The Hoxton Paris is one of the hottest hotel openings of the year and it has quickly become what is known as a ‘bonne adresse’ among stylish Parisians.
I’ve long been a fan of The Hoxton and have watched the affordable London hotel brand grow from just one pioneering hotel in Shoreditch to properties in London, Amsterdam, Paris and soon Williamsburg, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Since opening in August, The Hoxton Paris has followed the same path of attracting a local crowd as well as savvy travellers (surely what every prominent hotel wants). In fact, a Parisian friend told us that the hotel’s Rivié restaurant is so popular right now that it’s proving near impossible to book a table. Thankfully The Hoxton Paris managed to squeeze us in for a night so we could see what all the buzz is about.
Location
The Hoxton Paris is located in a magnificent 18th century ‘hotel particulier’, neatly tucked away on rue du Sentier. This central area in the second arrondissement has in recent years become Paris’ tech start-up hub and is known as ‘Silicon Sentier’.
With cool spots nearby such as Gregory Marchand’s Frenchie To Go, L’Appartement Sézanne and Stoney Clove Bakery from American videographer Philip Andelman and pastry chef Beth Beji, it’s no wonder the lifestyle-focused hotel set roots here.
Check-In
Arriving through the grand door of The Hoxton Paris, you get an instant feel for the atmosphere, meandering through the lofty lobby bar and a cosy salon with a verdant living wall to get to the petite reception desk. The staff are super-efficient and speedy, but if you arrive at a busy time, there’s an adjoining library for relaxing (or Instagramming its sweeping staircase).
The Room
The hotel boasts 172 rooms across four floors, from the weekender-friendly Shoebox (not actually that small) to the generously-sized Biggy. Our Cosy Room (the second room category up) on the second floor was an absolute delight – the spirit of London combined with very Parisian interiors.
The high ceilings and large windows overlooking the atrium gave it an airy feel and I loved the ink blue walls, chevron timber floors and mood lighting. Room features include a glossy red-topped writing desk, half-length wardrobe (a little too small), large LCD TV, retro Roberts radio, comfy armchair, a tall statement mirror (that the internet says looks like an iPhone X) and a selection of French books.
The queen-size bed, complete with leather headboard cushions, was extremely comfortable and covered with checked linen that not only looked the part but felt very luxurious. It’s also worth mentioning that the room was very quiet and well sound-proofed, so there shouldn’t be any disturbances for a good night’s sleep.
Those who have stayed in other Hoxton hotels will recognise signatures such as the tea and coffee facilities with collectable Hoxton mugs that you can buy at the lobby shop, a free minibar with mineral water and milk and a handy curated guide to the local area.
Breakfast
Another perk was the light and healthy complimentary breakfast bag, which was filled with a luxurious granola yoghurt pot, freshly-squeezed orange juice and a banana and left outside of our door at the requested time – a brilliant idea!
The bathroom was also stunning with white metro tiles, blue graphic print floor, a walk-in shower with rose-tinted copper fixtures, thick cotton towels and a full set of really nice aromatic Bl_nk bathroom products.
It’s not the most private of bathrooms, with frosted glass between the shower and the bedroom, but I think we’re all used to this trend now in most new hotels.
Dinner at Rivié
That evening we dined at Rivié, the hotel’s modern French brasserie that reminded me a little of London’s Hoxton Grill. The restaurant features an open kitchen, leather banquettes and stylish counter seating, as well as the lively courtyard terrace.
We started with a refreshing Hoxton Mule cocktail and some tasty Gougères with mustard beer dip. My main dish of Baby chicken with onion purée, crispy new potatoes and herb chicken jus was out of this world – so tender, crispy and rich.
Steven’s Entrecote (250g) was deliciously succulent and smokey, served with golden frites and a generous pot of tangy, lightly whipped béarnaise. Be sure to order a side of Mac and cheese – it was just heavenly, with lots of melted Gruyère and a herby flavour.
For dessert, we shared a Tarte tatin with Chantilly cream and caramel, which was a spin on the French classic dessert, and some very British Earl Grey before rolling back to our room. If scoring a table in the restaurant is proving difficult, the lobby lounge is also a part of Rivié and includes a lighter bar menu of sliders, truffle fries and a traditional Croque Monsieur.
The Hoxton Paris is an impressive, vibrant place to eat, drink and sleep in an up-and-coming part of the city. If you appreciate great design, a hip lobby scene and sumptuous comfort food, this is where you should call home in Paris.
Shoebox Rooms at The Hoxton Paris start from just 99 Euros per night (a Cosy Room starts from 149 Euros per night). For more information and booking, visit: www.thehoxton.com
Chérie City was a guest of The Hoxton Paris
All photos by Chérie City
