Two nights in Paris: where to stay and where to eat

Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma

Where to stay

Le Roch Hotel & Spa – This ultra-chic boutique hotel and spa is both trendy and welcoming. The decor is a fashionable combination of eccentric prints and bold colours, mixed with warm hues of blue and brown. This work is all thanks to locally-based interior designer, Sarah Lavoine. Located off a busy main road, as soon as you enter the hotel you’re welcomed with the sound calmness – which lends to an immediate feeling of relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of outside. The rooms are clean and comfortable – there are 37 altogether – and each is decked with Marshall speakers and Nespresso machines. The coffe pods, however, are provided by a local coffee maker, as are the toiletries, which are made by an independent. This is testament to the hotel’s character. No wonder it’s part of the 2017 Conde Nast Traveler Hot List.

For more information visit leroch-hotel.com

Le Roch Hotel & Spa
Le Roch Hotel & Spa

OFF Paris Seine – This is Paris’s first floating hotel. Anchored down on the River Seine, the OFF used to be two boats, which were merged together to make the hotel. Attracting visitors from all over the world, this cool spot offers great views of the river from the rooms and the boats going past, as well as delicious cocktails and a trendy spot to hang out in in the evenings. The rooms are small, but designed well so you don’t get the feeling of being too cramped. Best of all, the novelty of being on the water does lend quite a peaceful night’s sleep.

For more information visit offparisseine.com

OFF Paris Seine
OFF Paris Seine

Where to eat

Les Grands Verres – Rustic in its exposed brickwork and industrial-looking warehouse vibe, yet creative in its lighting and polished wood furnishings, this place is a must-visit. Three reasons: one, try and get a table at the back of the restaurant. It’s quieter there – the atmosphere is definitely more energetic at the front of the restaurant – but the back offers incredible views of the Eiffel Tower; two, the wine here is fantastic and the staff are knowledgeable, excellently able to make swift recommendations with your meal choices; three, the food. The food is a total win. It’s French with a slight Middle Eastern influence. Start with the mussels. They’re cooked beautifully in parsley butter and brought out with sourdough bread. Absolutely delicious. For your mains, if you want to stick with the seafood then go for the catch of the day. I had a cod fillet, which was done to perfection. If you’re feeling adventurous and bold, then try the venison. Nice rich flavour, skilfully cooked and presented. Room for dessert? Then you’ve got to try the halva and fig leaf semifreddo. It’s incredible, particularly with the pistachio it’s mixed with. One might be enough between two of you though.

For more information visit quixotic-projects.com

Les Grands Verres
Les Grands Verres

Pink Mamma – An Italian restaurant in Paris? Yes, absolutely! Part of the Big Mamma Group, this is the French capital’s latest opening and probably its most popular. It’s so popular they don’t do reservations, so I’d recommend getting there for 7pm when the doors open. There will be a queue, but it will be worth it. There are several floors and the best one’s the top floor. It’s like a conservatory, there are plants everywhere, coupled with the impressive collection of artwork. The cocktails are amazing. I can never resist a Bloody Mary and they bring out the mixed concoction in a bottle, which you then pour onto your vodka. The pizzas here are a big draw, but I thought I’d mix it up and order a pasta dish. The rigatoni with beef in a creamy sauce is great. Brought out in a rustic-looking bowl that you’d find in a gastro pub back in the UK made you feel at home and kinda puts a smile on your face because it suggests they don’t take themselves too seriously, despite all the hype.

For more information visit bigmammagroup.com