Cocktail made exclusively for opening of Gin Bar. Photo: Barmag
Paris’ first Gin Bar has opened at the Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero Hotel. When one thinks of popular drinks in Paris, one imagines of course red wine, champagne, kir, martini blanc and martini rouge, but gin? In fact, gin seems more at home in London, where it has enjoyed a long history as a popular spirit.
The name Gin, though invented in Holland, originated in France. The long version of the name is genièvre, which means “juniper”—the berries that give distilled gin its distinct flavor. The opening of Gin Bar seems to be honoring the French namesake, and with as much flavor as possible.
Chief bartender Axel Ginepro is challenging red wine’s rule over Paris with his playful and exotic menu at Gin Bar. The signature highlight is the aromatic “FlowerPower @ Le Parc,” made with French Gin—a new high-end variety, Jasmine-infused tea, Rose syrup, liqueur of June, floral hints from “G’Vine Floraison,” and topped with lemon juice. On a beautiful day, it would be absolute Zen to sip one of these in the Gin Bar’s leafy courtyard—a retreat from the city that feels more Miami than Paris.
With the weather warming up, it was no better time for the Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero to pop open the champagne and celebrate their hotel opening with an intimate, elegant party in the recently renovated outdoor garden.
Two hundred and fifty guests were greeted by a horse-drawn carriage at the entrance of the hotel, and as they made their way into the 1,200-square-meter private courtyard they were greeted with flutes of Moët & Chandon; handmade floral rings, necklaces and spindles; and a variety of sweets and cocktails made with edible flowers.
Celebrating the newly renovated private outdoor garden, guests milled about the lush tree- and flower-lined courtyard, chatting in groups while sampling strawberry sorbet and sipping champagne. The garden exuded the feel of an intimate residence: tranquil, comfortable, and elegant.
Looking for a reprieve? The photos don’t lie: consider Le Parc your Parisian home away from home.
Paris in the springtime — Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra sang about it, and now Renaissance gives you one more reason to visit the City of Light.
Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero Hotel, fresh off its renovation, has earned a five-star rating and opens its doors to the public on March 21. We’re talking a redesign of the lobby, bar and outdoor garden, as well as the rooms themselves – all of which exude classical French style with contemporary Parisian design touches. Located downtown, the hotel is within walking distance to both the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées.
The photos speak for themselves. Check them out after the jump.
Inspired by the building’s unique architecture, as well as the continually evolving Renaissance style, the Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero designer has big things in mind for the hotel’s 2011 makeover. With refined textures, warm colors, and an overall feel rooted in the past but embracing contemporary Paris, the renovation will give Paris-bound guests a thoroughly new experience. Need a little proof? Check out the photos after the jump for a sneak peek.
The hotel closed this week to begin renovations but will open again on March 14, 2011. If you’re eager to check out the new look once it’s unveiled, take advantage of this great deal, exclusively for Marriott Rewards members, to get 15% off weekend rates while you enjoy springtime in France.
The Wall Street Journal once referred to the World Travel Awards as the “travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars.” That pretty much sums up how flattering it is to receive a World Travel Award… and flattered is what we are. Renaissance Paris Vendome was selected as France’s Leading Boutique Hotel for 2010.
Having won this award last year, we are perhaps, dare we say, even more excited to have earned this recognition for two consecutive years. After all, this isn’t an easy award to snatch. And really, Renaissance Paris Vendome deserves the attention. Check the boutique gem out for yourself if you have any doubts.
If you know about organic food, you’ve probably heard Nora Pouillon’s name before. This Austria-born chef and restaurateur isn’t just a well-versed foodie—she’s a hero to most foodies.
Nora owns two restaurants in DC, one of which is the first certified organic restaurant in the USA, aptly named Nora. Ninety-five percent of the food used at Nora comes from certified organic farmers, and the restaurant has been named one of the “Top 10 Healthiest Restaurants” by Health Magazine.
Nora was recently at Pinxo, located inside Renaissance Paris Vendome, to promote “A Taste of The Capital Region: Maryland, DC, Virginia.” Nora chose to work with Fabrice Dubos, chef of Pinxo, and his team on a menu that featured Butternut Squash Soup with Pepitas, Crispy Soft-shell Crabs on Grilled Corn Succotash with Old Bay Aioli, Red Wine Braised Grass-fed Beef Short Ribs with Celeraic Puree and Garlicky Kale, and Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream.
We can see why Nora approves of the palette these guys have.
You know what’s cooler than picking out Heart and Soul on the piano? Listening to ELEW play awesome Rockjazz piano. ELEW is one of our favorite rock stars at Renaissance. Luckily, the piano sensation likes us back. And he likes to play at Renaissance hotels.
Tomorrow, July 17th, at 8:30pm, ELEW will be performing at Makassar—the super-delicious restaurant tucked inside of Renaissance Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The guy has performed at the White House, among other spots, which is our way of saying: catch him at Renaissance while you still can.
RSVP for the show on Facebook. And check out a shot of Makassar after the jump…
The French Hotel Industry hasn’t always been as clear cut about good and bad hotels as other countries have been. Namely, a provision made in 1986 has prevented the country from using 5-star ratings for hotels. Now if the good people of and visiting France can’t see a 5-star rating on a Renaissance Paris location, for instance, how are they supposed to know how superior it is to the other hotels in town?
Well, things are changing. France has now allotted a few (lucky, but deserving) hotels a 5-star rating. Our Paris Renaissance Vendome Hotel just happens to be one of these above-par hotels granted that fifth star. And we’ll wear that fifth star with pride. Parisiensalon.com outlined the requirements for the new 5-star allowance—we’re glad we make the cut.
Climbing from the wreckage of WWI, 1920’s Paris was a celebration of culture and creativity. This spirit, as we climb from this Great Recession, is alive and well in today’s Paris, notes the blog Cruising The Past. Citing the Renaissance Vendome as 2010’s “Best Boutique Hotel in Paris,” they point to the vibrant play of Paris past and present in every corner of the hotel; design, style, service. “Restrained and luxurious,” they rave, suggesting “it’s your personal address in Paris.” Pack the steamer trunk, book the transatlantic crossing, and celebrate yesterday, tomorrow at the Vendome.
And, not only is Renaissance Paris Vendome a top boutique hotel, it is one of only 12 five-star hotels in Paris — joining such illustrious company as the George V, THE Ritz, the Plaza Athenee! Continue below to see what a 5-Star beauty looks like.
R Life is about your life. It's about bold style. Authentic experience. Real travel (even if it's right near your home). And inspired discussion, peppered with wit and joie de vivre. It's about looking to see what's around the corner, and savoring what's new and different once you're there. Learn More
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