We spent the majority of our time in Paris at the 244-room Four Seasons George V, which is one of the most famous Four Seasons properties in the world, and for that matter one of the most well regarded luxury properties in Paris.
Continue reading: Review: Four Seasons Paris George V, France (A Palace Hotel Icon)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Ben, Great hotel 'porn'-level review. Thanks for all the detail! I'm a bit of a geek about minibar prices ..I'm wondering if you have a photo of the menu, or at least the baseline price of a Coke?
I've dined at a # of 3 star Michelin restaurants... and it's usually not cheap.
However, Le Cinq prices at US$150-200 for an entrée are insane.
They make other 3 star Michelins, such as Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (totally recommend it), look like a bargain.
That said, some restaurants charge prices like that simply as they can get away with it.
Fantastic review! That looks so much better than the Ritz, somehow. And incredible that you got to stay there for free, too.
Thanks for posting the food pics btw, a little food porn along with the hotel porn 🙂 . Interestingly we just came back from Greece where we spent a night at Four Seasons Astir Palace (thanks to your recent review!), we did the tasting menu at Pelagos and they use some of the same plates :).
Somehow many people feel insecure going into a Michelin starred restaurant (especially 3 stars), and assume that service will be snotty etc, but it's almost never the case. Service plays a huge part in getting those stars so it needs to be approachable; it often makes the experience as memorable as the food.
@ Chris -- Thanks! Great question. I went back and looked at all the pictures I took (I only post a small portion of them), and somehow I didn't take a picture of the minibar price list. However, I remember prices being very similar to Ritz minibar prices, which I think is also why I didn't take a picture (because at that point those prices didn't surprise me).
Great review, the hotel looks simply fabulous.
Ben, what type of crowd was staying there? Were you guys the youngest by a couple of decades, or is it a mixed crowd?
wow, i like this hotel much more than i thought it would. Although i am not a fan of this style hotel, i like it it far more than the Ritz you reviewed yesterday. the food looks fantastic. you two must have put on a few pounds here though! great review, ben. looking forward to the next ones.
Just wow. When you come from Holiday Inn’s , Ibis and Motel One then this is another planet. You are lucky you can live this lifestyle. Not for the average Joe
This is one of the best reviews ever on OMAAT! I've had an eye on this hotel ever since I was a kid and saw British secret service agent John Steed stay here on The New Avengers, a successor series to The Avengers (not to be confused with the comic book The Avengers). If I stay here, I don't have to take so many photos but act like a big shot and simply enjoy. Prince Charles once said that he doesn't have to take photos because there's always the royal photographer to take photos for him. Some self taken photos are nice, though.
The episode was K is for Kill, Part 1 and Part 2.
If you had to generalize the cost of the entire stay, at the preferred Four Seasons rate, including food/beverages?
@ David alan Kimmey -- I'm happy to share what we ended up paying for our four nights. Our accommodation and breakfast were covered, though the rate for our nights would have been around 1,200 EUR for a standard room, or around 3,000 EUR for the suite we were upgraded to. As you can see, we had some great meals on property, and also went to the bar on an almost nightly basis. Our bill came out to around 2,200 EUR. So hopefully that gives you an idea of the incidental costs if you're really going all out with enjoying the food & beverage outlets.
@ ben senise -- Whoops, fixed. And happy you enjoyed it, thanks for the kind words.
@ CSR 2.0 -- Thanks! The crowd was more mixed than I was expecting, to be honest. Historically the hotel has a reputation for having mostly Americans and Middle Eastern guests. There were indeed a good number of Americans, though I truly felt like there were guests from all over the world, including plenty of Europeans (Germans, Brits, etc.). And then there were also at least two obvious A-list celebrities (I don't usually care about that or recognize them, but in some cases it's hard to miss).
The age of guests was all over the place as well. We were probably the youngest (well, youngest non-children of other guests), but there were otherwise guests probably starting in their mid-30s and up.
Ben- I didn't read the whole review, but I think you left off my fav part of this hotel. The only steam room I've been in with music! To be specific, they have a family steam room, men's steam room and female steam room.
I had high expectations before staying and somehow, it exceeded those expectations!
Very nice review and the place, while I would never stop throwing up if this was how someone decorated their house somehow works in an old historic hotel.
The food looks amazing and with the exception of Le Cinq, the pricing is VERY reasonable considering it's in one of the most expensive hotels in Paris. Comparable meals here in LA would cost much more especially once you factor in tip and tax.
The 2200 EUR included even the meal at Le Cinq? Wow I would have imagined just that meal alone being 1k for 2 people.
Serious question: do people prefer to eat at restaurants within the hotel or outside hotels when in a city? For me, I appreciate a good hotel bar but find even high-end restaurants to have certain package tour quality. Getting out of a hotel for meals is almost always preferable. In terms of Four Seasons, they lost me with Kind bars with morning coffee. It seems lovely but unnecessarily corporate and more than a little sterile. Kinda like a Hilton resort with better furniture. Of two reviews, I'm firmly on Team Ritz.
Had one martini at the bar there...50euros...and that was in 2003!! Luckily it was on the company expense report.
Are you able to get a table at Le Cinq by being a hotel guest or is there no preference given?
Ben, a 10/10 review. Spectacular!
Did you feel in the 244 room FSGV you were somewhat “lost in the shuffle” in such a large hotel compared to the 72 room Cheval Blanc Paris?
Thank you.
@ Bob -- Thanks so much for the kind words! Speaking of the number of rooms, I actually couldn't believe that the hotel has 50%+ more rooms than the Ritz, because you'd never know it based on how intimate and personalized the property feels.
Cheval Blanc definitely felt more boutique, as it's way smaller (less than a third of the number of rooms, as you mention). As you'll see in the next installment, though, that doesn't necessarily guarantee great service.
One thing that has consistently impressed me about Four Seasons properties around the world is how they perfect the art of service, whether it's a 100 room hotel, or a 350+ room hotel. I don't know how Four Seasons pulls it off, but the brand does...
Finally you become a foodie ☺️
AA first class catering schould inspires from those meals haha
@ Pete -- I feel like preference was given across the board for hotel guests at the restaurants. We secured all of our reservations pretty last minute, including for a Friday and Saturday. The restaurants all ended up being booked out.
@ miamiorbust -- I was thinking about this as well. Totally agree on the value of great hotel bars, but personally I like a mix of good hotel restaurants and non-hotel restaurants. Of course you don't want to enjoy all your meals within the hotel -- that would be a shame. However, if the restaurant is actually excellent on its own merit and you're not compromising quality, there's something oh-so-nice about just being 30 seconds from your dinner table to your room. At least that's my opinion.
I think the issue is that so many hotels have restaurants that aren't actually great, but rather people eat there because they're associated with a hotel. In the case of George V, the restaurants were mostly filled with non-hotel guests, and didn't at all have that package tour quality you may experience elsewhere. After all, those restaurants had to earn Michelin stars on their own merit.
I’m a big fan of Four Seasons and been to many around the world as service level is consistently good and interior is usually at a certainly level of standard. With that said, that sink in the powder has got to go.
I enjoyed this review very much but couldn’t help but think that this review is somewhat tinted by freebie four night stays and not only that, but also at a much grander room compare to the one at Ritz. When one stays at a 3k euro room, one can’t help but feel grander and happier than say at a much smaller 1200 euro room. I’ve done both and I know how I feel about my stays at various hotels are always colored by the room category I’m in. When I get upgraded into a grand suite for one reason or the other, I automatically feel much better about the property. I suspect you would had feel much better about your stay at the Ritz had you stayed in a comparable room category and it was free!
Back to the food porn pics. There are many great restaurants around the world with tasty food and impeccable service. Hopefully this gastronomy experience has opened you up to many more restaurants around the world that you can review along with points, hotels, and credit cards. The cheapest place to eat at this level of food is in Cape Town and the wine country an hour outside of Cape Town. Next time you and Ford drop by that part of the world, don’t forget to go. Tasting menu costs around $100-120 usd.
As a business traveler, there are a lot of times when you’re exhausted from work and/or jet lag and you just want a good meal, but you’re just not up for going out. The same with being on vacation - you’ve been out sightseeing and you’re jet lagged and you just want to stay at the hotel and relax.
Also, if we’ve been some place before, we like to have a “chill” day. Get up late, have breakfast, hit the gym and pool, lunch, get a spa service and then have a nice relaxing dinner at the hotel. Get a goodnight sleep and be fresh and ready for a busy day.
Ben, you are back! The reviews on your Paris trip are simply fantastic! Great detail, great pictures, great perspective.
Great review, seems like the exceptional level of service here vs the Ritz makes this the better "value" if one is allowed to call either of these hotels value haha.
Don't even need to see the review. The Four Seasons is my preferred hotel chain for business and leisure travel when staying in European cities or in North America. Whilst not amongst the best when compared to smaller ultra-luxurious hotel brands or independent boutique hotels, it is certainly the best and most consistent amongst the major European and North American hotel chains. I love the dedicated concierge service that is provided since I stay most frequently at Four Seasons properties in Europe. The attention to detail is fantastic. The bedding is exquisite and always results in a fantastic night's rest! Having stayed at all three hotels which you are reviewing on this trip, this would be my recommendation alongside La Reserve.
Glad you’re back. The first time I stayed at the George V was almost 20 years ago. It was the first truly fancy hotel I’ve ever stayed at. I was in my early 20’s and was blown away- it was simply another planet good. I went back a few years later and it still lived up to its reputation. The staff, the food, the rooms and the feel are all beyond what the photographs capture.
I ate al Le Cinq And got an incredible tour of their wine cellar. No requests seemed absurd.
I had corporate rates back in those days now for a nice room it’s €2000 a night. I never thought I’d say it but it’s worth it.
Excellent hotel reviews and gorgeous photos. (Better than the hotel websites!) As a long-time fan of the Ritz, I do wonder if you might have departed with a more positive impression had you stayed more than just one night. Such a brief stay might have contributed to staff members failing to distinguish you from non-guests dropping in for a drink or a meal.
Very enjoyable review! I doubt I will ever be able to spend that much $ on a hotel room. But I once walked into the George V lobby to use the bathroom LOL
Ben,
I trust you and Ford are not part of the "jacket and tie" crowd, so I'm wondering if there was some sort of dress code in the hotels and restaurants you visited in Paris?
Ben, epic review, really like how you could paint a picture between the Ritz and the 4S. Both great reviews and seems to me like its worth it to splurge on the four seasons.
Question on the language, i speak english and spanish and i know zero french, did you notice one of the hotels or both being good at accommodating English or was service at either limited due to the language if applicable?
Very nice and detailed review. Ben, could you comment on the dress code generally, and maybe for the restaurants? Thanks, and looking forward to the next hotel review.
Oh, Ben, Ben. Welcome to Michelin-star dining! Now you're hooked for life.
I was just a few years younger than you (if you're around Ford's age) when my wife and I enjoyed our first meal on that level. Aside from the astoundingly good food, I remember patting my jacket pocket in search of a pen to jot down some notes on what I was eating and drinking, and a pen just magically appeared in front of me, followed seconds later by a small pad of paper. The waitstaff were THAT attentive.
Since then, every special occasion has been an excuse to repeat the experience. One of the most memorable was De Librije in the Netherlands, which also has 3 Michelin stars. Just as you wrote, the staff were the farthest thing from snooty. They were so friendly and enthusiastic about the food. Food service at this level is truly an art form, and they know it.
Definitely loving these "hotel porn" reviews. The prices here are absolutely insane and shouldn't even be legal lol, but it's awesome. And I agree with others, somehow this looks 10x nicer than the Ritz.
If you ever have a trip booked here and can't go last second, you know how to reach me...
Wow, what a life you live! Here I am, after barely traveling the last two years, looking forward to using a Hyatt award night in Sacramento en route to driving to the in-laws for Thanksgiving.
Been following your blog for over 10 years now and have read just about every review! So glad you've ventured into Michelin dining! Have similar experience with your travels in the past ~ 10 years, and now appreciate every trip and every meal so much more.
This was probably one of the best reviews that I have read in a long time. Unfortunately, I do not agree with everything in reference to the rooms. I had been staying at the George V for many years, and it seems that the things that are visible to everyone is immaculate, the rooms have gotten tired. The room you showed looked like one of the last rooms I had. I found the lighting in the room horrendous. Besides the complications of pushing buttons to achieve what you want, the room is dark. Especially the bathrooms where it is nice to have bright light. If 2 people are sharing the room and you are even watching the same TV station, you have to turn the sound off of one since both are not in synch. I also do not like having to walk thru a restaurant area to get to the room elevator. My last visit to Paris, I stayed at the Peninsula which I think was far above the George V, though the location in my opinion was not as good. I personally prefer smaller hotels without all of the crowds and activity, and look forward to my next stay at Cheval Blanc. Hopefully I will not be disappointed.
While I appreciate these reviews, one of the things that OMAAT had over all other blogs is that they didn't accept freebies, whether it's through your spouse or not. I feel that is recently starting to crack and it is more difficult to trust the review.
Having accepted discounts/freebies myself, it definitely allows me to let slip certain problems even if subconsciously.
Hotel looks great other than the bathroom, which could have been out of a holiday inn.
Cheval Blanc is more up my alley in terms of decor, but it seems like FS George V is the better one to stay at. Looking forward to the next installment and beyond. The world is finally starting to get back to normal!
You will pay 800 euros per person at L'Arpège, a restaurant not inside an hotel.
So 750 euros is quite fair.
Thanks for this review.
I am so excited too to read your "La Samaritaine" hotel review.
(I cannot say white horse: it is like the opérette "A l'auberge du cheval blanc" for me)
As a general rule, hotel restaurants in North America suck; those in Europe are often great!
I was thinking the same thing! You can dine at Joel Robouchon in Las Vegas for about $200 USD for the tasting menu, and it also has 3 stars!
Thank you for this review Ben. I visited the hotel bar just for one 30 euro drink 15 years ago when I was visiting on a solo trip to Paris and had an amazing evening which is indelibly imprinted in my memory. Loved reading your review of the rest of the hotel. Great detail and a tremendous entertaining resource which I haven't found on other travel blogs. People who complain about not being able to use points should remember that chase, amex and thank you points can all be used to pay for hotels on the affiiliated travel agencies of those issuers albeit for perhaps not as great value as transfer partners.
This was indeed one of your best reviews. I have stayed there twice as a whim and it's very much as you describe. A truly wonderful experience. It's probably the singular finest FS property in the world, certainly so in comparison to the many others I have experienced. I'm curious, did you get upgraded to the suite? If so, wow, pure luck. I am a FS Elite and on both occasions was told very politely and with apologies that suites are so heavily booked there that it will be rare to ever get an upgrade. Though the standard rooms are perfectly wonderful as well.
Gaudy, but thankfully less gaudy than the Ritz. Having said that, I’m sure pics don’t convey how nice it really is in person. Just back from Four Seasons Mexico City, perfect balance of traditional Mexico and classic luxury. Four Seasons just does it right, most of the time.
While I was quite unimpressed by the Ritz, I do feel differently here. To quote the Mandalorian: „This is the way“. I guess I have a new life goal 🙂
So, putting price aside, which of the restaurants impressed you to the most, and not putting money aside, which one do you feel had the best value for what you paid, despite the high prices for all?
@ Aaron -- Interesting question. Usually I'd be able to identify a clear winner based on my preferences, though I'm struggling here. I'd say that I enjoyed the food at Le George the most, I enjoyed the overall experience and "performance" at Le Cinq the most, and I thought L'Orangerie was the best value for the tasting menu, especially given that the restaurant only has 17 seats.
@ Stuart -- Yes, we did get upgraded to a suite. The hotel was full while we stayed there, so I guess we lucked out with what rooms were available.
@ Steve -- Virtually all employees we interacted with spoke perfect English. We also don't speak any French, and had no issues at either hotel (or at Cheval Blanc, for that matter).
@ Gregg -- Funny enough, for the first time ever we decided to bring a suit for a vacation, and we wore that at Le Cinq. Otherwise we just wore khakis or jeans and button downs or collared shirts. There didn't seem to be any major dress codes in place, though it's Paris, so many people definitely dressed up. People definitely dress more fashionably here than at your average luxury hotel in the United States, that's for sure.
Enjoyed your reviews of the Ritz and the Four Seasons.
Next time, try Le Bristol located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Having stayed there several times, I have found it to be exemplary.
Glad you reviewed this hotel at last. The Peninsula is also amazing if you’re ever doing ultra-luxe Paris again, and I’ve heard very good things about La Reserve.
IMO the Park Hyatt (dated brown decor, so-so service, breakfast buffet not proper service) and the Shangri-La are both in a significantly lower league than the George V, Peninsula and Crillon - despite also having “palace”’status. Agree Ritz
is a bit of a tourist trap and no in-room Nespresso bugs me out.
The Peninsula is very special - totally flawless rooms and service, blending a traditional feel with more modern design and tech, but not as ‘iconic’ overall and on site restaurants not as good
Glad you enjoyed your meal at Le Cinq. Jay Rayner reviewed it a few years ago causing huge controversy.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/apr/09/le-cinq-paris-restaurant-review-jay-rayner
Did you actually take all those photos in a 3* Michelin restaurant?? How rude American and/or bulldozering German! No consideration for the other guests, who came for the food. Sigh!
After reading your amazing detailed review I feel like I was there for a moment… it was wonderful..thank you!
Brilliant!
I can’t usually stay at such properties unless on business/expense account, and I haven’t had any of those trips for a long while because of COVID.
Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!!
You’re just completely silly. I have other words that describe your response …but I won’t waste them on you. Get a life.
Wow. Such a detailed report. The fancy food literally doesn't do it for me. I have had A LOT of French food though from actual housewives. I wanted to go inside the George V when I was there once, but Xi Jinping was staying so the street was blocked off and the city on high alert. We stayed at the super close Radisson Blu on points and the breakfast there was AMAZING.
The gratuitous pictures of food taken in an upscale eatery is a very typical American thing to do. It's declasse, quite frankly.
As mom would say, couth up.
While I realize your business is reviews, there's a time and place for everything. You do not spend a meal like that setting up pictures of each of your plates.
I can guarantee the French staff was appalled.
Good report and as opposed to others, I do like reviews of awesome non-points hotels as well.
Regarding the design of the hotel, somehow it does not wow me that much - at least the room for example. Maybe it's because I'm European myself and growing up here basically every museum or coffee shop looks similar to this, but to me this often just looks sort of "old" or "dated". But I guess that is really just a personal opinion.
As for the food, while I can appreciate that part of it is the experience, I think if I ever paid so much for food and then got such pretentiously tiny sized portions, I'd be pretty pissed off. I get that at least the first lunches were tasting menus, but probably the "regular" portions will be similarly sized?
Oh shussh. Grow up. Times change and if the staff was appalled, they are no smarter than you.
And I can guarantee that we Americans are appalled by your cynical and culturally judgmental opinion. I think you’re the person who should be embarrassed.
And I’m sure the FS staff are much classier than you and made no judgement.
A cheaper alternative to the Four Seasons George V is within walking distance: Marriott's Luxury Collection-flagged Prince de Galles. This is a ridiculously expensive neighborhood that is too fake and too expat-oriented for me. I prefer the Renaissance Republique because the neighborhood is real. Another option is the independent Hôtel Le Presbytère. It's a 3-starred property but the location is great if you want to walk to everything in Paris.
This is hilarious. Person reading free online review of a hotel and restaurant is angry that the reviewer took photos during his review.
Though props for using "decalsse" as that's a good word.
Stayed at the George V twice but only for a day each time as we were off to other parts of France. Did get to Le Cinq it reminds me of Louis XV in Monaco. And I have sooo many pictures of the lobby flower displays,,gorgeous.
Good for you guys, lean in to it and embrace the occasion, it's so special, I like that. I'll take your lead since I tend to fixate on things that shouldn't matter. when I look at these photos I realize how skilled and talented the many individuals are that have collectively created these moments; food and beverage, interiors, florals...so much breathtaking beauty all in one place. Looks like a unified experience that is beyond impressive. hope to visit someday.
Great review of one of Paris' great hotels.
Appreciate aspirational reviews of these iconic non-points hotels like Claridge's, as you get a sense of whether they are worth the extra expense over the likes of the Park Hyatt Vendome.
Welcome to fine dining, Ben! I have seen articles on some dining experiences here and there but never on time dining. My wife and I are food lovers and are thankful to be able to fly across the world just to dine at our favourite restaurant. One of our annual challenges is to see just how many 3 Michelin starred restaurants can we cover on every year’s guide. We reached the 100 millstone on October 24th and are on our way to Japan, with restrictions easing now. Le Cinq is great even though it did not make it onto our list of bucket list of dining experiences around the world. It is important to note that equally good restaurants exist where Michelin have not yet rated. Local bodies and/or countries pay a good sum to invite Michelin to rate restaurants in their countries.
Second line meant to read: “I have seen articles on some dining experiences here and there on your blog, but never on fine dining.”
A la carte menus at Parisian 3 star restaurants are notoriously expensive.
Some don’t even offer a set / tasting option, like L’Ambroisie.
I can almost guarantee that these photos were taken discretely on a phone, sans flash.
In which case, there is zero effect on other diner’s experiences.
Also, how weird to categorize this as “rude American / German” behavior. The Asian side of my family would like to have a word with you lol.
Going to a large number of these places doesn’t mean one appreciates them, or is qualified to critique them
If you like authentic, check out Barbes, Saint Denis, the 93…or is that too ‘authentic’ for you?
"bathroom which could have been out of a holiday inn."
Omar you must seek help, drug addiction is terrible but it can be overcome.
Please also refrain from commenting until your mental capacity has been restored.
All the best.
The Shangri-La is a better location if you care about views and also has a fantastic indoor pool/spa offering. Its Eiffel Tower views are better than this FS, but depends what your preferences are of course.
Hi to all,
Saturday 18th of April I visited the George V at Paris for a drink.
This was a very dissapointed experience. I asked for a place a the terrace inside but unfortunately I wasn't a hotel guest. Instead the unpleasant staff dropt me in a unknown corner at ground level behind a f**cking reading board.
Many years ago I was an overnight staying guest, came also unexpected without staying and I got really a tremendous experience but now... the hotel is for me not better than 2-star. Worse reception, worse seating place.
I went to Hotel Crillon instead, no guest. The staff gave me the choice between the marvelous terrace or even inside at their very beautiful lounge area.
I gave the waitress a tip of 50 euro after my lunch with champagne.
So people, don't go to George V because the staff treats you like a homeless person when you don't stay there.
I recommend to go to Hotel Crillon. The staff over there is very professionel, friendly and very normal.
Next time I go back to Hotel Crillon and will become one of their regular customers.