What can I "not" say? All the bomb ass adjectives you'd use to describe something so wonderful elude me now because just thinking about my experience in Paris brings to the forefront a feeling more than words could describe.

Even though it was cold, it was warm, even though most days it was gloomy, it was sunny. You get what I'm saying? Before getting to Paris, I read tons and tons of reviews, comments, opinions, etc. Mostly about it being dirty, second about the food being nasty, and probably the most absurd thing I read was, there was nothing to do but see the Eiffel tower and go to the Louvre. This was also around the bed bug epidemic, so you can imagine some of the things that were being said. All of these things couldn't be further from the truth. I've always been the type of girl who had to experience for myself before passing judgment. Not to invalidate anyone's own experience, that just wasn't mine. Also, when I read not so pleasant reviews about any country I might want to visit, I always remind myself everyone doesn't travel the same. So your experience 9 times out of 10 won't be my experience.

To sum it all up go see for yourself, and if you do need the opinion of another, make sure it's from someone you can relate to, and not internet folks who you truly know nothing about for real or even at best how they travel. Now let's get to the meat of why you're here! If you are on socials, you've seen bits and pieces of my trip. Here, on PIATBLOG.COM I'll provide proper links that'll take you directly to their websites as promised.

First up, where we stayed. Now, this might seem a little crazy but oh well, lol. I liked two hotels and couldn't decide which one I wanted to stay at so wifey said we could get both. We divided our time between the two hotels, staying four days at the first and three days at the second. Both of these hotels were beautiful, and I can't say enough about the hospitality of the staff, simply beyond.

Accommodations

Hotel Splendid Royal:

The hotel is beautiful and warm. The room was Immaculate. We stayed in the Elysées Suites. It's absolutely beautiful. I give a tour here.

There's also a restaurant on site for your convenience. Tosca, it's an Italian restaurant. Be sure to make reservations. 🤌🏾

Also, don't be alarmed by the armed guards. The president stays in the vicinity of the hotel, so there are men posted on each end of the street.

Hôtel Elysia

Although both hotels are located near everything. Hôtel Elysia is located smack dead in the middle of the city it seems like, so, of course, it was my wife's favorite, lol. If you've read my previous travel blogs, you know she likes to be where the action is. We stayed in the "Prestige" room. It was absolutely beautiful, and perhaps my favorite thing about the room were the three large windows, which opened up to a ledge you could step out on to take in the views of the city. It was beautiful. Also, if I can recommend one thing, "Include the breakfast with your stay," it was definitely worth it and delicious. We dined in our room every morning. Fill out the card the night before with the selected time you want it delivered.

Restaurants

Beef Bar: If you're a meat eater, you won't be disappointed. 😉 I give visuals here.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: Be prepared to wait in line. We waited almost 2 hours. They do not take reservations and there are only two things on the menu, steak and fries and yes, it's worth the wait. They do have a dessert menu, I got the crème brûlée, yum! 😋

For my birthday we had dinner at La Pagode de Cos restaurant located inside La Reserve hotel and spa. It was absolutely stunning. The decor was beautiful, and the vibes were definitely vibing. Before dinner, we had drinks at the bar La Gaspard, which was its own thing inside the restaurant. Everything was so lush. The ambiance, the mirrors, the red velvet drapery, the fireplace, the seating for two ducked off in the corner was giving “I'm rich in the 1920s era, members only, vibe” lol. The main dining area definitely held its own in comparison. We had dinner in the Duc de Morny Library. Absolutely gorgeous. ☺️

We dined in a number of cafes the remainder of our time. Trust me, there's one or two or three within walking distance of the hotel.

For one of our last nights in Paris, we went on a dinner cruise. One word. Magical. It was a four course meal aboard Bateaux Parisiens. Let me tell you I didn't go for the food. I primarily went for the vibes and the views. The food was an added bonus. The boat is sectioned in 4 classes. We had the Premiere service, which included champagne upon arrival, premier seating, choice of wine by the bottle, and my favorite, panoramic views of the Seine River. It was indescribable, but I'll leave you with dreamy. They also offer a lunch cruise.

By the end of the trip, we were looking at properties in Paris, lol. 😆

So it's safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday trip. Paris did not disappoint, and we'll be going back in the near future.

Any questions you have, ask. You know I'll answer. Till next time. Later readers. 😊