So long, red velvet drapes! at Hôtel de Sers | Hotels | Diary of The ...

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So long, red velvet drapes! at Hôtel de Sers November 5, 2011 PARIS, FRANCE – At one too many a luxurious Parisian hotel, the extravagant décor is stuck in grandeur of the past. All those red velvet drapes and Louis XVI antiques can be quite dramatic, of course, but sometimes <a href="http://dvd-copy-dvd-clone-dvd-burn-dvd-backup.tomp4.com"><strong>Clone DVD Movies</strong></a> a gal craves something slightly more modern without losing that distinctive Parisian feel entirely. That’s why I heart the Hôtel de Sers. Though it has its share of over-the-top period details (there’s an immense portrait ############## full of gilt-framed oil paintings), the hotel balances these flourishes with mod 21st-century minimalism (think futuristic Jetsons-esque loungers) for a striking contrast that’s a fun change from the usual historicized take on luxury in this town. The hotel is housed in a swanky aristocratic manor house that back in the day was the private residence of the Marquis de Sers. Today, the surrounding George V district is laden with boutiques, and it’s oh-so-nice to come “home” to this petite, discreet retreat after a day of pounding the pavement and flashing the cash. In keeping with the old-meets-new theme, the slick restaurant and bar offer thoroughly contemporary ambiance but a classic take on cuisine and cocktails. S’Bar tantalizes with refined yet hip jazz and libations, while the restaurant is impressively versatile–it would easily work just as well for a power lunch as for a relaxed snack. When the weather’s nice, you can hit the outdoor terrace. Unfortunately, breakfast isn’t included with your stay and can be pretty pricey. If you need to work off all that duck breast and foie gras, head to the small but well-stocked gym. While there’s no spa, you’ll find a sauna and hammam for your use, and in-room massages are available. But one of my favorite health and beauty amenities is the “Menu <a href="http://dvd-copy-dvd-clone-dvd-burn-dvd-backup.tomp4.com"><strong>Burn DVD Movies</strong></a> Bains,” or selection of scented baths– delicious after a tiring day of seeing the sights. Even if youÂ* don’t want to get quite that frou frou, the spacious marble bathrooms are a treat in a city with notoriously cramped quarters. The rooms themselves blend historic and modern elements. You’ll find contemporary dark rosewood furniture, a palette of cream and violet, and splashes of abstract fabrics–but don’t be surprised if there’s a gilded portrait above your bed. To take in all of Paris’ old/new contrasts, spring for a top-floor suite with sweeping views of the metropolis. Now, just because the portrait ############## is a nod to antique grandeur doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it as much as the hotel’s more modern elements. It’s well worth browsing the period paintings, and the ############## itself makes a lovely spot for enjoying tea or conversation. Just be glad the spirit of the hotel isn’t frozen inside a gilded frame. Read more about Hotel de Sers on The Purple Passport Hôtel <a href="http://www.hotsalekey.com/Whole-Sales-Importers-Exporters.php?id=7"><strong>Computer Hardware & Software on sales</strong></a> de Sers 41, ave. Pierre 1er de Serbie Paris, France (33) 015-323-7575 Website Map Click here for our full-form mobile guide, The Purple Passport to Paris RL contributed to this post