Word on the street is that the Hotel Lancaster—an elegant, antique-filled hideaway off the Champs-Elysées in Paris—has gotten a makeover and the results will be unveiled next month. Part of the Hospes Group, the Lancaster resembles the private home of a connoisseur with museum-worthy objets d’art and a gracious staff attending to guests’ needs. It was originally built in 1889 as a townhouse for Monsieur Santiago Drake del Castillo, a Spanish nobleman, and the recent restoration has carefully preserved original features (wooden floors, white Carrara marble bathrooms) while adding contemporary comforts. Louis XV armchairs have been reupholstered with fabrics by Kvadrat and Fanny Aaronsen; antique lampshades have been reconditioned by Anne Sokolsky. The 54 rooms and suites have some new additions as well: golden carpets by Tai Ping, monochrome curtains by Créations Bauman and chromed brass mirrors.
An old haunt for Hollywood legends like Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly and Marlene Dietrich, the Lancaster has a fantastic Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Michel Troigros.
For lovers looking for a little Valentine’s Day romance in the City of Light, the Lancaster has a fun offer called “Lock Your Love in Paris.” They’ll give you a padlock to seal your love on the Pont des Arts. (Amorous couples have made it a tradition to attach padlocks to the bridge and then throw the key in the Seine.) Also included with your accommodations: buffet breakfast, a bottle of Champagne Rosé, and some delicacies from the Pastry Chef (Petits fours and chocolates). Starting from 430€ per night. For more information, see the hotel's website: www.hospes.com/en/hotel-paris-lancaster.