Serena Williams has publicly slammed a luxury Paris hotel for denying her family entry to its rooftop restaurant.
The tennis legend took to Twitter on Monday to vent her frustrations, slamming The Peninsula Hotel. “@peninsulaparis damn. I've been denied access to the rooftop before to eat at a better open restaurant 🫠but never with my kids,” she wrote. “Always a first time. 🙄 #Olympics2024”
The 42-year-old star made sure to include a photo of the hotel's sign, making it clear to fans that he only blames them for this mishap.
Dear Mrs. Williams,
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers this evening.
Unfortunately, our hotel's rooftop bar was full and the only tables available were at the gourmet restaurant, L'Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully booked.— The Peninsula Paris (@peninsulaparis) August 5, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 30: Serena Williams and her daughter Olympia Ohanian compete in the women's artistic gymnastics team final during day four of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Katouf/Getty Images)
Williams was in Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, but it didn't end up being the experience she hoped for, and now her 10.3 million Twitter followers are all too familiar with the issues she faced when trying to have a meal with her family.
Fans were quick to respond to her post, with one writing: “Who wouldn't make room for a queen?”
“You were denied entry because you were promoting bigotry. Shame on you,” another fan replied.
We have always been honored to have you and will continue to be honored to have you at any time in the future.
The Peninsula Paris
— The Peninsula Paris (@peninsulaparis) August 5, 2024
The hotel responded to Williams' complaints by replying to her tweet.
“Mrs. Williams,” they began, “we are deeply sorry for disappointing you this evening.”
They went on to explain what happened on the night in question.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 4, 2024: Thomas Bach, Serena Williams and David Haggerty watch the men's singles gold medal match between Carlos Alcaraz of Team Spain and Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia during day 9 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on August 4, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was full and the only tables available were at our gourmet restaurant, L'Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully booked.” (Related: Olympic swimmer Tamara Potocka collapses immediately after race, medical staff rush to her aid)
The hotel concluded by saying, “It has always been an honor to welcome you and we will always be honored to welcome you back to The Peninsula Paris.”
Williams has yet to respond to the note of apology and explanation.
