Explained as ‘over the fields’, ‘Le Parchamp Marriott’ embodies a quiet retreat facing a verdant park away from the bustling heart of Paris, yet conveniently reachable by transport.
Nestled in the sophisticated district of Boulogne-Billancourt in the west part of the city surrounded by the Seine, recognized as the 21st arrondissement of Paris, the hotel sits merely eight kilometers away from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Originally a branch of the Bank of France, later transformed into a Courtyard Marriott, this 123-room, 4-star establishment was rebranded as part of the company’s Tribute Portfolio in April.
Featuring a soft, brick exterior embracing a row of plane trees, the hotel resides in an architecturally pleasing structure adorning a wide boulevard. Inside, a modern, luminous design awaits, with the ground level housing a dual reception setup and a bar and lounge adorned with antique brass details, majestic chandeliers, and ribbed timber. Adjacent lies the hotel’s dining venue, Le Table, offering both indoor and outdoor seating choices.
Characterized by earthy hues and simplistic decor, our dwelling in room 403 stood out with a spacious balcony furnished with cozy armchairs and a table overlooking Square Léon Blum park. Here, my companion and I spent peaceful evenings enjoying wine and stargazing, with distant fireworks illuminating the sky as part of the July 14 National Day festivities. The room boasted ample space by Parisian standards, equipped with a generous wardrobe, coffee tables, a flat-screen TV offering satellite channels, and tea and coffee amenities. Our bathroom featured a combined bath and shower, along with provided robes and slippers. The toiletries were from the eco-conscious n.ki brand.
We indulged in an outdoor dining experience within a serene inner courtyard adorned with lush trees and box plants such as heavenly bamboo and clematis, a wooden deck, mosaic-topped tables, and striped umbrellas, accompanied by strings of hanging fairy lights.
The culinary selection is centered around Levantine cuisine, featuring lafa – a delightful flatbread, brioche-style challa, tahini, grated tomatoes, and yogurt. Noteworthy appetizers included deep-fried cauliflower with harissa, pickled cabbage and carrots, and tabbala with bulgur wheat, pistachios, and sweetened with pomegranate molasses.
Our Karmel market chicken was exquisitely slow-cooked, tender as mousse, seasoned with sumac, and served with pickled onions and jalapeños. The main course menu boasted dishes such as Angus hanger steak with bone marrow, sea bass fillet, and risotto primavera with green and snow peas alongside kashkaval cheese.
Jeremy, the hotel’s amiable food and beverage manager from southern France, who had prior experience in the hospitality industry in Thailand and China, brought a wealth of international expertise to his role, providing detailed explanations of the various dishes.
One of the highlights of our stay was the hotel’s rooftop bar, offering sweeping vistas across the neighborhood and extending to the primary business hub of Paris, La Défense.
Mixologist Yohann from Toulouse concocted some refreshing cocktails, including the Boulogne Martini and Negroni, upon our arrival.
Catering to business clientele, the hotel offers two versatile meeting spaces accommodating 20-55 individuals. Additionally, it hosts yoga and meditation sessions and is set to introduce a special Sunday brunch in September.
While easily accessible to central Paris by taxi or metro, exploring Boulogne-Billancourt itself is highly recommended, showcasing a refined ambiance with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and a variety of cultural activities.
With a collection of photos, posters, paintings, furniture, and sculptures spanning figurative art to art deco, the Museum of the 1930s, a brief stroll from the hotel, commemorates the artistic and technological advancements of the inter-war era in France.
Equidistant in the opposite direction, the Albert Kahn Museum, named after its founder, a banker turned philanthropist, not only showcases a diverse array of historical images and videos under the theme ‘Archives of the Planet’ but also encompasses four hectares of serene greenery featuring coniferous and deciduous forests, rose gardens, orchards, and Japanese-styled landscapes.
The expansive 845-hectare Bois de Boulogne park lies nearby, as does the Parc des Princes Stadium, the home stadium of Paris Saint-Germain football club.
Image Source: Booking.com
