The Hilton Arc de Triomphe

A Family's Paradise in Paris

by Barry Vigon

Remember that old adage: "It doesn't really matter what hotel you stay in while you're on vacation, because you just go there to sleep"? Well, don't buy it. My family and I just returned from an outstanding vacation in France and after spending a week in Paris, I can testify that the hotel that you stay in is hugely important. The last couple of times my wife and I visited Paris, we found quaint little hotels on the left bank that seemed perfect for creating that romantic, "Parisian " experience. On this trip however, we traveled with my son who was on spring break from college … it was anything but romantic. The vacation was all about sight seeing, dining and doing lots of fun touristy things that a young college kid would enjoy in the city of lights.

I had heard of a relatively new hotel on the right bank called the Hilton Arc de Triomphe. It was in a great location, within walking distance of the famed landmark and a stone's throw from the Champs Elysees. My fear was that we'd be in Paris, staying at a "Hilton" and miss some of the charm and personal touches that those other hotels had offered. The Hilton Arc de Triomphe was a home run! The design and décor of the hotel captures the artistic and architectural heritage of the French capital's style in the thirties. The rooms, many of which have fantastic views of the Paris Skyline, are beautiful and create the feeling of being on one of those great ocean-going liners of yesteryear.

After a long day of tourist trekking you can relax at their spectacular "Spa Mosaic" and your feet will thank you. The Hotel's restaurant and bar are top notch and my waistline still remembers the fabulous breakfast buffet that included everything from buttery croissants and pastries to delectable omelets and smoked salmon. This is a first class hotel that is not only great for the business traveler, it's also perfect for families that are looking for comfort and those little extras that make a vacation memorable. The thing that really blew me away was the quality of their service. They aimed to please. Kudos go out to Bastien and Arnaud, two of the greatest fellows to ever stand behind a concierge desk. They were masters at choosing restaurants, booking sight seeing venues and creating maps that got us all over Paris using the subway system. I can honestly say that on this vacation, the hotel made the difference!