Hotel Review: Le Roch Hotel & Spa, Paris, a Member of Design Hoteltels™
Paris is celebrated for its illustrious landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. The city weaves a romantic narrative with its labyrinthine streets, secluded cafes, and picturesque bridges—a scene often mirrored in cinema. However, this picture-perfect image is contrasted sharply by its less enchanting realities: the relentless hum of traffic, air quality concerns, and the dense thrum of a crowded city. Nonetheless, Paris pulses with a vibrant energy, a cultural epicenter that magnetically draws visitors from around the globe. In search of solace away from the well-trodden tourist paths, I desired a haven of calm within the city's lively embrace. I chose Le Roch Hotel & Spa, Paris, a Member of Design Hotels™. This retreat blended the timeless grace of classic luxury with contemporary sophistication, providing a tranquil oasis in the heart of the effervescent City of Lights—an exquisite balance of quintessential Parisian allure and soothing seclusion. Here is my review of Le Roch Hotel & Spa, Paris, a Member of Design Hotels™:
Le Roch Hotel & Spa is located at 28 Rue Saint-Roch, 75001 Paris, France.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of two 85,000 free night awards when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months from account opening. On top of that, you can earn additional 50,000 bonus points by staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through January 31, 2024—totaling 125,000 bonus points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 125,000 points offer worth $1,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Situated in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, Le Roch Hotel & Spa stands as a perfect starting point for first-time visitors eager to explore the wonders of Paris. Within mere steps of the hotel lie renowned attractions like the Louvre, Palais Royal, and the Orangerie Museum. Guests can wander through the tranquil Jardin des Tuileries or enjoy an evening at the majestic Opéra Garnier. For those with a penchant for luxury shopping, the exclusive boutiques of Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the elegant Place Vendôme are just a stone's throw away. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to various subway lines makes traversing the city's other enchanting districts effortlessly accessible.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The hotel's exterior was remarkably understated, with just a subtle sign to signal its presence. As I entered the hotel, a delightful fragrance enveloped me, a signature of the Codage products used in the hotel's spa.
Le Roch Hotel & Spa proudly collaborates with The CODAGE Luxury Spa Collection to provide guests with an outstanding spa experience.
To the right of the entrance, the receptionist greeted me warmly with inviting smiles. Having arrived a tad early, we lingered in the elegantly appointed lobby.
My check-in process was smooth, and I was upgraded to one of the hotel's finest suites, thanks to my Titanium Elite status.
The library area, elegantly furnished with pieces made by either Cassina or Sarah Lavoine, who crafted the hotel's interiors, radiated a harmonious mix of classic allure and coziness.
Sarah Lavoine was the creative mastermind behind the design of Le Roch Hotel & Spa.
The space flowed seamlessly into the dining area, crowned with a glass ceiling that bathed the lobby in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
The skylight ceiling allowed natural light to filter in, adding a welcoming warmth to the space.
An intimate bar showcased a stunning Carrara marble countertop in a cozy nook, and it quickly became a gathering place at night among guests savoring cocktails.
Enjoy a selection of classic Parisian cocktails accompanied by delectable bar snacks from Maison 28 Restaurant and Bar.
My exploration of the lobby was pleasantly interrupted when the receptionist approached with good news—my Titanium Elite status ensured not only an early check-in but also an upgrade to the Indulgence Suite. It was situated on the first floor and boasted its own private elevator. The receptionist kindly escorted me, providing a brief yet informative tour of the suite. The prospect of spending a few nights in the luxurious Indulgence Suite filled me with excitement.
Living Room Review
The living area, though compact, presented a delightful extension of space, a rarity in Parisian hotels. Its solid walnut wood flooring harmonized with sleek floating shelves, while a cozy loveseat created an inviting ambiance.
The solid walnut wood flooring complemented the sleek floating shelves perfectly.
A small flat-screen TV was built into the wall, but its size and angle were less than ideal. As TV watching wasn't a major focus of my travels, I wasn't concerned about its viewing angles. Thankfully, the bedroom was equipped with a larger TV, ideal for entertainment when needed.
A compact, standard flat-screen TV was expertly mounted on the wall in the living room, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
A thoughtful touch awaited on the coffee table—a complimentary half bottle of champagne, a gesture from the hotel that added a special touch to our stay.
Champagne always tastes better in Paris, particularly when it's offered as a complimentary treat.
I placed the champagne in the mini-fridge, ingeniously concealed within the cabinetry that separated the living area from the bedroom. The fridge held a fine selection of drinks, though it was a bit disappointing that the water wasn't complimentary. In lieu of the usual Nespresso machine, the suite featured a Krups espresso maker.
The mini-fridge was amply supplied with a variety of drinks, and I highly recommend sampling the fresh fruit juice from Alain Milliat.
The small closet, equipped with bathrobes, had automatic lighting, which was practical for nocturnal searches, though a bit more space would have been ideal. Sunlight streamed generously through the floor-to-ceiling glass door leading to the private balcony.
One of the standout benefits of staying in the Indulgence Suite was the exclusive access to a private balcony.
Narrow but functional, the balcony featured a quaint table and two chairs. It was beautifully adorned with lush plants, offering both privacy and a burst of lively energy.
The balcony was delightfully decorated with lush plants, providing a perfect blend of privacy and vibrant energy.
Le Roch Hotel and Spa was already located on a peaceful street, and because the balcony faced the inner courtyard of the hotel, it remained quiet and tranquil during the stay.
Given that every inch of space is highly prized in Parisian hotels, I greatly valued the addition of the private outdoor balcony.
Since an outdoor balcony space was a commodity in Parisien hotels, I made sure to savor it—whether it was starting the day with a morning coffee or ending the evening with a glass of champagne.
Bedroom Review
While the balcony stood out as a highlight of the suite, the true crown jewel was the bedroom. Dominated by a king-sized bed, it offered what was perhaps the most comfortable sleeping experience I've ever had.
To date, the bed at Le Roch Hotel & Spa remains the most comfortable hotel bed I have ever slept in.
The sheets and duvet were of silky smooth texture, and the mattress was simply unparalleled. It was so comfortable that we even missed breakfast in the morning, which is very rare for us. Beside the bed, each nightstand presented ample space, with one featuring a Marshall bluetooth speaker for added convenience.
Adjacent to the bed, each nightstand offered generous space, with one of them equipped with a Marshall bluetooth speaker.
Opposite the bed, a multi-functional work desk doubled as a make-up stand. Above the desk, another TV was mounted on the wall.
The suite included an iPad for easy access to hotel information, and the hotel provided an international adapter for convenience.
It was a standard model, lacking smart TV features, which seemed a bit underwhelming for a premium room like the Indulgence Suite. The suite provided an iPad for accessing hotel information, and portable battery packs were available for on-the-go charging.
These battery packs only had micro USB ports, which was a bit inconvenient for iPhone users like myself.
Unfortunately, these battery packs were limited to micro USB ports, leaving iPhone users like me at a slight disadvantage. Despite missing some high-tech amenities like master light switches and a smart TV, the bedroom more than made up for it with the bed. Lying down in it was heavenly, a reason in itself to return to Le Roch Hotel & Spa for its extraordinary comfort.
Bathroom Review
Initially, I mistook the suite for having both a half and a full bathroom, only to realize that the toilet was in a separate water closet near the entrance. The half bathroom was quite small and lacked a sink, but it was practical in its design.
Although the half bathroom was quite compact, its design was practical and efficient.
The main bathroom, however, was a showcase of elegance with its double-sink vanity set against a backdrop of white Carrara marble countertops. Its classic black and white décor gave it a timeless appeal.
The master bathroom was elegantly finished with white Carrara marble top and Kaldewei basins.
Interestingly, the bathroom also provided access to the balcony—the same one connected to the living room—adding a layer of versatility to the outdoor space. The bathroom's standout feature was the walk-in shower, doubling as a personal hammam.
I was charmed by how the pastel-hued wall tiles in the bathroom matched the walls in both the bedroom and living room.
With a digital thermostat, the hammam could reach a maximum of 55°C, typically warming up in about 20 minutes—just enough time to prepare a bath. The combination of the steam sauna and bath, especially with the lavender-scented bath salts from Codage, elevated the entire bathing experience.
Codage might not be a widely recognized brand in the US, but it has achieved considerable acclaim and is favored by many celebrities.
The bathtub itself was impressively spacious, comfortably accommodating two adults. In the shower, a choice between a handheld and a rainfall showerhead added to the luxury, complemented by travel-sized Codage bath products, delivering a taste of the opulent spa treatments available at the hotel.
The master bathroom, featuring both a Kaldewei bathtub and a personal hammam, was my favorite amenity of the Indulgence Suite.
The bathroom was a sanctuary, making our return to the hotel each night something to look forward to for its relaxing and decompressing qualities. The indulgence of the personal hammam truly lived up to the suite's name. For anyone seeking the pinnacle of hotel amenities, I highly recommend booking a suite at Le Roch Hotel & Spa.
Gym & Pool Review
The hotel's gym, nestled in the basement and open 24/7, was a study in efficient use of space. Despite the mirrored walls giving an illusion of expansiveness, the compactness of the room was noticeable.
The gym was quite small, making it hard to envision comfortably sharing the cardio exercise space with more than one person at a time.
It housed a select array of TechnoGym cardio equipment, including a treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical.
The fitness center was impeccably clean and equipped with the latest models of TechnoGym gear.
However, the area could feel crowded if there are more than two people working out simultaneously. Alongside, there was an adjustable bench and a set of dumbbells, though they were not designed for heavy lifting.
Although the gym was well-stocked with many low-weight dumbbells, the absence of heavier options made it less suitable for weightlifting enthusiasts.
Adjacent to the gym, the indoor pool was a serene retreat, crafted from black lava rock. Windows along one wall allowed natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy.
The indoor swimming pool was constructed from black lava rock, giving it a unique and striking appearance.
While atmospheric, the pool's dark material made it challenging to discern the steps, requiring cautious navigation in the four-foot-deep water. Contrary to my expectation of a warm pool, the water was refreshingly cool. For those seeking warmth, a spacious hammam was accessible either directly from the pool or through a small waterfall—an ingenious design choice.
The design allowed for swimming in and out of the hammam via the waterfall opening, seamlessly connecting the two areas.
The pool featured powerful massage jets at both ends, so strong that they required bracing against the force. One limitation of the pool area was the lack of side tables for personal belongings, with only benches available for seating.
A drawback of the pool area was the absence of side tables for placing personal belongings, offering only benches for seating.
Without traditional lounge chairs, all seating was communal, precluding any possibility of lounging in solitude. Despite these minor inconveniences, the indoor pool stood out as a unique feature among Parisian hotels, providing an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Breakfast Review—Maison 28 Restaurant & Bar
Breakfast was elegantly served at the hotel's Maison 28 Restaurant & Bar on the ground floor. Available from 7 AM to 10:30 AM on weekdays and extended until 11 AM on weekends, the restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Serge Jouanin, presented two breakfast options.
The space was stylishly decorated with colorful furniture and gold-accented tables.
Despite being part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, breakfast wasn’t complimentary for Bonvoy elite members. Guests could choose between a continental breakfast for €20 per person or an enhanced option for €35 per person, which included the continental spread as well as hot à la carte dishes.
In my opinion, the €20 continental breakfast didn't quite justify its price.
We decided to indulge in the full breakfast experience. The à la carte menu offered a range of choices, from sausages and bacon to a simple omelet, along with other tempting items like avocado toasts, a selection of meats and cheeses, and brioche topped with smoked salmon and dill cream.
The à la carte menu offered an impressive selection of classic breakfast dishes.
While our dishes were being prepared, we admired the dining space, stylishly adorned with navy furniture and gold-accented tables and bathed in natural light thanks to a grand skylight and glass walls leading to an outdoor courtyard.
I suggest opting for an outdoor table when the weather is favorable, although they are limited in number.
The continental selection was limited to baguettes, pastries (including croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain aux raisins), fruit salad, yogurt, and cereals, which didn't seem to justify the €20 price tag.
As anticipated, the pastries were delightful, but the other selections in the continental breakfast were slightly underwhelming.
However, the all-inclusive option made more sense for a more comprehensive breakfast. My morning began with a warm cup of cappuccino and freshly squeezed orange juice.
For a more extensive breakfast experience, I highly recommend opting for the all-inclusive breakfast option.
The sausage and bacon had a pleasant sweetness, and the French omelet was flawlessly cooked, glistening with butter.
The French omelet was perfeclty executed, shimmering enticingly with a generous amount of rich butter.
With an early lunch reservation elsewhere, we couldn’t explore the full menu, but the quality suggested that the €35 would be well spent. On my next visit, I look forward to trying other à la carte specialties.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
My suite was graced with two exceptional features rarely found in the compact rooms of typical Parisian hotels: a personal steam sauna and a private balcony. These sought-after amenities elevated my stay from ordinary to extraordinary. Additionally, the bed was outstandingly comfortable, enhancing the overall experience significantly.
The hotel featured an indoor pool and a communal steam sauna, nestled in the basement level. I highly recommend taking advantage of these facilities whenever possible; they provide a tranquil haven, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Paris and creating an atmosphere that soothes the mind and spirit.
Located on a tranquil side street in the bustling 1st arrondissement, Le Roch Hotel & Spa emerges as a stylish oasis in the heart of Paris. Its superb location and ambiance make it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors eager to explore the city and returning guests seeking a unique, boutique Parisian accommodation experience.
Negatives
The hotel's fitness center was cozy and intimate, but it could quickly feel crowded when shared with other guests. However, this was balanced by the serene spa, complete with a steam sauna, which was a more favored and appreciated retreat among most guests.
Summary
In conclusion, my stay at Le Roch Hotel & Spa, Paris, a Member of Design Hotels™, was nothing less than remarkable and lived up to its esteemed reputation. From its chic Parisien décor to its excellent customer service, the hotel provided all the amenities to make my stay comfortable and extraordinary. With the indoor pool and steam sauna, I felt truly at peace during my stay from beginning to end. The private balcony and personal hammam in the suite provided exclusive escape whenever I needed to recharge my mind and body. Le Roch Hotel & Spa is an exceptional boutique hotel, and I highly recommend Le Roch Hotel & Spa to anyone looking for an unforgettable place to stay in Paris.
