Paris • Cocktails • Bars

Park Hyatt
5 Rue de la Paix
75002 Paris

I’m all about the holiday spirit this year.  I’ve been going to Christmas markets, gazing at the lights and wrapping pressies with glee. So the Park Hyatt’s temporary terrace chalet seemed like the perfect spot for a seasonal sip.

From now until 5 January, this swank hotel has converted its lovely terrace into winter-wonderland complete with Christmas trees, a bit of faux snow and a mini-chalet.   The Park Hyatt has been known for pricey nice cocktails and the current menu is no exception. In addition to ten or so house cocktails, they’re featuring 7 seasonal cocktails from 24 to 26 Euros.

While I enjoyed a Ms Ho (pisco, sloeberry gin, orange juice, sauvignon syrup and ginger ale), it lacks a bit of strength and nuance that I look for so it might be a better choice for a better choice for those seeking something sweet and/or fruity.  However, I loved Jane’s Smash in Paris with Applejack and rhubarb bitters, served as a julep.  When drinking outdoors on cool winter nights, it may seem counterintuitive to order a cocktail so packed with crushed ice that the tin cup holding it is developing a frost, but the strength of the drink make it a perfect belly warmer.

Although they have installed heaters to keep customers cozy on chilly nights, it can still get cold enough to necessitate bundling up a bit.  On the evening of our visit they were installing more heaters, which may change that.

The small chalet serves as a shopping space that can hold just a few people at a time (and run by an external vendor.) It’s a cute idea, but I am not loving the products in the shop.  It could use the booste of either very unique products or some kind of theme instead of a random collection not very original candles, stuffed animals, and sparkly make-up bags.

Overall, the Park Hyatt is definitely a spot where you pay to partake.  But if, like me, you want an extra hit of holiday cheer this year, their terrace is a good place to get it.