After the openings of Melia Paris La Defense and La Reserve Paris – Hotel and Spa earlier this year, hotels continue to rollout in France. A trendy nightclub turned hotel in Paris, a boutique hotel in Fontainebleau and refurbishments of the luxury Hotel Royal and Ritz Paris are on the horizon for groups visiting France.
Les Bains Guerbois was the first spa in Paris when it opened in 1885, seen as a bohemian hangout for artists and writers. It later became the internationally known Les Bains Douches nightclub in the late 1970s—attracting top celebrities such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Mick Jagger and Jack Nicholson—before closing in 2010. Now, it reopens as a 39-room hotel with basement space still available for concerts and private events that features the original black-and-white dance floor created by Philippe Starck. Each of the rooms and suites are individually designed, with custom-crafted furniture such as replica sofas from Andy Warhol’s Factory.
“Our only aim was to build a nest for creative people where they are able to invent, develop, and present new trends in a fertile haven,” says Jean-Pierre Marois, the current owner of Hotel les Bains Douches.
The historic Fontainebleau location that once served as a rural retreat for the French royal court will welcome La Demure du Parc in September. The 27-room boutique hotel stands at the gates of the Chateau de Fontainebleau and features private gardens and intimate terraces overlooking the French castle. The property specializes in hosting events that combine the royal history with contemporary decor. Plus, the onsite restaurant hosts a Chef’s table experience for all attendees to enjoy local specialties at a large family-style table. A cocktail bar and epicurean wine bar—featuring customized cocktails and a wide selection of wine—round out the hotel offerings.
The Hotel Royal reopened in July after a two-year renovation. The property is one of two luxury hotels that make up the Evian Resort in Evian-les-Bains. A major part of the refurbishment includes the addition of a floor dedicated to seven suites—each of which have magnificent views overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. Public areas as well as all rooms feature decadent fabrics, silks, linens and materials that help maintain the identity of this palace hotel, which dates back to the early 20th century. The restoration of the hotel’s original frescoes and a collection of period furniture also help maintain that feeling of grandeur. The resort is especially popular among golf groups, with the onsite Evian Resort Golf Club hosting the Evian Championship each year.
With bookings available as early as March 2016, the renovation of the Ritz Paris will debut early next year. The 143-room property will combine the French culture with the luxurious Ritz brand, featuring amenities such as high ceilings, chandeliers and delicate flowers on the headboard. Just one example of how high end this property will be is that the onsite spa will have a partnership with Chanel—an ode to Coco Chanel’s 34-year stint at the Ritz.
