La Reserve Hotel Paris is the epitome of Parisian chic. Walking through the ruby wrapped doorway of the 5-star luxury hotel is like stepping back in time. More specifically, to the dazzling days of 19th century Paris. Tucked away in a quiet street in the iconic Champs-Élysées arrondissement, La Reserve Hotel Paris overlooks the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the Luxor Obelisk. The 19th century mansion was originally built in 1854, during the Haussmann renovation era and remains a part of the historic architectural fabric of this beautiful part of the city today.
Stunning reception area at La Reserve Hotel, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
La Reserve Hotel Paris
French architect and designer Jacques Garcia celebrates that history with his work throughout the interior of the hotel too. Passing through the bold red doorway and on into The Bar, we stood momentarily in awe of the elegance of our surroundings. It was clear from first glance that every inch of the room had been carefully planned out and lovingly decorated. That attention to detail is one of the cornerstones of the La Reserve philosophy. Discretion is also important at La Reserve and valued by the camera-shy celebrities and guests that frequent the exclusive hotel.
With just 26 suites and 14 rooms, La Reserve Paris is a true boutique hotel, focused on ultra personalised service and ensuring the privacy of its guests. For those who want a little more independence, La Reserve also has 10 serviced apartments located just three kilometres from the hotel.
Every design detail has been carefully considered to create opulent and chic Parisian spaces at La Reserve Hotel & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Original 19th century fireplaces remain at La Reserve Hotel & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Use of the most luxurious fittings, fabrics and finishes during the multi million dollar renovation is evident throughout La Reserve Paris. From the reception area with its rich red upholstered sofas, original marbles fireplaces, mirrors dripping in gold leaf and fine artworks to the envy worthy regal green library and hidden smoking lounge complete with fully stocked bar. There is a genuine feeling of old world opulence, reminiscent of La Belle Epoque at La Reserve Hotel Paris.
An enviable collection of books in multiple languages await guests at the private library at La Reserve Hotel Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The impeccably styled library offers a place for guests to relax and unwind at La Reserve Paris Hotel & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Fine spirits and fine crystal line the shelves of the fully stocked bar in the smoking lounge at La Reserve Paris Hotel & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Tables set with precision in the Grand Salon at La Reserve Paris Hotel & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Tea Time at La Reserve Hotel Paris
Sitting down for Tea Time in the Grand Salon was a somewhat surreal experience. The setting typified the glamour that comes to mind when many picture the French capital. White tablecloths hugged tables, silverware and crockery were set with precision. We chose a window seat where the light was flooding in from the courtyard outside.
Skye Gilkeson enjoys an indulgent afternoon tea at La Reserve Paris Hotel & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Tea Time package includes two hot beverages, a range of cakes and pastries and a selection of savoury items. Our coffees arrived and were soon followed by a stand of artfully created treats, each one different from the next. I was almost a little sad to have to eat the display. Of course, that didn’t last long.
The artful display of delicious bites served at Tea Time at La Reserve Hotel & Spa, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The selection included a Fig-blackberry and hazelnut tart, chocolate Angel cake, lemon crumble eclair, chocolate chip cookies, scones with fresh cream, marble cake, a smoked salmon skewer, mushroom three ways and soft cheese with a crispy wafer. We couldn’t get through the entire serving although we definitely tried our hardest as each bite was incredible.
Lemon crumble eclair with gold leaf at La Reserve Hotel & Spa, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Scones, cream and jam at La Reserve Hotel & Spa, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Angel Cake made from Ecuadorian chocolate at La Reserve Hotel, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Freshly baked cookies for the sweet tooth at La Reserve Hotel & Spa, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Tea Time at La Reserve Hotel Paris includes a stand of treats to share and two beverages. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Selection of savoury delicacies at La Reserve Hotel & Spa, Paris. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Experiencing Tea Time at La Reserve Paris is a truly Parisian experience and one I would encourage you to share with a friend or partner, even if you aren’t a guest of the hotel. If afternoon tea isn’t your thing, you may want to try the Sunday Brunch or book dinner in the hotel’s exclusive Restaurant Le Gabriel.
The Fit Traveller was a guest of La Reserve Hotel Paris for our Tea Time experience. As always, our words, opinions and images are authentically our own.
La Reserve Hotel Paris
42 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France
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Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.
She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.
As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.
Read more about Skye’s story here.