VIBE

Though the elegant leather armchairs and dark wood paneling create a slightly British club feel (and give a sophisticated nod to Bar 228’s history as the favorite watering hole of channel-hopping Englishmen), there’s no mistaking the opulent French-style luxury of the majestic Le Meurice bar. From overt Gallic grandeur (three massive murals by Lavalley of fêtes at Château de Fontainebleau) to delicate details (crystal decanters stored in antique glass cabinets), this is unquestionably the high life à la parisienne. The encyclopedic drinks list offers only the most refined of tipples (primarily decadent cocktails and fine liquors) while live piano in the evening further heightens the rarefied ambiance.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Conservative luxury; if you’ve been hitting the boutiques, this would be a good place to wear your new Chanel cocktail dress or Hermès scarf.

GO HERE WITH

Clients or colleagues; parents or grandparents; a date

CROWD

Chic Parisians mingle with a well-heeled international crowd from the hotel. Tends to be on the older side (40s and up).

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a Paris classic–a must hit for its history and its luxe ambiance. Great spot for a refined drink with clients or parents or simply for a nightcap before retiring to your room.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The sky-high cocktail prices.

GOOD TO KNOW

The surrounds were actually “buffed up” by Philippe Starck in 2007, though you wouldn’t know it from the conservatism of the classic décor. There’s live music nightly 7:00pm-12:00am.

CLOSEST COMPS

Le Bar (Paris); The Bar at the Dorchester (London); Claridge’s Bar (London); Peninsula Hotel Club Bar (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris