It has established a reputation for understated opulence and exemplary service, and today these are still the qualities that enable the George V to consistently head any list of world class destination hotels, and continue to be the home-away from-home for many of the world’s most famous people.
A TRUE PARISIENNE PALACE Located just steps away from the Champs-Elysees, the George V hotel in Paris is steeped in history, since its inauguration in the 1920s, it has become a true icon of the City of Light. Designed by Richard Martinet the George V hotel was named in tribute to the reigning king of England and can only be described as the epitome of luxury.
After four decades of service in October 1997, the George V hotel closed its doors as part of an exhaustive renovation and rebranding project under the watchful eyes of its new owners Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabi a, who reportedly spent $167 million to acquire the property from the London-based Granada Group, and $125 million more on rebuilding and design. The project was steered by the construction giant Bouygues, the same firm that refurbished the Louvre and more than 1,100 artisans and workmen were involved in the renovation, in December of 1999 the rebranded Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris was opened.
This incredible eight-story landmark building sparkles with period architectural details, lavish interior and exterior spaces and offers some of the city’s finest dining. The Art Deco gates and medallions over the glass entrance doors of the George V have been replaced and now look as they did in 1928, when the historic hotel opened. The long, narrow gallery once again has a 500-square-foot Savonnerie carpet, three Murano crystal chandeliers and a 17th-century Flemish tapestry. Its tall windows look out onto the interior courtyard, with its restored iron-grille balconies and replicated royal-blue awnings.
The renovation not only restored the original Art Deco design and facade, but it provided state-of-the-art infrastructure and contemporary amenities. Guests will find the spirit of the old George V in the well-dressed guests who meet for afternoon tea and drinks in La Galerie, toting Ferragamo and Fendi shopping bags from the neighbourhood fashion houses. They can also see the new Four Seasons appeal in energetic young couples in casual dress working out in the health club, business travellers plugging in their laptops and families with well-behaved youngsters. Part of the reason for the hotel’s tremendous appeal is its location.
Situated within the Triangle D’or Paris’ Golden Triangle the Four seasons George V hotel is a stone’s throw from the most exclusive areas of Paris, like the Avenue Montaigne and the Rue Saint- Honoré and some of the city’s most famous architectural treasures.
SUMPTUOUS SUITES
The hotel’s original 300 rooms were reduced to 245 rooms and suites, during the refurbishment with the 184 rooms divided into three classes: Superior, Deluxe and Premier. The 61 suites and apartments; 30 with private terraces, are in nine categories: Executive Suite, One- Bedroom Superior and Deluxe Suites, Duplex Apartment, Two-Bedroom Superior and Deluxe Suites, Specialty Suites, and Presidential and Royal Suites.
Rooms are a generous 450 to 600 square feet, and suites range from 750 to 1,660 square feet. Each room or suite is coordinated around one of three colour schemes; buttercup yellow, celadon green or lavender blue, which is echoed in the walls, carpets, damask bedspread, fabrics, and even in the classically French-style Louis XVI or Empire painted wooden cabinets and consoles that hold the TV, VCR, CD and video game station. Rooms also feature a desk with three telephone lines, including a data port for modems, a separate fax line and voice mail.
Every room has a computer keyboard that, with the television monitor, provides high-speed Internet access. Spacious bathrooms are fashioned in Four Seasons’ signature beige marble, with sink top and design details that echo each room’s dominant colour. Large separate showers, deep bathtubs, separate toilet stalls, thick terry robes and oversize towels, hair dryers and Bulgari toiletries all serve to provide the bathroom luxury to which veteran Four Seasons guests are accustomed
A DEFINING SPIRIT OF ELEGANCE AND CHARM
The Four Seasons’ world-renowned restaurant Le Cinq is among the city’s most elegant dining rooms and has been awarded a coveted two Michelin stars. Boasting beautiful views of the hotel’s courtyard, with its crystal chandelier, marble columns and palm trees, it is an elegant setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The executive chef, Philippe Legendre,came from the Michelin three-star rated Taillevent.
The La Galerie Lounge is the heart and soul of the Hotel, La Galerie showcases beautiful Flemish tapestries, 19th-century paintings and furniture, as well as many exquisite objets d’ art. The atmosphere is of elegance and genuine peace, highlighted by the pianist. This is the best spot for people-watching, intimate conversation and light fair.
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