At Parisian Hotel J.K. Place, Italian Charm Meets French Elegance

Seeking a classic, unparalleled luxury experience in one of Paris' chicest neighbourhoods? Look no further than J.K. Place Paris. The Italian hospitality brand’s only French outpost couldn’t be located in a more exclusive area, in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, next to the Assemblée Nationale, with Saint-Germain-des-Prés on one side and the Concorde district and the Louvre on the other.

The hotel, located in what was the former European Consulate on the Rue de Lille, has been designed by Italian architect Michele Bönan, who has filled it – from the lobby to the rooms – with incredible, eclectic art and antiques, making the city crash pad feel more like an opulent private residence than a five-star hotel.

The service is top-notch, with every staff member going the extra mile to make guests feel welcome, comfortable and noticed. The spa, with its heated pool, steam room and pillow-like lounge chairs, is a fabulous addition, too. It’s hard to leave when you have so much to enjoy inside the hotel, but J.K. Place’s location makes it an ideal base for city explorations and it would be a wasted opportunity not to pop out for a tour of the Musée d’Orsay, a walk around the Tuileries Garden or a shopping session in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Rooms

All 29 rooms have been individually designed. The style is sleek, elegant and refined – expect black and white marble in the bathrooms, velvet accents via the soft furnishings, and wood throughout. Ours had a spacious walk-in closet, and no lack of full-length mirrors. High ceilings, elegant mouldings, a four-poster bed and sophisticated porcelain used around the coffee station (in addition to the leather-covered Nespresso machine) gave the room an added sense of luxury.

What’s for breakfast?

Forget buffets: we’re talking luxury to the max. Take a seat for your petit déjeuner and a lovely waiter will deliver fresh pastries and bread straight to your table. The à la carte menu includes all the essentials – avocado toast with poached eggs, omelettes, pancakes and fresh fruits – but it’s always possible to ask for something different. The kitchen also prepares a different homemade jam every day.

How about lunch and dinner?

Just like the brand, the restaurant is Italian, offering a wide variety of traditional dishes with a chic Parisian twist. The Casa Tua (Your Home) menu comprises a decadent list of pasta plates, from Roman cacio e pepe, and simple three-tomato spaghetti, to ravioli filled with a rich, unctuous carbonara sauce. When it comes to the mains, the lamb en croûte and delicately grilled octopus are standouts. Make sure you leave space for the tiramisu – it’s not to be missed.

Is there a bar?

Yes, there’s a bar area next to the main dining room and an additional room that holds a few tables. The hotel also has a small courtyard where guests can enjoy a cocktail during the summer months. The menu includes a selection of French and Italian wines and champagnes, as well as some must-try cocktails. Get a “Jimadores Well Done” if you like margaritas, a “Vento di Capri” if you have a sweet tooth, and a “Cold Fashioned” for something both strong and flavourful.

Amenities

In the rooms, the coffee provided is signed by luxury Italian coffee producer Mogi, the hairdryer is a Dyson, and everything bears the hotel’s name, including the Alma K. toiletries in the bathrooms. There’s a spacious gym packed with new Technogym equipment (and a Nespresso coffee machine in case guests need a mid-session pick-me-up). The pièce de résistance, though, is the underground spa. Softly lit and extremely relaxing, it offers treatments by Noble Panacea, and is equipped with a heated indoor pool, steam room and sauna.

What are the hotel’s eco-credentials like?

The hotel uses eco-friendly cleaning products and follows a comprehensive recycling policy. Toiletries in your room are refillable.

What about accessibility?

Two rooms are wheelchair friendly and all communal areas, including the spa, are accessible. The spa also has an accessible treatment room.

What’s the crowd like?

Mostly elegantly dressed, mature travellers – this is ultra-luxe in location and standing. You’ll find affluent couples enjoying a weekend away in Paris, alongside business travellers. The restaurant has a loyal local clientele, too.

Within a short walk I can find…

You’re right next to the Assemblée Nationale, which is part of the French Parliament (free visits can be arranged via the website). It’s a four-minute walk to the Musée d’Orsay, a 10-minute walk to Concorde and the Tuileries Garden, and less than a half-hour walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg and Les Invalides, making it a great starting point for exploring central Paris.