Platine Hotel ★★★★

There's No Business Like Show Business

I have been longing to return to Paris for a romantic weekend and finally the golden, or should I say platinum, opportunity has arrived! I am whisking my man away on a VeryChic sojourn at one of the most exclusive and in-vogue boutique hotels in the city that put style on the map. I know roughly what to expect and yet I was almost as wowed as my partner on arriving and being dazzled by the glistening entrance, the 1950s Hollywood-themed retro décor and Marilyn everywhere you look. She is the star of the show and the gorgeous, glamorous, mischievous hostess at the Platine Hotel. The hotel is a vintage ode to a golden age, a time of post-war abundance, hope, burgeoning rock n roll, freedom and an air of promise. The classic 50’s design is carried out to a perfectionist T, right down to the diner-style breakfast room with Formica tables and chequered floor:bringing nostalgia to a whole new level. The bright Hollywood gloss is no farce, however, it is of authentic, weighty quality and the feeling is of something genuine and curiously special. No wonder then that it has been listed in the 'Top 5 Design Hotels' in Le Figaro, the French national newspaper. The French are onto it, it's time for us to get a slice of Parisian life with Marilyn.

Monkey Business

There is no monkey business here, Vincent Bastide's design may be bold, kitsch and playful, but it is supremely chic and well-executed, doing full justice to the luxury Marilyn was famous for loving. I can't say as much for what goes on within their sumptuous bedrooms, however. Each room a unique, bijou boudoir that brings out the most light-hearted side of anyone; be it the cheeky Oscar on the shelf, the joyful air of the décor, or the impish smile of the star it celebrates that sparkles out at you from above your bed. In my case it is the bed itself, which is the sole reason we have decided to upgrade to a Superior room, and fulfils a long-held dream of mine. It is round! No sooner have we entered our room than I bounce onto it gleefully, high expectations not in the least let down: it is exactly what I had imagined. Complete with dashing red quilt and kooky cushions, it is lavishly comfortable, if somewhat disorienting, although I find it most practical as you never has to worry about which way to lie!

Some Like It Hot

Having enthused for some time over our fabulous room and wonderful bed, I am finally lured out of our love nest by my partner with the suggestion we explore the hotel spa. He knows me all too well and five minutes later we are out the door! The black gleaming tiles glimmer purple in the low, blue and red lighting making me feel we have stepped into a darkroom dedicated to developing photos solely of Ms. Monroe. There is a high-tech gym with running machine, complete with images of a long track country road to inspire you; there is a warm sauna with a honey glow set in the slick surroundings; a Turkish steam bath and double massage room where you can indulge in a little pampering. Luckily we both love to luxuriate in relaxing bliss and so my other half doesn't kick himself when I settle in to spend a good two hours revelling in the four-star facilities.

Let's Make Love

Finally we are dressed and ready to hit the town and we feel as though a little film star sparkle has rubbed off on us as we let the hotel doors swish shut behind us. We decide to take in some of our quiet, elegant neighbourhood and walk along the Seine until we reach the Eiffel Tower. Paris is enchanting whenever you go, any time of year, any time of day, but Paris by night has a mysterious magic, a sense that anything can happen, which enthrals me.

On reaching the magnificent edifice stretching its swanlike neck to the skies, a testimony to the romantic heart of France's bewitching capital city, I feel as I always do, like I am seeing it in real life for the first time. It never gets too clichéd, never tires, never ceases to impress and seduce me, and now I feel my heart swell with the full realisation that I am here. I am in Paris, city of dreamers and lovers, with my love by my side and a long, exquisite weekend stretching ahead of us, and it may be in the delectable company of Marilyn, but she is definitely the gooseberry, not me!