The Paris Olympics are in full swing, bringing with them a surge in sports fever and a sense of global camaraderie. Witnessing South Korea and North Korea marching together on the world stage is a testament to the unifying power of these games. Naturally, this excitement has translated into a skyrocketing demand for Paris travel, with searches for “Paris Travel,” “Best Paris Hotel,” and “Where to stay in Paris” lighting up Google like the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower.
While Paris boasts a multitude of unique hotels, two from the same hospitality group stand out, offering contrasting yet complementary experiences. Let’s delve into the world of Hôtel Madame Rêve and TOO Hôtel, two Parisian gems waiting to be discovered.
A Luxurious Escape: Hôtel Madame Rêve
Nestled in the heart of Paris, Hôtel Madame Rêve transforms the iconic Louvre Post Office into a hidden gem of luxury. The entrance, discreetly marked by a small door, belies the grandeur that awaits within. Stepping into the imposing stone façade, you’re transported back to the 19th century, greeted by a breathtaking lobby-café-restaurant evoking the spirit of a grand mansion. Rich fabrics, gilded walls, and opulent seating invite you to linger over a glass of wine or a cocktail, savoring delectable small bites. The rooftop offers a modern twist, transporting guests to the heart of contemporary Paris. Immersed in a lush oasis of exotic potted plants, it boasts unparalleled views of the city’s skyline.
Laurent Taïeb, the hotel’s visionary founder, envisioned a space where Parisians and visitors alike could experience the true essence of “living.” He has achieved this goal with aplomb, creating a haven of elegance and comfort.
Taïeb’s inspiration for the project stemmed from his desire to tell the story of French craftsmanship. He draws on the finest traditions, from the glasswork of Emilie Gallé and the cabinetmaking of Louis Majorelle to the elegance of Viennese Secession, exemplified by the chandeliers inspired by Josef Hoffmann. The result is a grand café with soaring 8-meter-high ceilings, reminiscent of the grandeur of historic Parisian palaces.
Hôtel Madame Rêve boasts some of the most expansive and beautifully designed outdoor spaces in Paris. The 10,000-square-foot rooftop terrace and restaurant offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including the iconic Eiffel Tower. Lush greenery, comfortable seating, and a vibrant ambiance centered around exquisite cocktails and a carefully curated French wine list create the perfect escape from the bustling city below.
The hotel is strategically located in a discreet corner near Les Halles, a neighborhood known for its sophisticated clientele. It offers 82 rooms and suites, including 43 with private terraces or balconies. The rooms themselves are luxurious and inviting, ranging in size from 300 to 861 square feet. Even the smallest rooms feel cozy, thanks to the original slanted windows framing the exterior wall, warm, rich woods, leather details, and an earthy color scheme evoking mid-century design.
Hôtel Madame Rêve is a haven for discerning palates, boasting two exquisite restaurants. On the ground floor, you’ll find the art deco-inspired Kitchen by Stéphanie Le Quellec, a renowned chef celebrated for her exceptional culinary prowess. For a truly unforgettable experience, reserve a table at her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Scène, a stylish tribute to the golden age of train travel. The cuisine at La Scène is a departure from the more classic fare at Kitchen, offering an innovative and sophisticated culinary journey. The restaurant’s unique ambiance, with its lounge-style seating, high-backed swivel chairs, and soaring 26-foot ceilings, adds an air of refined elegance to every meal. La Plûme, the hotel’s second restaurant, offers a fusion of French and Japanese flavors in a sexy, dimly lit setting.
Beyond the culinary delights, Hôtel Madame Rêve provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The first-floor wellness center and spa features a sauna and a well-equipped fitness room with a range of equipment, including bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, yoga mats, and weights. The spa offers a tranquil escape, with two treatment rooms for indulging in rejuvenating scrubs and massages.
A Modern Masterpiece: TOO Hôtel
Across town, TOO Hôtel stands in stark contrast to Hôtel Madame Rêve, yet it is equally exciting and worthy of consideration. While its location might not be as central, the hotel itself is the true star of the show. Designed by the legendary Philippe Starck, TOO Hôtel offers sky-high rooms with breathtaking million-euro views of Paris at incredibly affordable rates.
Opened in October 2022, TOO Hôtel represents a complete departure from the traditional elegance of Hôtel Madame Rêve. This collaboration between Taïeb and Starck occupies several floors of two glass skyscrapers designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel. From the raw concrete lobby to the bamboo keycards and the utilitarian uniforms of the staff, the hotel exudes a modern aesthetic that seamlessly blends the urban landscape with the open sky. This interplay culminates in the TOO TacTac SkyBar and the TOO Panoramic restaurant on the 27th floor.
Despite its location 25-30 minutes by car from downtown, the TOO TacTac SkyBar has become a popular destination, requiring reservations for its epic terrace floating above the city. Secure a table before sunset to witness the spectacular spectacle of the sun setting behind the Eiffel Tower. The bar offers a tempting selection of cocktails, a carefully curated French wine list, and small bites infused with Asian flavors, creating a memorable evening for couples and groups of friends.
TOO Hôtel is located in the developing neighborhood of the 13th arrondissement, offering a unique perspective on Parisian life. While the area might not possess the classic Parisian charm of the city center, it boasts a vibrant waterfront scene, lined with bars and restaurants, each with its own distinctive character. This area is frequented by locals more than tourists, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a hyper-local scene that feels like the new Paris.
The rooms at TOO Hôtel are a testament to Starck’s minimalist aesthetic, featuring modern, spacious designs. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the city beyond, rendering any additional décor unnecessary. Imagine a Parisian version of the iconic Shibuya Crossing timelapse video, playing out beneath your feet. Even the bathrooms, crafted entirely of glass, offer panoramic views from the freestanding soaking tubs. Wake up in a cloud-like white bed to the sight of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, a setting straight out of a dream. The rooms offer three distinct views: the Eiffel Tower, downtown Paris, and the Seine River, with room sizes ranging from Classic, Superior, and Executive to Deluxe Terrace and Junior Suites.
The TOO TacTac SkyBar is the perfect prelude to a memorable dining experience at the panoramic restaurant on the 27th floor. Every table offers stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a whimsical décor that evokes the feeling of a giant’s dining room. The menu features Asian-fusion dishes that are both delectable and pricey, highlighting dishes like salmon tataki, crab hotpot with sake bisque, and jumbo tiger prawns.
The hotel also boasts a small gym, a terrace hot tub, and a spa, offering a range of amenities for relaxation and well-being.
The Verdict: Madame Rêve or TOO Hôtel?
If you prefer a swish, walkable location in the heart of downtown, Hôtel Madame Rêve is the perfect choice. For those seeking a modern design aesthetic and budget-conscious rates, TOO Hôtel is the ideal option. If you have the luxury of time, consider splitting your stay between both hotels, experiencing the best of both worlds.
