Summer sales are drawing to a close, race for your deals

Ladies and gentlemen (?), only 10 more days to go… the shutters are about to go down on “les soldes”. Paris summer sales which started back in late June and those amazing discounts remain up for grabs until August 3^rd only. Despair not, still some time to book yourself a neat city break trip to the French fashion capital on lastminute.com. Can’t quite believe I’m actually the author of this opening paragraph… with regards to shopping, I’ve always been of the kind who shies away from this gruelling exercise. I usually need to sum up all the courage I’ve got at the simple prospect of having to take my wife to the stores. I know, I can see you coming, shows in my wardrobe, I hear you jeering. Well, sorry, my passion lies in hotels ;o) Paris hotels give me all the kick I need! They’re cool, they’re hype, they’re trendy, year-round and not merely during Fashion Week.

Shopaholics, fashion aficionados, your action radius will pretty much lie within the fashion high street Faubourg Saint Honoré, the Madeleine, the Opera and boulevard Haussmann, known as the magical department store district. Designer label boutiques, main stream brand stores and prestigious department stores, such as the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, are to be found within the same.

Likewise, this area abounds with a range of neat value deal properties, some great boutique style hotels and naturally a range of high end luxury properties.

Let’s take it in this order, it’s all about discounts and you’re after a great value bargain, then check into the Hotel Cervantes Paris. This 3* properties offers the benefit of a quiet location behind the Saint Lazare railway station, sweet design, and the generous breakfast buffet is included in the hotel rate. The property was entirely refurbished in the past year and rooms are tastefully decorated as well as offering over average surface space. This’ll allow you to find a place to stack your shopping bags.

Closer still, to the Opera and department stores is the Hotel Opera Caumartin, named after the street it’s situated in. This is another 3* value deal. The hotel re-opened in 2009 after full renovation.

If you’re looking to treat yourself to something special, you will not find more suitable in town, than to step off at the Opera Diamond. They may not be forever, but let me tell you, you’ll instantly fall under the charm of this property and you’ll fondly think back upon your stay there, ever after. This hotel opened earlier this year and is a true gem. Far from being a hidden jewel.  It has design and boutique written all over it. On top of this, there’s a beautiful interior courtyard which serves as an extension to the hype bar, where you can get away from the buzz of the surrounding area, as you’re spot on in the department store district.

Now, if you mean business and want to go the full haul, this is the place for you: nestled in a private street right off the Faubourg St Honore and around the corner from both the US and British embassies is the luxurious Sofitel Paris Faubourg St Honore. I recommend the fine dining restaurant and the Tea room cum bar. These guys mean service excellence, your whims and desires will be attended to with no further ado.

Now Paris and final closing week summer sale deals are yours to go for!