A Night in Le Meurice, One of the World’s Best Hotels

In the very chic 1st arrondissement, right in the heart of Paris, you’ll find the capital’s first luxury hotel. Opened in 1835, this establishment’s historic charm is one of its best assets, and it absolutely swept me off my feet! That said, the hotel still keeps up with current trends, maintaining its position at the top of the rankings and attracting celebrity guests during their Parisian excursions. More on my experience, reflective of the most stylish aspects of the French art de vivre, below!

A Luxury Hotel That Combines Modernity and the French Way of Life

The location is unbelievable: Le Meurice sits on the very famous Rue de Rivoli alongside the Jardin des Tuileries, in the very heart of the buzzing capital city. You couldn’t dream of a better location in Paris (with the exception perhaps of the Hotel de Crillon only a stone’s throw away). Unveiled in 1835, Paris’s first luxury hotel is part of France’s cultural heritage. Past meets present: there’s a subtle blend of the opulent styles of the 18th century mixed with several modern touches, thanks especially to Philippe Starck’s renovations in the restaurants and bar in 2007, and then again in 2016. Upon entering, we were immediately struck by this ingenious combination of styles, with an enormous contemporary sculpture perfectly integrated with the classical architecture. There’s a subtle blend of the opulent styles of the 18th century mixed with several modern touchesParis’s first luxury hotel is part of France’s cultural heritageUpon entering, we were immediately struck by this enormous contemporary sculpture perfectly integrated with the classical architecture160 Elegant Rooms and Suites

The design of the 160 rooms and suites was redone by Charles Jouffre, who worked wonders on each one. I had the pleasure of staying in one of Le Meurice’s best suites, named the Executive Suite with Jardin des Tuileries View: it covered all of 80 m², a refined space with a classical interior design combined with antique furniture and works of art. And its star feature was of course the spectacular view of the Jardin de Tuileries.With the suite’s large living area, bedroom, and Italian marble bathroom, I immediately felt at home. Every detail is carefully thought-out to offer guests optimal comfort, so much so that for a moment I forgot that I was in a hotel, imagining myself instead in my own Parisian apartment!The living area in the Executive Suite Jardin des Tuileries viewIt offers 80 m² of refinement, with classical décorThe separate bedroom, incredibly elegantThe marble bathroomAnd a view overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries (with the amusement park that’s set up during the summer) As for the most luxurious suite, named the Belle Etoile (“Beautiful Star”), it’s hard to describe in only a few words the emotion that I felt as I entered into this top-notch living space, featuring a separate bedroom, a dining room, a bathroom with jacuzzi, and above all a terrace with a 360° panoramic view of the city. What a pleasure it was to drink in Paris’s most beautiful monuments in one fell swoop! The feeling was intoxicating!it’s hard to describe in only a few words the emotion that I felt as I entered into this top-notch suite (© Le Meurice)Top-of-the-Line Restaurants

When it comes to dining, Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is the perfect gourmet option! As you may remember, I had lunch there a few years ago (more on my experience here!). The restaurant offers top-notch French cuisine in one of Paris’s most beautiful dining rooms. Executive chef Jocelyn Herland and the famous Alain Ducasse will introduce you to cuisine that has been awarded two Michelin stars, based on classic gourmet dishes. This dining room was inspired by the Salon de la Paix in Versailles, and it’s dazzling! (© Le Meurice)Another option: Le Dali. This restaurant, a tribute to the famous artist, features an interior design with several surrealist elements. This is thanks again to Philippe Stark, who renovated the dining room where guests enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes alongside classics of French cuisine. Le Dali is full throughout the day: from breakfast to lunch to the famous tea time and Sunday brunch, you won’t know where to start! But let’s talk about the tea time. Created by Cédric Grolet, elected the world’s best pastry chef in 2017, Le Dali’s tea time attracts plenty of guests to Le Meurice every afternoon. After enjoying some of the chef’s most fabulous sweet treats, you can prolong your pleasure by picking up a few more at the boutique, opened only a few months ago and already wildly popular.Le Dali : an interior design with several surrealist elementsCédric Grolet’s pastries are absolutely astounding! Pictured, a Paris-Brest that I enjoyed last year! In the evening, it’s time to head to the Bar 228! Leather armchairs, dark wood paneling, frescoes and painted ceilings, all enhanced by live jazz music – the height of chic! The ambiance is worthy of an elegant London club. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink! The Bar 228 (© Le Meurice)The Best Breakfast in Paris at Le Meurice!

The following morning, breakfast was served in the gourmet restaurant room. This dining room was inspired by the Salon de la Paix in Versailles, and it’s dazzling! Having your breakfast there is kind of like living in a chateau, but in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, so you can imagine how impatient I was! Polished marble, gilding, crystal chandeliers – it’s sensational! As for the dishes on offer, they reach new heights: the puff pastries, especially their famous Kouglof, are absolutely fantastic, while the eggs, waffles, crepes, and more are the most delicious you’ll find anywhere! Le Meurice’s breakfast is certainly among the best in Parisian luxury hospitality!Le Meurice’s breakfast is certainly among the best in Parisian luxury hospitality!The puff pastries, especially their famous Kouglof, are absolutely fantasticAn Elegant Urban Spa

For a moment of well-deserved pampering in the afternoon, I went to the Spa Valmont. Spread over 340 m², this wellness center offers exceptional treatments in collaboration with the prestigious Swiss brand, known for the quality of its treatments found in the world’s best spas. There are three treatment rooms for facials, body wraps, massages, and more. A huge fan of the Valmont brand, I couldn’t resist the chance to try the “Customized Facial Ritual”: after a diagnostic review to assess my skincare needs, the therapist carried out a deep treatment including the famous Valmont collagen mask. My skin felt hydrated, smooth, and radiant. I also received some skincare advice along with a beauty “prescription.”The spa Valmont (© Le Meurice)A huge fan of the Valmont brand, I couldn’t resist the chance to try the “Customized Facial Ritual” (© Le Meurice)The Verdict

This Parisian luxury hotel is one of the capital’s greatest successes! I truly loved the building’s period style and classic look, as well its more modern touches. It’s a hotel that continues to renew itself and keep up with the times! As for the rooms and suites, they really make you feel like you’re in a superb Parisian apartment: luxurious materials, optimal comfort, and exceptional personnel. For your next trip to Paris, consider this hotel, a pied-à-terre which comes very close to perfection.

I loved:

• The Executive Suite with Jardin des Tuileries view is simply magical! Unheard of luxury, from the view to the materials to the service. It’s all there!
• I truly felt at home in my suite. Le Meurice makes a huge effort to treat the hotel like a home, a place to live.
• The pleasure of having breakfast in such a luxurious ambiance: the room is magnificent, the service impeccable!

I disliked:

• No pool at the spa… 

Practical Information

• More information available on their website
• Executive Suite – Jardin des Tuileries view starting at 3200 €/night in August 2018

Thank you to Le Meurice for the invitation to explore their establishment.Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!

Do you know Le Meurice?Feel free to send me your comments or questions by posting them on social media.

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