Le Méridien Etoile — Paris, France

Has it really been 44 years since Le Méridien opened in L’Étoile as a brand extension of Air France? Long time fans will know that far from preserving itself in aspic, the group – which has since grown into over a hundred hotels and resorts – has constantly reinvented itself, quietly, almost effortlessly keeping up with the competition.
In a sense, it’s timely that the flagship hotel is just emerging from a tip-to-toe renovation under the assured baton of London-based architects Michaelis Boyd, the French interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, and the in-house Le Méridien team.
The hotel’s 1,025 rooms, alongside the public spaces including the Jazz Club Étoile, have been reworked with a mid-century mood board of light pastels of grey, light blue and charcoal, vintage furniture, brass finishes, and bespoke photographs of Paris’s arrondissements by the American photographer Angie McMonigal. The detailing is quirky, not least painted stitched lines on the bedroom walls that mimic the Seine and its fabled bridges, and light fixtures that suggest the contours of a supersonic jet.
This close to the Étoile, the best views in the house are from the club lounge where the panorama is dominated by the Eiffel Tower, while the ground floor courtyard and garden provide a quiet sheltered nook for whispering sweet nothings.
ADDRESS
81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-Cyr
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti
-
Sun-soaked European destinations to visit in spring
Dreaming of Florentine palazzos and Greek islands now that the weather is starting to turn? Check into one of these beautiful European hotels and holiday homes
By Anna Solomon
-
The warmth and comfort of Paris restaurant Margaux: ‘It’s like feasting at grandma’s’
Located on the 16th arrondissement, Margaux dishes up timeless French classics in a setting that feels like home
By Sofia de la Cruz
-
Saint Laurent unveils Sushi Park Paris: the Los Angeles omakase’s new outpost
A beloved Californian restaurant finds a second home at the Saint Laurent Rive Droite flagship, merging the worlds of haute couture and high-end gastronomy
By Sofia de la Cruz
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy design
There’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
By Sofia de la Cruz
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeys
Stay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
By Tianna Williams
-
Night at the museum: the best art hotels to book now
Sleep amid surrealists at London’s Broadwick Soho, or wake up to contemporary favourites at New Hotel in Athens – indulge in an immersive art hotel experience
By Dalya Benor
-
Shop hyperlocal gifts, from Harlem to Hawaii, at R Finds’ global online store
Wallpaper* goes shopping with R Finds, Renaissance Hotels’ digital marketplace, which connects travellers – and armchair travellers – with local makers and stores, one gift at a time
By Simon Mills
-
This Italian Bistrot in Paris offers all-year-round ‘felicità’
A diminutive of the Italian word for family, Miglia is a cosy trattoria radiating warmth, friendliness, and traditional flavours
By Sofia de la Cruz