StyleNest paid a visit to the newest hotel in the Mandarin Oriental portfolio, The Mandarin Oriental Paris. It’s safe to say, we’re a fan.
Located on Paris’s chicest shopping street, Rue St Honoré, sandwiched between high-end fashion and fine jewellery boutiques and just a stone’s throw away from Place Vendôme and the Louvre, the Mandarin Oriental Group’s first hotel in France could not be better situated.
Style, elegance and sophistication are synonymous with the Mandarin Oriental Group and their Paris hotel is no exception. Formerly home to the Palais de Justice, the unassuming façade and discreet entrance opens up into a vast and elegant space set around a beautiful and lush courtyard. A space where the Orient meets the sophistication and glamour of Parisian style.
Texture is very much key to the hotel’s style and character – velvet, crystals (including Lalique none less), rich marbles and silks all shimmer and shine to add elegance and glamour to this historic 1930s building. The corridors, lounge areas, restaurants and rooms are all adorned with orchids and hyacinths and delicate butterfly motifs. Touches that make this modern building a tranquil and elegant haven that instantly transports you from the hustle and bustle outside.
Since it’s opening two years ago the courtyard, around which the building sits, has bloomed and blossomed to create a serene and exotic space in the heart of the city. So much so that when dimly and romantically lit in the evening you could be sitting in many a far flung destination.
Style is at the heart of all Mandarin Oriental Group properties but importantly, a unique style is created for each hotel to complement the city. Taking in the heritage, ambience and talent – for Paris, the nod to fashion and couture is present throughout. Yet all the while there is an oriental undertone, soft lighting, clean and sleek lines and innovative design. This attention to design and detail runs throughout the hotel. From the impressive reception to the bar, restaurants, rooms and spas – no area is overlooked.
The bar is a must visit in itself. If the weather permits enjoy an aperitif in the courtyard garden or soak up the ambience with a glass of champagne in Bar 8. The bar is carved out of one piece of marble, a stunning feature that is complemented by the Lalique crystals that line the wall. It doesn’t get much more elegant than this.
Situated next to the bar is Thierry Marx’s fine dining restaurant. More than just a restaurant, this Michelin starred spot is a gastronomic experience. A completely white room, with curved walls covered in calico reflect the design and fashion element of Paris. The minimal décor also enhances the dining experience – all the focus is on the taste, smell and sight of the food in front of you. You have to see it to really experience it – but this modern, cave like space is a feast for the senses. With only 44 seats available we advise booking early.
Thierry Marx also oversees the hotel’s second and more casual restaurant, the Camelia where you can enjoy a modern, Oriental and French infused bistro-style menu. The restaurant also offers something incredibly unique, for group bookings or a special occasion for two you can dine in the two-storey high birdcage in the garden amongst the tropical plants and Parisian starry sky.
Unlike many city hotels, the Mandarin is also home to one of the finest spas we’ve visited. Each treatment room is complete with its own changing, shower area, and dressing table, dimly lit and beautifully scented for an intimate, private and truly luxurious experience. The spa is also home to a stunning pool and fully equipped gym.
Rooms are on the spacious side, for Paris, thanks to the intelligent design and all come with the latest Bang & Olufsen technology as well as exclusive Diptyque beauty products. However if you’re budget allows then we recommend upgrading to one of the suites. Complete with kitchen, sitting room and in some cases, a gym, these rooms are amongst some of the most impressive we’ve ever seen.
Whilst the décor is beautiful, the food incredible and the rooms luxurious, the thing that made our visit quite so wonderful and impressed us the most was the staff. There is an army of people on hand to cater to your every need, efficient, polite and always on hand. In particular our concierge could not have been more obliging. Service is key to this hotel’s success and the reason this hotel will remain such a success and one of Paris’ leading hotels.
Need To Know:
Number of rooms: 99 rooms; 39 suites.
Check-in/check-out times: 3pm and 12noon
Room service: Yes. 24 hours
Swimming pool: Yes. 15m with a wall of cascading water at one end.
Spa: Yes.
Dogs welcome: Yes. Apart from in the spa and Sur Mesure restaurant.
Eating and drinking: The chic Bar 8 and two restaurants: the haute-cuisine Sur Mesure and the bistro-style Camelia.
For more information and to book your stay please visit Mandarinoriental.com/paris.