Paris

In honor of Valentines Day yesterday, I thought there would be no better place to blog about than the city of love itself. Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere and breathtaking views. Every inch of the city’s beauty has been immaculately preserved for hundreds of years. The intricate architecture and the winding cobblestone streets provide an incomparable Parisian charm to all of the city’s visitors. I absolutely adore Paris. I’ve only been a couple of times, but each time I step foot in the city I get an overwhelming feeling of pure bliss. Give me an apartment on the Right Bank and I could stay there forever!

Although Paris is surrounded in grandeur, its greatest pleasures are the simplest ones. The charm of a street side café, the distance sound of jazz accompanying you while you meander through the streets at night, or the first bite of a warm baguette--just to name a few.

            With beauty on every corner, you’re sure to find plenty of good hotels right? Well, that’s not always the case in Paris. Lots of the little hotels are in need major makeovers and could use some serious spring-cleaning. But don’t worry, there are plenty of exceptional hotels too. And whether you are a fan of the artsy Left Bank or the refined Right bank, you will definitely appreciate these few hotels that I have for picked especially for you.

            I know we are always supposed to save the best for last, but I’m too excited to wait. Hôtel Plaza Athénée takes luxury to a whole new level. Its meticulous attention to detail and expertise is incomparable. Its location is perfect—between the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower—and the amenities are beyond five star. It has been immortalized as the backdrop in the season finale of Sex and the City. Well if it’s good enough for Carrie Bradshaw its good enough for me!

            The next spot is a little more budget friendly. Hôtel Thérèse is only steps away from the Louvre and the Palais Royal and offers the perfect mixture of contemporary and old-world charm. The interior is warm and welcoming, just like the staff.

            Want the real royal treatment? Shangri-La Paris, which overlooks the Eiffel Tower, was once the stately home of Prince Roland Bonaparte and has been carefully restored and re-created into a hotel. Although it’s fairly new, its already become a classic. The hotels array of great restaurants and lounges make it hard to ever want to leave.

Trying to pick your favorite Parisian restaurant would be like trying to pick a favorite child…impossible because they all have something great to offer! Whether it’s a five star luxury adorned restaurant, or a quiet little café at the end of a cobblestone street, the food is pretty much guaranteed to be out of this world. I will admit, this is one of the most over-whelming things about Paris. You want so desperately eat at the finest restaurants and most delicious cafes but you have no clue where to go. This is one of those moments when you just have to trust in the city and know that no matter which little bakery window you pass by, its going to be delectable.

Its safe to say most people know about the Eiffel Tower, but what else is there to do in Paris? Here is a list of some of my favorites.

Eiffel Tower

Shopping on the Champs- Elyees

Montmartre—my absolute favorite place in Paris!

Notre Dame 

Arc de Triomphe

Palace of Versailles

The Louvre

Come on, you owe it to yourself to explore the depths of Paris and bask in the city of romance!