A Night in Le Meurice, One of the World's Best Hotels
In the heart of Paris, in the very chic 1st arrondissement, lies the capital's first palace hotel. Opened in 1835, its historical charm is one of the establishment's strong points and an aspect that captivated me the most. Yet, it remains contemporary and maintains a top-level status to accommodate the most exclusive travelers during their Parisian stay. Looking back at this experience that symbolizes the art of living à la française in the chicest way!
A palace that blends modernity and French lifestyle
The address is tempting: right in the heart of Parisian bustle, on the famous Rue de Rivoli next to the Tuileries Garden. One could hardly dream of a better location in Paris (except maybe the Hôtel de Crillon nearby). Inaugurated in 1835, this first Parisian palace is part of French historical heritage. The past meets the present here: a subtle mix between the opulent 18th-century style and modern touches, thanks notably to Philippe Starck's redesigning of the dining and bar areas in 2007, and again in 2016. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by this ingenious blend of styles with a large contemporary sculpture that perfectly integrates with the more classic architecture.
160 rooms and suites, all in elegance
The design of the 160 rooms and suites was revisited by Charles Jouffre, who worked wonders in each one. I had the pleasure of staying in one of the most beautiful suites at the Meurice, named the Executive Suite with a view of the Tuileries: a space of no less than 80 m2 of refinement with classic-style decoration combined with antique furniture and works of art. A significant asset, it offers a horizon of the fabulous spectacle of the Tuileries Garden. With a spacious living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom in Italian marble, I immediately felt like I was in my own Parisian apartment. Every detail was considered to achieve optimum comfort, making it easy to forget for a moment that it's a hotel and instead imagine it as your own residence in the heart of Paris.
As for the most luxurious suite, named the Belle Etoile, it's hard to describe in a few words the emotion I felt when entering this high-end suite which I had the pleasure of visiting: a separate bedroom, a dining room, a bathroom with jacuzzi, and especially a panoramic terrace offering a 360-degree view of the city. What a joy to contemplate the most beautiful monuments of Paris at a glance, the feeling is utterly exhilarating!
Top-level restaurants
For dining, the Meurice Alain Ducasse is the ideal gourmet option! Remember, I had lunch there a few years ago (the article is here!). It serves very high-level French cuisine in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Paris. Executive Chef Jocelyn Herland and the very famous Alain Ducasse offer a cuisine crowned with 2 Michelin stars, based on the classics of haute gastronomy.
Another option: the Dali. The room, a tribute to the famous artist, is tinged with surrealism. It was beautifully redesigned by Philippe Stark, who transformed this dining space where one can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine as well as French classics. The Dali is busy all day long: from breakfast in the morning, through lunch, with the famous tea time and Sunday brunch, it's hard to know where to start! Speaking of tea time, let's talk about it! Created by Cédric Grolet, named the world's best pastry chef in 2017, tea time is the place to be every afternoon at the Meurice. You can savor his best sweet creations and even extend the pleasure by taking some treats home from the recently opened boutique, which is enjoying tremendous success.
In the evening, head to Bar 228! Leather armchairs, dark woodwork, frescoes and painted ceilings, all with a few live jazzy notes, and you reach the height of chic. The atmosphere is worthy of an elegant London club, an idyllic setting for a drink!
The best breakfast in Paris is at the Meurice!
The next morning, breakfast is served in the gourmet restaurant's dining room. This dining room, inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles, is dazzling! Having breakfast there is a bit like living the life of a castle, but right in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, so you can imagine my excitement! Gilding, polished marble, crystal chandeliers, it's radiant! As for the food served, it reaches new heights: the pastries, especially their famous Kouglof, are absolutely fantastic, while the eggs, waffles, pancakes, and so on, are of the highest standard! The Meurice's breakfast is definitely one of the best found in Parisian palaces!
An elegant urban spa
For a well-deserved moment of cocooning in the afternoon, I went to the Valmont spa. Spanning 340m2, it offers exceptional treatments in collaboration with the prestigious Swiss brand known for the quality of its care, found in the best spas worldwide. This wellness bubble has three cabins for facial rituals, massages, and body treatments. A big fan of the brand, I couldn't resist the "custom Valmont" facial treatment: after a diagnosis to assess my skin's needs, the therapist performed an in-depth treatment including the famous Valmont collagen mask. My skin came out hydrated, radiant, and luminous. I also received numerous tips and my beauty prescription.
This Parisian palace is one of the capital's most beautiful hotel achievements! I greatly appreciated its period style and classic look, but also its determination not to remain stuck in the past. It's a luxury hotel that renews itself and stays contemporary! As for the rooms and suites, one truly feels in a superb Parisian residence: luxury materials, optimum comfort, and a staff that maintains an exceptional level. A pied-à-terre that one wants to return to on each Parisian escape, nearing perfection.
I liked:
I regretted:
Practical Information
A big thank you to the Meurice for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free to express myself in this article!
