In August 1996 after five months of renovation, the Champs-Elysées most charming hotel was re-opened to unveil the magic of its past spendour brought up to date by the inspiration of Grace Leo Andrieu, that of a nineteenth century town house, a haven of peace and quiet where our guests may relax after a busy day in the city.
The renovation followed a long and detailed plan evolved round the central idea of keeping the essential soul of the place which gave it its charm. Research done on eighteenth and nineteenth century documents produced designs for wall hangings and curtains. A choice of 70 designs were selected from Braquenié and Pierre Frey. The antique furniture was completely restored by specialised master craftsmen.
The reception area and the rooms leading off are decorated in a resolutely modern style, integrating some chosen pieces from a more classic era.. The Salon Berri with its fabric covered walls of aniseed damask has kept its superb furniture and restful atmosphere.
The Grand Salon looks out through three large French windows to the central courtyard. A stained glass roof is the centerpiece of the room, comfortable armchairs and sofas have been added and you will find a selection of papers and magazines. In the evening, delicate lighting picks out the paintings by Ziem and the fine flower arrangements.A very serene atmosphere reigns over this area of the hotel and makes it a perfect setting for reading, taking a cocktail or meeting with friends or colleagues.
Each of the 60 rooms and suites has kept its individual touch. Lobbies hung with padded material, silk, satin or cotton curtains in watered silk, damask or printed designs.
Perfection in the details, coordinated blotters, letter racks and counterpanes. The paintings by Boris Pastoukhoff, some 92 portraits or still life chosen to harmonize with the dominant colours of each room. The monogrammed house linen is specifically woven for the hotel by Frette.
The modern bathrooms are in grey marble and iroko wood, with clean, straight lines. The personalised taps, heated towel rails and accessories are traditional in design to complete the marriage of new and old as found throughout the hotel. The bathroom amenity products, "Contemporel", were specially created for the hotel by Grace Leo Andrieu. The towelling is, like the linens, specially woven for the hotel by a renowned French manufacturing house.
