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
-
Santa Monica hotspot The Georgian Room is a rare, well-done steakhouse speakeasyHidden inside The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, a restored speakeasy that lovingly nods to its storied past
-
In St Barths, Cheval Blanc is an oceanside oasis soaking in turquoise viewsFollowing its 10th anniversary, Cheval Blanc St-Barth continues to shine as a pearl of the Caribbean
-
We celebrate the emerging London architects to be excited aboutThese emerging London architects are some of the capital's finest ground-breakers, movers and shakers; heralding a new generation of architecture
-
Ski in, ski out at Courchevel’s hot new piste-side dinerLoulou, the new Courchevel restaurant inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s muse, is playfully elevated by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s pop art branding
-
The cosiest alpine retreats to book in EuropeBrowse the Wallpaper* edit of European alpine retreats where to fully embrace the ski season
-
First look at Maison 3, an eclectic new Parisian bar for sleepless nightsMaison 3 is an enigmatic space with a sensual atmosphere brought to life by the French studio Les Beaux Jours Architectures
-
The world’s most enticing new hotel openingsExplore the best new hotels in the world, from luxe new suites at Badrutt’s Palace to the long-awaited Zaha Hadid-designed Romeo Roma
-
Dine at Paris’s historic Maison Baccarat, reimagined by chef Alain DucasseThe newly opened Ducasse Baccarat restaurant – at the crystal house’s Paris mansion – offers not just a culinary experience but a cultural encounter
-
Stylish Paris ice cream parlours for melting momentsCool off with the best ice cream in Paris: Wallpaper’s favourite scoops span from classics at chef Alain Ducasse's ‘glacerie’ to ice cream sandwiches at JJ Hings
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture loversAuberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
-
Taste Japan from the comfort of Hakuba at Cheval Blanc Paris HôtelNew restaurant Hakuba offers an authentic omakase experience orchestrated by chef Takuya Watanabe and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric
