BACKGROUND AccorHotels has over 15 Novotel properties in Paris itself. Apart from this brand, the hotel group has ibis, Mercure, McGallery by Sofitel, Aparthotel Adagio and Pullman properties in the French capital as well.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel has a couple of entrances. While checking in, I used the main entrance where my taxi dropped me off. On other days, I used the second entrance that connects to the main lobby via an escalator on a lower level. The marble lobby is large with a lot of open space and decorated with hints of red and orange. This is a 764-room property with expansive meeting facilities, making it ideal for large scale events and business travel. The design is basic and functional with no frills. It is also popular amongst large groups and families. After my check-in, I walked to the elevators to my right.
WHERE IS IT? The Eiffel Tower is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. It is also visible from certain points in the hotel. Charles Michels metro station of line ten is walking distance. Batobus (a boat service along the River Seine) station is only about 99 meters away.
ROOM FACILITIES I was staying in the 22 sqm Standard room. Minimal in design with sombre colours and simple fabrics, the room features a tea/coffee maker, a flat screen TV, a minibar, a safety deposit box and free wifi. Its rectangular shaped window allows enough light to brighten up the entire room. The bed’s wooden headrest has attached reading lamps. There’s a sofa chair, work desk and luggage rack in the room as well. The bathroom has a bathtub with attached shower facilities. Superior rooms are slightly larger at 31 sqm. Suites begin at 34 sqm and are on higher floors offering panoramic views of Paris. This category is also equipped with Nespresso machines and bathrobes and are ideal for large families. There are 154 connecting rooms, 17 rooms for people with reduced mobility and 233 family rooms on the property.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Benkay serves Japanese cuisine including sushi and teppanyaki. It overlooks stunning views of River Seine and the city. Novotel Café is where I enjoyed breakfast. Q.G’renelle is the hotel’s bar which has a chic ambience for informal meets with friends and colleagues over aperitifs and cocktails. L’instant Nomade is its in-house convenience store with vending machines.
MEETING FACILITIES The hotel’s meeting spaces sprawl over 3,000 sqm including a conference hall that can accommodate 600 people. There are 37 rooms in all including Bastille (45 sqm), Amphitheatre Salon A (216 sqm), B (184 sqm) and C (200 sqm), Danube (213 sqm) and Trocadero (362 sqm). Copy/print services and a business centre with support staff are available.
LEISURE FACILITIES There is an indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness centre. The hotel also gives bicycles on hire and organises boat excursions.
VERDICT Ideal for business travellers looking to stay in the heart of Paris.
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in a Deluxe room in April started at €156/₹12,346
CONTACT 61 Quai de Grenelle. Paris; tel: +33 1405 8200; accorhotels.com
