We booked two deluxe rooms for three nights at the George V this most recent October and had a fantastic stay at the end of which we were already looking forward to a return visit. Enough good things about the service you will receive here from hard working, kind and thoughtful people, cannot be overstated though I will try in the following paragraphs.
The Flowers: This is the type of place that you imagine just can't get any better, but it continually surpasses expectations. Let me give you an example with regards to Jeff L.'s famous flower arrangements. Perhaps three years ago we stayed at the George V and noticed that they had these stunning variegated royal purple orchids, everywhere, and like none I've ever seen in all of the beautiful botanical gardens I've visited. I thought to myself, "what a joy to view these so elegantly arranged stunning flowers." So when we returned a year later, I thought just before I walked into the lobby, "I wonder what Jeff has done...but whatever it is it can't top those purple orchids." Then I see that these same stunning orchids have now been suspended in the air by invisible threads, covering the expanse of the inner courtyard. If you've ever seen the beauty of a field of lavender you get the idea, except these are orchids and they appear to be floating in the air. Well, I thought this is really a joy to see! How inventive and interesting! The following year, this year, I came back to the hotel and I thought I'd see something beautiful and was looking forward to seeing what Jeff had created. But as my family rushed through the stunning lobby to see the courtyard, we really couldn't have prepared ourselves to see the courtyard transformed into a lush forest of these purple orchids, exploding out of urns, still floating in the air, and now with a backdrop of a waterfall in the center for the courtyard. Do you get the picture? This is just an amazing place, with amazing people, and I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say anything is possible here.
Rooms: The rooms even the entry level category are spacious, very quiet, relaxing, and very French. I love that the rooms have a selection of (good) predominately French subject or authored books, that there is a high quality, beautiful really, umbrella to borrow if its raining, the nespresso coffee maker, the fine quality teas to brew restocked daily, the Bulgari green tea toiletries, the classic French prints, and the floral damask fabrics in golden yellows, egg blues, and light greens. The beds are so very comfortable. The bathrooms are soothing in cream marble with inlaid colored marble accents. Towels are fluffy and plentiful. The rooms are slowly being renovated to include a much updated sound and tv system, including a new tv inset into the bathroom mirror.
Cuisine: When we travel we often like to enjoy breakfast (my favorite meal) in the formal dining room and then order room service from their fine dining restaurant to the room for dinner. It is definitely worth fighting the jet lag to enjoy breakfast in Le Cinq. The eggs benedict are simple but the ingredients are superb and the portions perfect. The juice of the day is often scrumptious and always fresh pressed. The hot chocolate has three flavors, cinnamon, vanilla, and hazelnut. The fruit plate here is a work of art and absolutely delicious. Next time we go I'm going to try the Japanese breakfast. For comparison, I've sampled breakfast at the Ritz, Crillon, Mandarin Oriental, and Park Hyatt, none holds a candle to the George V. Further examples of George V breakfast excellence, they hand make their jams, the croissants are baked by the same bakery which supplies the bread to the President, and they serve the table all at the same time and with a flourish.
Cheese and desserts from Le Cinq: We ordered the Tarte Tatin and several others but I mention and capitalize the Tarte Tatin because it was so flaky, so buttery but light, and with the a light carmel taste which let the apples be the center of the show. The cheeses and accouterments were so enjoyed that we had a rare family "discussion" over who would finish off the blue.
Spa: We all had a massage and/or facial every day, and would never think of doing that in our hometown or at most of the hotels we visit. I only book this many treatments and at such a high cost because there is absolutely value in the quality of the treatments and service. They've recently replaced their private jacuzzi for the VIP suite and put in a great new sauna on the men's side. I had both a Sodashi and a Carita facial. Ultimately I preferred the Carita facial because I feel it was the most "effective," but I most enjoyed the Sodashi experience, perhaps because I liked the different fresh smelling products. Delphine gives amazing facials and the director of the spa, Ms. Fox, is a fantastic team leader!
Don't miss the relaxation room, it is an oasis within an oasis.
Gym: The gym is small but well equipped and never crowded. They have an excellent personal trainer that gives exceptional advice and encouragement. If you have the time I'd recommend hiring him.
The Concierge: There is a veritable fleet of hard working incredibly knowledgable clefs d'or waiting to help make your stay special.
For children: This hotel is perhaps the very best city hotel for children I could imagine. I won't share all the surprises for the kids or the adults by typing them here but suffice it to say we were blown away with the quality and care both parents and children received. Go here with young (well behaved) children and expect and receive a fantastic vacation.
The Business center: The elegance of the George V can be found in all areas of the hotel's public spaces, perhaps none more than the business center with its individual mahogany private alcoves and attentive but respectful service. Even if you bring your laptop come and visit the business center to marvel at what is available should you need it.
Does this hotel cost a premium versus other hotels in Paris? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.