Paris Check in: Hotel Regina
Barge Lady Ellen experiences classic French ambiance in a privileged location.
I’ve been fortunate to visit Paris many times in my role as The Barge Lady! So, not unexpectedly, I am intensely interested in the Paris hotel scene. Searching for new and fabulous “Barge Lady Approved” Paris hotels to recommend to our guests is perhaps one of the reasons why I’ve never adopted a “favorite” Parisian home away from home – until now.
For my latest Paris adventure, I needed a hotel with the perfect “je ne sais quoi” of a central location on the Right Bank; accommodations and amenities at the five-star level; and a genuine immersion into modern hospitality coupled with classic French ambiance.
The Hotel Regina Louvre, situated in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, met all of my requirements and then some. Built in 1900 on the grounds of what was the Louvre Palace (now the Louvre Museum) the hotel was originally opened to welcome visitors to the Paris Exposition. With 97 rooms and 32 suites, the property is large enough to provide the upscale services of a grand hotel, while at the same time offering the personalized touches of an intimate boutique hotel.
Like Barge Lady Cruises, the Regina Louvre is family- owned and operated by women. Although completely renovated in 2015, the descendants of the hotel’s initial owners have sensitively protected the authentic Parisian architecture of this historic building. Upon entering, guests are ensconced into an Art Nouveau – style lobby, complete with elegant chandeliers, gorgeous flower displays, and a gleaming grand piano. Guests are further introduced to the aesthetics of “la fin de siècle” thanks to the delightful charm of antique furnishings, the craftsmanship of decorative ceramic tiles, and, most evocatively, the beauty of original stained glass windows.
Service-oriented staff immediately and immeasurably add to the hotel’s obvious assets. After check-in, guests are escorted to their rooms and introduced to the many amenities, such as WIFI, flat screen TVs, and Botega Veneta bath products. The hotel is known for its suites, which come in many configurations, and most of which offer an Eiffel Tower view. Attentive concierges are eager to ensure their guests are cared for and provide excellent recommendations among the many nearby cafes, bistros, and boutiques.
Located opposite the Louvre Museum and overlooking the Tuileries Garden, the hotel is also a short walk to the chic shopping street of Rue St. Honore, where I was easily able to purchase gifts and sample the wares at divine gourmet food shops. Also within walking distance is the Left Bank, Place Vendome, and Place de la Concorde, attesting to the hotel’s geographical appeal. For those who wish to explore “the city of light” further, there is a Metro stop right down the street on the Rue de Rivoli.
I loved the Regina Louvre for its convenience, elegance, and most of all for its very warm welcome. I will return!
Hotel Regina
2 Place des Pyramides,
75001 Paris, France
Photos credited to Hotel Regina.