A Parisian getaway is always a good idea. Hopping on the Eurostar (with all the outfit choices your heart desires – thank you, generous luggage policy – in tow), one can’t but feel giddy at the prospect of a couple of nights in this storied city; particularly when your resting place is the beguiling JK Place Paris.
The intimate 29-room boutique hotel is the perfect pied-à-terre for those visiting the City of Light for anywhere from a weekend getaway to a longer-term stay. On arrival, you’ll be met by helpful staff who will offer you refreshments while check-in is taken care of elsewhere. Take a moment to scan your new surrounds, bedecked with post-Cubist canvases, African chairs, and umpteen coffee-table books, spanning Valentino to Cardin. Add relaxing music and delicate scents, courtesy of multiple Lorenzo Villoreso Firenze diffusers, to the ambient mix and in no time at all you’ll be feeling quite at home.
The Vibe
Chic and tranquil, JK Place is a sophisticated hideaway on the Left Bank serving up la dolce vita vibes.
The Rooms
Spread across three interconnected buildings and five floors, rooms are beautifully designed by Michele Bönan, each with their own unique feel. We stayed in the Deluxe Room, which comprises a contemporary four-poster bed topped with JK monogrammed pillows, a large desk, TV, and a walk-in closet. Designed to pre-empt guests needs, the devil is in the detail: outlets and USB points are handily (and discretely) dotted throughout; however, the various light switches do take a little getting used to. The mini bar (camouflaged behind a chinoiserie and polished-wood cabinet) is on the house – simply call reception if you need anything to be refreshed.
Photo © Kristen Pelou
In the XL marble-clad bathroom you’ll be met with an abundance of towels and big robes, as well as other luxe amenities, including a Dyson hairdryer and a medley of sweet-smelling AlmaK lotions and potions.
Photo © Kristen Pelou
The Little Extras
The J.K. wellness centre is a real treat. Pass away a couple of hours subterra, rotating between the sauna and steam room, swimming pool, JK Gym, and the beauty studio. The JK Spa offers some seriously whizzy treatments from Dr Barbara Sturm – we’d recommend the ‘instant glow facial’ for a little pick-me-up post-flight.
© stefanocandito
The Food + Drink
Breakfast is a joy-inducing affair. Opt to dine in the glass-roofed Casa Tua restaurant between 7AM and 11AM, or order to your room (dial ‘9’ or hang your order form on the door handle before 3AM) and maximise on your time away from home. Wherever you choose to take your breakfast, you can expect a menu comprising of all the usual suspects, from scrambled eggs to avocado toast; breakfast cake is a delicious addition to those with a sweet tooth.
Casa Tua comes into its own at night, though you can happily dine here any time of day. Serving a simple menu of Northern Italian food – think spaghetti al pomodoro, burrata salad, classic club sandwiches, filet mignon, and so on – dishes here wed comfort with elegance (note the Ginori delftware). For ‘dolci’, try the moreish tiramisu, the chocolate mousse, or l’Île Flottante – a dangerously delicious meringue floating on crème anglaise. Scrumptious!
Fancy a tipple post-dinner? Head to the Lounge Bar for a glass of something chilled.
The To-Do List
Situated in the storied seventh arrondissement, you’re moments from the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin, and just a short walk from the Jardin des Tuileries. After a walk around the park, head to Loulou for a languid lunch.
© stefanocandito
Back at base, in-room massages can be arranged, and when you’re keen to explore pastures new once again, why not ask guest relations to organise a Vespa or bike rental for you?
Eurostar operates nine trains a day from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord with one-way fares starting from £39.
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