Ever since the legendary Hôtel de Crillon closed for renovations on March 20, 2013, we’ve been keeping an ear to the ground about this beloved Parisian landmark. And now, after four years of meticulous restoration work, the luxury hotel has announced a summer reopening. (Rosewood Hotels & Resorts was appointed to manage the property. Established in 1979 and now based in Hong Kong, Rosewood now has 18 properties in 11 countries.)
With a prime position on the Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel is instantly recognizable by its historic façade, built in 1758, for King Louis XV, by the French architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. The restoration was undertaken by Richard Martinet and the team at the AFFINE DESIGN architectural agency. A major focus was to preserve the classified elements of the historic-listed building while injecting it with both contemporary décor by leading designers, and also all the 21st century comforts expected by luxury travelers today. Two basement levels were excavated in order to accommodate both the hotel operations (kitchen, reservations, back office) and also the spa and a swimming pool with natural light from a skylight.
Aline d’Amman, the project’s artistic director, invited three decorators to work on the interiors: Tristan Auer, Chahan Minassian, and Cyril Vergniol. What’s more, famed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld was recruited to add his design touch to two suites and one guest room. Landscaping was overseen by celebrated paysagiste Louis Benech, known for his work in the Tuileries gardens and the Chateau de Versailles.
In the kitchens, the Crillon has kept top talent on the payroll, including Christopher Hache (Chef des Cuisines), Justin Schmitt (Chef of the Brasserie d’Aumont), and Jérôme Chaucesse, Head Pastry Chef who was awarded the prestigious MOF distinction in 2015.
From the 10 palace hotels to the newly reopened Ritz, the Paris luxury hotel scene has never looked so good!