We returned to Paris, France for a memorable family trip. I have spent a great deal of time in Paris during earlier chapters of my life and will forever be a city that holds a special place in my heart. This trip was particularly special because we brought our one-year old son, Maverick!
Selecting the ideal place to stay took a ton of research. I spent hours of time on the internet scouring gorgeous Parisian apartments, to reading various travel blogs and scrutinizing every review of top hotels across the city. After extensive research, I knew that The Westin Paris would be the perfect place for my family. I came to this decision based on the following key considerations: prime walkable location to nearly every major landmark, a delicious daily breakfast, eligible for Bonvoy points/member rates, and most notably, rooms with private terraces that overlook the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The luxury Westin Paris-Vendome is centrally located in the 1st Arrondissement, within walking distance of the Louvre. Its 428 rooms and suites, 80 of which have views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Tuileries, or the Place de la Concorde. We stayed in a suite with three terraces overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The views at sunset and sunrise were epic – providing us with unforgettable and romantic memories on our family vacation together.
When visiting a city like Paris, the location of your hotel is crucial. Where you stay determines how easily you can access the millions of amazing sights, shops and experiences offered in such a special city.
I always select the Westin Paris-Vendome as the premiere hotel option because I truly do not think you can find a better location (and value!).
Facing the Tuileries, the Westin Paris-Vendome has a central location just a three-minute walk to the Place Vendome known for dozens of luxury shops, great cafes, and Parisian delights. Today the square is home to world-famous jewelers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. In a neighborhood of luxury stores along the Rue de Rivoli and Rue Saint Honore, the hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s major sights.
The entrance to the Jardin des Tuileries is a three-minute walk from the hotel, and the Place de la Concorde is a six-minute walk away. It’s a 10-minute walk across the Tuileries and the Seine (river) to the Musee d’Orsay on the Left Bank, and the Louvre is about a 15-minute walk east of the hotel. Notre Dame is a 20-minute metro ride and an 11-minute taxi ride away. The Eiffel Tower is a 10-minute trip by taxi. The closest metro stop is Tuileries, which also links directly to stops in the Marais, which is hands-down my favorite neighborhood in all of Paris.
The main floor of the hotel boasts a gorgeous courtyard restaurant and bar with delicious drinks, a relaxing fountain and views of the clouds when you look up.
Inside our suite, there was an expansive living room area that was the perfect space for family gatherings and remote work. The antique desk and espresso maker were nice features to make one feel right at home working from the heart of Paris.
Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers to the room were just one of the many examples of the superior hospitality at the Westin in Paris. The staff was absolutely incredible and attentive to detail, especially for families traveling with a little one in tow.
Here is the primary bedroom of the suite, with a fireplace, more fresh flowers, and terraces that provided sweeping views over the most majestic city in the world. The décor was simple, clean and understated.
If you stay in one of the Eifel Tower facing suites, I highly recommend showering with the terrace doors open. The fresh air that greets you and the views create a bucket-list experience right from your private hotel room.
As a travel writer now on the hunt for all things both luxury and family-friendly, I was super excited to see all the special perks provided to baby travelers, including specialty toiletry kits, mini robes, slippers and of course, a few furry friends too.
While there are countless cafes and bars to sip and savor throughout the city of light, I do have to say that some of my best moments were the room service treats and champagne right here in my room at the Westin. Nothing beats this view. Nothing beats the bubbles of champagne in Paris. And the small bites prepared by the onsite restaurant team at the Westin were super tasty.
My son Maverick loved wearing his Westin robe and eating freshly baked shortbread cookies on the terrace at sunset.
Sunsets were heavenly from the Westin. During the end of summer there is a large carnival and food fair that takes place across the street at the Garden of Tuileries. It’s fun to see all the people on the rides, eating, playing games and enjoying friends or family members for summertime fun in Paris. I would regularly sit on the terrace and just people-watch the young and old, all having the time of their lives at the carnival nearby.
And then, right at dusk, the sparkles and lights of the city would start to twinkle. Paris is such a romantic city, especially at night when the famed sites sparkle for all to see.
Thank you to our friends at the Westin Paris for making our stay memorable and comfortable. We were able to explore so much of the city with our toddler by our side thanks to your recommendations, kindness and of course, the unbeatable location of your superb hotel. We look forward to returning soon. Until the next sweet escape.