We tested Hôtel Balzac, a rare historical gem in the heart of Paris

The pitch | Balzac, a hotel with a unique history

Just a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées and Paris's most beautiful monuments lies the Hôtel Balzac, a five-star hotel with an astonishing history. A veritable icon of Parisian refinement, its story dates back to the 19th century, when architect Paul Dechard designed and built the building on the orders of the director of the Paris Opera. For a time, it was the residence where Honoré de Balzac spent his final years. Recently reopened after more than a year of renovation, Hôtel Balzac retains its old-world charm and welcomes new, more modern touches, harmoniously blending history and contemporaneity.

How's the hotel?

This hotel in Paris is distinguished by its hushed ambience and minimalist yet sophisticated decor. Communal areas, such as the lounge under the glass roof or the cocktail bar with its chic speakeasy feel, invite you to relax in an intimate atmosphere. On the menu are a number of signature drinks created by the barman, such as the "Comédie Humaine", made with sweet potato shochu, kiwi purée, fresh lemon juice, jasmine syrup and matcha. If, despite the variety of drinks on offer, you can't find what you're looking for, the barman offers to create cocktails to suit guests' tastes and desires, ranging from the more classic to the more surprising.

What are the rooms like?

The hotel boasts 58 rooms and suites, designed by the Festen duo. Inspired by the 1930s, they combine reminiscences of Haussmann's Paris with contemporary features: 24-hour room service, a mini-bar with all the ingredients you need to prepare a cocktail, mobile check-in on your telephone... Some suites offer guests a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, while others have large terraces high above the ground, giving them an exclusive, unobstructed view of the capital.

The room to book?

For a memorable experience, book room 507, a fifth-floor suite with balcony and view of the Eiffel Tower. The huge bathroom is decked out in wood and marble, and features a bathtub and shower. In the evening, if you leave the curtains open, you can see the Iron Lady twinkling from your bed.

What makes the difference?

The Ikoï spa, "a place where you feel good" in Japanese, offers treatments based on Japanese traditions (Shiatsu, Kobido, Take...). In a wooden corridor reminiscent of Japanese architecture, a discreet door leads to the jacuzzi room, which visitors can enjoy at any time of day. Further on are the 3 Omnisens treatment rooms, where you can bask alone or with a partner in a signature Shiatsu massage, based on finger pressure and designed to rebalance the body's energy.

What's there to remember?

An elegant 5-star hotel with a rich history, some of whose rooms offer breathtaking views of the capital and the Eiffel Tower. The Ikoï spa, a haven of peace inspired by Japan, and the bar's cocktails complete the memorable experience.

5 things we loved about the Hotel Balzac

• The hotel's fascinating history, told with passion by the staff
• Its location and exceptional view of Paris
• Well-being at the Ikoï spa: the Shiatsu massage is a truly sensory experience, leaving you relaxed and free of impurities
• The bar: the cocktail menu is already varied, but the barman imagines and prepares personalized drinks according to customers' requests
• The design: a minimalist aesthetic that offers a sense of tranquillity