• A left bank institution that still has all the glamour of the Belle Epoque, Paris’s golden era
• Within easy stroll of St Germain’s trendy bistros, cafes, bars and boutiques
• A Michelin star restaurant and a private spa experience within the hotel itself
The Whole Story
A pioneer of Highly Individual Places, this hotel has been investing in individuality since the sixties. Yet, even before then L'Hotel had a distinguished pedigree. The plaque on the wall outside is dedicated to no less than Oscar Wilde, who died here in 1900, just weeks after penning his famously prescient line, 'I am dying as I lived: beyond my means.' Broke, sick, his reputation in tatters, his legendary wit was still razor-sharp.
L'Hotel has always been a favourite of more adventurous travellers in search of the daring and the different. This, after all, is the beating heart of the Left Bank, the Paris of Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, F. Scott Fitzgerald and so many other legendary artists and writers.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the bar at L'hotel is still a favourite amongst Parisian artists and film makers, its elaborate wooden surfaces and shelves of old books make for a dark and glamorous environment.
A renovation in recent years by the hand of designer Jacques Garcia has resulted in a bonbonniere of rich detail and evocative decoration. Everything looks like it might have done at the time Wilde was in residence (although, possibly a bit smarter), and this includes Wilde’s former room, with some of his framed correspondence. The new rooms add luxury of turn of the century Belle Epoche to one of the most interesting and unusual hotel buildings in Paris. But the best part of the transformation would have to be the caves, a roman style bathing facility complete with pool.
The Rooms
20 rooms are all very individual but all share the same opulent, turn of the century glamour. They are graded according to size and which side if the building they are located.
Small Mignon and Mignon are smaller rooms overlooking the Rue des Beaux Arts.
Bijoux rooms are also smaller but overlook the peaceful inner courtyard.
Grand rooms are larger and bathrooms are bigger too, available with either aspect.
Chic rooms are over the courtyard and 2 have terraces with views over St Germain.