Ritz Paris and Hôtel de Crillon reopen with rooms from US$1,000 a night
Two of the most legendary stays in the world – Ritz Paris and Hôtel de Crillon – have been renovated and are now open to guests seeking a luxury experience
In most cities, hotels are categorised on a five-star scale. Not in Paris. Here, you’ll find the typical boutique and five-star options, as well as an additional designation – “palace hotels” – that is given to 24 French properties that are, quite literally, fit for royalty. Two of these, the Ritz Paris and Rosewood’s Hôtel de Crillon, have recently reopened in the 1st arrondissement after top-to-bottom overhauls; they’ve emerged in such exquisite form, they’re almost in a category of their own. Here’s how Paris’s best new hotels stack up.
The design
The Ritz: Those who knew the Ritz will find it hasn’t changed much on the surface: Antiques have been given new varnish, fabrics refreshed, and tufted sofas reupholstered. The no-expenses-spared, Marie Antoinette look is in full effect. Rooms have trompe l’oeil canopy beds offset by crystal chandeliers, ivory bell cords to summon a maid or valet, and gilded sink faucets in the shape of swans.
Hôtel de Crillon: If you remember the Crillon for its orange-hued marble lobby with velvet-backed armchairs and dripping chandeliers, this isn’t that. The chandeliers are now draped with edgy metal chains; the regal furniture has been swapped out for cleaner silhouettes and contemporary art. The overall look is unquestionably elegant and compelling – without resting on old-fashioned tropes.
Staying the night
The Ritz: Sleeping at the Ritz does indeed make you feel like a pampered Parisian princess (or prince). Staff know guests’ names, the courtesy car is a Bentley, and the beds are every bit as plush as their gilded frames suggest. Despite the fact that technological upgrades were a focus on the renovation, most of the hiccups relate to devices and connectivity: the bedroom television would randomly mute itself, night-light sensors would get tripped in the middle of the night without any movement, and the Wi-fi was finicky. While some Paris hotels are adding smart TVs for easy content streaming, watching a movie in bed requires an on-demand rental, for €25 (US$31) a pop. The one tech feature that wasn’t upgraded – light switches shaped like tiny, golden knobs – provide irresistible charm and a reminder that you’re staying in a truly historic place.
Hôtel de Crillon: Rooms at the Crillon vary widely in both size and design, but (aside from the suites) the ones with the most character and best views are on the top floor; they have gabled, beamed ceilings and terraces facing the Eiffel Tower. They’re compact but smartly designed: a TV that pops up from the foot of the bed creates space for a large table with chairs, and the closet has built-in jewellery trays and shoe-shining kits. The thoughtful staff is specifically trained to smile, which is refreshing – not cheesy – in blasé Paris. One day, after saying hello with a hoarse voice as a staffer passed me in the hallway, I returned to find a silver tray with tea, lemon, honey, and a get-well card. My only frustrations came in the bathroom, where the make-up mirror was positioned at navel height and a weak shower drain resulted in a fully soaked bath mat.