Paris has a new luxury hotel. The Mandarin Oriental Paris opens its designer doors today (28 June) at 251 rue Saint-Honoré, in the city's first arrondissement. In a city with so many beautiful hotels, a rush of new openings this year and some newly appointed palaces this has still been one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Even the normally unflappable French have admitted to a frisson of excitement at the thought of a new MO in town.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris has got itself a suitably prestigious address in the heart of Paris with the Garnier Opera, the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens all close by. The original, magnificent Art Deco façade of this luxury hotel has been beautifully conserved and restored by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte who supervised the renovation of the building, facade and patio.

Inside, designer Sybille de Margerie has created chic (what other word could we use in Paris?) glamorous and contemporary interiors with a hint of that je ne sais quoi that always makes French design stand out as something special - formal, but in a good way. The design combines Parisian sophistication, with art deco details and a few subtle oriental touches. And a few less subtle ones: witness the hotel's vast indoor garden of 'oriental inspiration' created by Wilmotte & Associés, in association with the landscape artists François Neveux and Bernard Rouyer.

The hotel's 138 luxuriant rooms are some of the largest in Paris, providing expansive elegance, comfort and space. Light seems to flood through the windows.

Anyone who has been to the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok knows just how good an MO spa can be. Parisian hotels are not known for their expansive spas , although many are trying to change that (Le Bristol for example is soon to open a new spa), so Mandarin Oriental Paris will offer one of the largest , 900 square metres of pure indulgence. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Paris aims to offer a holistic experience to promote complete mind-body harmony. Expect some exclusive Mandarin Oriental signature therapies and some serious pampering in the seven private suites, which are all equipped for hydrotherapy and heat treatments. There is also a large indoor pool and a fitness centre.

The hotel has two restaurants, a 'live' cooking counter, a bar and a cake shop (think far too much creme and wonderfully indulgent pastries). Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx restaurant is clearly the jewel in the hotel's gourmet crown, seating 44 lucky diners in a Patrick Jouen designed space. Open all day, Camelia serves bistro cuisine with specialities prepared while you watch.

Luxury Offer

To celebrate the launch of this luxurious new city hotel a J'aime Parisopening offer is available for stays between 17 July and 28 August 2011, with rates from EUR 765 a night inclusive of a EUR 300 credit per room and EUR 500 credit per suite that can also be redeemed at the hotel's spa or restaurants. A minimum stay may be required over certain dates. Email: [email protected]

Luxury Hotels link: www.mandarinoriental.com/paris