A Refined Paris Escape: Luxury and Leisure from Hotel Grand Powers
Written by Kaci Smith
Landing in Paris early morning after a red-eye flight feels like stepping into a dream, a very sleepy dream. That said, the moment the plane touched down, our multi-day escape of indulgence began: a personal black car whisked us from the airport straight to the quiet luxury of Hotel Grand Powers, nestled in the heart of the 8th arrondissement. Spacious and refined, the hotel felt like a stylish Parisian home away from home — the perfect base to recover and recharge before a weekend filled with discovery and delight.
Checked in and freshened up, we set out on foot to explore the nearby streets. The neighborhood is an elegant mix of upscale boutiques, cozy cafés, and quiet avenues — all within easy walking distance. For lunch, we found a local restaurant serving fresh seasonal fare, where we savored every bite and soaked in the unhurried Parisian pace. Dinner was also in a quiet little cafe near the hotel, where the comfort of familiar surroundings called us to rest early and prepare for the adventures ahead.
One highlight that truly stood out during our stay was the private sunset Seine River cruise we booked with River Limousine. On past trips, the price had held us back, but this time, we decided to splurge—and it was worth every euro. Gliding down the Seine at dusk, the city’s golden light reflecting off the water, we floated past grand Parisian estates while sipping champagne. The experience was intimate and magical, a side of Paris few get to see—and it’s a must-do for anyone wanting to add something extraordinary to their visit.
Art lovers will appreciate the Louvre, but we learned firsthand that a personal guide can transform the visit from overwhelming to enlightening. The museum’s size and multiple entry points can be daunting, so having an expert meet you at Hotel Grand Powers to help navigate you to the Louvre and into the space to focus on what you truly care about makes the experience far more rewarding. For those seeking something smaller and more manageable, the Musée d’Orsay offers a stunning collection and a more intimate atmosphere.
Our day trip to Versailles was another standout memory. While the palace itself is undeniably grand, it’s the expansive gardens and Marie Antoinette’s quaint little village that stole our hearts. Renting a golf cart to explore the grounds was a game changer—allowing us to see so much more without exhausting ourselves on foot. For the best experience, enter Versailles by approaching the top left side of the palace (rather than the main entrance) to gain direct access to the gardens first. After exploring the gardens and the village, you can enter the actual palace from the garden side, which is much less crowded than the busy main entrance.
When it comes to dining, Paris requires a bit of strategy. Reservations can be tricky since most restaurants only take bookings one to two weeks in advance. Some favorites from our trip include Monsieur Bleu, a chic spot with spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower lighting up at night; LouLou, tucked in the gardens of the Louvre and home to one of the most beautiful outdoor patios we’ve ever experienced; and Mun, an upscale Asian restaurant just a few blocks from the hotel on the Champs-Élysées. Pro tip: If you are unable to secure a reservation the first time, keep trying - you never know when something might open up!
Staying in the 8th arrondissement at Hotel Grand Powers gave us a sense of safety, style, and effortless access to Paris’s best experiences. The boutique hotel strikes a perfect balance between charm and spaciousness—a rare find in a city known for tiny rooms.
Paris isn’t just a city of landmarks and must-see lists. It’s about knowing where to pause, where to sip, and how to let the city’s layers unfold slowly. There’s no better place to do that than from the elegant calm of Hotel Grand Powers.