Paris is one of the world’s most popular cities and with its incredible tourist attractions and culinary delights, it’s not hard to see why. I used to live here so when Hotel Westminster Paris invited us to return to review their new Signature Suite, I was delighted.
The hotel has an illustrious past with its connection to the Duke of Westminster who was a regular guest. His coat of arms is above the door – Virtus non Stemma means Worth Not Birth in Latin, or Courage not Pedigree. Located on the Rue de la Paix, one of Paris’s best addresses and these days it’s part of the Warwick International Hotels Collection. They have over 55 luxury hotels and resorts spread across 5 continents.
First Impressions of Hotel Westminster Paris
Entering the imposing Haussmannian building we were immediately greeted by the friendly staff at reception. Baron Haussmann was responsible for the renovation of large swathes of Paris and attractive stone buildings such as these were the end result.
The ground floor is filled with antique furniture and floral displays. One of the staff members accompanied us to our suite where they checked us in, so much more relaxing!
Whilst Paris hotel rooms tend to be on the small side, Hotel Westminster Paris has much more spacious rooms as a whole. The 28 Signature Rooms and Suites have recently been renovated, with a second phase of renovation planned for the remaining rooms as well as the lobby.
The result is certainly pleasing with a subtle yet stylish colour scheme and a cosy ambiance. They’ve retained some of the most charming traditional features like the marble fireplace, gold mirrors and antique clocks.
In 1900, a certain Jean Bruchon purchased this building and discovered a collection of antique clocks. He continued to add to the collection from then onwards.
However there’s no shortage of mod cons with a Samsung flat screen TV in both the bedroom and the lounge, a Nespresso coffee machine plus complimentary high speed WiFi.
Both Paul and I liked the walk-in wardrobe which had ample space for two people to store their clothes. A nice touch at the Hotel Westminster is that you can leave your shoes in the basket and they will be given a complimentary clean for you overnight.
There are very few places that still offer this kind of service and the hotel has some extremely loyal customers including overseas royals who regularly return. The light and airy bathroom has marble walls and a separate power shower. Stocked with Bulgari toiletries, there were also fluffy bathrobes and slippers for lounging around in.
Our suite had a view over the quiet courtyard.
We also viewed one of the more traditional rooms which I found charming, in its traditional style. There are 102 rooms and suites in all.
Facilities at Hotel Westminster Paris
Perhaps my favourite part of the hotel is its stunning wood-panelled Duke’s bar. With clubby green leather armchairs, it has oodles of old-school style.
The cocktails are second to none Рwe enjoyed a welcome Signature Cocktail, rustled up by Head Barman G̩rard, that really hit the spot after our train journey. It was served with some sweet treats that tasted as good as they looked.
It’s no surprise that the cuisine is so good, as Hotel Westminster has a Michelin starred restaurant, Le Céladon. It was closed during our stay as it was a holiday but I’d definitely like to try Head Chef Christophe Moissand’s menu of seasonal produce.
At weekends, there’s a more casual style of dining with very reasonable prices, and the restaurant becomes Le Petit Céladon. Breakfast at the Hotel Westminster is another pleasure. Paul went for a proper cooked breakfast and as he pointed out, in some Parisian hotels, all you get is pastries and coffee. I chose a healthy option of boiled eggs, smoked salmon and cucumber.
The spacious lobby was a handy spot for meeting friends before heading out on the town.
And there’s also a spa and fitness area, which is very well equipped, with a treatment room, large hammam and sauna. There’s also a gym overlooking the rooftops of Paris.
There are several events spaces in the hotel, which are as characterful as the rest of the building, including one with Napoleon III style columns and ornate chandeliers, which is fully modular with very modern equipment.
Paris Opera Area
The hotel is situated in one of the most upmarket areas of Paris close to the Palais Garnier Opera House, and it’s also incredibly central.
A few minutes walk from the Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps, it’s the perfect base for shopping and sightseeing.
The iconic Place de Vendome is at the end of the street and the Palais Royal with its beautiful gardens is a short walk away. It’s also not far from the Passages, just one of my favourite Paris hidden gems.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, the Hotel Westminster is such a convenient base, with so much charm and history that you’re sure to love it! It could well be the best neighborhood to stay in Paris. Have you ever been to Paris and if so, what’s your favourite place there?
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Hotel Westminster, 13, Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris, France
The first room looks so stylish and comfortable. The view towards the courtyard is also very nice. I can spend there a whole Sunday. The hotel also looks pretty from outside. Sadly, I’ve never been to Paris.
Oh you must visit Paris, it’s wonderful – I’m biased as I lived there 😉
I love the beautiful traditional yet contemporary look to the hotel xx
It’s a nice mix of old and new, I agree
It looks beautiful! I love the traditional style of it – so Parisian!
C x | Lux Life
Yes it really does fit in with its area very well!
The hotel looks so beautiful! I recently booked a weekend to Paris; I haven’t been since September last year, so I’m very much looking forward to going back.
I noticed quite a few changes, especially around Les Halles, though that’s not finished yet
Les Halles themselves were undergoing renovation, the last time I was there. I’m curious to see the changes.
Since I grew up in Paris and my family still lives there, I have never stayed in a hotel in the city. But this looks exactly like my style of hotel. A bit of old world charm but still modern and quirky. If I had to choose a place to stay in Paris I certainly would go here after reading your blog post.
You’re very lucky to have family living there, you must know it like the back of your hand
I know a fair chunk of it. But Paris is huge and like in London there are always new spots to discover. Plus when you live somewhere you often become a little blind to your surroundings
Wow looks like such a great place! The garden looks very tranquil
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
It’s on the top of the first floor so you can’t actually go out there but on the plus side that means it’s very quiet in the rooms as there’s no one outside in the garden
Paris is always a good idea 😉 Very much looking forward to my weekend trip to Paris later this summer. Love the little traditional features and the surrounding area of the hotel ♡
So very true, Miriam, and I’m looking forward to reading all about your trip. The area around Opera is very cool
So luxe + gorgeous!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Wow this hotel looks incredible, It would be a wonderful place to stay.
Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
It was so convenient, we just walked everywhere! Also so quick to the Gare du Nord but we got a cab for that
I love the classic interior and how everything is well decorated. Also when you are bored, you can always go out to discover the city!
Ela BellaWorld
There were lots of cool places nearby like the Palais Royal, I’ll be writing about that soon
That is a very luxurious hotel, I must admit. What I love the most about it is that it’s very classic and decorated so nicely! I’m now so jealous of your experience. Take me there! 🙂
The decor is such a nice mix of old and new, especially in the renovated bedrooms like the one we had
There’s definitely a lot of old school glamour about this place. I can see why it has some high class clientele! And the location is perfect.
Polly xx
Follow Your Sunshine
Some of the clients stay for a month or more, so it must feel like a second home to them
What an amazing courtyard! Love that hotel
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
The courtyard is stunning, you can’t sit out there as it’s on the first floor above the restaurant but it’s lovely to look out onto
Wow, it looks amazing! I will keep it in mind when I book my next trip 🙂
John
www.shoutjohn.co.uk
Glad you enjoyed reading about it John and thanks for stopping by
This hotel is absolutely stunning, Suze! I’m heading to Paris in the fall for my mom’s 65th birthday so I’ll keep this in mind. I LOVE the look of the quiet courtyard! Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂
What a lovely city to visit for your Mum’s 65th birthday, I hope that you both have an amazing time
Yes I was in France for 10 years, Paris, Burgundy, Tours…that’s why I love going back
So gorgeous! It looks luxurious and comfortable and that suite is so special. My favorite hotel in Paris is the Hotel Francois Premier near the Champs Élysées. So fun to read about your trip!
Http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
I’ll be writing about Paris in more depth later this month, we did so many fun things!
Thanks very much, Kia and I hope that you’re enjoying the weekend!
Love the old style interiors , and rooms! It’s great when hotels expertly combine modern touches with old world decor. And that’s a nice touch too, with the complimentary shoe cleaning!
How nice to get an invitation to the Hotel Westminster to review their Signature Suite! Not a harsh task :-). The renovated suites look lovely (we personally love grand hotels with the charm of days gone by). And mmm… Bulgari toiletries — one of our favorites…