Around the corner from the Louvre, Le Nolinksi might sit on the tourist-choked Avenue de l’Opéra, but it’s so subtle that blink and you’ll miss it.
For its first Parisian hotel - following the Hameau de la Volière in Courchevel - Evok Hôtels Collection tasked Jean-Louis Deniot, whose projects include the glamorous Chanel spa at the Ritz, to transform the Haussmannian building, which formerly housed offices.
A swanky yet subdued sparkly gem of mirrors, polished brass fixtures, opulent fabrics, and petrol blue hues, the hotel fuses Gulf-style luxury with Parisian scale and a twinkle of 30s South Floridian Art Deco. Features like a magnificent green Carrara marble reception counter, celestial cloud frescoes swirling up through the six-storey staircase, and bolts of unexpected colour on each floor, bring a stylish kooky edge.
Serving bistronomie cuisine, the brasserie Réjane has a futuristic garden patio theme helmed by a white-leaf tree and opens onto the bustling avenue. More intimate, the salon behind the restaurant is a retreat of cushy Danish 50s-inspired armchairs and velvet banquettes against artfully hand-painted silver walls.
Just as warm and inviting, the guestrooms come with snug fabrics and hand-woven rugs, while tailor-made curved varnish wood wardrobes and brass flower-stand side tables contribute to the homely feel. And bringing new meaning to the ‘boutique’ hotel, guests can buy most items.
In the basement, the candle-lit spa by La Colline draws guests into an otherworldly ambience. Dark and restful, the pool, a cool slab of still water, reflects in the mirrored ceiling while a backlit panel evokes swaying tree tops.
ADDRESS
16 Avenue de l’Opéra
-
MoMA names Christophe Cherix its new directorThe Swiss-born curator has worked in the Museum of Modern Art’s drawings and prints department since 2007
-
The Yale Center for British Art, Louis Kahn’s final project, glows anew after a two-year closureAfter years of restoration, a modernist jewel and a treasure trove of British artwork can be seen in a whole new light
-
How Le Corbusier defined modernismLe Corbusier was not only one of 20th-century architecture's leading figures but also a defining father of modernism, as well as a polarising figure; here, we explore the life and work of an architect who was influential far beyond his field and time
-
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
-
Saint Laurent unveils Sushi Park Paris: the Los Angeles omakase’s new outpostA beloved Californian restaurant finds a second home at the Saint Laurent Rive Droite flagship, merging the worlds of haute couture and high-end gastronomy
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designThere’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
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeysStay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
-
Night at the museum: the best art hotels to book nowSleep 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
-
Shop hyperlocal gifts, from Harlem to Hawaii, at R Finds’ global online storeWallpaper* 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
-
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
-
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
