The Paris Olympics are igniting a global sports fever, even bringing together South Korea and North Korea in a moment of unity on the world stage. As excitement for the Games reaches its peak, Paris is drawing in visitors from across the globe. “Paris Travel” searches are at an all-time high, and queries like “Best Paris Hotel” and “Where to stay in Paris” are lighting up Google like the dazzling evening displays at the Eiffel Tower.
With so many amazing hotels in the City of Lights, choosing the right one can be a challenge. But two extraordinary properties stand out: Hôtel Madame Rêve and TOO Hôtel. Though both are part of the same hotel group, they offer distinct experiences that cater to different tastes.
Step Back in Time at Hôtel Madame Rêve
Nestled in the heart of Paris, Hôtel Madame Rêve transforms the iconic Louvre Post Office into a discreetly luxurious boutique hotel. Its entrance, marked by a small door, conceals an impressive stone façade that mimics a 19th-century mansion. This cleverly designed entrance prepares guests for the grand surprise within.
The moment you step inside, you’re transported to the 19th century. The impressive lobby, café, and restaurant evoke a bygone era, with their opulent décor of rich fabrics, gilded walls, and plush seating. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a leisurely afternoon of wine or cocktails, light bites, and perhaps even extend your day into a decadent dinner.
But Madame Rêve doesn’t just offer a glimpse into the past. The rooftop, with its lush potted plants and breathtaking panoramic views, brings you back to modern-day Paris. This rooftop, according to hotel owner Laurent Taïeb, represents his vision of creating spaces for Parisians and visitors alike to “live” – and he has succeeded.
A Legacy of French Hospitality
Laurent Taïeb, a French entrepreneur, envisioned Hôtel Madame Rêve as more than just a hotel. He wanted to tell a story, drawing on the unparalleled craftsmanship of France.
“I wanted to tell this story by drawing on unparalleled French know-how,” Taïeb explained. “From the ground floor, it was necessary to express the language of volumes to rediscover the creative breath of glassmaker Emilie Gallé and cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle. I also wanted to express my fascination with the Viennese Secession, drawing inspiration from Josef Hoffmann for creating the chandeliers… Thus, was born the idea of the grand café with its 8-meter-high ceilings – that are truly reminiscent of the grandeur of historic places.”
Luxurious Ambiance and Breathtaking Views
Madame Rêve boasts some of the most expansive and exquisitely designed outdoor spaces in Paris. The 10,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the city’s skyline, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Imagine lush greenery, comfortable seating, a vibrant ambiance, and a tempting menu of delicious cocktails and a curated French wine list – a perfect escape from the bustling city below.
Madame Rêve, located on a discreet corner near Les Halles in Paris’s former 24-hour post office, caters to discerning travelers.
Modern Design and Chic Elegance
Madame Rêve features a giant glass roof spanning two levels, housing 82 rooms and suites, including 43 with terraces or balconies. Room sizes range from 300 to 861 square feet, with even the smallest feeling cozy thanks to original slanted windows, warm, rich woods, leather details, and an earthen color scheme that evokes a mid-century aesthetic.
Madame Rêve also houses two exceptional restaurants. On the ground floor, you’ll find the art deco-inspired Kitchen by Stéphanie Le Quellec, one of Paris’s most celebrated chefs and a leading female chef in the city. If you have the opportunity, be sure to book a lunch or dinner at her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Scène, a stunning space with a captivating train-inspired design.
La Scène offers a unique dining experience, featuring a lounge-style setting with deep-seated chairs and couches, rather than traditional dining tables. The room’s 26-foot ceilings and high-back swivel chairs at the bar add to the elegant ambiance.
The second restaurant, La Plûme, is a stylish Franco-Japanese spot known for its sexy, dimly lit dining room.
Beyond its dining options, Madame Rêve features a wellness center and spa on the first floor, complete with a sauna, fitness room, and two treatment rooms where you can book massages or scrubs.
A Modern Oasis in the Sky: TOO Hôtel
Across town, TOO Hôtel stands in stark contrast to Madame Rêve, yet is equally captivating and worth a visit. TOO Hôtel is not about the location – more on that later – but the hotel itself. Designed by Philippe Starck, the hotel offers breathtaking views of Paris from its sky-high rooms at incredibly affordable rates.
Opened in October 2022, TOO Hôtel represents a 180-degree departure from the stylish, velvet-clad Madame Rêve in terms of scope, scale, materials, and vision. This collaboration between Taïeb and the legendary Philippe Starck occupies several floors of two glass skyscrapers designed by Jean Nouvel.
From the raw concrete lobby to the bamboo keycards handed out by staff in utilitarian uniforms, TOO Hôtel immerses you in a world of stark modernism. This fusion of land and sky culminates in the TOO TacTac SkyBar and the TOO Panoramic restaurant on the 27th floor.
Sky-High Views and an Epic Terrace
Despite its location 25-30 minutes by car from downtown, TOO TacTac SkyBar has become a popular destination, requiring reservations for its epic terrace overlooking the city. Secure a table before sunset and watch the sun dip behind the Eiffel Tower each night.
With delectable cocktails, a curated French wine list, and small bites with Asian influences, TOO TacTac SkyBar provides an unforgettable experience for couples and groups of friends.
Modern Paris in the 13th Arrondissement
TOO Hôtel resides in the developing neighborhood of the 13th arrondissement. While its location near train tracks, the National Library, the international business district, and a few modern big box shops might not conjure up images of a classic Parisian streetscape, a walk along the river reveals a vibrant waterfront scene.
The area boasts a plethora of bars and restaurants, each with its own distinct outdoor ambiance. The neighborhood, more popular with locals than tourists, provides a glimpse into a hyper-local scene that feels like the new Paris.
Modernist Design and Unforgettable Views
TOO Hôtel rooms are modern, spacious, and minimalist, characteristic of Starck’s designs. However, the floor-to-ceiling views of the city beyond provide all the visual stimulation you need. Imagine the famous time-lapse video of Shibuya Crossing, but with a Parisian train version below your feet.
Even the bathrooms, with their floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offer breathtaking views from the freestanding soaking tubs. Wake up in a plush white bed with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance – a scene straight out of a movie. Rooms come in a range of sizes, from Classic, Superior, and Executive to Deluxe Terrace and Junior Suites, offering three unique views: the Eiffel Tower, downtown Paris, and the Seine River.
Dining with a View
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 Panoramic restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The expansive room features high ceilings and a whimsical décor of abstract and absurdist modern artworks, creating the effect of a giant’s dining room.
The Asian-fusion dishes are exquisite but come at a price. Highlights include a starter of salmon tataki, followed by crab hotpot with sake bisque or jumbo tiger prawns as a main course.
TOO Hôtel also offers a small gym, a terrace hot tub, and a spa for a well-rounded experience.
Two Worlds, Two Choices
If your taste runs toward elegance and a walkable downtown location, Madame Rêve is the perfect choice. But if you’re budget-conscious and appreciate modern design, TOO Hôtel will steal your heart.
If you have four nights to spare, why not experience both? Explore the timeless charm of Madame Rêve and then embrace the cutting-edge world of TOO Hôtel – two hotels, two worlds, and an unforgettable Parisian adventure.
