Over 40 years ago the first Le Méridien hotel ‘étoile’ was launched in Paris by Air France. At the time, big hotels were far and few between. This new 1,025 room edifice would be a hotel for the modern era of frequent travel, capable of hosting those just visiting or jumping from city to city.
This month, the hotel completed an 8 year-long phased refurbishment. In doing so it has maintained its original ethos, incorporating the culture of Paris life. Artistic photography by Angie McMonigal of Paris spreads across the walls. The meeting rooms take the names of famous streets and avenues in the capital.
The flagship creation is the Méridien ‘Hub’ – an attempt to transform the hotel lobby into a venue in itself, where people can interact in a surrounding of elegance and simplicity, typifying the chicness of Paris and the identity of the hotel.
The already existing elements of the hotel – the Jazz Club, for example, have also been revamped. Yet in this case the Jazz Club étoile has not modernised, but tried to reflect the vintage style of when it became renowned for its place in the live music scene.
A skilful and tasteful refurbishment reanimates this institutional hotel, and in doing so reflects the beauty and enchantment of Paris.
