Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

Technology is becoming a grating experience for the element of surprise. With everything readily on display, we tend to use less power of our imagination as we come across everyday as-seen-on-TV adventures.



But then there are moments when no picture, instagram video or movie can translate into reality. Paris speaks the romanticism ideology. 



Sure, the Eifel tower speaks volumes about French prestige and beauty. But it is only when you see it that you realize the magnitude technology fails to capture.



Built in 1889 for World’s Fair, the tower became the most-visited paid monument in the world. Today it is a cultural symbol and first on your list as a tourist.



You need to witness it lit up at night, as the tower tells a different story after sunset. To be honest, it took a lot of convincing to go watch it up close.



Because the view from my suite captured the essence of Paris, placing the Eifel tower in the background behind a window that seemed like a hand-painted canvas more than an actual view.



Welcome to Peninsula Paris. The famous luxury hotel chain has now found a new address in the capital of France.



Located just a few steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées at 19 Avenue Kléber, the huge estate has created another memorable landmark with its opulent structure.



Immersed in history, Peninsula Paris is retained in the 19th century classic Haussmanian building, which first opened as one of Paris’s most luxurious “grands hotels” in 1908.



Luckily, the hotel is within walking distance of some of the Europe’s most famous monuments, museums, entertainment venues and of course luxury shopping districts.



For the glitzy evenings and intimate gatherings, the Peninsula is an easy win if not your favorite already. Hues of violet and fuchsia light up the property at night as high-end cars park outside like a scene out of a silent French movie.



The grandeur of a royal wedding can now be celebrated with The Peninsula. The Peninsula Paris’ rooms showcase French heritage and Gallic savoir faire, with focus on local craftsmanship, artisanal heritage and of course rich cuisine. World-class treats await you upon arrival. The chefs make sure you return with impeccable confectionery, especially the lemon cake.



The surprisingly huge spaces offered by The Peninsula are a luxury in Paris. The Peninsula Hotels is a division of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels operating nine luxury hotels with a total of 3,012 rooms across Asia and the USA.



The Peninsula Paris offers 200 luxurious rooms, among the largest in Paris, including 34 suites. Some of these even open to private rooftop gardens with a view to die for.



Then there are in-house features that help you make sense of life. The in-room tablet technology helps cater to complete guest personalization, with over 11 languages.



A flat-screen Blu-Ray 3D LED TV, speaker system with subwoofers, nail dryer and even an all-in-one fax/scanner/ printer/photocopier stored away in your study helps feed your bare necessities.



You can even listen to an extensive radio variety from all over the world as you bathe or relax in ‘spa mode’ inbuilt in bathrooms. With warm marbled floors just like any spa, you can switch up the mood by clicking on the spa mode that transforms lighting and music automatically to infuse your senses in their bathrooms using Oscar de la Renta bathroom amenities.



But do not forget the spa. The relaxation areas offer six private treatment rooms and VIP couples’ suites. Try the distressing Aromatherapy massage for a distressing experience with products by ESPA and Biologique Recherche.



Peninsula Paris thus brings an unprecedented new level of distinction in luxury, comfort and design. Decorated in grey and cream soft tones that highlight lacquered furnishings and modern aesthetics, the rooms showcase classical craftsmanship.



If you are looking for a culinary journey to write home about, look no further. Their lobby reflects the glory of Belle Epoque era and an all-day international menu for a quick bite.



La Terrasse Kléber is café society at its prime and the best place to be seen. Naturally an Arab favorite instantly.



The Lounge Kléber is more discreet  and ideal for an evening with a cigars and conversations. The two paintings displayed on the ceiling of the lounge were reportedly restored by Cinzia Pasquali, who has restored paintings by Leonardo da Vinci at the Louvre, with experience at the Palace of Versailles.



LiLi serves authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by award-winning Hong Kong chefs. You can even find Chinese dishes on their breakfast, in case you fancy dim sums in the morning.



Last but not the least, L’Oiseau Blanc.Located on the sixth floor of the hotel overlooking magnificent views of Paris, including the Eifel tower, L’Oiseau Blanc  is also known to be the place where many people propose marriage and celebrate romance.



Chances are you have not yet discovered this gem in Paris and on your next trip, which for many Saudis is situated around the corner, you can give yourself a chance to relive Parisian romance.



Most Saudis make a day out of walking through the 1.9 km stretch along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. You can dine at the finest, shop at your favorite shopping destinations and easily spend a day on maneuvering through the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, a park with the Grand Palais.



While you are on a mission to unravel the mystery, visit the Notre-Dame to witness one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.



The Louvre is a 10-minute drive to unearth evolution. Whether you just want to see Mona Lisa or roam through ancient history of mankind or architecture, do visit one of the world’s largest museums.



The museum is located in the Louvre Palace, originally built as a fortress. Whether it is the Islamic art collection or Gianlorenzo Bernini’s works, the Louvre is an eye-opener and a gift the past has to offer. Luckily technology can never reproduce feelings we capture throughout our journey in Paris. Sure, you have seen it, but you can never imagine the reality.



Even if that means exploring Disney Land in Paris. But the more you discover the more you realize the city’s inexhaustible capacity and the need to learn more.



Indeed for those who seek love, all roads lead to Paris. Many couples seek solace in the capital of France for its unperturbed nature and luxuriously artsy nature.



Regardless of what you seek in Paris, at the end of the day, which can be an extremely exhausting one, there is no place like home. Unless you are staying at the Peninsula Paris.