Our room was large by European standards and just beautiful. Every effort had been made to see to our comfort. There was a desk and armoire, a large comfortable bed

with plenty of feather pillows, a pants press, minibar, and superb lighting. Even the chair at the desk was beautiful, in antique style with a velvet seat.

The bathroom was huge and had two sinks, two thick and luxurious bathrobes, a deep tub with detachable shower head, and even a bidet. The amenities basket was also first-class. The robes are for sale if you become irrevocably attached.

But what is really special here is the service. It is sooo first-class. Xavier, the young man at the desk, went way beyond what was necessary to make our one-night stay enjoyable. He went to the bank for us to cash travelers checks and the francs that we were having trouble getting rid of. Even after we had checked out, we were allowed to leave our car in valet parking while we visited the city. Al and I returned earlier than Bob and Joe, and as I sat waiting, he offered me tea.

It's free, he assured me. I felt pampered, and since it was cold and snowy, I truly appreciated it.

We got a special rate that included breakfast in their beautiful second-floor breakfast room.

It included cold cereal, lots of fruit, apricot and grapefruit slices, kiwi, starfruit, pears, pastries, baguettes, scrambled eggs, ham, yogurt, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, all in a marvelous setting.

I can't recommend this hotel enough. I can't wait to return here myself.