The Sofitel Arc de Triomphe is fresh from a makeover, and the results are pure eye candy. Luxury Travel Advisor dropped by the Paris luxury hotel to check out the buzzed-about redo- and we found an enchanting pied-a-terre that’s sure to delight design lovers. The hotel—just a short walk from the Champs-Elysées-- recruited the Studio Putman and IGLOO interior architects to transform the interiors. The idea was to create the feel of an authentic Parisian home, decorated with designer furniture (like the Lang armchairs created by Andrée Putman for the Ministry of Culture), and equally cool light fixtures.
There are 124 guest rooms, and in the Junior Suite category and above, you’ll find the Night Cove sleep system and exquisite bathrooms with mosaic-tiled showers and stand-alone tubs. (L’Appartement has its own hammam.) Room décor-- like reinterpreted bistro tables and banquettes-- reflects the Parisian setting. We also love the silk cushions printed with vintage maps of Paris, and the original mini bars filled with local treats (like beer brewed in Paris) and the sugar cubes (for a cup of espresso) shaped like the Arc de Triomphe.
A lovely hang-out is the lounge off the lobby-- reminiscent of Andrée Putman’s studio. On the walls hang artwork by some of her favorite artists, while vintage designer furniture creates a cozy spot for relaxing in front of the fireplace with coffee-table books.
The lobby itself is like a concept store. Every morning a chef sets out a display of the finest pastries in Paris, signature desserts that are sourced from the best Paris patisseries (like the Mont Blanc from Angelina) so that guests, short on time, don’t have to schlep all over town for souvenirs to take home. You can also pick up gourmet treats from Da Rosa, the famous epicerie, which opened its first hotel outpost in the Sofitel. Also showcased in glass displays: special stationary designed for the hotel by Studio Putman, and candles with the hotel’s very own perfume.
Buzzworthy: At the restaurant, L’Initial, Head Chef Thomas Bruno has teamed up with quality local producers to source ingredients (like genuine jambon de Paris) for his locavore cuisine.
