Bar 228 at Le Meurice

Bar 228 takes its name from the address of Le Meurice at 228 Rue de Rivoli, opposite the Tuileries Garden, and it is the hotel's classic bar. The room has the feel of a traditional gentlemen's club, with wood panelling, leather armchairs and soft lighting, and it is one of the most elegant places in Paris for an evening drink in a palace hotel setting.

The drinks list covers classic cocktails made with precision, alongside signature creations, champagnes, whiskies and fine wines by the glass. Light bites and bar snacks are served, and the service is formal but warm, with bartenders who know their craft. The main draw in the evening is the live jazz, which is played every night, giving the room a relaxed, old-world atmosphere. Many guests come for a pre-dinner drink, others for a nightcap after dinner nearby.

Bar 228 suits couples, cocktail lovers, hotel guests and visitors who want to experience Le Meurice without staying the night. It is calmer and more refined than the cocktail bars of the Marais, with comfortable seating and a quieter level of conversation, although it can be busy at weekends. Dogs are accepted in Le Meurice but not in Bar 228.

Prices are at the top of the Paris range, in line with other palace hotel bars. Booking a table is advisable at peak times, especially for the jazz evenings at weekends, and can be done through the hotel. Smart dress is expected. Allow an hour or so for a drink and some of the music. For a full evening, the bar can be combined with dinner at Le Dalí or Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in the same hotel.

Tuileries station on metro line 1 is just a few steps away, and Concorde, on lines 1, 8 and 12, is a short walk west. The Tuileries Garden is directly across the street, the Louvre, the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Place Vendôme are all within a few minutes' walk, and Angelina's tearoom is a few doors along the same arcade, making it easy to combine an afternoon of sightseeing with an evening drink.