Sleeping with the Stars

March 16, 2021

Lights, Camera, Action! Welcome, Hotel Paradiso, the first cinema hotel to open its doors, inviting cinephiles from around the world to make themselves at home. Having spent the night at this star-studded hotel created by Nathanaël and Elisha Karmitz of mk2, allow me to share the cinematic experience. Photos by Romain Ricard.

Each of the 34 rooms at Hotel Paradiso in Paris’s right bank is minimally outfitted in colorful decor and original artwork, some with balconies, while two spacious suites feature new releases. Artists JR and Christian Boltanski discreetly fill the space both inside and out. Can you spot Charlie Chaplin?

We happily settled into our well-appointed room, which included a bathtub in direct view of the 3-meter wide projection screen. A film while taking a bath, anyone? And yes, sweet and savory snacks including popcorn are part of the treats on offer.

With a careful curation of both classic films and newer releases, what to watch? We scanned the hundreds of films and found more than a few that piqued our interest, settling on two indie films. While Bob’s Juice Bar offers healthy eats well into the night (and a heavenly breakfast), we opted for sushi delivery from a local spot.

For the dedicated cinephiles, Hotel Paradiso includes private screening rooms from which you can watch films of your choice, including new releases from the VIP room directly above the movie theater. There’s also a karaoke room for after hours.

Another unique feature at Hotel Paradiso is their open-air cinema on the rooftop, with spectacular views of Paris far into the distance. For that, and of course, to catch the latest films in their mk2 movie theater, we’ll be back!

Hotel Grands Boulevards

March 2, 2018

I’m always on the lookout for new boutique hotels, particularly when we travel, but even in Paris. Especially if the hotel is designed by Dorothée Meilichzon. Just one month ago l’Hôtel des Grands Boulevards opened it’s doors in the heart of the city, in a space that once housed a cinema before becoming a bourgeois residence. Nestled between the historic Bourse and trendy Sentier neighborhoods, with the energy of Strasbourg Saint-Denis just steps away, this masterpiece by the Experimental Group merits dinner, drinks and an overnight.

Taking the elevator up to the fourth floor, we settled into one of the fifty rooms, a spacious design haven reminiscent of a chic Parisian apartment. The art deco bed exhibited a regal canopy amid natural elements, including exposed wood beams. The plush feather bed was fit for a queen, Marie Antoinette to be exact. She would have approved of the bathroom too.

Throughout the hotel, Dorothée Meilichzon kept the building’s history intact, including select elements from Louis XVI’s era. What a clever use of vegetation, trellises, gates and a fountain to evoke a rustic atmosphere reminiscent of the 18^th century balanced with the splendor of the “Grand Siècle”.

We eagerly dined at the Grand Restaurant, a collaboration with celebrated chef Giovanni Passerini, set within a covered courtyard. Scoring seats at the bar, we feasted on a menu of French-Italian country classics including steak tartar with hazelnuts and smoked ricotta, and homemade gnocchi with lamb stew. Délicieuse! (The following morning’s gourmet breakfast of homemade granola and seasonal jams was also remarkable.)

The restaurant’s bathroom revealed an inviting mélange of tiles and wallpaper, creating a world of its own.

I had my eye on the dimly lit cocktail bar, featuring creative libations based on their strength, with or without spirits. Having opened Experimental Cocktail Club in 2007, they are known for their cocktails, after all.

I’m already looking forward to returning to Hotel Grands Boulevards, a calm design haven in the heart of Paris.

PARIS PICKS : 4-star boutique hotels

April 26, 2016

One of the questions I’m most often asked is “Where to stay in the City of Lights?” My answer often includes a boutique hotel in the rive droite, my side of town. Even though I live in a charming Parisian apartment in the North Marais, I have an affinity for hotels designed for sophisticated travelers with style and comfort in mind. In the last few years I’ve experienced a few of these luxurious gems, first hand. Here are my top picks.

Under the design direction of Dorothée Meilichzon, Hotel Bachaumont re-opened in September 2015. Steps away from the pedestrianized market street rue Montorgueil, this art-deco hotel composed of 49 rooms and complete with an uber trendy bar and restaurant, is one of Paris’ latest hotspots. Read all about my experience in Bonjour Paris. (Photo by Paul Bowyer)

Hotel Bachaumont // 18 rue Bachaumont 75002 // + 33 (0) 1 81 66 47 00

A hotel set in a former textile factory? Welcome to Hôtel Fabric. This designers’ haven is located in the Oberkampf neighborhood, steps away from a slew of trendy eateries. Thirty-three rooms are equally stylish and spacious, featuring industrial decor combined with vivid prints by luxury design house Pierre Frey. Here’s my complete review in France Today.

Hôtel Fabric // 31 Rue de la Folie Méricourt 75011 // +33 (0)1 43 57 27 00

Eiffel tower views, anyone? Head to the historic artists’ quartier of Montmartre for both comfort and a vista. From the 7th floor bar and restaurant of Terrass’’ Hotel, the panoramic views will take your breath away! Refurbished and re-opened in June 2015, find refuge in the hotels 85 contemporary rooms and 7 suites, some with private balconies. Read more in my feature in Bonjour Paris.

Terrass’’ Hotel // 12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre 75018 // +33 (0)1 46 06 72 85

In the trendy Strasbourg Saint-Denis neighborhood, Hôtel Providence takes center stage. This recently opened circa-1854 hotel contains 18 rooms and 3 suites, each exhibiting vintage furnishings, walls clad in velvet prints, and well stocked bars. While I haven’t yet stayed overnight in this chic setting which attracts quite an A-list crowd, I have admired the design of the rooms and the cozy bar and restaurant, perfect for a night cap.

Hôtel Providence // 90 rue René Boulanger 75010 // +33 (0)1 46 34 34 04