Doing the 8th in Paris Like a (Glam) Parisian

Stay

The first question you should ask yourself is: where will I stay? The most acceptable answer will be anywhere that gives you a great view of the Eiffel Tower. Well, it’s not exactly anywhere, it should be in Champs-Élysées. And a glam spot on top of the list is the Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres, which will give you just that.

Standing at the entrance to the Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres

The lounge in Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

Our delicious welcome gift and our key at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

This charming hotel will make you feel like you live here. Instead of a giant, bustling lobby filled with tourists, you’ll find a cosy and luxurious lounge that seems like it’s there just for you. From the hallways to the rooms to the elevator, everything feels comfortable and uber-plush.

The hotel has 26 rooms corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. And not just any ordinary alphabet. Each letter represents a celebrated writer wherein which the room is decorated with their work. This boutique hotel is rated 4-stars, but the rooms, beds, breakfast and service is definitely on par with any 5-star hotel. And it doesn’t stop there.

With my hubby in the lobby of Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

It’s on a quiet street in the 8th arrondissement (right next to the prime minister’s palace, no less!), so you won’t have to worry about honking cars or tipsy tourists waking you at night (although there is an awesome American-style bar across the street called Bugsy’s that’s worth visiting for a pint or two). Despite feeling tucked away, it’s right next door to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which is the only place to be if you want to shop haute couture. It’s also a few steps from Avenue Montaigne, the Palais de L’Elysée, the Place Beauvau, and several great art galleries (like Opera Gallery, which is also in NYC, is my favorite gallery).

Opera Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Paris

But before we talk endlessly about what’s surrounding Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres, I would like to share with you two suites where you can have the best glam vacation in Paris, ever. You’ve probably seen photo shoots and magazine ads featuring a balcony with people having breakfast with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Don’t you always wish it was you in the pictures? Yeah, I always did, too.

The exterior of the hotel in the early evening

Our breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, from our bed

Several of the suites in Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres can give you your own picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower. We stayed in two of their best suites, both with incredible views. While having breakfast on the suite’s balcony, or before going to sleep on your fluffy bed, you will be able to see the twinkling tower from the suite called ‘Diderot’ – and go to sleep basking under the magical, twinkling lights of Paris.

Risqué required reading in the Diderot suite at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

The Diderot suite at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

Another exceptional suite in this hidden gem of a hotel is the penthouse suite called ‘Andersen’, which also has an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower. The Andersen has a spacious lounging area where you can indulge in the softness of the purple velvet sofa and lounge chairs while sipping your coffee, and enjoying views of the Eiffel Tower at the same time.

Feeling peckish? I was amazed to learn that room service can be ordered 24 hours a day. Yes — that’s right — you can order gourmet food and eat it in bed at 4am, or any other time you’d like! Their menu includes French classics like French foie gras and toast (but please don’t order that — here’s why), a cheese platter, and chocolate fondant (perfect for 4am), to worldwide favorites like grilled salmon fillet and sushi. Yummy!

The Andersen suite at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres

If you’re also a fan of Denis Diderot or Hans Christian Andersen, then you’ll see passages from their books all over the suite. From the wall on the headboard to the bathroom doors, the passages will be embedded in your head like a last song syndrome. But hey, it’s actually a good thing, it’s your first step to learning French!

Diderot’s sexy script – the writing on the wall

Towel warmer = Yes, please!!

The quality of the pillows, mattress, sheets, drapes, and materials used in the suites (especially in the bathrobes!) is something that I can’t stop gushing about. Oh, and the towel warmers! (Note to self: get a towel warmer ASAP.)

Enjoying the complimentary breakfast on the Diderot suite’s balcony

Breakfast is included in your stay, and you can either get it sent up as room service (breakfast in bed? count me in!) or eat in the posh dining lounge or terrace on the main floor. I loved that everything was so gourmet, from the cheese plate, to the individually packaged La Perruche cane sugar and the perfectly selected Alain Milliat confitures in apricot, raspberry, honey and purple fig.

After breakfast, I loved either taking a bath in the Villeroy & Boch soaking jet tub while looking out the large picture window, or grabbing a bike out front to work off all that buttery pain au chocolat by cruising around the 8th.

Bikes are provided by the hotel

Have a drink from the honor bar

Books in the hotel’s lounge

Part of the lounge at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

Have breakfast or a drink in the lounge

The terrace at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres in Paris

And if you’re hankering for a 5 o’clock cocktail, mix one up just how you like it using the wide selection of liquor and mixers in the hotel’s honor bar, then flip through one of the many style-focused coffee table books in their impressive library. What more could a glam Parisian ask for?