Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées

TRIED AND TESTED APARTHOTEL

BACKGROUND Fraser Suites is an extended-stay brand from Singapore-based serviced apartment and residence company Frasers Hospitality, which comprises five-star properties in more than 70 cities, including Singapore, London, and Sydney. This Paris property opened in 2006 and occupies the Le Claridge building, built in 1914. Renovations began in August and will be completed in January.

WHERE IS IT? On the Champs-Elysées in the city's 8th arrondissement, on a section close to the Arc de Triomphe. There are four metro stations within a ten-minute walk, and it is within walking distance of the Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Garden.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The renovations meant that, at the time of my visit, I was unable to appreciate the Belle Epoque façade, which was wrapped in film. The

welcoming doormen, however, maintain the property's five-star credentials. Lifts and stairs take you to the open-plan lobby on the first floor, which has a 24-hour reception.

The property surrounds a peaceful, open-air courtyard, so you can still get a taste of the Haussmann architecture.

The layout of the building means the 117 apartments are labelled by letter (A, B, C, D, E) and have different lifts. The main lift from the ground floor provides access to A; the other lifts are located to the right, past the breakfast room.