The Best Room At...Le Meurice in Paris
Queen Victoria used to stay so often at Le Meurice in Paris that it became known as the "Hotel of Kings." It's easy to see why she and other royals returned there so often. With pristine views of the Tuileries—and, if you're on the right floor, a good chunk of the City of Light—this 207-year-old jewel on the Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement is both at the center of the action and above it, offering a respite and proximity to the hubbub beyond its immaculate Louis XVI-style interiors.
From the serene Restaurant Le Dali by Alain Ducasse, known for its ceiling mural by Philippe Starck's daughter Ara, guests can sit back with perfectly well-done scrambled eggs and enjoy at a remove the entertainment offered by the constant stream of celebrities and flow of luxury shopping bags. The people watching is especially captivating during the twice-annual shows of ready-to-wear and haute couture fashion collections. With the fall couture season kicking off this summer, general manager Franka Holtmann shared some of her personal favorites, both within the hotel and outside its walls, for those planning a return to Paris, which, we hear, may just be the healthiest city in the world.
Tell me about the signature suite at Le Meurice. What makes it special?
Our signature suite is La Parisienne. It was been renovated some years ago, and when we discussed the project with our architects, the goal was to create a contemporary suite. We wanted it to be sexy, vibrant and with a Parisian touch and attention to details. When you enter this attic suite you can immediately see through to the bathroom, as it is one single open space where you catch the harmonious warm atmosphere with sparkling white-golden curtains reflecting the sun. It is the ideal place for honeymooners or romantic gateways. A very chic place, my absolute favorite, and the only one in this style.
What is the starting rate for the suite, and what kind of guest packages can you build around it?
We can offer a honeymoon package but also a special offer for art lovers. The rate starts from 2800 euros up to 3500 euros a night.
Tell me about some of the miracles your concierge staff has pulled off for guests, newlyweds, and singles!
Our concierges do miracles every day. They have to facilitate last minute requests for the opera, for fashionable brand new restaurants, but it also happens that guests forget their personal belongings when leaving the hotel and our concierge has to send a groom onto the next train or plane to bring it back. During the pandemic they had to do miracles to receive PCR tests on time before flights were taking off, and I must say that they have been very successful on this. What is amazing about this team is that they have a true knowledge of the cultural aspect of our environment which is constantly updated by our head concierge.
What is one feature of the hotel that you think first time visitors will find surprising?
There are several things and I am hesitating between the Belle Etoile, our penthouse suite where you feel like in seventh heaven and our pastry shop displaying the sculptured fruit in trompe l’œil of the talented Cedric Grolet, who has 2 million followers on Instagram. His subtle creations evolve constantly. I also could mention our famous Maison Valmont.
What else do you have coming up in 2022?
We will continue our soft refurbishment of rooms combining 18th-century splendors with modern touches and true comfort such as unique bedding, user friendly technology and sophisticated lighting.
Are there any special experiences guests should ask her for when they arrive?
They could ask for our special offer "in the footsteps of Picasso," as a wink to our arty origins. They also could reserve a dinner at our chef’s table, a unique place offering a full view to the fine-dining-kitchen in a magic setting having the privilege to meet the chef and learn more about his inventive cuisine.
What sights, shops, and restaurants near Le Meurice should visitors check out this year?
My personal suggestions include: Astier de Villatte, where you find exquisite dinnerware and typical French items; Galignani a most famous bookstore next door to Le Meurice; Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a cultural French institution only a few steps away from the hotel. One also might visit la Bourse de Commerce, a beautiful building by Tadao Ando currently featuring a Charles Ray exhibit [through June 6]. In terms of restaurants, I am a fan of Mimosa by Jean-Francois Piège where you can make a stop when visiting the Hôtel de la Marine, an absolute must.
You Might Also Like
