New hotels pop up in Paris like croissants out of the oven. Yet there are some that rise above the rest—even in this electric tourism year when the "City of Light" will play host to the Summer Olympic Games. Le Grand Mazarin, the long-awaited Paris debut from Maisons Pariente, is chief among them. Launched by the co-founder of the Naf Naf clothing line with his daughters, the family-run hospitality group is behind a trio of popular five-star hideaways: Crillon le Brave in Provence, Lou Pinet in Saint Tropez and Le Coucou in Méribel. The Paris hotel officially opened its doors in autumn 2023, after nearly five years of construction, and it’s the talk of the town.
Why is Le Grand Mazarin so deliciously buzzy? First, there’s the covetable location. The Marais isn’t just steeped in history; its cobblestoned streets harbor centuries-old hôtels particuliers (aristocrats’ mansions) and secret gardens. The district is also packed with art galleries and trendy boutiques, making for some of the capital’s most thrilling shopping. Le Grand Mazarin’s setting—directly across from the BHV department store, not far from the River Seine—is coveted real estate on the Rue de la Verrerie.
Then there’s the daring décor by interior designer Martin Brudnizki. Adored by hotel groups like Rosewood and Soho House, the Stockholm-born Brudnizki went all out with an eclectic mix of patterns and bold colors. He took inspiration from the 17th-century literary salons, which took place in this quarter, but nods to both baroque and bohemian styles underscore how the aesthetic can’t be pigeonholed. The décor and trimmings are courtesy of the country’s finest maisons, many of them classified as “living heritage companies.” From the pink lobster carpets to the decorative wall paintings by the Ateliers Gohard, the overall effect is flamboyant, fantastical and fun.
Add in the restaurant by star restaurateur Assaf Granit—the Israeli chef behind some of the city’s hottest establishments, including Michelin-starred Shabour and Tekés—and you’ve got a winning recipe. (Psst. The breakfast buffet, brimming with baked goods, is one of the best in Paris. More on the food later.)
Here are some booking tips: Of the 61 rooms (including 11 suites), the Suite Mazarin is the largest category, measuring 409 to 527 square feet. These cosseting suites come with a separate living room, a hammam in the bathroom and a balcony overlooking the Hôtel de Ville. In all of the rooms, the pièce de résistance is the bed canopy, designed to resemble an Aubusson tapestry by the renowned textile artisans Art de Lys. Yet you might also find yourself entranced by the custom bedside lamps, the leopard-print armchairs or the unique objets d’art sourced from antique markets all over the world by the Pariente sisters. The bathrooms feature Toto toilets and bath amenities by Parisian brand Diptyque, while other plush accoutrements include bed linens by Garnier Thiébaut and DIY cocktail bars. Did we mention the turndown service? A porcelain plate of macarons is served with a note embossed with a Victor Hugo quote: “There is nothing like a dream to create the future.”
The Grand Parisian Junior Suites are also popular. Note that balconies on the higher floors are furnished, so you can sit and sip your morning coffee (or toast the sunset with champagne). We like No. 408 for its location on the end of the building at the street corner. Also note that bathtubs are only found in the suite category. There are interconnecting rooms for families traveling with children; three suites (Nos. 508, 509 and 606) can even be transformed into a three-bedroom duplex. For VIP bookings, reach out to Sales Manager Maxime Denis ([email protected]).
When it comes to urban exploration, the expert concierge team, led by clef d’or Head Concierge Victor Rego ([email protected]) helps guests unlock the neighborhood’s secrets. Love perfume? Try your hand at blending your own fragrance at an artisanal perfumer near the Place des Vosges. Prefer pâtisserie? Take part in a pastry workshop and learn expert culinary tips. The team can also arrange private tours of local museums such as the Musée Picasso, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, and the Musée Carnavalet (dedicated to the history of Paris). And if you’re keen to get beyond the Marais, Rego—who has more than 30 years’ experience with Paris luxury hotels—can organize anything from Michelin-starred meals to a private peek at the Palace of Versailles to a tête-à-tête with Mona Lisa.
After a day out, unwind in the subterranean spa, where you can work out in the gym, hit the hammam, or swim laps in a beautiful pool under a ceiling fresco by Jacques Merle. The painting has a distinct Jean Cocteau vibe—depicting a face that’s meant to reflect your own mirror image. There’s also a spa room for treatments by Anne Cali, who’s developed a cult following for her slimming massages. The GAD (Glisser-Appuyer-Décoller) massage method is said to stimulate fat removal and lymphatic circulation.
And above all, don’t miss the restaurant. In fact, it’s such a hot ticket among locals that you should make a reservation at the same time as your hotel booking. Boubalé, which means “my little darling” in Yiddish, is meant for mingling, its lively ambiance enhanced by the soundtrack. The theme is the traditional Ashkenazi cuisine of Eastern Europe, and your meal kicks off with a platter of warm challah, fresh from the oven, paired with a dish of creme fraîche topped with diced tomatoes. A standout is the mămăligă, a seemingly simple polenta dish, but rendered sublime with sautéed mushrooms and shaved parmesan. Cap things off with the benimousse, chef Assaf Granit’s signature dessert—the Boubalé version of this chocolate mousse is flavored with pepper and drizzled with olive oil.
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