Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Drive a Lamborghini and Experience Royalty at The Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles

Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Image used with permission by copyright holder
“Royalty by osmosis,” I’ll call it.

My latest crackpot theory struck me after a recent visit to Waldorf Astoria’s Trianon Palace Versailles. Positioned just outside the grounds of Louis XIV’s famous remnant, the Trianon was designed by René Sergent to echo the grandeur of its palatial neighbor.

The hotel opened its doors on the first of May, 1910 and immediately attracted celebrities, artists, and aristocrats from around the globe. During the First World War, the Trianon played an important role as a hospital and later as the drafting site for the Treaty of Versailles.

Following the war’s conclusion, Versailles surged in popularity. Upper class Parisians retreated to the region’s picturesque splendor and lively cafes. Though the world changed dramatically over the decades to come, the Trianon Palace continued to lure high-society guests with its classic, regal ambiance.

Immediately following a comprehensive interior design in 2007, the Trianon became a Waldorf Astoria property. Today, it is among the most exquisite resorts in the world, with Michelin star dining, sprawling gardens, an incredible spa, and a bespoke driving experience.

Despite the hotel’s historical significance, it first struck me as presumptuous to adopt the term “palace.” After all, the Palais de Versailles is so unfathomably opulent that all other structures seem utterly plebian in comparison. But the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace is more than just a royal wannabe; it is the modern equivalent of eminent accommodation.

Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel Pavillon du Trianon Conference Center
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Few buildings on earth have the curb appeal of the Trianon. Through gold-laced gates and at the end of a cobblestone driveway, the dazzling structure looks as if it’s been standing since the dawn of time. Indeed it’s difficult to imagine anything else occupying the efflorescent real estate with such authority.

Just within the grand entrance, an extraordinary chandelier dangles from an ornate, domed ceiling. Beyond, French doors flood the main gallery with sunlight, illuminating colorful furniture and modern artwork.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bordering the hallway, Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, La Véranda, and Bar Galerie restaurants invite guests to overlook lush gardens as they dine. Each morning, breakfast is served on an expansive open-air patio. Fresh-baked croissants, made-to-order crepes and omelets, and ripe fruits taste that much better in the warming sunlight.

At the rear of the resort, Salon Clemenceau often hosts wedding receptions and upmarket banquets (when international peace treaties aren’t being drafted). Beneath the salon’s two large plateaus, the resort’s tri-level Guerlain spa houses two fitness centers, an indoor swimming pool, 14 treatment rooms, and a sun terrace.

Of the 199 total rooms in eight configurations, 100 are located in the main building. Each high-ceilinged haven is decorated with elegant, contemporary furniture that harmonizes with the classic architecture. In-room balconies overlook either the Trianon gardens or the patio. On the 6th floor, accessible by private lift or hidden staircase, Terrace Suites offer a striking view of the Château de Versailles.

If these extravagant touches fail to impress, the Waldorf Astoria Driving Experience should do the trick. Guests can reserve one of three Lamborghini models to tour Versailles in unparalleled style. Whether the V12-powered Aventador S, open-air Huracan 610-4 Spyder, or rear-wheel drive Huracan LP580-2 suits your fancy, each supercar transforms a vacation from memorable to legendary.

The Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles Driving Experience
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Versailles is littered with stunning sights, yet all eyes snap to the troop of brightly colored Lamborghinis. Is this how royalty feels? Trumpeting your presence with popping overrun and high-pitched wails, every sense is intoxicated by hundreds of horsepower. Meander through history later; now’s the time to cut loose.

Back at the Trianon Palace, the rush of piloting an Italian supercar eventually melts once more into relaxation. Beyond the plush accommodations, Waldorf Astoria’s staff seizes every opportunity to spoil their guests. It would be enough for the hotel representatives to be competent, but each team member appears to genuinely love their work. As a guest, this distinction makes all the difference.

Over a century in the company of true sovereignty has shaped the Trianon’s character. You can’t sleep in the Palais de Versailles, but you can have a taste of its historical grandeur at the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace.

Topics
Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
UAW Strike cripples the Big Three – GM, Ford, and Stellantis productions grinds to halt
UAW members striking

Over 10,000 automotive workers have walked off the job as the United Auto Workers union begins strike action in Detroit. The UAW strike directly concern three of the world's biggest vehicle manufacturers, Ford, GM, and Stellantis - known as "the big three." Unions have christened the action "The Stand Up Strike," calling it "our generation’s answer to the movement that built our union, the Sit-Down Strikes of 1937."

So far, all three companies have offered a 20% pay rise to staff in an attempt to end the strike, but the UAW union has opted to decline that offer. The union organizing the strike has outlined a number of demands, with the main focus centering on a 40% pay increase stretched over four years for all of its 140,000 members. While that pay increase may seem drastic, union bosses claim it is comparable to raises executives have been awarded in recent years. Going forward, the union is demanding pay raises are also tied to inflation, which could see an equally significant increase in workers' pay rates going  forwards if recent inflation trends continue. Other demands include limits on how long staff can be categorized as temporary workers and denied union benefits, and the establishment of a four-day working week.

Read more
The Tesla Cybertruck is still a complete mess, not production-ready (and won’t be any time soon) says Musk
The long wait for the Tesla Cybertruck continues
Tesla Cybertruck parked indoors in front of a black wall with headlights and taillights on.

When it was announced back in 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck promised an awful lot. It was going to have more towing capacity than anything a 7-liter diesel engine could hope to produce. Its windows were bulletproof. Its 0-60 times would put most historic supercars to shame. And it would be all yours for less than $40,000.

Now, four years on and over two years past the original intended production date, many people are wondering what happened. One of those people seems to be Tesla CEO and self-professed Twit Elon Musk.

Read more
BMW, Ford, and Honda team up to solve the biggest problem with EV charging stations
ChargeScape aims to bring clarity to the EV charging network
F-150 Lightning backup power charging

EVs have pushed boundaries in many ways, but infrastructure is still arguably the biggest issue holding the green vehicles back. In a bid to make things a little less confusing for their customers, three automotive giants have teamed up to solve what is arguably the biggest issue with EV charging. BMW, Ford, and Honda recently founded “Chargescape,” a company dedicated to getting automakers, utility companies, and customers on the same page when it comes to EV charging.

The new partnership is aimed at creating a platform customers can use to save money while benefiting the electrical grid as a whole. To put it in simple terms, customers can make savings by charging at “grid friendly” times, allowing power to be drawn from their EV’s batteries during peak hours. All three companies will pool years of cross-industry research in the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform in an effort to make the scheme work.

Read more