Opened since 1835, the historic French palace Le Meurice is ornate, opulent, and wonderfully extravagant. StyleNest recently enjoyed a memorable stay at the iconic hotel, which makes a trip to the City of Light even more unforgettable.
Decorated in an 18th century Louis XVI style the hotel impresses from the moment you walk through the door, with its pomp, grandeur, and French elegance. Passing through the lobby area, to Le Dali restaurant, and through the hotel, it is easy to see why it often ranks as one of the most elegant hotels in the world and has attracted such a host of famous names. Each of the hotel’s seven floors has its own distinct theme, with Le Meurice offering a variety of room and suites, and at a variety of prices. However, whichever you choose you can expect the height of luxury in every room, opulence seems to come as standard at Le Meurice. With period furniture, fine linen, and Italian marble bathrooms, we were overwhelmed by our own Deluxe Suite, with a huge bedroom, separate lounge area, large bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe.
For those want to explore, Le Meurice is also perfectly located on the famous rue de Rivoli, just between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. From here guests can enjoy some of the very best of what Paris has to offer, whether it’s designer shopping, a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, or exploring the city’s museums. However, we have to admit the hotel was so wonderful we spent our stay cocooned within its luxury, deciding to pass a lazy and indulgent afternoon in our decadent suite, eating cakes and pampering ourselves in our marble bathroom.
When we were finally ready later that evening, it was time to hit the hotel’s Bar 228, the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif. We celebrated our stay with delicious champagne cocktails in the historic bar, which with dark woods and rich leather makes a cosy and intimate setting for drinks even if you are not staying at the hotel.
We had also made dinner reservations at one of Le Meurice’s two restaurants, Le Dali, named after one of the hotel’s most famous guests. The surrealist painter Salvador Dali spent at least one month a year at the hotel. The brasserie-style restaurant that now bears his name is a more relaxed affair than the fine-dining at two Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, not to mention cheaper, however as the famed chef looks after both you will not be disappointed. The incredible desserts of Cédric Grolet, who won best pastry chef in the world earlier this year, can also be found at both restaurants and Le Dali is worth a visit for these alone.
After indulging only slightly too much the night before, we decided the best way to start our day would be at the hotel’s elegant Spa Valmont. Although the hotel has partnered with the exclusive Swiss brand Valmont you don’t need to book a treatment to enjoy some rest and relaxation, and we headed down just to gently wake ourselves up with the warming sauna and steam room. Even though we were not there for long, or for a treatment, the spa’s very welcoming manager Caroline still ensured we were well looked after, and gave us all the privacy we needed to enjoy an hour of tranquillity before our day really started.
Feeling pampered enough already, we certainly didn’t expect the extravagance that awaited us at breakfast. Although served in both of the hotel’s restaurants, the only place to take breakfast is at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse. Inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles, the room is simply beautiful, and really does feel fit for royalty with antique mirrors, marble framed paintings, ornate crystal chandeliers, and gilded gold. The breakfast also felt incredibly decadent, with our table quickly laid with an array of cakes and pastries, fruit salads, eggs how you like them, freshly squeezed juices, and thick hot chocolate from Alain Ducasse himself. Even the jam was more indulgent, thick, fruity and so extraordinary we had to ask about it, finding out that it is made by a unique method in the Alsace by Christine Ferber, and thankfully is available to buy in Paris.
After what can only be described as living out a dream to stay at one of the most famous hotel’s in Paris, it was time for it to come to an end. We might not be able to move in like Dali, but Le Meurice certainly makes for a truly unforgettable stay in Paris, even just for one night.
Le Meurice 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France