The Mandarin Oriental, Paris recently opened in June of this year. The site of the hotel, on Rue Saint-Honore, one of Paris’ most fashionable streets, has been a monastery, a hippodrome, a theater and even a royal riding school. Now, as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s first property in France, the property blends the history of Paris with Mandarin’s eye for design.
Under general manager Philippe Leboeuf, the hotel combines French art deco style with the edgy refinement for which the Mandarin Oriental brand has become known. Located in a historic building from the 1930s, just a few blocks from the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre Museum, the hotel reflects its luxe surroundings in its design choices. Fashion photography by Man Ray of his companion, Kiki de Montparnasse, adorns the walls in an ode to the female form. Swarovski crystal details, including delicate sculptures of butterflies, drip from the ceiling. Lush fabrics, dimmed lighting and gem tones add to the decor.
The 99 rooms and 39 suites continue the theme. Dark woods, chrome, silks and taffetas decorate the guestrooms, which vary in color and style. One of the most striking amenities is the incorporation of technology to make the rooms streamlined and convenient. Glowing mirrors, customizable lighting options and bathtub televisions are unobtrusive additions to make stays effortless and comfortable.
The Duplex Suites and Couture Suites are predominated by either coral or plum colors in a style of haute couture. The suites are either multi-leveled or are comprised of a succession of rooms, and open on to tree-lined balconies with views of the indoor garden.
The Royal Oriental Suites are bi-leveled as well and boast a black and green palette with accents of lacquer, velvet, ebony and marble for a polished look. The staircases are even embellished with sculpted flowers and butterflies — continuing Mandarin’s theme from the lobby.
The hotel’s grandest suite, the Suite Royale Mandarin, extends more than 3,760 square feet on two levels. According to the hotel, the top floor suites and the Suite Royal Mandarin can be connected through adjoining doors to form the largest suite in Paris, at approximately 10,760 square feet. The Suite Royale Mandarin features a living room with terrace, a dining room with a bar, an office and a steam bath. Decorator Sybille de Margerie has styled the suite in gold, white, beige and plum, which she has accented with gilded oak, marble, lacquer, velvet and silk. The suite’s most excitingly Parisian element is its view: From the suite, guests can see the Garnier Opera, the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower, with a 360-degree view from the terrace. Even more decadent, if possible, is the view of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub — where guests can soak and savor the sights at the same time.
The property boasts two restaurants, a bar and Cake Shop under executive chef Thierry Marx. Thierry Marx has held two Michelin stars since 1999 and mixes French tradition with Asian influences — dovetailing with the property’s look and feel. The Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx restaurant is modeled on a white cocoon and is every bit the part of haute cuisine in Paris, serving “techno-emotional” dishes. Bar 8 offers pre-dinner drinks and is visually anchored by a nine-ton block of marble in the center, which serves as the bar.
The hotel also offers a fitness center and a two-level spa, with an indoor pool. Seven spa suites, including three double suites for couples, surround the pool and feature private steam showers and changing rooms.
Treatments include the hotel brand’s Signature Therapies and product line. Developed in consultation with specialists in traditional Chinese medicine and master aromatherapists, the Signature Therapies consist of a relaxing body massage ritual that combines massage with custom-blended essential oils created for Mandarin Oriental. Each aromatherapy-based product has been created according to the principles of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
Each treatment begins with a private spa therapist consultation. The treatments include Hu-Tieh Quan (Butterfly Spring), which includes a bath of ginger, mandarin and frankincense, a nurturing, soothing body mask and a relaxing massage. The treatment ends with nutritional and fitness consultations to extend the beneficial effects at home.
Those who wish to stay in a suite and enjoy the hotel’s other well-designed amenities can receive a complimentary fourth night, daily American breakfast for two, a spa credit of approximately $140, a special VIP welcome and complimentary Internet access. The four-night Suite Temptations Package begins at approximately $2,435.
The Details
Mandarin Oriental, Pariswww.mandarinoriental.com/paris
