You can enjoy one of the finest views in Paris on the top floor of the Melia Hotel at La Defénse with a cocktail in your hand.
I know it’s one of the best views for sure, because when I first visited Paris with my boyfriend aged 16, we climbed up every monument in the city. Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triomphe, Montparnasse Tower, the steep hill at Montmartre to see the basilica of Sacré-Coeur. We went up them all. We had calves of steel.
Luckily, there was no need for climbing when we went for a pre-dinner drink at Melia’s Skyline Paris Lounge and Bar. Instead, a glass elevator whisked us up to the 19th floor, while we watched the city’s rooftops drop away beneath our feet.
Once in the bar, we took a table by the panoramic windows. From here, you can see the whole of the city center. As dusk falls, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe light up. Look straight down and you’ll see boats passing slowly along the Seine. Lift your eyes slightly, to watch the headlights and tail-lights streaming from the city’s most grandest boulevard, The Champs Elysées.
You could happily relax here all evening, drinking French Champagne or cocktails and nibbling tapas. As the evening settles, DJs lift the tempo of the bar to make it a cool party.
Contemporary rooms with all modern luxuries
Honestly, you can also enjoy a pretty magnificent vista from your hotel bedroom. The La Defénse area sits on a hill next to the River Seine. So you won’t be disappointed even if you are staying in one of the rooms lower down the tower.
Of course, the rooms offer contemporary luxury. Natural wood and a sophisticated, muted color palette make them instantly relaxing. They come with good wifi, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars and decent coffee to hand. The bathrooms are spacious and modern, fitted with rain showers. And the beds are big, soft and comfortable.
Guests have a safety deposit box, mini bar, iron and ironing board and good hairdryer in their rooms.
You also get complimentary access to the hotel’s private fitness center – handy if you enjoy French food as much as I do. This is well equipped and open 24 hours. And, needless to say, there are few places you can work out in Paris with a better view. Alternatively, if you want to relax, you can book a massage.
Melia blends the best of Spain and France
Enjoy a view of ‘Bright Trees’ by Greek artist Takis while you dine. | Photo: Pline
As a Spanish-owned hotel in France, the Melia combines two of the world’s great food cultures.
This fusion comes alive in the hotel’s main restaurant – Le Miroir.
The menu really is fit for a king. In fact, the chef, Patricio De Diego De La Vega, has served his food to the Spanish royal family several times. The prestigious Michelin Guide has also praised the food.
He creates plates with the seasons in mind, sourcing the best ingredients available. Le Miroir has a large range of Spanish starters and plates to share. Then you can enjoy brasserie style fish, meat and vegetarian mains and homemade desserts.
Naturally, like the rest of the hotel, Le Miroir is smart and stylish. But the atmosphere is relaxed rather than overly formal. Moreover, the waiting staff know the menu and wine list well and provide fast, friendly service.
Although it is on the first floor, Le Miroir also has an impressive view. You look out to the Esplanade water mirror and the twinkling lights of the art instillation ‘Bright Trees’ by Greek artist Takis.
Hotel guests can also enjoy breakfast at Le Miroir.
The La Defénse neighborhood
The Grande Arche at La Défense. | Photo: Atoma
La Defénse is usually thought of as a business district. But, in fact, it is a fantastic location if you want to explore Paris.
The Melia has a Metro station as its next-door neighbor. And from there a single line takes you to sights including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées and The Louvre.
The immediate neighborhood also has lots to offer. La Defénse is home to Les Quatre Temps, France’s biggest and most popular shopping center.
You won’t be able to miss La Grande Arche de la Défense, a giant white arch that is part monument and part office block. It was designed to be France’s modern version of the Arc de Triomphe. But this ceremonial arch is intended to celebrate humanity, rather than military victories. From here, as the crow flies, it’s a straight line through that earlier arch to the Place de la Concorde where the revolutionaries executed the nobles, and to the famous glass Pyramide at the Louvre. Together, they make up a grand axis running through modern Paris.
Incidentally, if you like modern architecture, you should take time to appreciate the outside of the outside of the Melia Hotel itself. It’s shaped like the hull of a boat, as if it may set sail down the nearby River Seine.
Overall, the Melia is a great choice if you are looking for a spacious, comfortable base to explore Paris.
You can book a stay at the Melia Hotel, La Defénse from £105 a night ($146, €120). Find out more here.
