Former tennis champion Serena Williams recently shared an unusual experience at The Peninsula Paris, sparking a conversation about hospitality and celebrity treatment.
Williams took to social media platform X to express her surprise at being unable to access the hotel’s rooftop restaurant with her children, noting it was a first-time occurrence for her. The incident gained attention as it happened in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics.
Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in a empty restaurant of nicer places 🫠 but never with my kids. Always a first. 🙄#Olympic2024 pic.twitter.com/lEGJR5WoEn
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) August 5, 2024
In response, The Peninsula Paris swiftly issued a statement to Us Weekly, explaining that the rooftop venue was fully booked at the time of Williams’ visit. They emphasized their admiration for the sports star and expressed regret over her perception of the situation.
The hotel clarified that while their rooftop bar was at capacity, the only available tables belonged to their gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully reserved. They assured that Williams and her family are always welcome at the establishment.
Williams, mother to 6-year-old Olympia and 1-year-old Adira, has been in Paris participating in Olympic-related events. She recently took part in the torch relay during the opening ceremony, which proved to be an adventure due to inclement weather.
In a lighthearted TikTok post following the ceremony, Williams humorously recounted her rain-soaked experience, comparing it to an unexpected “wet T-shirt contest” at the Olympics.
This incident highlights the complex dynamics between high-profile guests and luxury establishments, while also showcasing Williams’ continued involvement in major sporting events post-retirement.
