Introduction
The Qantas Lounge Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific The Wing Business Class Lounge Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Lounge Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific 239 777-300ER Business Class Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Hotel Indigo London Kensington
Eurostar 9018 E300/British Rail Class 373 Standard Premier London St. Pancras to Paris Gares du Nord
L’Empire Paris
Cathay Pacific Lounge Paris Charles de Gaulle
Cathay Pacific 260 777-300ER Business Class Paris Charles de Gaulle to Hong Kong
L’Empire Paris caught us immediately when we were booking hotels with an amazing customer service counter (which also happens to be their front desk). The rate was HK$6000 per night for the four of us, which, while not cheap, happened to be the best option for the four of us.
At Gare du Nord, a van came to pick us up, and subsequently whisked us to L’Empire in under 45 minutes. The driver gave us a clear tour guide instruction (i.e. “we are going south to the city center”), so we were there pretty well informed.
The exterior of the hotel blends in perfectly with the neighbourhood.
L’Empire Paris Exterior
L’Empire Paris Exterior
The coffee shop, where breakfast was served every morning, was situated to the right side of the main entrance.
L’Empire Paris Cafe Coffee Shop
We made our way into the lobby, which was pretty tiny, though probably not as tiny as the Hotel Indigo in London we stayed at a few nights before.
L’Empire Paris Lobby
L’Empire Paris Lobby
Apologising for her English, we were checked in by the very friendly associate, and quickly, we had people bringing us up to our rooms on the fourth floor.
The footprint of the hotel is really tiny. There are two buildings, each of which have three rooms on each of their five floors (the bottom floor seems to be a bit bigger, but there are no more than forty rooms at the hotel).
L’Empire Paris Hallways
Our room was featured as two interconnecting rooms, which were in a loft called “Loft 4”. Presumably, the rooms can be sold separately. We were settled into room 402, while my mom and my sister were settled into room 403.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Entrance
L’Empire Paris Floorplan
L’Empire Paris
Check-in: Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Room Type: Guest Room/Interconnecting Room
Room Number: Loft 4 (402/403)
Stay duration: 3 nights
Check-out: Saturday, August 8, 2015
The room was nicely furnished, and featured a double bed-twin bed convertible, diamond-style modern headboards and a flatscreen TV.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom
The bed was really comfortable, though I didn’t want to sleep with my dad, so the hotel gladly took the two beds apart into single beds.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bed
While the bedsheets were more “home-style” (they weren’t the heavy, dense, luxurious ones you get at chain hotels), I loved them, and they were warm enough.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bed
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bed Taken Apart
The flatscreen TV was of a good size.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Flatscreen TV
It featured an iPod charger, though all of us had iPhone 5s, so we couldn’t charge with the charger. Thankfully, the room also featured universal power ports.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Flatscreen TV Charger
The bathroom was small, though adequately designed. It featured a sink, a rather poorly-designed elevated walk-in shower, and an enclosed toilet without a door (in which it was more of a “hole in the wall”).
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Toilet
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bathroom Sink
Water pressure was horrendously bad. It was like water was dripping on me.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bathroom Shower
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bathroom Elevated Shower
The bathroom featured hotel-branded black sugar toiletries, which I enjoyed.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Bedroom Bathroom Toiletries
The bigger room featured more space, an in-room sink, and a balcony through the toilet (which I’ll talk about later).
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Bed
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Chair and Desk
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Sink
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Sink
There was a minibar with paid drinks.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Minibar
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Minibar
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Minibar
The bathroom was impressive, with double sinks, a rainforest shower, and a shower/tub combo.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Bathroom Shower
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Bathroom Tub
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Bathroom Double Sinks
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Bathroom Toilet
Last of all there was a patio, which was a nice place to hang out, though we had to keep quiet as the residential buildings kept their windows open. It’s a really unique space, and we managed to grab it, which was great.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Patio
While the patio didn’t feature any views (nor did the entire room), it was quiet, which was fine by us.
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Patio Views
L’Empire Paris Interconnecting Room Master Bedroom Patio
Overall, the room was very nicely appointed, and having lucked out with the patio, we were all happy campers.
Breakfast is served at the hotel’s adjacent restaurant, L’Empire Café.
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café
The buffet was fine – it was mostly continental, but there were a few (gloppy) hot items. The caprese salad was amazing (sadly, it was the only thing that was).
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café Breakfast Spread
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café Breakfast Spread
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café Breakfast Spread
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L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café Breakfast Spread
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café Breakfast Spread
L’Empire Paris L’Empire Café Breakfast Spread
Service at the hotel was spectacular. Everyone was very willing to help, and helped us with bookings and reservations gladly. That said, it’s a small hotel, so it’s more “home style” than I’d call “intimate”.
BOTTOM LINE ON L’EMPIRE PARIS
L’Empire Paris was a good stumble-upon, and I’d definitely stay again given the chance. The people at the hotel were amazing, the rooms were great, and the food was good – which is all I have to ask for. And Paris was amazing, so that doesn’t take away from the experience.
I’d definitely try a new hotel next time, but would I recommend this hotel (especially for big families of four)? Definitely.