This Parisian Hotel Hosted Picasso's Wedding Reception, and It's Still One of the Best Places to Stay in the City

Hotel Le Meurice is as storied a hotel as they come.

In a city like Paris, there's no shortage of history. It seems like every building you go into, or every street you walk down, has some brush with a famed figure or two. And the story is no different for one iconic hotel that's known for its luxury offerings and swanky accommodations.

Hotel Le Meurice, situated on the Rue de Rivoli overlooking the Jardin de Tuileries, has welcomed guests to relax in luxury with panoramic views of the 1st Arrondissement for nearly 200 years. When the property opened in 1835, it was called the 'Hotel des Rois' or Hotel of Kings as a reflection of the opulence and caliber of guests who chose to stay there.

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Fast forward to July 1918, and one famed painter hosted an event at the hotel to rival all others. Pablo Picasso chose Salon Pompadour at Le Meurice to celebrate his wedding to Olga Khokhlova. The space looked similar to how it does today — decorated with chandeliers and gold leaf, evoking the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Little is known about the events of that night, but it was surely a night to remember for attendees.

Today, guests can still indulge in a (likely) similar experience to Picasso and his guests by booking the room for a private event. But for something a bit more intimate, there are two other restaurants that offer a similar setting without having to book the entire space: Restaurant Le Dalí and Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse. And for a nightcap, there's Bar 228 right off the lobby, which marks the perfect spot to grab a cocktail or two.

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And while Picasso's wedding celebration was a big moment for the hotel, it was far from the only big event to happen within its walls. Historic figures like Queen Victoria, Franklin Roosevelt, Elizabeth Taylor, and Orson Wells, among many others, paid a visit to the property. Salvador Dalí even made the hotel his home, renting out the Royal Suite for a month each year for thirty years, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor paid a visit on return from honeymoon in 1937.

So on your next trip to Paris, if you're looking for a truly unique experience that blends luxury with plenty of history, stopping by Le Meurice for dinner or drinks or an overnight stay belongs high up on your must-see list.

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