THE FORMER house of Pierre Cardin is an intimate and glamorous boutique hotel. With interiors by Jacques Garcia La Reserve Paris is definitely the new 'It' hotel in the city of light. The Hotel and Spa opened on January 19 2015 and an early peak by our Parisian wanderer confirms expectations, this bijoux hotel sparkles. You’ll find at 42 Avenue Gabriel, a few steps from the Champs-Elysées and midway between the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne: Now there’s an address. This 1850s neo-classic mansion has the feel of a club, your own private address in the heart of the city. It is the latest vision of hotelier and vintner, Michel Reybier, who was intimately involved with the hotel’s transformation. Over a hundred artisans worked on the interiors which have been lovingly restored and then added to. Walking in is like visiting Versailles in miniature.
Everywhere there are sculptured columns, cordovan leather, and taffeta, silk and fine damascene. Velvet lounges are perfect for reclining and windows with elaborate drapes overlook gardens with pots of orange trees & jasmine, inspired by the nearby Elysée gardens.Tea rose damask and taffeta has been used in the suites & rooms that overlook the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the Concorde obelisk. Staying here is like being draped in Marie Antoinette’s skirts, enfolded in lush fabrics. As befits the creation of a vintner there are wine ‘cellars’ in the suites and superb sommeliers. There is also a library and smoking room to complete the ‘club’ feel.Despite the intimacy of the hotel the spa has a huge 16 metre pool and elegant treatment rooms. For all the finery this hotel is intimate enough to feel like a private, relaxed club in the heart of the city, the quintessence of Parisian chic. Best of all they’ll be a bottle of Michel Reybier champagne in your suite to welcome you.
Laurence D'Annon 20/1/15
|