#315 - Vestay Montaigne in Paris

Vestay Montaigne

Don and I made a quick decision to spend Thanksgiving in Paris.

Sounds decadent, but we grabbed cheap airline tickets and found a reasonably priced hotel on the internet. We booked Hotel Vestay Montaigne for 4 nights and crossed our fingers.

Arrival

One of the perks, was that our hotel stay came with a complimentary ride from the airport. 

After 45 minutes our car pulled up to this magnificent door. I hoped our driver hadn't made a mistake. I had not spotted this 2-story entrance, in website photos.

Haussmanian Building

I did expect this building though. (tall door was to the left) I had spotted the grand building in an internet photo. But I still had fingers crossed. The website had shared very few photos.

The site had mentioned that the hotel rooms were located in a "Haussmannian" building in a "typical Parisian refined setting." That certainly sounded intriguing.

Mid-19th Century Paris

I had to look up Hassmannian. I learned that Baron Haussmann played a big role in the 2+ decade project to reconstruct Paris, in the mid 1800s. Today, his buildings still dominate central Paris. Our hotel (right) was surrounded by them.

The buildings looked very similar. Haussmann buildings had strict guidelines. Exteriors were cream colored stone, with shops and restaurants on the ground floor. No taller than 6 stories.

It seemed like every building in every direction had the same iron balconies and mansard roofs. I learned later that Medievil neighborhoods had to be removed to create these lovely boulevards and buildings. Sad to think about. 

Second or Third?

The 6  Vestay hotel rooms were all located on the "second" floor. In the U.S. we call it the third floor. The arrow points to our room.

The ground floor space in Haussmann buildings, was reserved for businesses. First floor was often used for storage. Second floor was considered the most desirable... the Noble Floor. Yay for us!

Entrances

There were so many impressive doorways in the area. I loved the smiling face above another nearby door.

The face above our tall door, was less cheery. As we plugged in the code to open the door, her shifty eyes kept an eye out for suspicious characters. At least that's how I read her expression!

Heading In!

I was eager to step inside! Luckily the heavy door wasn't really 2-stories tall. The decorated arch around our door, made it look twice as large. The window below the arch was actually a window into the floor above. 

Once inside we could see couldn't see the window above the door. But we could see a Doric columns and large mirrors!

We approached another set of doors and punched in another code. This area near the elevator and stairway, also had a large mirror. 

On our way out later in the evening, we paused in front of that large mirror. We let it help us with what I call an "Old People Selfie". Don't think we'll frame this.

Up the Red Carpet

​For most of our stay we used the staircase to reach our room.

If you look to the right of the lovely window, you can see the narrow doors to the elevator.

Narrow Stairs

The view looking up 6 flights, was eerie and dramatic.

I wondered about the Parisians who climbed these steps in the 1800s. 

I climbed to the top just once, to take this photo. I paused to catch my breath and wonder about the attic rooms tucked into the mansard roof. The top floor was usually reserved for servants or lower class. I'll bet they were the fittest residents in the building, with daily climbs!

Modern Elevator

I'm not sure when the elevator was added, but the modern addition still seemed mighty old to me.

There wasn't room for Don and me plus luggage, so Don rode up.

I happily took the stairs and hoped he wouldn't get stuck. We always took the stairs after that.

Room 14  

The walls and floor in the stairwell were a little worn. But when reached the Vestay entrance on the "second" floor, (and punched another code) we found an immaculate hallway, with gray doors and red carpet.

We were early for check in, but one of the very busy housekeepers, (who spoke English) said our room was ready. There are only 6 rooms, so I'm not sure about these high numbers?

Our Host

Frederick (the owner, I believe) had just arrived and was happy to show us to our room.  

The room was small, but clean and charming.

Modern

I usually love old and original, over sleek and modern. But Don and I had recently dealt with our first Covid illness. We were all about comfort.

The heavenly bed and spotless surroundings were very welcoming.

Frederick pointed out the "kitchen corner". The fridge held all the makings for our continental breakfast. (bread, meat, cheese, juice) He told us it would be replenished daily. The dishes and glassware were lovely!

Bathing

The bathroom was also small, (no bubble baths) but quite luxurious.

There was a heated towel rack and an illuminated make up mirror.

The towels, robes and slippers were cozy soft.

View!

As soon as Frederick left us, I pulled back the sheers to reveal our view!

We knew not to expect the Eiffel Tower or Arch de Triumph. But I was thrilled to see our lovely city view. The building across, looked very much like ours!

The November weather was chilly, but I had to open the doors!

Rear Window

I could easily see activity in the doors directly across. I felt like a spying Jimmy Steward, in Rear Window.

I was more curious about who might live or work behind the tiny windows at the very top!

On the Balcony

​There was just enough room for a cafe table and 2 chairs on the balcony.

There was lots of pedestrian activity to watch below.  I could also study the businesses near the street. We ended up dining at Maitre Pierre, after studying the red awning.

Coffee and Tea

​Jet lag kept us from rising too early in the mornings. I needed a few of these small cups of coffee after my showers!

After dinner one evening, I was determined to brave the cold and have some tea outside.

The street never got overly active at night, but it was fun watching friends and small groups traveling here and there... voices and footsteps echoing off the buildings.

​Wine Time

We made a lot more use of our inside table. 

Our table by the window was perfect for a glass of wine, purchased from a wine shop around the corner. The owner was kind enough to steer us towards the best of the cheap!

Lunch

Another day we walked to a nearby deli called Pret. We bought sandwiches and enjoyed them in the room, on flowered china. 

Don and I so rarely stay at a hotel more than a night or two. It was a treat to have 4 nights, with time to dine out and explore and still have some relaxing time in our cozy room.

People Encounters?

A tiny part of me missed being in a traditional hotel. A hotel with a lobby, restaurant and bar, offers more opportunity for memorable people encounters... or just good people watching. We never saw another guest on our floor.

We did however enjoy peeking in on the activity that took place in the salon that occupied the "first" floor. At night, we could spot a little beautification happening, when we peered into the well lit windows from below.

On every trip I took up or down the stairs, I paused on the first floor to peek in the (wide open) door. So many sounds and smells to absorb in that busy, happy place! There was always laughter and sometimes music, along with sounds of blowdryers. I'm disappointed with myself that I didn't just step inside and inquire about an appointment, just to take in the festive vibe. 

Golden Triangle

One of the best selling points of  Vestay Montaigne, was the location. Except for an Uber ride to Montmarte, Don and I did all our exploring on foot.

I'd never heard the term, but our hotel was in the middle of the Golden Triangle. The Triangle is described as an upper-crust neighborhood, sitting within 3 famous boulevards. The snooty notion didn't sell me, but the walkability did!

Champs-Elysees

I'm not really about high end boutique shopping, but I loved being such a short walk from the most famous of the 3 boulevards.

The Champs-Elysees was already  festive and decorated, when we arrived in mid November.

The Shops and Sights
​
Below are some of things we spotted on and around Champs-Elysees.

Only window shopping for me!

Heading Towards the Seine

The first evening of our stay, we left our hotel and headed on Avenue George V, in the other direction.

We lucked out with a sunset view of the Eiffel Tower. The sight was an energizing lift to these worn travelers. We'd been awake for 24 hours and were still a bit weary from Covid.

Sights Not Far From the Seine

From our hotel, were able to easily reach all these places with our easy wandering.  

I couldn't resist snapping photos of tourists posing with the Eiffel Tower... or bridal couples near the river.

​Last Evening

By the 4th night, Don and I were finally feeling rested. Energy was returning and yet it was time to go! 

We hadn't "done it all", but we'd done plenty. It was pretty much the perfect short stay for a spontaneous trip!

What's Notable?

The Vestay Montaigne was so incredibly comfortable and luxurious. The sweet housekeeping staff (working 10-2) made us feel like we were being taken care of! 

For around $275. a night, we stayed in a lovely hotel, located in an ideal part of Paris. We also got the experience of staying an historic Haussmann "flat". Which made it fun to imagine what Paris was was like, 150 years ago I would easily book again... although I'd ask for their largest room!