Iconic. Legendary. World famous. The Molitor in Paris is all of those things…
Set in the 16th arrondissement, everyone knows Molitor, the one time Parisian pool where high society would meet in the 1930’s, the place where the bikini was first showcased in 1946 now turned into a hip hotel. It’s even the famous ‘piscine’ referred to in ‘The Life of Pi’!
After being an artists’ squat in the 90’s, the derelict building was returned to its former grandiose self. A great story, Molitor was restored to its former glory and transformed into a 124-room design hotel all about Pool, Art and Life while keeping all of its history intact.
Art Deco lovers (like me) will be spoiled with all the original features packed into the building, but there’s no doubt that the central 46-meter summer pool is the star attraction. However, it hides another surprise: a 33-meter indoor pool lined with its original cabins, (now mini exhibits by contemporary graffiti artists). Who knew that right here in the heart of Paris, you’ll find an outdoor marvel and an indoor pool to cool your toes?
Clearly the right hotel for a Spring or Summer break, there’s also a funky rooftop cocktail bar (with a herb garden and Eiffel Tower views) and a stylish ground floor bar where a well-heeled crowd gathers nightly – around the pool if weather permits.
For dinner, we hit the Brasserie Urbaine where Chef Julien Mercier works with seasonal fresh produce, offering a simple, honest menu without the usual French airs and graces.
We sampled the duck breast and the special: “coquillettes” pasta with truffles, ham and the perfect egg. It was so good we couldn’t fit in desert and had to settle for the delicious ‘café gourmand’ which comes with a mini cannelé, a macaron and chocolate tartelette. I recommend keeping space available for the Patisserie chef’s goodies!
If you prefer Art to food, you will feel right at home here too. The contemporary cool exhibits dazzle as soon as you come in. Everyone from Rolecs to Futura 2000 bring spirit and pzazz to this post urban, contemporary cool place, not to mention Eric Cantona’s infamous graffiti covered Rolls Royce strategically placed in the lobby!
The rooms are functional and smart, all set around the pool with the usual trimmings like a Nespresso machine and relaxing neutral shades. There’s a touch of Art Deco, and I was won over by the cool porthole windows overlooking the pool.
I was also partial to a little time out at the Clarins spa. The 1,700m2 spa has 13 dark and cosy booths alongside a steam room, sauna, and “experience” showers as well as an oddly relaxing Wave Dream relaxation room. Funky and dreamy, an unusual Parisian hideout I’d like to hang out at again…
13 Rue Nungesser et Coli, 75016 Paris, Tel: +33 1 56 07 08 50
Rooms from €280.
Visit mltr.fr, mgallery.com or accorhotels.com