November 1st, 2023

Inside Le Meurice Paris

The epitome of Parisian elegance, Le Meurice Paris takes centre stage on the fashionable Rue de Rivoli, opposite the glorious Tuileries Garden and moments from the Louvre

Fondly referred to as the hotel of kings thanks to its long list of royal admirers, Le Meurice Paris became an overnight success after opening its doors in 1835 and attracting the attention of Queen Victoria during a state visit. Salvador Dalí adored the hotel so much that he took up residency in the Presidential suite for a month each year over the course of three decades, while Pablo Picasso famously celebrated his wedding at the hotel.

Beautifully decorated to emulate the Baroque-style Palace of Versailles, the hotel’s crystal chandeliers glisten like raindrops falling from a rose ceiling and aged parquet floors are warmed by silk rugs and Italian marble fireplaces – lavish touches that resulted in the French Ministry of Tourism officially awarding the building palace status in 2011.

The hotel is named after its original owner, Charles-Augustin Meurice, a hotelier from Calais who catered for British travelers by ensuring staff spoke English. The property prides itself on its pioneering heritage as the first Parisian hotel to have a telephone and private bathrooms in every room and suite.

In 1997, Le Meurice Paris became part of the Dorchester Collection, joining the group’s other properties including The Dorchester in London. Like the brand’s namesake hotel, Le Meurice Paris’s signature suites also share a garden panorama.

Floor-to-ceiling curtains frame the sun-dappled park view from the Presidential Apartment Dalí, while Presidential Apartment Tuileries overlooks verdant enclaves, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. True to its name, the Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite is the star of the show, home to a leafy roof terrace revealing 360° views of Montmartre’s picturesque skyline.

Gastronomes will feel at home in the hotel’s two-Michelin star signature restaurant, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, helmed by the pioneering French chef since 2013. Expect the finest haute cuisine with ornate golden interiors to match, which designer Philippe Starck modelled on Versailles’ Salon de la Paix – think tall walls draped in fine art beneath double height ceilings.

Philippe Starck is also the brains behind Restaurant Le Dalí, only this time, the designer was inspired by the titular artist. Bar 228 enjoys a totally different aesthetic. Shimmering gold touches are replaced with deep wooden panelling and leather armchairs in whisky shades – the perfect spot in which to listen to live jazz each evening.

Guests with a sweet tooth must try the eclairs, brioche and sculpted fruit that trick the eye at La Pâtisserie du Meurice Par Cédric Grolet, named after 2018’s World’s Best Restaurant Pastry Chef. Order afternoon tea or treats to take with you. 

The Chef’s Table is equally special, thanks to its private entrance. Larger, more official events can be held in Salon Jeu de Paume, a private room with Art Deco frescoes suitable for 50 guests. Salon Tuileries has a capacity for 150, yet it still feels like a private home, while Salon Pompadour’s palatial interiors can impress up to 170. All three connect and brim with blooms arranged by the in-house florist.

The scent of flowers fills the air in the hotel’s Swiss spa, too. The only Valmont spa in Paris, La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice has four treatment rooms, a relaxation room, gym and alfresco terrace.

Discover more about the spectacular Dorchester Collection by reading about 45 Park Lane in London.