A Trip to Paris

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A Trip to Paris

I recently had the chance to visit Paris during an exciting journey to Bangkok. During my few nights there, I decided to try out SAX Paris, one of the newly launched Hilton LXR properties.

The hotel opened its doors in mid-2025 and is part of Hilton's independent luxury collection. At the time, I thought it was a great opportunity to explore since Hilton didn't have many high-end options in Paris.

I found the staff to be extremely friendly and enthusiastic. Breakfast at the rooftop restaurant was quite nice, but I felt that the hotel focused too much on style while neglecting actual quality, which wasn't quite my preference.

Booking SAX Paris

I booked my room at SAX Paris using a free night award from Hilton Honors, which was about to expire. If I had opted for Hilton points, the cost would be around 110,000 points for one night — roughly equivalent to $550. If paying cash, the rate would be about 600 Euros per night.

For those planning to spend cash, I recommend booking through the Hilton for Luxury program, as it offers additional perks like hotel credits or room upgrades.

Location & History of SAX Paris

SAX Paris is located in the 7th arrondissement, near Champ de Mars, with lovely views of the Eiffel Tower. The area is quite peaceful, which made me feel more relaxed right in the heart of Paris.

Interestingly, SAX Paris was originally intended to develop under Hilton's "standard" brand, named Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower, with plans to open in 2019. However, it took six years to finally launch with a more upscale branding.

Design and Check-in Experience

Upon entering the hotel, I immediately sensed a difference in design. However, I wasn't entirely fond of this style. The lobby is small with two reception desks, but when many guests arrive to check in, the space can feel cramped.

The decor includes tiles, flowers, and faux candles, which made me feel more like I was in a haunted house or a funeral home rather than a hotel in Paris.

Hotel Room

When it came time to check into my room, I received a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room thanks to my Hilton Honors Diamond status. The room I stayed in was approximately 26 square meters, designed to be quite compact.

It featured an extremely comfortable king-size bed, but the additional areas like the desk and chair were quite small. The TV could be lowered to create a more spacious feel in the room.

Amenities and Services

The minibar near the entrance had a Nespresso machine, some teas, and beverages. However, my room didn't have a view of the Eiffel Tower; instead, I could only see another building right behind it.

The bathroom had two sinks but lacked sufficient space for use; additionally, the shower and toilet were separate. The toiletries were presented in hotel-branded bottles, and the scent was quite pleasant.

Overall Experience

Despite some positive aspects like the friendliness of the staff and the thoughtful evening room service, I still felt quite disappointed with the design and quality of the accommodations here.

The whimsical design that didn't prioritize functionality made my experience not live up to expectations. I didn’t find any truly luxurious spaces here and felt more like I was in a mid-range hotel rather than a premium brand.

This hotel might suit those who enjoy a quirky living space, but for me, focusing too much on style while neglecting substance is never what I hope for when visiting Paris.

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