Hotel review: J.K. Place, Paris - Grand hotel feels like a personal paradise

CHECK-IN

Italian hospitality meets Parisian chic in this much-lauded sister hotel to J.K. Place Roma, J.K. Place Milano and J.K. Place Capri, a collection of intimate hotels founded in 2003 in Florence by Italian entrepreneur Ori Kafri and his father, Jonathan (J.K). More like comfortable residences than hotels, the design-led J.K. brand focuses on personalised guest experience and Italian warmth. I'm immediately struck by this when I arrive. The friendly young doorman greets me by name as I step out of my cab, even though the hotel didn't know what time I'd be getting there. And the receptionists, who hover in a library, are unfailingly welcoming and helpful, as if it is their own home. "The right place on the Left Bank" riffs general manager Riccardo Ortogni. The rue de Lille is one of the most stylish streets on the rive gauche, crammed with interior designer, furniture and antique shops. The hotel is at the Eiffel Tower end near the Assemblee National Metro and a block or so from the Musee D'Orsay. The Louvre is a short walk across the Seine via a modern footbridge and the Boulevard St. Germain is around the corner.

THE LOOK

Discreetly unmarked, except for a subtle doormat, the hotel occupies the three buildings that made up the former Norwegian embassy. Architect Michele Bonan, who designed the other hotels in the group, has brought the feel of a private residence to the graceful old building, which opens up on the ground floor to an orangerie-style atrium with black and white chessboard tiled floors, housing the restaurant Casa Tui, and two private courtyards, one with an Italian fountain. Guests are welcomed into one of two sumptuous, panelled sitting rooms for coffee or tea in porcelain cups while check-in formalities take place. Stacks of beautiful art books, artfully chosen flowers and warm lamps are arranged on the tables and sideboards, with an eclectic mix of framed art and photographs on the walls. The designers trawled fleamarkets for the superb, unique pieces of furniture, screens and lighting, to give the feeling of being in the home of an art collector with an eye for the finer things of life. Downstairs, there's an indoor heated pool, spa and gym.

THE ROOM

There are 29 individually designed rooms in seven categories. I'm in a Deluxe Room, which is a compact 35 square metres, and it has a huge, well-equipped walk-in wardrobe and an equally large black marble bathroom, as well as an entry hall with marble-topped bar, superbly stocked with Mogi Italian Coffee pods (and a coffee machine in a stylish leather cover), tea and complimentary beer, soft drinks and bottled water. Every afternoon a treat arrives from a local patisserie. The room features panelled walls, a comfy king-sized four-poster bed, a long desk with plum-coloured velvet chair, and a low yellow slipper chair and lamp in a corner for reading. There's a flat screen TV with Apple TV and first-rate amenities such as plush bathrobes and a Dyson hair dryer.

FOOD & DRINK

With so many great French bistros and Michelin-starred dining options in the 'hood, management made the smart decision to open a branch of the Miami-based restaurant, Casa Tua, which specialises in classical Italian dishes such as taglioni au caviar ( €48, $70.50) ossobucco (€38 ) veal Milanese (€42) and, of course, tiramisu. Begin with a negroni (bien sur) or a house cocktail such as the Envy, a mix of bourbon infused with banana, amaro, caramel syrup and curry bitter. Breakfast is served in the airy atrium restaurant, which is lined with teal velvet banquettes. There's a wellness option and freshly blended juices, plus great coffee.