spirit.
Rooms on the Opéra wing offer tremendous views over the Paris opera house, especially when lit up at night, and those on the fifth floor offer small balconies for optimal viewing.
Tip The InterContinental has tapped French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, famous for his supremely elegant restorations of historic properties from Florence to London, for the work. So prepare yourself for a grand unveiling in 2020.
Bathroom
Elegant marble baths, all updated, offer both a contemporary tub and walk-in rain shower, robe and slippers, and all the five-star amenities. Plus that rarest of luxuries, daylight.
Lobby
A grand marble reception area opens onto one of the centerpieces of the hotel, the extraordinary La Verrière winter garden. Set under a enormous canopy of glass, this is the place to relax for an hour or the afternoon, or enjoy a drink or any meal in an oh-so-Parisian setting.
Spa
The I-Spa by Algotherm's four single and one double treatment rooms are available for a range of luxury treatments. You can also use the guests-only steam room and sauna before or after treatments.
Tip Be sure to book the steam room ahead of time for either a half-hour or hour session, as it is privatized for one or two guests at a time.
Gym
A small but very well-equipped gym is available to guests only.
Tip Do avail yourself of the juice bar, stocked with bottled water, fresh juices, tea, fruit, and other goodies for pre- or post-workout.
Dining
You may find more elegant dining but you won't find a more magnificent setting in any hotel in Paris. The historic Café de la Paix's gilded and painted ceilings, elegantly carved woodwork, and sumptuous period lighting are rivalled only by the Opéra Garnier just outside. In summer, its terrace is a perfect Parisian spot to watch the world go by, if you don't mind the buses and traffic that converge at busy Place de l'Opéra. Inside, however, it's perfect peace and quiet for enjoying a gourmet version of typical brasserie fare, featuring fresh oysters and towering seafood plates. At breakfast and weekend brunch guests are treated to the most lavish spread in Paris, with specific buffets for every food you can imagine, including exotic fruits and juices, a miso soup bar, breads and pastries, chaffing dishes of any meat you can think of, plus a chef taking your made-to-order eggs request.
You Should Know Brunch is a lively affair on weekends, if you prefer dining quietly get there before 10 am.
Drinking
The dusky mahogany panelled bar at the far end of La Verrière is an elegantly cosy setting in which to imbibe in an impressive list of French wines or a cocktail. If you prefer a lighter atmosphere you can order any drink at La Verrière.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Bustling Avenue de l’Opéra is not the obvious spot for a luxury hotel, but it turns out to be a brilliant one. Truly the heart of Paris, it's an easy walk to the exquisite Palais Royal gardens and some of Paris's finest sites, shopping, restaurants and nightlife in Paris. Though the Avenue de l'Opéra itself isn't the quietest or most scenic, the views of the Paris Opéra are unrivalled.
Restaurants
Nearby rue Sainte-Anne, and neighboring streets, is Paris's go-to place for dozens of Japanese restaurants and Asian grocers, from fast-food noodle joints to fresh, authentic cuisine paired with artisanal sake. We like Kunitoraya and Kunitoraya II, on the rue Villedo (about a 10-minute walk, near the Palais Royal gardens).
Bars
In Galerie Vivienne another covered passageway about 10 minutes from the hotel (you might as well see them all), Danico, the cocktail bar attached to gourmet pizza restaurant Darico, is a chic spot for a delicious pour. There are also some great wine bars near the Palais Royal gardens, including Willie's Wine Bar—an expat hotspot—featuring excellent small producer wines and top-value menus at lunch and dinner. We also like Verjus Bar à Vins, below its gastronomic restaurant parallel to the Palais Royal gardens on rue de Montpensier (all within a 10-minute walk).
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