I Spend Every Autumn In Paris – This Is My Favourite Place To Stay Every Single Time

There are few things that can cure the post-summer blues quite like a trip to Paris. The French capital has the incredible ability to make everything feel better and, with summer crowds gone, it makes the perfect destination for an autumn escape. The cool weather means layering like a local (hello boots and trench coats) and you can stroll down the Avenue Montaigne soaking up that Parisian je ne sais quoi. With countless options for accommodation, however, choosing where to stay can be tricky. There is one hidden gem I’ve found which steals my heart every time. CitizenM Paris Champs Élysées, located just a stone’s throw away from the Franklin D. Roosevelt metro station, is the ideal base for your next Paris trip.

As I stepped off the train at Gare du Nord, the hotel was easy to find (despite my inability to orientate myself almost anywhere), especially thanks to the handy metro access. The moment I arrived at the hotel, I knew I’d made the right decision. The setting is refreshingly modern, offering a smooth self-service check-in process. The friendly staff were there to help every step of the way; they assisted me through check-in and they were always ready with brilliant recommendations for nearby restaurants, bars and boutiques, guiding me to many secret spots that you definitely won’t find in guidebooks - or on the internet, for that matter.

The overall aesthetic of the hotel is sleek and minimalist with chic, contemporary touches that make the space feel more like a designer apartment than a hotel room. For those seeking a stylish retreat in Paris with all the convenience of a central location, citizenM Paris Champs Élysées hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect blend of fashion-forward design and high-tech comfort to help you live out your Emily in Paris dreams.

After being navigated to our room, we were amazed that despite its compact size, the space was packed with thoughtful design details which made it super comfortable. Once inside, you’re handed an iPad which controls everything. From lighting to temperature and blackout blinds, citizenM’s smart tech control is designed for much more than just setting the mood. Having recently launched its ‘Sleep Like a Champion’ campaign, citizenM’s smart rooms provide optimal sleeping environments with features like adjustable lighting, temperature, and blackout blinds, to help travellers achieve restorative sleep. As a troubled sleeper myself, I can wholeheartedly say that the ability to control every aspect of my environment made the world of difference, offering me eight uninterrupted (!) hours of sleep, which, when travelling, is almost unheard of.

I used the smart control to reduce the temperature of the room slightly (I frequently struggle to sleep in hotter environments) and rolled down the blinds completely to prevent any light from disrupting my sleep. If you’re uncertain of which sleeping conditions are right for you, citizenM also offers a sleep quiz to help identify your sleep type and provide recommendations based on your answers. After answering seven simple questions, citizenM will give you information on sleep timings, as well as recommended caffeine intake, temperature for sleeping and napping.

The result? An entirely refreshed feeling the next morning, which allowed me to take on a day of gallery-hopping and eating all the croissants money could buy. La vie en rose.