In the 16th
century in the area of St. Germain-des-Prés there were the
Pré aux Clercs, Queen Margot's palace and the abbey of St.
Germain-des-Prés. On the rue des Beaux-Arts in the heart
of St. Germain-des-Prés there was also a large park that,
in the beginning of the 19th century, was given by the Rochefoucault-Liancourt
family to the abbey. It was on this site above magnificent cellars
that a 'un pavillon d'amour' was built. This 6 storey period building
will become an exquisite maison 'Directoire' offering accommodation
in Paris's famous left bank and is today well known as "L'Hôtel".
With the Ecole des Beaux-arts, art dealers and galleries within
such easy reach, you can hardly remain unmoved by the literary and
artistic atmosphere of this area.
The fashionable interior designer Jacques Garcia has recently
refurbished L'Hôtel from top to bottom. He has modernised
one of the capital's legendary hotels whilst retaining all of
its original attributes - 'une maison de charme', intimate and
discrete. Each of the rooms has its own unique character. Behind
each number hides a name, a memory, and a tribute to the period.
For example, room 16 has been redecorated in the Victorian style
and is where Oscar Wilde spent his last days. Room 36 was Mistinguett's
favourite and is a time-travel back to the Art Deco period. Or
there is Apartment 62 - the Cardinal, a terraced apartment with
impressive views overlooking the roofs and belfry of St. Germain-des-Prés.
The magnificent ram's head in the entrance of the hotel lends
its name to the restaurant. You reach your table by passing under
a central glass roof that interestingly creates a relaxing and
private atmosphere. Seated at your table you can appreciate the
view onto the patio and its 1830 Nicolas Ledoux fountain. Then,
at the sight of the menu you will have no choice but to think
of one of Oscar Wilde's famous remarks: "One can resist anything
but temptation"!
Following in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Jorge Luis Borges and
many other celebrities who have stayed at L'Hôtel, you will
enjoy the cocktails named after them: 'Cardinal', 'Oscar Wilde',
'Mistinguett'.
The piano bar, three nights a week, contributes to your relaxation
and well-being.
Created within the old vaults of the hotel and in the spirit
of a Roman bath, you can find tranquillity and peace of mind in
the hammam and perpetual wave swimming pool. Cooling off in the
adjoining rotunda completes the relaxing experience.
Please be aware that the virtual visit presentation and hotel room
photos are only a depiction of the type of rooms on offer and may
not represent the actual room described.