Where to stay in Paris? Easy. Le Meurice. For at this moment in time, Le Meurice, as it has so many times in its rich past, has hit the mark, spot on, on point. It is in perfect bloom, in a perfect rhythm with the times...the very best of times. Le Meurice, guided by beautiful Franka Holtmann, the general manager, aspires to capture the art of well-being and succeeds, for here, well-being is elevated to the level of fine art. We had a wonderful few days in Paris and Le Meurice added to an already over-the-top stay. From our smiling, gracious welcome, we knew this was going to be good and so it proved to be. Here we found absolute excellence in service. A recent renovation by Philippe Starck is a blend of classic and fun much owing to Salvador Dali, a former frequent guest, with nods to Ingres and, we think, Chagall. The mood is at once elegant, sexy and happening. The bar 228, with its club atmosphere and Lou Lou playing favorites on the piano, enveloped us in the fantasy and cultural evocations of Paris. When you finally must leave the hotel, forget a car and have an adventure. The concierge will loan you a sleek pistachio green scooter or bicycle. Green, green for a reason, to keep Paris ravishing. Peddle through the Tuileries directly in front of the hotel with a gourmet picnic hanging in cheery red satchels on either side of your bike. Pedal to the left and have a delicious hot chocolate at Angelina’s or an afternoon nibble at Cafe Marly and people watch in front of the Pyramid and the Louvre. Enjoy the freedom of a leisurely ride along the Seine listening to an iPod shuffle also waiting for you as a guest of Le Meurice. Happiness is returning to your room or suite, all 160 are different, each with the ambiance of an elegant 18th-century home. From April all have been refurbished in light soothing colors and sumptuous fabrics. We found decadent macaroons waiting for us each afternoon. Every evening our nightclothes were beautifully arranged on our turned-down bed and everything neatly organized. We visited the spa and one special evening slipped into our best clothes (pssst, here you can wear shoes meant to dine in, not walk in) as downstairs, voila, is their renowned three-star dining room under brilliant head chef Yannick Alleno. The dining room is an absolute vision to enter. Let yourself be taken in hand and succumb to their suggestions. Each course is fantastically presented, each a wonder and delight to behold, every bite a bit of heaven. Gold flakes appear on the desserts and even on your berries in the morning, some subtlety infused with an added sweetness that starts your perfect day in Paris as the evening before had ended. Wonderful. Thinking of going to Paris? Go now. Go directly to Le Meurice. You are welcome. Classic rooms from 640 euros, suites from 1700 euros, Presidential Apartments and Royal Suite on request. Inquire about various packages. Le Meurice, 228, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France Tel: 33 (0) 1 44 58 10 10. Visit www.lemeurice.com.

Happy traveling,
WILLIAM TOMICKI,
Publisher, ENTREE

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