This is the first time that I ever leave a review for a restaurant online, but the Hotel Particulier Montmare provided me with such a memorable experience that I would really like to share it.
I recently changed teams at work and my old team very thoughtfully offered me brunch for two at the Hotel Particulier Montmartre. So one Sunday, I arrive at the charming hotel with my invitation in hand. It was a bit hard to find, but I was soon under the charm of the house, the garden in front, and the greeting at the door. I showed the invitation to the hostess, who said the waiter would be informed and sat us immediately.
As the main room was full, we were seated in a tiny room with two tables near the entrance. Cozy, but zero ambiance. You would think they could have kept us a table in the main room, since they knew we were coming at that exact time, as indicated on the invitation. The worst part about the room is that we were not often visible to the server, so we rarely saw him. It took 40 minutes before the first hot beverage arrived, after which the rest of the brunch began to come out at a painfully slow rate. In an act of solidarity, we shared bread baskets and other such items with the other table in the room as we eventually realized there was little hope of the waiter bringing us such things.
I hope it was the waiter's first day, because he seemed permanently overwhelmed and stressed, bringing us the wrong orders and looking at us with exasperation when we asked for such annoyances like water. The brunch itself was quite average, in terms of the quality of the food. At nearly 40 euros a person, you expect an above-average brunch for an above-average price, but this was sadly not the case.
Over two hours later, I couldn't handle the stuffy room and the terrible service anymore and just wanted to leave, even though we still had not received the glass of champagne that was included in the brunch. As we got up to leave, the waiter looked confused as to why we were not paying. Clearly, the hostess had not informed him of the invitation I showed her upon entering. As we left, the hostess, with a faint, desperate gleam of hope in eyes, told us she hoped to see her again. I dryly answered "We'll see," which clearly meant no.
As I exited, I turned to my friend and said that it had been without a doubt the worst brunch I have ever had in Paris, after living here for several years. As we walked down the street in Montmartre, about a hundred meters away from the hotel, rapid footsteps began to approach in the distance behind us. It was one of the hostesses from the restaurant, who caught up with us in the chilly December weather to tell us that my invitation had not been properly registered, and that I needed to return to the hotel to sort it out. Cherry on the cake.
I showed her the invitation on my phone and offered to email it to them, which is outrageous since they emailed it to me in the first place, but she insisted I come back to the hotel. At which point I finally lost my temper and told her, in a nutshell, that there was no way in hell I was going to set foot back in what was undoubtedly the worst, most overpriced brunch in the city so that they could solve their accounting incompetence, which was their problem, not mine.
And with that, I finally escaped the clutches of the dreadful Hotel Particulier Montmartre. When my former boss found out about this experience a few weeks later, she called the hotel and sent them an email of complaint, which they never bothered replying to. Which is why, months later, I take the time to share my experience to warn the brave souls of Paris to avoid this hotel and its terrible brunch like the plague. This beautiful city is full of amazing brunch places, no need to ever waste your time...
Read morePlease note: this review is only for their lunch service, not for a hotel stay itself.
That said, though, what a great location! It's a gorgeous boutique hotel hidden away in the hills of Montmartre. So much so that you have to press this button for a private gate to open and let you in.
The seating options are outside in the garden and inside in the living room-style dining area. We initially opted for the garden, but soon found, even in mid-September, that it was too cold. If you arrive deeper into summer, though, I highly recommend outside.
To the food. They have a seasonal menu with several options on offer, even for us pescatarians, though it's not extensive. There were basically two or three options for us. If you're full-on vegetarian, there may only be one.
Now to the first big downside. The wait. It easily took them at least ten minutes, but closer to twenty, to even acknowledge our existence. And it wasn't like the place was packed. Not only that, but when our server attended to us, he warned us that the kitchen was soon closing--which wouldn't have been a problem had they seen us when we first sat down.
A positive note, though, that our server was amazing. Very accommodating and humorous.
Now to the second big downside. The prices. HP is expensive. I'm talking birthday/anniversary/special-occasion expensive. I was originally going to get the sole, but at 67 euros (as of this writing), I ultimately decided that, given usual French portions, it simply wasn't worth it.
We each opted for an appetizer (I got the sliced sea bream) and two sides, both of us getting the roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. We also got a drink, mine being the house lemonade. The final score? Amazing. The food was simply amongst the best we've had in Paris. The flavors were distinct and delicate. The proportions were plenty.
Now to another slight downside. On the site, it says their tea time is 3pm, which was the reason we were there. However, unlike the tea times advertised at most other hotels, this one is simply a designated time period on the schedule. It is not a separate service in which they give you tea/hot chocolate and a stand of pastries. So if that's what you're looking for, you'll have to go somewhere else.
I opted for the hot chocolate and a chocolate tart. I was not disappointed. The hot chocolate was rich with just the right amount of dark-chocolate bitterness. The tart was excellent. I don't even know how to describe it, it was so good.
So, if you're looking for a wonderful place to enjoy an excellent, if expensive, meal for a special occasion, you can't do much better than here. Just keep in mind that you are going to empty your wallet and they may be slow to acknowledge...
Read moreA Memorable Evening at Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
I recently had the pleasure of dining at the enchanting Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, and it was nothing short of an extraordinary experience. Every detail, from the moment I arrived to the last bite of dessert, was meticulously curated to perfection.
Security Agents: Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the security team. Their professionalism, courtesy, and attentiveness immediately set the tone for the evening. They made me feel both welcome and safe, ensuring a smooth entry and guiding me with impeccable manners. Their presence was discreet yet reassuring, a true testament to their expertise.
The Restaurant: The restaurant itself is a hidden gem, exuding charm and elegance. Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, it offers a serene and intimate ambiance that feels worlds away from the bustling city. The decor is a perfect blend of classic Parisian sophistication and modern artistry, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and refined.
The Dishes: The culinary experience was simply divine. Each dish was a masterpiece, prepared with precision and creativity. From the delicate appetizers bursting with flavor to the perfectly executed main courses, every bite was a celebration of French gastronomy. The dessert was the highlight of the meal, beautifully presented and utterly decadent. The wine pairing recommendations were spot on, enhancing the overall experience.
The Atmosphere: The atmosphere was magical, enhanced by the soft lighting, tasteful music, and the beautiful garden views. It felt like being transported to another world, where time slows down, and every moment is savored. The staff’s attentiveness and warm demeanor added to the welcoming and relaxed vibe, making the evening truly unforgettable.
Conclusion: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the exceptional security team to the exquisite food and captivating atmosphere, every aspect of the evening was flawless. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience in Paris.
Bravo to the entire team for creating such a memorable evening! I will certainly be...
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