We’ll Always Have Paris…

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Paris need no introduction and no explanation - it exists sui generis - a place of such style and romance that it defies all attempts to define it. Above all else, Paris is a city built for walking, and one of life's great joys is to spend a weekend exploring it with someone you love - but first you need to parse through the bewildering array of options for an appropriate place to rest your head. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and distilled it down to our three top choices - because, really, how many more than that do you need?

Palace Hotels


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Le Royale Monceau

The great palace hotels of Paris are legendary temples of style and indulgence, and each has its own distinctive character—the art lies in finding the one that matches yours. prefer discrete side streets over grand avenues, I have a weakness for contemporary flair over period details, and I love whimsy and humour over formality and etiquette. I am almost religious in my avoidance of the chain hotels, no matter how high end, but I have to confess that the grand hotel that fits me like a glove in Paris is Le Royal Monceau. Yes, it is a Raffles property, but it is utterly original, from its gorgeous rooms that feel ready to be lived in to its airy and colourful public spaces, with the inimitable wit of designer Philippe Stark working its way into every thoughtful detail.

Small Luxury Hotels


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Pavillon de la Reine

The search for the perfect small luxury hotel in Paris is a Sisyphean task, for as soon as one finds the answer, 10 more potential candidates have sprung from the ground. Still, one must try, and my current candidate is Le Pavillon de La Reine. It is a veritable oasis of calm amidst the bustle of Paris, a secret ivy-clad world hidden off a discrete passage in the perfectly proportioned Place des Vosge in the Marais. The magnificent 17th-century residence rises up over a manicured garden courtyard, while indoors the earthy palette and lush fabrics create an atmosphere of hushed elegance. The library bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the end of the day, the newly launched spa offers every kind of pampering, and the contemporary rooms are a welcome refuge in the evening.

Hip Hotels


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Hoxton Hotel, Paris

Paris is a city of fashion, and there is always a hotel which is having its moment, a darling of the fashionistas and the hipsters in search of hottest (or is it coolest?) places to stay. Located in a historic 18th century mansion once owned by Etienne Rivie, advisor to Louis XV, and now classified as a monument historique, the Hoxton Paris is just such a place. The palatial cobblestone courtyards, original luxe detailing and flamboyant grand staircases ensure that it will remain a style-magnet long after the whimsy of the fashion world has moved elsewhere. As an added benefit, the Hoxton group always does a superb job of imbuing their properties with an authentic sense of place, and the Hoxton Paris is like the surrounding Marais - beguiling, beautiful and just a little bit naughty…

 
Norman Howe

Norman is an Oxford-educated lawyer and itinerant wordsmith who stuck with law long enough to prove that he was tough enough to handle the pressure, but not long enough to be stupid about it (about 3 years, for the record).

He then made the fatal mistake of guiding for Butterfield & Robinson (B&R), the world’s best luxury travel company, during the supposedly brief interregnum prior to taking up a career in academia. Shortly thereafter, he abandoned all pretence of responsibility and embraced the peripatetic pursuit of pleasure on behalf of B&R.

After a decade of nomadic explorations and travel innovation, having exhausted the possibilities for trying out new roles within B&R, he took a seven-year sabbatical during which time he bought, reinvented and sold Horizon & Co, one of Canada’s oldest and most storied travel companies. Along the way, he also managed to marry an awesome wife (Emily) and produce three delightful offspring – Grace, Max & Oscar.

Norman eventually returned to B&R as President & CEO, where he found the company in a downward spiral and was able to turn it around, doubling revenue and travellers and returning it to profitability. Most importantly, he did it without sacrificing the culture of creativity or the commitment to excellence (NPS increased by 20% and B&R won the coveted #1 spot on the T+L list of world’s best travel outfitters).

After a successful 8-year run, the inevitability of a founder-driven, family-business dynamic kicked in and Norman left B&R in 2019. He now spends his time advising and working with entrepreneurs and luxury travel brands to help them grow and innovate.