My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new hotel review on the Mr.M blog. I believe that many of you remember your stay in a city precisely because of the hotel where you had the opportunity to stay. Apart from the unusual hotel experience, some hotels are also remembered for the unusual story associated with the hotel. Hôtel Napoleon Paris belongs to that rare type of hotel that sticks in your memory for both reasons.
Located just a few steps from the Arc de Triomphe, this five-star gem carries almost a century of Parisian history. And I had the opportunity to experience that history from the inside, from my own apartment, with a view of the rooftops of the eighth arrondissement.
In this text, I guide you through everything that makes this hotel special. I write about its origin, about the love story behind the walls, about the famous guests who stayed here and about the atmosphere that still exudes Parisian charm. I also share my personal experience from the Suite Avenue apartment with a connected Superior room. Of course, there is also a short guide to the sights that every visitor to Paris should visit.
WHERE IS THE HOTEL NAPOLEON PARIS LOCATED?
The address of this hotel says it all. Hôtel Napoleon Paris is located at 40 avenue Friedland, in the heart of the eighth arrondissement. It is just a few steps from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. Charles de Gaulle – Étoile metro station is only a minute’s walk away. This gives you quick access to all the important Parisian districts.
The eighth arrondissement is considered a quarter of luxury and elegance. In its vicinity are the world’s most famous fashion houses. Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are a few minutes’ walk away. This makes this hotel an ideal base for shopping, business meetings and sightseeing of the main monuments.
What immediately won me over was the peacefulness of this location. Although it is located in the heart of the bustling eighth arrondissement, the hotel actually seems like a secluded and quiet oasis. The noise of the avenue remains outside, while inside there is a calm, almost familial tone that is rarely found in the center of a big city.
THE HISTORY OF HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A LOVE STORY BEHIND THE WALLS
Many hotels build their image on luxury. Hôtel Napoleon Paris builds it on emotion. Behind the facade hides one of the most beautiful Parisian love stories.
The building was built in 1928. Architect Henri Porteau designed opulent and elegant lines inspired by the Empire style. It was built on the site of Tolstoy’s former family building. Soon after the opening came a change of fate.
During the rise of 1928, a rich and eccentric Russian merchant named Alexander Pavlovitch Kliaguine fell in love with a young student. They met at a literary salon, and love ignited at first sight. As a wedding present, he gave her this very hotel. He wanted to give his bride a place to host Parisian high society.
And that’s how the address with soul was born. A magnificent building that was never just a palace, nor quite a home, but something in between. It is a place that welcomes you, not a place that overshadows you. You feel exactly that difference as soon as you step inside.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: ONE FAMILY, ALMOST A CENTURY
One fact is particularly fascinating. Hôtel Napoleon still belongs to the Kliaguine family, and the new generation, now in the position of general director, still lives in the hotel with its family. This does not end the story of love in the past. It lasts almost a century and is felt in every detail.
That family thread also explains the special attention to the guest. The staff doesn’t seem to be doing the job. It feels like welcoming you into a home where you will be loved as if you were an expected friend or part of the family. During my stay, I felt that difference in tone and attention more than once, especially in the details that set this hotel apart from others.
Over time, the hotel became the center of Russian cultural life in Paris. The artistic taste and business intuition of the Klyagin family contributed to this. Traces of that heritage can be seen in the portraits and photographs throughout the hotel.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON: FAMOUS GUESTS WHO WROTE HISTORY
The guest list sounds like a survey of twentieth-century cultural history. During its history, the hotel has hosted many distinguished personalities, including Prince Felix Yusupov, Ivan Bunin, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, Salvador Dali, Errol Flynn, Orson Welles, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Josephine Baker.
A special place belongs to one actor. The hotel was immortalized thanks to Jean Gabin, one of the most famous French actors, in several of his films from the 1930s. Errol Flynn gave the hotel the nickname “The Place”.
Prince Felix Yusupov deserves additional attention. He was a regular guest of the hotel and a friend of Alexander Kliaguine. One of the apartments is named after him. His signed portrait today adorns the wall in the rooms, which gives the stay additional historical weight.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: ARCHITECTURE AND THE SPIRIT OF THE INTERIOR
Hôtel Napoleon Paris has a unique title. It is the only hotel completely decorated with Napoleonic art and furnished in the style of the Directory. The theme of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte runs through the entire building. You can see it in paintings, vases, portraits and small decorative details.
The facade bears the year of foundation written in golden letters. Above the entrance proudly stands the inscription Hôtel Napoleon 1928. This sight alone announces what awaits you inside. The exterior is Art Deco in style, with golden columns framing the windows.
The hotel has a total of 96 rooms and suites. Among them are 57 elegant and spacious apartments. They are spread over seven floors. Some overlook the flowery courtyard, others the beautiful Friedland Avenue.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: LOBBY, STAIRCASE AND NAPOLEON ART
The story begins already on the ground floor. The lobby combines old luxury and modern comfort. Green velvet sofas and armchairs with a leopard print create a warm and slightly playful atmosphere. Portraits hang on the walls, and porcelain vases with Napoleon motifs stand on the shelves.
The staircase is a separate story. Next to it are framed drawings of soldiers and officers from the Napoleonic era. The marble floor is decorated with a Greek meander, a recognizable ornament of the Empire. Climbing that staircase feels like walking through a small gallery of history.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH HÔTEL NAPOLEON SUITE AVENUE
I stayed in Suite Avenue, connected to the Superior Room. That combination proved to be the right measure of space and comfort. Suite Avenue covers about 44 square meters and accommodates up to four people. It provides enough space for both rest and work.
The main master bedroom makes a strong impression. Above the headboard falls a sumptuous drapery in red and gold, with motifs inspired by the style of the Empire. A dark headboard, a white bedding set and pillows with a small red pattern make the scene festive. On either side of the bed are black round bedside tables with gold trim.
The connected Superior Room brought a different atmosphere. It is dominated by the purple silk drapery over the bed and the walls with soft stripes. The superior rooms have a typically Parisian charm and overlook the flowery courtyard or the pretty avenue Friedland. That duality of space gave me both privacy and freedom of movement.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: THE DETAILS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE ROOM
The suite exudes attention to detail. A box of handmade chocolate balls greeted me on the bedside table. Inside the cover was a delicate drawing of the avenue with the Arc de Triomphe. Such a gesture immediately gives you an insight into the exceptional level of service that awaits you.
The room also has a small library. Books in Russian, French, English and other languages are on the shelves. Beside them, a small figure of a lion stands guard. That collection of books reminds one more time of the literary origin of the whole story about the hotel.
Technical equipment follows a high standard. All rooms and apartments have individual air conditioning, which was completely renovated in 2024. High-speed Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the property, and every room has a mini-bar that is replenished daily with soft drinks. A safe and a robe complete the experience.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A MARBLE BATHROOM MADE FOR SLOW MORNINGS
The bathroom follows the classic aesthetics of the entire hotel. All bathrooms are lined with light marble and invite you to relax. Mine had a deep soaking tub and hand held shower, along with a spacious sink with chrome faucets.
A marble mosaic in the shape of a wind rose attracts attention on the floor of one bathroom. Red, green and beige stones are arranged in a star pattern. Such detail is rarely seen and shows how much they invested in every corner. Cosmetics have a recognizable signature. Nuxe products from the rêve de miel line, based on honey, are on the sink and in the shower. In addition to them, I also found small attentions such as a shower cap. All this makes the morning routine more pleasant.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: SLIPPERS, A ROBE AND THE WORLD LEFT OUTSIDE
Small objects make a big impression. A soft terry dressing gown and slippers embroidered with the signature Hôtel Napoleon Champs-Élysées Paris transformed the room into a sanctuary. As soon as I put them on, the rhythm of the city was left behind.
On the bathroom floor, the slippers sat right in the middle of the marble wind rose. This scene perfectly combines function and aesthetics. It is precisely such moments that remain in the memory longer than any luxurious detail.
The welcome was completed by a personal message. A letter signed by the general manager wished me a pleasant stay in Paris, the city of light. Such a gesture is not obligatory, but it means a lot. It shows that the hotel sees the guest as a person and not as a room number.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A VIEW OF THE EIFFEL TOWER TO REMEMBER
The best moment of the stay came in the evening. Through the window I saw the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. Its golden glow cut through the dark blue sky over the rooftops of Paris. I’ve been waiting impatiently for that sight ever since I arrived.
Once every hour the tower shines. Then a beam of light spread over the city from the top. I watched that show from the comfort of my own room. Few things can match that feeling. Please note that views of the Eiffel Tower and private terraces are available in a limited number of room categories and are subject to availability. That’s why I recommend that you request such a room or apartment with a view when booking.
HOTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: RESTAURANT AND BAR 1807
Gastronomy is an important part of the experience. The heart of the culinary offer is called 1807. Bar and restaurant 1807 serves hearty and refined French cuisine in an intimate and contemporary setting. The space combines two atmospheres, modern with the Art Deco bar and warm with the fireplace. Breakfast leaves a special impression. Freshly baked baguette loaves, croissants and jams tempt you to indulge, and there is also a full selection of hot and cold dishes with an omelette prepared to your liking. The morning begins calmly and unhurriedly in such an environment.
Sunday brunch deserves special attention. Every Sunday, from noon to half past three, a gourmet buffet awaits guests with a glass of champagne upon arrival. Seasonal ingredients, Besserat de Bellefon champagne, foie gras and Petrossian salmon are on offer. It is an opportunity to taste Paris in the right way.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A SUNNY TERRACE BEHIND THE PLANE TREES
Warm days invite you to the terrace. Bar 1807 has a sunny terrace on Friedland Avenue, open all year round. It is located behind sycamore-lined streets in the Arc de Triomphe district.
The terrace is surrounded by a hedge made of bamboo. This makes it seem intimate and welcoming at the same time. It is an ideal place for a morning coffee or an evening aperitif. The hum of the avenue remains pleasantly distant. An evening in a bar has a special charm. The evening menu offers a selection of wines and champagnes, numerous signature cocktails and delicious recipes to share. It is easy to have a long conversation by the fire in the fireplace.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: SERVICE THAT FEELS PERSONAL
Service is perhaps the hotel’s strongest asset. The staff speak many languages and seem genuinely dedicated. Employees speak French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Romanian. This makes guests from all over the world feel welcome.
WHY IS HOTEL NAPOLEON SO POPULAR?
The popularity of this Hôtel Napoleon rests on several foundations. The first is location. Hôtel Napoleon is the hotel closest to the Arc de Triomphe and the Place Étoile. It thus offers guests peace, yet places them in the very heart of the city.
The second foundation is history. Few hotels can boast a love story and guests like Hemingway and Dali. The third foundation is family ownership. It brings a warmth that large hotel groups find difficult to achieve. The fourth foundation is the harmony of the old and the new. The hotel recently received a fifth star for outstanding luxury. He thereby confirmed that classic elegance and contemporary comfort can go together.
A SHORT GUIDE TO THE SIGHTS OF PARIS
Staying in this hotel makes it easy to see the city. The Triumphal Arch is only a three-minute walk away. From its top there is a magnificent view of the twelve avenues that spread out like a star. It is one of the most photographed sights in the city.
The Champs Elysées starts right next door. That famous avenue offers shops, cafes and a walk that never gets boring. From there you can easily reach Concorde Square and Tuileries Garden. A walk through them takes you straight to the Louvre.
The Eiffel Tower is a short drive away. Besides it, it is worth visiting the Arc de Triomphe, the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the old quarter of Montmartre. Art lovers will find the Orse and Orangerie museums nearby. In just a few days you can visit the main attractions of the city.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
Before arriving at Hôtel Napoleon Paris, there are a few things worth thinking about. Check-in is possible from three in the afternoon, and check-out until noon. The hotel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and concierges are available to order taxis in front of the hotel.
If you want a room with a special view, you should check the room availability in time. Rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower and a terrace are available in a limited number. The hotel does not have its own parking lot. Therefore, it is best to plan your arrival by taxi or transportation with the help of a concierge.
Families have great options. Interconnecting rooms are available on request, and a cot is provided free of charge from the Junior Suite category upwards. This makes the hotel suitable for traveling with children.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: WHERE THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT
There is something special about hotels that carry a soul. Hôtel Napoleon has just that. As you walk through its corridors, you feel the layers of time. Striped wallpaper, brass details and elegant lamps create the warmth of old Paris.
Still, nothing feels dated. The hotel skilfully combines the patina of the past and modern comfort. The air conditioning is new, the internet is fast, and the service is always at your fingertips. That way you get the best of both worlds.
That balance is not unexpected, after all, we are in a city of light, refined refined French fashion and design. It is the result of almost a century of dedication of one family. Each generation has added its own layer, yet has preserved the original spirit. The result is a place that looks completely timeless.
WHO IS HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS FOR?
Hôtel Napoleon Paris is not a hotel for everyone. It is for travelers who value history and peace, especially suitable for those who want the city center without its noise. It also attracts guests who are looking for warmth in luxury, not a cold glow.
Couples will find romance here. The hotel has always been known as a romantic haven thanks to its origins in a love story. Families will appreciate the connecting rooms and spacious suites. Business guests will get peace and a great location.
I especially recommend it to history and art lovers. Every corridor and every salon offers something for the eye and the thought. Staying here is not just a vacation. It is also a small excursion into the past of Paris.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: THE SMALL DETAILS THAT STAY WITH YOU
Big hotels often differ in small things. Hôtel Napoleon understands this well. During my stay I encountered a number of small attentions that made a difference. Each of them sent the same message, that the guest was indeed welcome.
An elegant folder with information was waiting for me on the coffee table in the room. Beside her stood glasses with the hotel’s sign and a bottle of water. Such details seem simple, but pay attention. They show that nothing is left to chance.
Among my favorite sights was the magazine rack. There I found publications dedicated to travel and luxury accommodation. Flipping through those pages with a cup of coffee fit perfectly into the atmosphere. It was a small ritual that completes the experience.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: HERITAGE IN EVERY DETAIL
Hôtel Napoleon Paris is not just a collection of beautiful rooms. He is a living testimony of an era. Russian cultural thread, French elegance and Napoleonic theme come together in a unique whole. Rarely can you feel that mixture so strongly.
The theme of Emperor Napoleon runs through the entire space. Portraits, vases and prints recall the glorious era of French history. And yet, the hotel does not act like a museum. It is a living place where that history is used and respected every day.
This heritage that gives the hotel a special significance, sets it apart from countless similar five-star addresses. When you stay here, you’re not just buying a comfortable night. You become part of a story that lasts almost a century.
WHY I RECOMMEND HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS?
Hôtel Napoleon Paris showed me that luxury doesn’t have to stand out. He can be unobtrusive, but extremely noticeable. This hotel will not try to overshadow you. He welcomes you, calms you down and offers every Parisian respite in his own way.
Staying in the Suite Avenue apartment remained in my memory because of the harmony and because of the incredible view that everyone dreams of when they dream of a trip to Paris. The harmony of space, history and attention is rarely found in one place. And when all that is combined with the view of the Eiffel Tower, you get a memory that lasts.
If you are planning a trip to Paris, this hotel deserves your sincere attention. It is not just a place to sleep. He is part of the story of the city of light. And I am happy that I became a part of that story, even if only for a short time!
See you soon, maybe again in Paris. Until then, let this text be your guide to one of the most beautiful hotel experiences in Europe.
With Love from Paris,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Hôtel Napoléon Paris, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.
Hello Marko, this might be the most interesting hotel piece you have written so far. I spent four nights at Le Royal Monceau Raffles a couple of years ago, just up on Avenue Hoche, and what you describe at the Napoléon feels warmer and far more personal than that polished Philippe Starck world. The detail that won me over is that the founding family still owns the place and the new generation actually lives upstairs. You rarely find that kind of continuity in a city hotel anymore. I have bookmarked this for my next spring trip.
Caro Marko, che lettura piacevole di prima mattina. Mi ha colpito molto la storia delle origini, con l’albergo costruito nel 1928 sul terreno dell’antica residenza della famiglia Tolstoj e regalato come dono di nozze. Conoscevo già il fatto che Ernest Hemingway e Salvador Dalí frequentassero la zona, ma non sapevo che persino Errol Flynn lo chiamasse semplicemente “The Place”. Il tuo racconto della Suite Avenue, con la sua tenda rossa e oro in stile Impero, restituisce perfettamente quell’atmosfera. Complimenti per il lavoro di ricerca, si sente che è tutto verificato.
Lieber Marko, dein Bericht über das Hôtel Napoléon hat mich sofort gefangen genommen. Besonders interessant fand ich, dass der Architekt Henri Porteau das Haus 1928 im nüchternen Empire-Stil entworfen hat und es bis heute in Familienbesitz geblieben ist. Vor einigen Jahren habe ich im Hôtel Lutetia an der Rive Gauche gewohnt, doch die Lage am Arc de Triomphe scheint mir noch eindrucksvoller. Deine Beschreibung der ruhigen Atmosphäre mitten im achten Arrondissement klingt fast zu schön. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Brief aus Frankreich.
Marko, a genuinely useful review, thank you. I am taking my wife to Paris in the autumn and we are torn between a courtyard room and one facing Avenue de Friedland. You mention that the Superior rooms overlook either the flowery courtyard or the avenue, so which did you find quieter for a proper night’s sleep? We are light sleepers and street noise can ruin a trip. Any honest steer would be much appreciated before I finalise the booking.
Bonjour Marko, quel plaisir de lire un texte aussi soigné sur un hôtel que je croise souvent sans y être jamais entré. J’ignorais que l’établissement avait appartenu, dès 1928, à Alexandre Pavlovitch Kliaguine, qui l’avait offert à sa jeune épouse française. L’idée d’un hôtel né d’une histoire d’amour donne tout de suite une autre profondeur au lieu. Votre description du bar 1807 et de sa terrasse bordée de bambous m’a donné envie d’y prendre un apéritif au printemps. Merci pour cette belle plongée dans le huitième arrondissement.
Beste Marko, wat een verzorgde en sfeervolle recensie. Ik logeerde twee jaar geleden in het Hôtel Lancaster, vlak bij de Champs-Élysées, en jouw beschrijving van het Napoléon roept een vergelijkbaar gevoel op van rust midden in de stad. Vooral het detail van de kompasroos in het marmer van de badkamer vond ik prachtig; zoiets zie je zelden. Dat het hotel sinds 1928 in dezelfde familie is, geeft het echt een ziel. Ik kijk uit naar je volgende reisverhaal uit Frankrijk.
Marko, I have followed your blog since your Rome and Milan letters and this Paris piece sits comfortably among your best. My benchmark in the city has always been Le Bristol on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where the service is faultless but slightly formal. What you describe at the Napoléon sounds more like staying in a grand private house than a hotel, which is exactly what I look for now. The story of the Klyagin family still living on site is the kind of detail that makes a place memorable. I will give it serious thought for next year.
Hola Marko, me ha encantado tu reseña del Hôtel Napoléon. Tengo una duda muy concreta antes de reservar: ¿el desayuno se sirve siempre en el restaurante 1807 o también lo llevan a la habitación sin coste añadido? Viajo bastante por trabajo y aprovecho las mañanas tranquilas para organizar el día. Me ha fascinado saber que el hotel se levantó sobre el solar de la antigua residencia de los Tolstói. Gracias por un texto tan cuidado y verificado.
Lieber Marko, ein wunderbar geschriebener Beitrag. Ich erinnere mich gut an meinen Aufenthalt im Le Negresco in Nizza, das du in deiner Frankreich-Serie ja auch erwähnt hast, und beide Häuser teilen diese Mischung aus Geschichte und Eigensinn. Dass das Hôtel Napoléon das einzige vollständig im napoleonischen Stil eingerichtete Haus der Stadt ist, war mir neu. Deine Fotos des Treppenhauses mit den gerahmten Uniformdrucken sind besonders gelungen. So wird aus einem Hotelbesuch fast ein kleiner Museumsgang.
Dear Marko, your writing always makes me want to pack a bag immediately. I celebrated a special anniversary at the Hôtel de Crillon on Place de la Concorde a while ago, and although it was breathtaking, it lacked the intimacy you describe here. The idea of a hotel that whispers rather than shouts, as you put it, resonates deeply with me. I was also charmed by the welcome chocolates with the little sketch of the Arc de Triomphe. Such small gestures often say more about a place than its chandeliers.
Marko, articolo davvero ben costruito. Vorrei chiederti una cosa pratica: per ammirare la Torre Eiffel dalla camera conviene richiedere un piano alto al momento della prenotazione? Tu scrivi che la vista sulla torre è disponibile solo in alcune categorie e in base alla disponibilità, quindi vorrei capire come muovermi. Ho in programma un viaggio a Parigi in primavera con mia moglie e quella vista serale sarebbe il nostro piccolo sogno. Grazie in anticipo per qualsiasi consiglio.
Bonjour Marko, votre lettre parisienne est un régal. J’ai séjourné l’an dernier au Prince de Galles, avenue George V, et je retrouve dans votre texte ce même soin du détail qui fait la différence. La précision historique m’a impressionné, notamment le rappel que l’Arc de Triomphe, commandé par Napoléon en 1806 après Austerlitz, ne fut achevé qu’en 1836. Savoir que votre hôtel se trouve à trois minutes à pied de ce monument rend l’adresse encore plus enviable. Je note précieusement le bar 1807 pour ma prochaine visite.
Marko, this is travel writing the way it should be done, unhurried and full of texture. I stayed at the Shangri-La on Avenue d’Iéna some years back, where the Eiffel Tower views are spectacular but the prices are eye-watering. What strikes me about the Napoléon is the balance of heritage and genuine warmth, which your photographs capture beautifully. The personal welcome card signed by the general manager is a lovely touch that the bigger palaces tend to forget. I will be recommending this to friends planning their first proper trip to Paris.
Beste Marko, een vraag die mij echt bezighoudt voor onze familiereis. Wij reizen met twee bijna volwassen kinderen en jij noemt dat het hotel verbindingskamers aanbiedt op aanvraag. Hoe ver van tevoren moet je die volgens jou reserveren om zeker te zijn van plaats? Jouw beschrijving van de Suite Avenue met de aangrenzende Superior kamer klinkt als de ideale oplossing voor ons. Alvast bedankt en complimenten voor dit heldere, eerlijke verslag.
Hola Marko, qué reseña tan completa y elegante. Hace tres años me alojé en el Hôtel Martinez de Cannes durante el festival, y aunque la Croisette tiene su magia, echaba de menos esa sensación de hogar que tú describes en el Napoléon. Me ha sorprendido descubrir que entre sus huéspedes ilustres estuvieron Josephine Baker e incluso el príncipe Félix Yusúpov. La historia rusa del hotel le da un encanto muy particular. Gracias por compartir un relato tan documentado y agradable de leer.
Marko, I always trust your eye, and this review confirms why. My husband and I spent a memorable few nights at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat on the Riviera, which is pure paradise but rather isolated. The appeal of the Napoléon is being able to step straight out onto the doorstep of the Champs-Élysées while still finding peace indoors. I loved your point that even the beating heart of the eighth arrondissement seems to stand at a distance once you are inside. That contrast is exactly what makes a city hotel special.
Lieber Marko, ich habe eine Frage zum Frühstück, die mich wirklich interessiert. Du erwähnst den sonntäglichen Champagner-Brunch mit Besserat de Bellefon, Foie gras und Lachs von Petrossian, der von zwölf bis halb drei serviert wird. Muss man dafür im Voraus reservieren, oder ist er auch für Hotelgäste spontan zugänglich? Ich plane einen Wochenendaufenthalt und würde diesen Brunch ungern verpassen. Vielen Dank für deinen ausführlichen und ehrlichen Bericht.
Caro Marko, ho una curiosità da viaggiatore. Tu descrivi la metropolitana Charles de Gaulle – Étoile a un minuto a piedi, ma per visitare Montmartre e il Sacré-Cœur conviene secondo te prendere la metro o un taxi dal Napoléon? Vorrei organizzare bene le giornate per non perdere tempo. Ho apprezzato molto il tuo richiamo storico alla basilica, costruita tra il 1875 e il 1914. Il tuo blog resta per me un punto di riferimento per ogni viaggio in Europa.
Marko, a beautifully judged piece that reads like a love letter to the city. I once stayed at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, which is impeccable in a contemporary way, yet your description of the Napoléon’s Empire drapery and mahogany furniture appeals to me far more these days. The fact that it earned its fifth star fairly recently, after decades of quiet family stewardship, tells you everything about its priorities. Your photograph of the marble compass rose on the bathroom floor genuinely made me pause. That is the sort of craftsmanship modern hotels simply do not commission.
Bonjour Marko, votre lettre parisienne est un véritable plaisir de lecture. J’ai eu la chance de loger au Lutetia, sur la rive gauche, mais l’emplacement du Napoléon, si proche de l’Arc de Triomphe, me semble idéal pour rayonner dans la capitale. J’ai apprécié votre rappel que la tombe du Soldat inconnu, datant de la Première Guerre mondiale, repose sous l’arche. Ce mélange d’histoire et de confort moderne rend votre récit captivant. Je garde précieusement cette adresse pour un futur séjour.
Marko, a quick question prompted by your lovely description of the brunch. You mention the Sunday champagne brunch served until half past two, and I wondered whether it tends to book up well in advance during the spring months. We would love to experience it during our stay. Your point that the hotel feels like a private house rather than an institution is what finally sold me. Thank you for such a generous and carefully researched review.
Beste Marko, opnieuw een prachtig verzorgd reisverhaal. Ik logeerde vorig jaar in Villa La Coste in de Provence, omringd door wijngaarden en kunst, maar jouw Napoléon heeft die typisch Parijse charme die ik zo waardeer. Het verhaal dat het hotel ooit als huwelijksgeschenk werd gegeven, vind ik werkelijk betoverend. Je foto van de Eiffeltoren die ‘s avonds goudkleurig oplicht, gezien vanuit de kamer, is adembenemend. Ik bewaar dit artikel zeker voor mijn volgende reis naar Parijs.
Lieber Marko, ich verfolge deinen Blog seit deiner Rom- und Mailand-Serie und freue mich über jeden neuen Beitrag. Vor einigen Jahren wohnte ich im InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hôtel gegenüber dem Opernhaus und liebe daher Häuser mit Geschichte. Dass das Napoléon einst der Familie Tolstoi gehörte, bevor es zum Hotel wurde, hat mich fasziniert. Deine Beschreibung der Suite Avenue mit ihrer rot-goldenen Draperie ist wunderbar bildhaft. Ich danke dir für diesen sorgfältig recherchierten Reisebericht.
Marko, I have a question about getting around, if I may. You note that the metro at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile is barely a minute away, but for someone keen to walk, how realistic is it to reach the Louvre or the Tuileries on foot from the hotel? We rather enjoy exploring a city by walking. Your description of the eighth arrondissement makes it sound wonderfully central. Many thanks for a review that is as practical as it is elegant.
Hola Marko, qué reseña tan evocadora y bien escrita. Hace unos años me alojé en el Hôtel de Crillon, frente a la plaza de la Concordia, y comparto tu admiración por los hoteles que cuentan una historia. Me ha encantado descubrir que el Napoléon fue inmortalizado en las películas de Jean Gabin en los años treinta. Ese vínculo con el cine francés le da un aura muy especial. Gracias por un texto tan elegante; siempre es un placer leerte.
Caro Marko, ho una domanda da viaggiatore curioso. Tu citi una crociera sulla Senna come parte dell’itinerario; la consiglieresti di giorno o al tramonto per godere meglio dei monumenti? Vorrei regalare a mia moglie un’esperienza indimenticabile durante il nostro soggiorno. La tua descrizione del Napoléon, a pochi passi dall’Arco di Trionfo, mi ha convinto del tutto sulla scelta dell’hotel. Grazie in anticipo per i tuoi consigli sempre puntuali e generosi.
Marko, this is a wonderfully rounded portrait of a hotel I had somehow overlooked. I stayed at Les Airelles in Courchevel one winter, which is opulent in the alpine manner, yet the Napoléon’s blend of history and central location appeals to me far more for a city break. The story of the founder darting between business and devotion, ultimately choosing love, is beautifully told. Your photographs of the striped corridors and brass sconces capture the period feel perfectly. I shall certainly look into a stay for the coming year.
Bonjour Marko, votre récit m’a transportée dès les premières lignes. J’ai séjourné autrefois au Fouquet’s, sur les Champs-Élysées, mais l’âme du Napoléon, née d’une histoire d’amour, me touche davantage. J’ai trouvé remarquable que le personnel parle une dizaine de langues, ce qui rend l’accueil si chaleureux pour les voyageurs du monde entier. Votre description de la rosace en marbre dans la salle de bain est un vrai bijou. Merci pour cette lecture élégante et pleine de sensibilité.
Beste Marko, een korte vraag over de kamers. Je schrijft dat het uitzicht op de Eiffeltoren slechts in enkele categorieën beschikbaar is en afhankelijk van beschikbaarheid. Is het volgens jou de moeite waard om bij het boeken expliciet om een hoge verdieping te vragen? Wij zouden dat avondbeeld van de verlichte toren niet graag missen. Dank je wel voor dit heldere en sfeervolle verslag, ik waardeer je eerlijkheid enorm.
Marko, I always learn something from your writing, and this was no exception. We treasured a stay at the Hôtel Lancaster just off the Champs-Élysées, a discreet little gem, and the Napoléon clearly shares that same understated spirit. I was delighted to learn that the hotel became a gathering place for the Lost Generation, with Gertrude Stein and Scott Fitzgerald among the names associated with the era. Your closing thought, that the hotel is part of the story of the city of light, stayed with me. A truly memorable piece of travel writing.
Hola Marko, una reseña preciosa y llena de matices. Me alojé hace tiempo en el Brach Paris, en el distrito dieciséis, un hotel muy de diseño, pero el Napoléon ofrece esa elegancia clásica que tanto echo de menos. Me ha sorprendido leer que el hotel se alza sobre el solar de la antigua mansión de los Tolstói y conserva un fuerte vínculo con la cultura rusa. Tu descripción del portal de cristal con el monograma dorado es exquisita. Gracias por compartir un relato tan documentado y agradable.
Marko, your France series has been a masterclass in unhurried travel writing, and this Paris finale is its crown. I once spent a few nights at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand beside the Opéra Garnier, which is grand indeed, but the Napoléon’s warmth and family heritage win me over completely. The image of the Eiffel Tower’s searchlight sweeping over the rooftops, seen from your window, is one I will not forget. I also appreciated your honest, practical notes on check-in times and booking the best rooms. This is precisely how a hotel review should be written.
Lieber Marko, ich habe eine Frage zur Buchung der Zimmer. Du erwähnst, dass einige Suiten und Zimmer über einen Balkon oder eine Terrasse verfügen, jedoch nur in begrenzter Zahl. Lohnt es sich deiner Meinung nach, diese schon Wochen im Voraus anzufragen? Wir möchten den Blick über die Dächer des achten Arrondissements unbedingt erleben. Vielen Dank für diesen ausführlichen und ehrlichen Bericht, der mir die Entscheidung sehr erleichtert.
Marko, what a graceful way to close your journey through France. My wife and I have stayed in many places over the years, but our most memorable French stay was at the Negresco in Nice, which you covered so well earlier in this series. Reading about the Napoléon, with its near-century of unbroken family ownership and its quiet imperial elegance, I am convinced our next Paris trip must begin there. Your point that great service feels like family, not formality, captures exactly what we look for now. Thank you for a review that informs as much as it inspires.