The famed Asian Peninsula Hotel group launched a Parisian outpost this past September on the avenue Kléber. Two giant stone dragons stand guard on its steps for good luck. The Peninsula Paris is located in a former government owned building that has been transformed with glittering new attire. This past September with Indian summer weather, Parisians flocked to the sweeping terraces overlooking avenue Kléber to enjoy drinks and food.

This spring, we can look forward to cocktails on a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower; in the meantime, the L’Oiseau restaurant on the same floor offers year round fine dining. Let me add that Peninsula Paris is resplendent with what the French call Bling Bling – knock you in the eye dazzle. For this girl, I love glitter and glamor, and the Peninsula Paris is full of both.

“The Lobby” is both an entrance to the hotel from the avenue Kléber, and a brasserie restaurant at the same time. Housed in a 19th-century salon full of golden boiserie with sparkling crystal chandeliers, and separated from the entrance gallery by transparent plastic screens, “The Lobby” is a place to both note the goings and comings of the clientele and equally to be seen. It is a lively spot populated with a mix of businessmen, travelers, and ladies who lunch all observing each other while munching on their club sandwiches or classic French fare.

As befits its Asian heritage, the Peninsula Paris also features a Cantonese restaurant, LiLi. With lacquered red walls, lanterns, and a Hollywood take on the décor, the “World of Suzy Orient” would feel right at home. I can’t wait to try “LiLi”, loving all things red. A dinner here will be just the thing for the “Year of the Ram”. I can’t vouch for the hotel rooms but the Peninsula Paris is clearly a “palace”, with luxury brand boutique shops dotting its lobby.

The Peninsula Paris
19 avenue Kléber
Paris, France, 75116
http://paris.peninsula.com