“Our cardmembers have a lot of choices in what they’re spending their money on but they’ve made it clear that what they really want are special experiences-culinary, cultural, music experiences. And that’s what we provide.” That’s the reason, according to Sam Palmer, General Manager of Chase Sapphire, that the premium card in association with Visa set up shop in Paris for the Olympics with special features for their members.
Chief among them is The Visa Lounge for Chase Sapphire Reserve, a takeover of the tri level floating nightclub Le Flow which is moored on the left bank of the Seine with views of the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Pont Alexandre III and Place de la Concorde. Cardmembers can use it as a convenient, scenic hangout complete with culinary specialties of the city including pâté and cheese selections; it also served as a base for watching the parade of boats ferrying the athletes down the river during the dynamic, if, to some, controversial Opening Ceremony.
In the remaining days of the Games, another feature of the lounge is the opportunity to meet and take a photo with past Olympic stars. Swimming legend Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time winning 28 Olympic medals including a record 23 gold, kicked off the appearances on July 28 and appears again on August 3. Basketball star Tony Parker appeared on July 30 and will make another appearance on August 9; Aly Raisman, two time captain of the USA Women’s Gymnastics Team who won six Olympic medals including three gold is scheduled to appear on August 4 and 6, Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field athlete of all time with 11 medals including seven golds appears on August 5 and 7 and basketball star Sue Bird, who holds five Olympic gold medals, appears on August 8 and 10 as the Games draw to a close.
Another special event tied to the Olympics is a collaboration between two restaurants that are generally impossible to get into: New York’s creative, globetrotting Estela and Paris’s Girafe, known for its straight on, dazzling view of the Eiffel Tower, particularly at night when the iconic landmark sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour. Estela’s Michelin starred chef Ignacio Mattos is bringing over specialties such as Fried arroz negro, squid and romesco, Endive with walnuts, anchovy, and ubriaco rosso, (a red wine infused Italian cheese), Bavette steak with black sesame béarnaise and turnips and a chocolate cake that will make you forget every other chocolate cake you’ve ever had. This collaboration, which features Girafe chef Charles Ducrocq’s specialties such as Roasted cod with clams, beans, tomatoes and chorizo on the other side of the menu, runs through the Olympics with reservations facilitated for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers.
Hotel arrangements for cardmembers are also a key feature due to a program launched this year, The Edit by Chase Travel. A selection of luxury hotels worldwide is assembled which in Paris includes Ritz Paris, the new Le Grand Mazarin in the Marais and J.K. Place Paris on the Left Bank. Booking through Chase Travel also provides add-ons such as a room upgrade if available, daily breakfast and $100 food and beverage credit at the hotel. Cardmembers in Paris also receive a City Guide which is useful even for frequent visitors who know a great deal about the city. Divided by the neighborhoods guests are most likely to visit, savvy recommendations range from where to buy seafood centric picnic selections on Rue Cler, why you should stop into in-demand restaurant Septime’s wine bar Septime La Cave, a selection of new, must visit galleries and restaurant recommendations such as the bistro Baillotte for its copious, delicious and exceedingly affordable 38 euro menu at lunch.
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Sports fan cardmembers who aren’t heading to Paris but do plan to go to the US Open will also find benefits for that event. They can expect preferred seating at the exhibition 2024 Stars of the Open Presented By Chase due to take place just before the competition begins featuring Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Andre Agassi and Venus Williams among others. The Chase Lounge and Chase Terrace will also be on site and Chase Seaport Sapphire Lounge at Pier 17. Last year, tennis clinics were offered at the Seaport with James Blake and Lindsay Davenport; whether other tennis personalities will also be involved should be part of the lineup when full details are released in August.
