In a city renowned for its luxurious offerings, the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris effortlessly stands out from the crowd, and not just because of the iconic Jeff Leatham flower arrangements. The hotel is a landmark property in Paris where tourists and travelers alike flock to snap pictures and say they’ve been there. Despite sending many clients there over the years, I hadn’t visited myself until last year! Find out what makes this historic hotel such a key landmark and surprises I found along the way.
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Table of Contents
Location
Tucked away in the heart of Paris’ chic 8th arrondissement, you’ll find the Four Seasons Hotel George V soaking up all the city’s vibes. It’s like being in the middle of everything cool and trendy but still having your own little oasis. Step outside, and you’re just a short walk from the legendary Champs-Élysées and the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Plus, being surrounded by the trendiest shops, cozy cafés, and must-see sights means there’s always something exciting to explore right around the corner.
Flights
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First Impression
Stepping through the towering doors of the Four Seasons Hotel George V was like stepping into a dream. The grandeur of the lobby enveloped me, with its soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and an abundance of fresh flowers adorning every corner.
As I made my way to the reception desk, I couldn’t help but marvel at the elegance of my surroundings. The attentive staff greeted me with warm smiles and impeccable service, instantly making me feel like royalty. I was glad for the personal escort to my room as the lobby is a bit of a maze with multiple corridors to get lost in.
Style
The design style of the Four Seasons Hotel George V can be best described as a harmonious blend of classic elegance and contemporary luxury. The hotel refers to their design as “Louis XVI” style. From the moment you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by a sense of timeless sophistication, with marble floors, intricate moldings, and opulent chandeliers setting the tone for the entire experience.
The attention to detail is flawless, with each piece of furniture and decor carefully selected to create a sense of refined comfort. Rich fabrics, such as velvet and silk, add texture and depth to the interiors, while nods to French art and culture can be found throughout, paying homage to the hotel’s storied history.
Though there is a timeless appeal to Louis XVI style, I found the property and rooms to feel dated. The hotel is currently undergoing a multi-year renovation project in several phases. I anticipate the refreshed look of the rooms to restore this hotel’s look and feel to its original glory.
Rooms
Clients who enjoy having a variety of room and suite options will be pleased with the Four Seasons George V. With 244 rooms, including 59 suites, there’s a room for every mood and occasion. There are two buildings that make up this property, and they’re completely identical. I found the rooms to be spacious and decorated in that classic Louis XVI style. Meanwhile the suites were more contemporary while still maintaining that classic Parisian identity.
I stayed in a Deluxe Room during my visit which is one step above the entry-level Superior Room category. The room had a cute little balcony with a bistro set up overlooking the main street. It was great to people-watch the other couples in their bathrobes drinking champagne on their balconies too. The room itself was spacious and lovely, although noticeably dated. There was a dusty old DVD player in the entertainment center! The furniture looked worn and the bathroom needed a serious update. I know some clients love this classic style, but it could definitely use some touch ups.
When I toured around the property with the Sales Manager, I was told that renovation plans are in place for the hotel. Exciting! They’ve started renovating a few of their large suites, and then after the Paris Olympics they’ll continue to renovate all of the rooms in phases. I actually saw a few of the rooms from my balcony being renovated and didn’t hear any noise at all. I’m looking forward to seeing the new rooms when they’re finished!
Amenities
As to be expected at a Four Seasons, there are plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. I have to shout out the concierge who are fantastic at scoring hard-to-get reservations at the trendiest restaurants. One evening I called the concierge to ask what time Le Bar was open until and after I hung up I went downstairs to find that the best seats at the bar were set aside for me without even asking! That’s 5-star service.
Aside from the handy concierge, you’ll find a complimentary Kid’s Club on the ground floor, an opulent spa with six treatment rooms and a lap pool, a decent sized gym furnished with Technogym equipment (and overlooking the pool), and incredible Michelin-starred restaurants. Arguably one of the main draws of the Four Seasons George V is the selection of fine dining options for a splurge-worthy date night. These restaurants and bars include:
- Le George: A chic and contemporary restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy innovative dishes in a stylish setting with views of the hotel’s beautiful courtyard.
- L’Orangerie: This elegant restaurant serves up traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Set in a light-filled dining room overlooking the hotel’s private garden, L’Orangerie offers an unforgettable dining experience.
- Le Cinq: The crown jewel of the Four Seasons George V, Le Cinq is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its exquisite French cuisine. Indulge in decadent dishes crafted by Executive Chef Christian Le Squer in a luxurious setting that exudes old-world charm.
- Bar Galerie: The perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing, Bar Galerie offers an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy live music performances as you sip on your favorite libations.
- Le Bar: Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or a creative concoction, Le Bar has you covered. With its cozy ambiance and impeccable service, it’s the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap before retiring to your room.
Activities
When in Paris, you can’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the City of Lights. Here are some of my favorite activities in Paris through Viator.
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Recommended Guests
The Four Seasons is a well-known brand throughout the world famous for their excellent service, luxurious accommodations, and top quality amenities and dining. That said, the George V is not for everyone and I’d recommend this hotel to particular clients who:
- Are loyal to the Four Seasons brand
- Appreciate classic Parisian decor
- Willing to overlook the dated rooms in favor of a historic Art Deco feel
- Want to be near the best shopping on Champs Elysée
- Need an excellent and competent concierge to attend to their needs
- Prefers to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants
- Families looking for connecting options (extremely family friendly hotel!)
- Budget of $2,000+ per room per night
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed my time at the Four Seasons George V even though it wasn’t quite what I expected. What I liked was the fantastic service from the concierge and live music at Le Bar. I was also wowed by seeing the Instagram-famous flower arrangements in the lobby. The breakfast spread at Le Cinq was to die for!
What I was surprised by was how crowded the lobby was most of the day and into the evening. I mentioned the hotel is family-friendly but the lobby was full of kids running around and screaming. I also noticed a more diverse guest population at this hotel compared to the Cheval Blanc Paris, for example. The Four Seasons George V seemed to have more families from Asia and the Middle East whereas the Cheval Blanc Paris seemed to be American, British, and French guests. All in all, I would recommend this hotel to the right clients especially once they’ve finished with their renovations!
Have you ever been to the Four Seasons George V? Let me know how your experience was in the comments below!
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