scented

Chanel Au Ritz Paris... an update: part of the Ritz Club Paris, a spa and wellness temple styled as a private members club on the mezzanine, this refuge has been completely re-done after its inauguration in 1989. It's meant to be the go-to destination for all of our private fitness needs, a few laps in the generously-sized pool or a new haircut at the in-house David Mallett salon. And, of course, the first Chanel Spa in the world. Quite a statement.

I've been critical of this establishment from the very beginning, but tried to approach this re-born grande dame with an open attitude... and I do have to say that the therapists (training continues) will be amongst the best in Paris, from a 'technical' perspective. Expect a massage executed to perfection and tailored to your individual needs. Expect a manicure to be the best one can provide, solely with the highly acclaimed Chanel products and latest shades of vanishes. All that in timeless, contemporary surroundings -- always with elegance and a smile. They aim to be 'a very good address' to turn to.

What I love is that it is quite intimate. 5 treatments rooms. "Cabins". Oh well. Very high building quality, especially for a spa. What bothers me though personally is their understanding of luxury, which is more appropriate for the 1990s. It's a quick fix. And the over-branding of everything, worse than expected. Oils named after Chanel perfumes. And interiors that resemble a luxury boutique. At first, I wasn't sure if I wasn't accidentally escorted to the beautiful Chanel Haute Joaillerie boutique on Place Vendome vis-a-vis (which I love). It's virtually the same, and it feels extremely cold. People don't spa the same way they shop. All of the details are so predictable -- the same motifs over and over again. We get what Coco loved, endless hues of the same lush beige/cognac-hues, ornate gold details and the occasional camelia fleur, plus Chinese motif screens. The same ideas forced upon the guest. Most annoying however was the lighting. The entire spa, pool area, everything, made use of this extremely cheap fluorescent lighting. Their lighting designer should be fired on the spot. After Chanel Au Ritz, Park Hyatt Paris' Spa felt like a sanctuary.

It is funny… Coco loved everything modern back in the day, but the ideas of this spa are anything but. A luxury spa today is about choice, and there's little to no choice here. Most spas let their guests decide which products to choose, as more and more seem to like chemical-free options. Not here. Other favor science-based treatments (such as Swiss Perfection). But by design and name, this spa will forever limited to the same old products. Which is sad. Every solid spa comes up with new ideas every year and aims to delight… Chanel Au Ritz Paris is caught in this rigid corporate structure. There is no holistic approach and with so many health-conscious travelers these days, the times of a quick fix are over. They seem to have the idea that modernity exists in these commercial surroundings, dominated by huge vitrines full of merchandise. But in reality, nothing is cutting edge here. They are on neither side of the spectrum, what about Shiatsu, Mesotherapy, Radio Frequency treatments, Light Therapy, Acupuncture? Or organic facials, wraps, guided meditation, dare I say Watsu? Not here, not anytime soon.

Edit: Just noticed, German Vogue has pictures online Link

BENLEE

Did you tried staying there or tour the rooms? If yes, how was it?

scented

Did not. They played 'hard to come by' which I didn't like. Rather be at George V, PH Vendome or La Reserve.

vuittonsofstyle

Brilliant assessment, Scented. Love the phrase 'People don't spa the same way they shop' - I may steal that!

Horrified about the fluorescent lighting, but not really surprised. If you look around Paris hotel spas, most are stuck in the 1980s or 1990s.

Goodmorning2U

I recently toured the rooms, the spa, and visited the Ritz Bar and Hemingway Bar.

Regarding the rooms, they have beautifully captured the old Ritz elegance while updating the rooms with modern touches. I thought they did particularly good work in the bathrooms, with marble benches in the separate showers, and keeping deep soaking tubs. The fabrics and carpet were of delightfully high quality.

Tip: Rooms on the fourth floor will have little balconies to enjoy room service. They overlook the gardens or the period buildings next door.

I thought the spa was very tasteful though not particularly warm like the George V. Perhaps Chanel spa products are very good, it seemed to me a bit of a black bag, without explanation of what was inside or what was driving the development. Only those non-hotel guests who spend over $500 euro have access to the spa facilities.

For those who used to be members of the gym and pool, you will be happy to know that they are selling memberships again, yearly memberships for approximately $7,000 US, monthly memberships for $2,200 US, and daily memberships for $220 US.

During this trip, I did return to the George V for a lovely massage and enjoyed all of their spa facilities with the exception of the pool. The combination of the quality products I prefer, and the warmth of the decor, make this my oasis in Paris.

The Hemingway Bar is a delight of history, good service, and people watching. If you haven't been I recommend going in to enjoy a drink. I don't drink alcohol and they whipped me up something perfect. Drinks are around 28 euros.

We wanted to enjoy the live piano music at the Ritz Bar and ordered a club sandwich, two scoops of ice cream, and two bottles of water. Our bill was 98 euro. I thought the 14 euro bottles of water were over priced but otherwise I was happy with the quality. The food at the Gallerie George V was far superior, actually everything was better at the Four Seasons.

My bench mark is the Four Seasons in Paris. I was hoping to be blown away by the Ritz but instead it met expectations. The Ritz currently exceeds the Four Seasons with regards to its physical location in Paris, and the size of its pool, on all other counts I prefer the George V.

uggboy

Thanks for the detailed comparisons Goodmorning2U, well received and appreciated.

In regards of the I presume still water at the Ritz, which brand was served at 14E a bottle?

Thanks again for your insights. Cheers & Safe Travels. ^

scented

So pleased you liked it, thank you. The lighting is probably the worst, it would make a huge difference if they'd come to their senses in this regard.

Great observations. I think FS George V is vastly superior in just about every aspect these days. Especially F&B. The decision to promote Quentin to F&B director was well deserved for him and good for the entire hotel, really boosted staff morale and spirit. The current set up is better than anything I ever expected. I was skeptical about Le Squer at first but Le Cinq is at its best. And both Le George and L'Orangerie are so delightful, the fare is so fresh and tasteful. I prefer this over any Asian/Japanese/Nobu/Chain/Hip... they could have come up with. And just wait until you see their new pool, I saw the concept -- will be easily the best in Paris!

vuittonsofstyle

Agree about Le Squer - I was very sceptical until I tasted his menus, and I like the fact they promoted Chef, David Bizet (who has worked his way up under 3 Exec Chefs at FS GV) to oversee La Galerie and L'Orangerie - he is really talented. I also love the way they have lightened the look in le Cinq - the mirrors are inspired.

I saw the plans for the spa, too, and the pool should be incredible - a similar engineering feat to FS des Bergues - also conceived by José Silva, who is an ex-Engineer.

Goodmorning2U

I believe it was Badoit. When I ordered a second bottle they acted like I ordered champagne. Now I know why.

DaveChapin

Do you know when this renovation will begin and finish? I have plans to stay at the FS GV next summer. hence the concern.

BENLEE

Do you meant to say that the FS George V rooms and F&B are superior to the Ritz? That will be quite unimaginable but if true, I suppose I should give the Ritz a pass because the FS George V rooms did not impress me at all and I had stayed at their Executive suite some years back. Suffice to say, it was a let down.

Pierre&Cédric

To be impressed with the new Ritz and without having to spend thousands of euros for Prestige Suites you shall book one of the 4 very special rooms/suites located on the first floor overlooking the garden with a staircase leading to a private roof garden. I don't understand exactly why, but they are not advertised on their website, so I just called them to know how to make a reservation. Surprisingly enough they are priced similarly to 'standard' categories. I understood there is at least a grand deluxe room and a deluxe suite falling into this private roof garden category but they remain very discreete, and it seems they are almost reluctant to speak too much about them. May be because there are so few of them and they are already highly requested? If so I guess the 'normal' price will go up very soon.

scented

FS George V in its current incarnation is a completely different hotel compared to a couple years ago. The renovations are stunning and F&B matured a lot. You'd be surprised. It's FS' benchmark.

vuittonsofstyle

The Spa renovation began at the end of June. Whilst the Spa is closed (for 18 months), the hotel has opened a 1 million Euro pop-up Spa on the 4th floor, designed by Jeff Leatham. This pop-up is more luxurious than most Parisian grand spas, so, apart from not having an indoor pool for the next 18 months, I would not have any concerns whatsoever.

BENLEE

Interesting... Did the renovation and all the improvements just happened recently? I just checked my last stay at the FS George V was back in Aug 2013.