Banke Hotel ★★★★

I’ve been here many times now, but I will never tire of the majestic lobby. The entryway, draped in plush crimson velvet, makes way for the reception area and its gloriously-preserved glass roof that sheds light on the original mosaic flooring and the red leather chesterfield sofas.

The service is remarkable. You don’t feel that you have to be always on your best behaviour here. There’s no pomp and circumstance like in some hotels. Guests are treated kindly, efficiently and with respect but there is no judging, no arrogance, just big smiles and good service. An array of services in offered, from hairdressers to beauty treatments, babysitting to shoe shines to massages and more. Last year, they even offered to find a personal shopper for me. Thank you, but that is one service I will not be needing!

They know me now and treat me like old family, but even on my first trip, the staff was friendly and hospitable – that’s what convinced me to come back on a regular basis. On my third stay at the Banke, when it became clear that I would probably be coming back again, the housekeeper asked me what my favourite flowers were. Now, each time I come, there is a fresh cut rose waiting for me in my room.

The rooms, 94 in all, are very spacious by Parisian standards. As I usually travel by myself, I only need a single room. 17m2 are more than enough for me and my shopping bags! Two years ago, I stayed in one of the deluxe rooms with my husband. With a surface area of 32m2, there was room for a sitting area with a large sofa. There was also a hydromassage bath in the bathroom – perfect for relaxing my tired legs and feet after a day’s shopping. We also had a breath-taking view of the Sacre Coeur. The rooms are stylish, functional and, above all, comfortable. Soft silky bedspreads, fluffy white towels, leather headboards. At the Banke Hotel, only noble materials are used and it makes all the difference. And the decorators must have used a box of chocolates as inspiration for the colour schemes. Warm wooden floors, milk-chocolaty-brown leather armchairs and sofas, burgundy bedspreads – makes your mouth water!

Speaking of which, the hotel has two restaurants, the Josefin and the Banke. The Banke is reserved for private gatherings. I have used it during my stays here on business. The room is blanketed in white, from the designer chairs to the table linen, walls, floors and flowers – everything is a hazy shade of winter. This makes for a very conducive working environment. No distractions! The Josefin, on the other hand, couldn’t be more colourful, vibrant, stimulating. Glitzy gold seating, shiny gold ceilings, fabulously modern chandeliers, deep, warm shades of purple and burgundy on the walls and smoky black baroque-inspired chairs designed by Marten Baas. The Josefin combines elegance with sophistication both in its décor and in its contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

When I’m travelling by myself, I prefer to eat in the Lolabar, a fashionable Spanish-inspired tapas bar. Here I can sip a cocktail while eating tapas without feeling like I’m eating all alone. The dynamic bar staff and the fashionable, young clientele keep things entertaining.

The building may no longer be a bank but it still has countless treasures with its walls. The art collection and the wine cellar are certainly the most valuable monetarily speaking, but what I value the most during my stays here are the genuine smiles and the sunny Spanish disposition of the staff.