Review: Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Paris, France)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today: Review of Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Paris, France)

Location: Google maps
Hotel website: Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Prince De Galles with Virtuoso

The Prince de Galles is a legendary jewel of the Parisian Art Deco movement and a five-star Luxury Collection Hotel (part of Marriott‘s hotel portfolio). Since its inauguration in 1929, the hotel has excelled as a symbol of sophistication and grace. Situated on the prestigious Avenue George V, the hotel benefits from a premier location in the Parisian Golden Triangle near the Champs-Elysées. Its 116 elegant rooms and 43 suites provide an intimate atmosphere for Paris’ most discerning travelers. Not to mention the Akira Back restaurant, which offers an elevated dining experience full of explosive flavours. The property is also home to one of Paris’ most exclusive hotel suites, Suite Lalique by Patrick Hellmann.

Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Paris and the most exclusive hotel suites in Paris.

Have you ever stayed at Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Situated in Paris‘ most desirable city quarter, the Golden Triangle by Champs-Elysées, Prince de Galles Hotel has been an iconic jewel on Avenue George V since its opening in 1928, offering one of the best locations in the French capital for both leisure and business travelers. Set in the high-end designer 8e arrondissement, the property is just steps away from cultural & historical Parisian landmarks and also close to some of the most prestigious haute-couture boutiques of the city and the city’s main business districts. The tranquil beauty of the Seine and the legendary landmark Arc de Triomphe are just around the corner. Metro station George V (line 1) is a five min walk away.

Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is located right next to the Four Seasons George V Hotel, with whom its shares its royal history linked to the British monarchy. Both neighboring hotels were run in the 1920s by two brothers and they both owe their names to their original aims: to welcome the King of England, George V, and his son, the Prince of Wales Edward VII , during their annual visits to the French capital. King George V stayed at the Four Seasons while his son stayed at the Prince de Galles Hotel. Today, both hotels could not be more different though: Prince de Galles Hotel is decidedly 1920s while the Four Seasons George V Hotel features a more classic decor and traditional grandeur.

Prince de Galles Hotel was built at the beginning of the Art Deco period by the famous architect André Arfvidson. The Art Deco movement took its name from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, where simple, clean shapes and geometric forms were introduced to ditch the romantic, curvilinear codes of Art Nouveau. In 2013, the property underwent a meticulous two-year $100 million USD restoration under the supervision of world-famous designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and in collaboration with ERTIM Architectes SA. The renovation brought the hotel back to the whimsically opulent era of the Parisian Art Deco 1930s. The lobby was re-designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon to be reminiscent of an intimate Art Deco salo. The public space is adorned with black marble, Macassar ebony, armchairs and exquisite textiles, and features a handcrafted chandelier by Delisle as its pièce de résistance.

Prince de Galles Hotel offers discreet residential luxury in each of its 115 guestrooms and 44 suites, many of which include private balconies with stunning views of the Paris cityscape. Cloaked in silken celadon fabric, the luxuriously appointed guest rooms celebrate the hotel’s distinct personality while preserving its authentic elegance and rich heritage. Rochon selected custom-designed Art Deco furniture and elegant furnishings in Macassar ebony wood to contrast the geometrically-patterned black Saint Laurent marble floors with intricate mosaics created by Italian artisans. The fine arabesques on the rooms’ carpets are inspired by the mosaic scrolls surrounding the hotel’s famous courtyard, visible from the windows. A grand Macassar work desk and a spacious sycamore dressing room complete the residential ambience of the suites. Plush terry cloth robes and slippers and toiletries from the Lalique collection are provided in all rooms.

During my visit, I stayed in Prince De Galles Hotel’s most exclusive room, the Suite Lalique by Patrick Hellmann. In partnership with the historic Paris-based glassmaker Lalique, German designer Patrick Hellmann has swathed the entire suite in a mosaic of mostly black and gold to bring that Art Deco look to life, and then layered it with texture, such as sculptural side tables and blonde wood furniture, to provide some balance. Hellmann also selected some iconic crystal pieces for the suite, like the Seville chandelier – first designed by Marc Lalique in 1947 – that hangs over the curvy black-and-gold staircase. The dazzling duplex suite features one bedroom, a living room and a dining room – all with one-of-a-kind Art Deco inspired design accents. Covered entirely in veiny grigio carnico marble, the ensuite bathroom is equipped with two basins, a standalone bathtub, and a walk-in rain shower. A highlight of the suite is an expansive rooftop terrace which offers views of the entire city of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.

Guests of Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris can enjoy a fine dining experience at three different restaurants & bars, which are all located on the hotel’s ground floor:
- Prince de Galles’ signature restaurant is Akira Back restaurant, named after the international, Michelin-starred chef who has chosen the Paris hotel as his first European venture. Opened in 2022, this unique venue offers modern Japanese cuisine with Korean and international flavors. Each morning, breakfast is also served at Akira Back, as well as an exceptional brunch on Sundays.
- At 19.20, a cocktail and culinary memoir bar located next to Akira Back, the spirit of Paris is combined with elegance and warmth to elevate the art of mixology.
- Le Patio is an invigorating haven of peace in the heart of Paris, a refreshing outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery, ideal to enjoy a lunch, a dinner under the stars, or simply a cocktail. Adorned with thousands of mosaics, the elegant courtyard features four cabanas to offer additional privacy for guests.

Prince de Galles Hotel features a Pierre-Yves Rochon designed fitness center, a Wellness Suite by Olivier Lecocq, and an event space for celebrations hosting up to 70 people. The Wellness Suite by Olivier Lecocq offers a rejuvenating experience, inspired by the therapeutic products of Unique Elixir Paris. Guests may choose to enjoy a luxury treatment in the hotel’s sole treatment room, which includes a hamman, or in the privacy of their room. You can also maintain your health at the hotel’s impressive on-site fitness center, which is complimentary for hotel guests. It features treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles and a Stairmaster, as well as free weights, fitness balls and stretching bands. Upon request, the hotel can also organize individual sessions with a personal trainer, available at a charge. For guests’ comfort and convenience, the fitness centers offers towels, fresh fruit, newspapers and complimentary mineral water.

Prince De Galles Hotel is managed by the ‘The Luxury Collection‘, which belongs to Marriott’s portfolio’s of hotels. Most hotels in The Luxury Collection are smaller establishments in converted palaces or restored historic hotels. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, Today, The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 85 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The brand includes some iconic properties like the Gritti Palace in Venice, North Island in the Seychelles, the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, and Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens. The Luxury Collection label not only guarantees an excellent product, but also means you can earn and/or redeem Marriott Rewards points for any upcoming stay at the property.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel is a Parisian gem but it’s a rather small property. There’s not much beyond its 159 rooms, fine dining restaurant, outdoor patio, and historic bar, and leisure facilities are limited to a well equipped gym and one treatment room. There is no pool, due to the fact that the architects had to work within the constraint of existing structures in the heritage building.

Rooms and suites at Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel face either the street or the inner courtyard. Rooms that are located on Avenue George V can get some street noise, so you may want to request a room on the courtyard (although these rooms don’t come with a view, especially those on the lower floors). Also, some of the entry level rooms are a bit on the small size (this is Paris after all) so you may want to book a higher room category or a suite for more space.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: not available
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good 8,4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel when making a booking with Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit).

Save money: Marriott Bonvoy elite members are well treated here, with – among other benefits – free WiFi, a room upgrade (when available), early check-in or late check-out (when available), and complementary breakfast (for top tier members). Read here my review of Marriott Bonvoy.

Save money: book your room with an additional 25% off making use of a Best Rate Guarantee.

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Prince De Galles Hotel Paris (and/or receive many free perks).

Room tip: book a courtyard room to avoid any street noise and book a suite if you want extra space. The suites & rooms with private terrace are highly recommended.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Paris is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and also experience Paris as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

Paris can easily be reached by plane, train or car. For those coming by plane: there are three airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. The two main airports are CDG to the north-east and Orly to the south and both airfields are well connected to the city center, while Paris Beauvais airport is located quite far up north and used by budget airlines.