Paris - George V

When you ask a hotel to arrange an airport pick up, the expectation is that a bored man in a dark suit will be showing the floor a white piece of paper, on which he has scribbled your name.  On numerous occasions, whilst walking through the ‘Arrivals’ door, I’ve attempted to engage psychic powers and connect with one of the many limo drivers lined up along the barrier like a convention of undertakers.  As each clone looks hopefully towards you, frustration gains momentum as the line ends and no more suits are in sight.

A call to the hotel concierge is met with assurances that the driver is waiting at the agreed meeting point.  The reality is that a speedy arrival, with only hand baggage, has taken him by surprise.  As this underpaid provider of ludicrously expensive transport rushes to find you, a freshly purchased coffee is left abandoned on a café table.

Whilst booking a night at Paris’ Four Seasons George V hotel, I decided to ask for the hotel to arrange a car to meet us at Charles de Gaulle airport.  It was only when I was told the cost would be 247 euros that I realised how extravagant this was.  That’s around three times the average taxi fare into central Paris.

As we walked through the airplane door I was amazed to see a George V representative waiting at the beginning of the air bridge.  She whisked us towards immigration and persuaded an off duty officer to check our passports.  Within a few minutes (literally) we were in a Mercedes en-route to Avenue George V.  The whirlwind speed of our airport exit was extraordinary.

The George V is one of Four Seasons’ flagship hotels.  It’s hard to believe it is part of the same group as the Four Seasons Sydney, which is poor.  The staff were extremely friendly and seemed to make a point of getting to know the guests’ names, something more in keeping with the elite Asian hotels.

Our room (141) was very spacious and included a huge private terrace overlooking Avenue George V.  Our hostess pointed out that it was a fabulous venue for breakfast.  This is a room you’d be very happy to spend lots of time in.On a subsequent visit in September 2008 we were upgraded to a suite on the first floor. It was fabulous.

Most of the rooms are arranged around a central courtyard which has dining facilities in clement weather. Only the suites on the 8th floor have views of Paris, a few looking towards the nearby Eiffel Tower.

A Bose ipod speaker system is in each room, but the lack of wireless Internet access is surprising.

An Ethernet cable was provided but the charge of 22 euros for a set 24 hour period from 1pm until 1pm the following day is something Four Seasons should review, particularly when guests may not have access to their room until after 1pm and the hotel offers a 4pm check out. What’s wrong with a straight 24 hours?

On a positive note, the two international mains power adaptors were a useful, thoughtful touch.

Copious supplies of Bulgari toiletries, replenished by house-keeping twice each day, were also much appreciated.

Le Cinq restaurant is very formal, lightened in atmosphere by carefully positioned palm trees and avant garde flower arrangements.  Whilst relaxed for breakfast, this dining room would be very stuffy for lunch or dinner (jacket and tie required).  The waiters, however, were humorous, bordering on cheeky and very attentive.

A wall of heavy dining tables created an intimidating barrier which cut the Hotel Bar in two.  It was an extraordinary layout which made visiting the Bar unappealing.

A lot of people pooh-pooh large ‘chain’ hotels such as George V.  The criticism is often justifiable when you are talking about mid to low range hotel groups, but not at this level.  The George V is an exceptional hotel which is frequented by discerning travellers from business, fashion and entertainment.

Having tried other hotels in Paris, this Camel has returned to the George V. Stay here if you can.

 
George V
Avenue George V
Paris

+33 1 49 52 70 00

http://www.fourseasons.com/paris