The Crillon is under wraps these days. Take a stroll around the world-famous Place de la Concorde, one of the prettiest public squares in Europe, and you’ll notice a curious-looking construction project; the entire Crillon façade is covered with a canvas painted to resemble the historic palace beneath. Last November, Starwood Capital finally unloaded the property after trying to sell it for years. Rumored price paid by the Saudi investors: $355 million.
Now the prestigious palace hotel is getting a face lift. Though the interiors have had regular revamps over the years, and Les Ambassadeurs restaurant just emerged from a makeover, the façade-- designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel at the request of Louis XV in 1754-- needed some work. The architectural inspiration for the White House, the Crillon’s façade is getting worked on by a team with extensive experience renovating historic-listed monuments. It will be a 12-month process to clean the stone, restore the sculptures, and renovate the columns and the Loggia ceiling. The hotel is still accepting guests during this time, as there won't be any disturbance for hotel stays.
Psst. The young chef at the Hotel de Crillon’s restaurant, Les Ambassadeurs, is gettings lots of press love these days. After scoring his first Michelin star, Christopher Hache was singled out as "Young Chef of the Year" by the Pudlo Guide. Previously Les Ambassadeurs was helmed by Jean-François Piège, one of the finest chefs working in France today. For some heaven-sent grub, check out Piège’s restaurant at Thoumieux.