Champs-Elysees Paris, France
Renovated
2011
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
Surreal couture mansion
The 1860s townhouse subverts classic Parisian formality, swapping gilded salon traditions for monochrome illusions and floating furniture.
“Of the hotel's 57 rooms, 17 of them (known as the 'couture' rooms), along with communal spaces such as the bar and the ground floor, have been given a dose of the Margiela magic.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Maison Martin Margiela shaped seventeen suites with trompe-l'oeil walls and floating furnishings.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
A serene, playful modernity pervades the public spaces— white slip-covered chairs and sofas whose legs seem to float.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Avenue Montaigne's couture houses sit just around the corner, and the Grand Palais is a short walk away.
1 of 4
The rooms
Couture suites play with optical trickery. Black-and-white photographs of classical moldings line the walls, and wool carpets mimic Persian rugs.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Plaster archways frame the 10-by-3-metre indoor swimming pool, set beside potted olive trees and a sauna.
The spa and gym
Le Lab provides custom facial treatments with French brand Codage, and La Box offers strength and cardio equipment.
At the table
Frivole serves seasonal French dishes beneath a glass skylight, and tables spill out onto a quiet garden terrace.
How it began
Alumni of the École Centrale engineering school bought the residence in 1919, adding three mansard floors and an Art Deco hall.
Paris
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.