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TEMPTING TREATS IN PARIS

The Hotel Meurice Re-Opens
with a series of Pastry Packages

by Felicity Long

After a two-year wait, the five star Hotel Meurice in Paris reopened in late spring after a meticulous renovation. The 200-year-old property, which has housed the famous and infamous over the years, from Franklin D. Roosevelt and Queen Victoria to such artists as Salvador Dali, Placido Domingo, Orson Wells and Jane Fonda, is located on the tony Rue de Rivoli on Paris� Right Bank.

To restore the hotel to its former glory, a team of more than 500 workers was assembled. Virtually every part of the hotel was redone, including the intricate mosaic floors, paintings, friezes, hand-carved moldings and other architectural features. In addition, electrical wiring and plumbing were updated along with telephone, heat and air-conditioning equipment.

Visitors will find a new main entrance on the Rue de Rivoli, facing the Tuileries Gardens, a new reception area and revamped public rooms and restaurant. Of special note is the Art Nouveau-style glass roof over the Winter Garden, which was completely restored by artisans. A showpiece of the property is a replica of Marie Antoinette�s carriage, which is on display near the banquet rooms.

All guest rooms, suites and junior suites received new soft furnishings, marble bathrooms and two telephone lines with fax and Internet access. In all, there are 160 guestrooms, 25 suites and 11 junior suites. There are two new Presidential Suites, two banqueting rooms and a spa with� Jacuzzi, saunas, changing rooms and steam baths. Spa and massage treatments also are available.

Amenities include 24-hour room service, concierge and such business services as use of a laptop computer and translation.

To celebrate its reopening, the property has designed seven so-called Pastry Packages, which include value-added extras and a welcome pastry upon arrival, are good through December. La Madeleine package, for example, includes accommodations in a deluxe room with buffet breakfast, a collection book and private visit to any Paris museum. Also included are afternoon tea in the Winter Garden and use of the health club facilities. The package is priced at about $608 per night.

L�Opera, which also includes a collection book, features seats at the Paris Opera with binoculars, deluxe accommodations with buffet breakfast, airport transfers and use of the health club. The package begins at about $603 per night.

La Vie en Rose, named for famed French singer Edith Piaf, is a honeymoon package that includes pink roses, a bottle of pink Champagne and pink petit four cakes. Buffet breakfast with champagne, two bathrobes, late check-out and use of the health club are included. La Vie en Rose costs from about $1,100 per night.

Spa lovers can try the Caudalie Confections spa plan, featuring two treatments per person, a spa dessert, deluxe accommodations and buffet breakfast. Rates begin at about $563 per night. Packages, which include service and taxes, require a two-night minimum.

Essential Information

Clients who can�t decide between Paris and London now can do both with a new Channel Hopping package that includes stays at the Hotel Meurice in Paris and The Dorchester in London. The package includes two nights at each property and is valid through Dec. 31.

In London, guests receive two theater tickets and a post-theater dinner in the Dorchester Club. Participants receive access to the hotel spa facilities; treatments also are available for about an additional $128 for an hour-and-a-half.

In Paris, the package includes champagne and fresh flowers.

Rates begin at about $470 per night, and certain conditions apply. Bookings can be made through Leading Hotels of the World at (800) 223-6800.

For Information:

The Leading Hotels of the World
(800) 223-6800

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