Overview: SAX Paris, Hilton LXR, France (Properly Intentioned, However Too Hip For Me)

Throughout my unique journey to Bangkok by way of Paris, I spent a few nights in Paris, and determined to take a look at two completely different factors motels. For the primary evening, I booked SAX Paris, a Hilton LXR property. This 118-key property opened in mid-2025, belonging to Hilton’s portfolio of luxurious, unbiased motels. Given Hilton’s lack of luxurious footprint in Paris, I figured it was value visiting this property.

To the lodge’s credit score, I discovered all of the employees to be pleasant and nicely intentioned, I loved the breakfast on the rooftop restaurant, and I commend the lodge’s dedication to a theme… or one thing.

However this lodge merely isn’t for me, because it simply has manner an excessive amount of give attention to fashion over substance. The rooms are tiny and poorly designed, there’s not sufficient lighting in public areas, there are manner too many mirrors, and albeit, there’s simply not a lot in regards to the lodge that truly feels luxurious. It’s a wonderfully fantastic property, I simply assume it’s not priced or branded appropriately, since I’d say this in any other case feels extra like a mid-range way of life lodge.

Reserving the SAX Paris

I booked my keep at SAX Paris utilizing a Hilton Honors free evening award, which was expiring quickly. As some extent of comparability, if I had redeemed Hilton Honors factors, the lodge would’ve value 110,000 factors for the evening. Primarily based on my valuation of 0.5 cents per Hilton level, that price is like paying $550 per evening to remain right here.

If paying money, the speed would’ve been round €600 per evening. If you will pay money for a keep right here, I’d advocate reserving by way of the Hilton for Luxurious program, which presents additional perks, like a property credit score, room improve, and so on.

SAX Paris location & historical past

SAX Paris is within the seventh arrondissement, on Paris’ Left Financial institution. It’s positioned close to the Champ de Mars, and that additionally offers it good views of the Eiffel Tower. It is a distinctive location amongst motels belonging to the main lodge teams, because it’s in a comparatively quiet space.

So I don’t have a very sturdy tackle the placement. Paris is a metropolis the place I like to stroll in all places, so a mile right here or there doesn’t make a lot of a distinction to me.

I feel there’s one attention-grabbing factor value declaring about this lodge, which is that this property was initially alleged to be branded as a “commonplace” Hilton. Particularly, it was alleged to be referred to as the Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower, with a gap in 2019.

Nonetheless, the lodge ended up opening six years later, and below a extra premium model. So I can’t assist however really feel just like the “bones” of the lodge mirror what you’d anticipate from a extra run-of-the-mill Hilton, somewhat than a luxurious model.

SAX Paris foyer & check-in

SAX Paris actually has a particular design. I commend them for sticking to the theme, the issue is simply that I don’t significantly take care of the theme, and it makes me really feel like I’m in some generic hip lodge in a random metropolis, somewhat than in a spot like Paris.

The foyer is cool however tiny, with two reception desks on the proper, and two couches on the left. As you would possibly anticipate, the foyer can get actually busy when there are a number of individuals checking in or out.

The remainder of the foyer has loads of bricks, flowers, and pretend candles. Once more, I suppose I ought to’ve anticipated this, however I felt like I used to be in some form of a haunted home or funeral house, or one thing.

With a view to entry the elevators, you first must take a set of stairs up a stage. Once more, the lighting is simply actually unhealthy, and you may barely see the place you’re going.

To proceed on the subject of unhealthy lighting, under are what the loos appear to be within the foyer. Of us, I’m attempting to really feel like I’m having fun with a sunny day in Paris, and never like I’m in a nightclub at 2AM.

Anyway, again to the check-in expertise. On the plus aspect, the individuals working at check-in have been tremendous pleasant, and I used to be provided a drink (like a water, espresso, or champagne) upon arrival. I used to be checked in fairly rapidly, and on account of my Hilton Honors Diamond standing, I used to be upgraded one class, to a deluxe room. I used to be additionally knowledgeable that I’d obtain complimentary breakfast on account of my standing.

SAX Paris visitor room

SAX Paris goes from stage minus two (the wellness space) to stage eight (the rooftop), and I used to be assigned room 612, positioned on the sixth flooring. As talked about above, I used to be in a deluxe king room, marketed as being 280 sq. toes (26 sq. meters).

As anticipated, the room was compact. It featured an entryway with the lavatory to the left, the remainder of the room straight forward, and a few closet area to the proper.

The room then boasted a king dimension mattress (which was very plush and comfy), with a small evening stand at either side. There was a TV on the foot of the mattress, which might be lowered as nicely, to offer the room a extra open really feel.

On the opposite aspect of the TV was a really small eating desk with two chairs, which may additionally double as a desk.

The minibar was again close to the doorway, and included a Nespresso machine, a number of tea, and quite a lot of drinks and snacks for buy (the one bottle of nonetheless and glowing water have been complimentary).

Whereas some rooms at SAX Paris have an Eiffel Tower view, mine didn’t. My room truly checked out little or no, largely the again aspect of a close-by constructing. One other factor I ought to point out is that there was actually loud music till late at evening (I imagine coming from the lodge’s rooftop restaurant), so you may very well choose to remain on a decrease flooring, you probably have the selection.

The lavatory was again towards the doorway, and included double sinks (however then with nearly no counter area), a walk-in bathe, and a rest room in a separate room.

Toiletries have been in reusable, lodge branded containers, and I discovered the scent to be nice.

Round an hour after checking in, I used to be introduced a welcome amenity, consisting of a few madeleines and two bottles of juice.

Later within the night, turndown service was offered, and I’ve to offer the lodge credit score for the standard of that, because it included a comfortable flooring mat subsequent to the mattress, and even some sweets.

I don’t imply to be overly unfavorable in regards to the room, however this design simply isn’t for me. What irritated me wasn’t the small dimension of the room, however how extremely poorly it was designed. It was like all of the design selections have been made purely primarily based on aesthetics somewhat than performance.

For instance, I discovered it unimaginable to learn the lighting switches (and my imaginative and prescient isn’t unhealthy), I discovered the variety of mirrors used all through the property to be disorienting, and I don’t assume I’ve ever seen such poorly designed toilet sinks. I’ve nothing towards non-generic rooms and a few cool temper lighting, however it will probably’t be utilized in a manner the place it feels prefer it simply masks effort in any other case, and that’s very a lot how the room made me really feel.

SAX Paris spa & fitness center

On stage minus two, SAX Paris has its wellness space. This features a small spa with two therapy rooms, although there’s not a lot to the complicated past that. I didn’t get any remedies, however the possibility is there.

On this stage you’ll additionally discover the 24/7 fitness center.

Whereas the fitness center lacks pure mild, it’s in any other case stable, with a formidable number of each cardio and power coaching gear. I additionally appreciated how the fitness center had an espresso machine and even some vitality bars.

You’ll additionally discover a sauna and steam room on stage minus two, which is open day by day from 7AM till 9PM.

SAX Paris courtyard & pool

Most likely essentially the most identifiable function of SAX Paris is the courtyard space, positioned on the foyer stage. It’s known as The Backyard (nicely, Le Jardin de SAX), and it’s a spot the place you may get meals and drinks from the primary restaurant and bar space.

Now, this area additionally has a small heated pool (it’s 29 levels Celsius or 85 levels Fahrenheit ) and a jacuzzi. I suppose it is a cute idea, however I couldn’t assist however chuckle. Might you think about truly utilizing the pool if the eating tables proper up towards it have been occupied? Since I wasn’t visiting in summer time, the out of doors area was solely empty, however in any other case it may be a unique story…

SAX Paris eating places & bars

On the subject of eating at SAX Paris, there are a few foremost venues, so let’s go over them.

First there’s SAX, which is basically the all-day eating restaurant, bar, and lounge, on the foyer stage, serving what you’d anticipate finding at a Paris lodge. That is open day by day from 10:30AM till 11:45PM. Very like the remainder of the lodge, the decor is sort of one thing, and on a number of events I needed to remind myself that these weren’t Halloween decorations.

I labored from SAX for a bit within the afternoon, and got here right here for a latte, which was served with a few cute sweets.

Later within the night I met a buddy for drinks on the lodge, and ordered a negroni, which was wonderful, and was served with nuts and olives. Whereas I used to be initially going to exit to eat, I ended up simply ordering a membership sandwich, as exhaustion obtained one of the best of me.

Then SAX Paris has Kinugawa as its signature restaurant. It is a small chain with Japanese impressed delicacies, with places throughout France (and in addition in Dubai). That is fairly the vacation spot restaurant for the lodge, and is widespread with non-guests as nicely. I didn’t go right here for dinner, however that is the place breakfast is served as nicely (between 7AM and 10:30AM), which is a deal with.

It’s a beautiful restaurant, little doubt, so how good that breakfast may be loved right here.

There have been two breakfast choices — for €32 you could possibly have simply the buffet, and for €45 you may as well add an additional dish. The Hilton Honors Diamond breakfast included the complete possibility.

The breakfast high quality was phenomenal, with an enormous number of fruits, veggies, yogurt, cereal, chilly cuts, cheese, pastries, and way more.

There was additionally a station with freshly made crepes, waffles, and pancakes, plus a scorching chooclate machine.

To drink, I ordered a cappuccino, which was barista made, and completely ready.

I additionally ordered an avocado toast with a poached egg. Yummy!

Later because the solar rose, I may admire the good views of the Eiffel Tower from up right here!

SAX Paris service

I discovered employees at SAX Paris to be pleasant throughout the board. I wouldn’t say service felt very excessive contact or that it gave sturdy luxurious lodge vibes, however I can’t fault any worker I interacted with. The employees have been undoubtedly on the younger aspect, however what they lacked in expertise they made up for in enthusiasm.

Backside line

SAX Paris was alleged to mark a brand new chapter of luxurious for Hilton in Paris, provided that it’s a metropolis the place the lodge big’s portfolio doesn’t shine. Whereas SAX Paris is a wonderfully nice place to remain, it dissatisfied me, and the lodge isn’t for me.

On the plus aspect, the employees have been pleasant, the rooftop restaurant is sweet, and the breakfast is nice. Nonetheless, aside from that, I wasn’t impressed. Essentially the most fundamental problem is a “me” drawback — I hate the design of this place, once I can’t work out which mild switches are for what, am nervous I’m going to run into glass, and so on. However past that, I really feel like that is extra of a mid-range way of life property that’s form of masquerading as luxurious. Then once more, that describes loads of motels these days.

I apologize for being so essential, however once more, it’s nothing towards the lodge. It’s simply not for me, however possibly it’s for you.

What’s your tackle SAX Paris, Hilton LXR?