The Paris Olympics are igniting a global passion for sports and fostering camaraderie, even between South Korea and North Korea, who marched together at the opening ceremony. This excitement is driving a surge in “Paris Travel” searches, with “Best Paris Hotel” and “Where to stay in Paris” topping Google trends.
The city is overflowing with unique accommodations, but two hotels from the same group, Hôtel Madame Rêve and TOO Hôtel, stand out as complementary yet distinct.
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 discreet entrance, mimicking a 19th-century mansion, conceals a breathtaking lobby, café, and restaurant that exudes a captivating vintage charm. Lush fabrics, gilded walls, and opulent seating create an inviting space to unwind over wine or cocktails, savor delectable snacks, and perhaps even transition into a glamorous dinner.
The rooftop offers a modern twist, providing panoramic views of the city from a verdant oasis filled with exotic plants. Laurent Taïeb, the hotel’s visionary founder, sought to create multiple “living” spaces for Parisians and visitors alike, and he has undoubtedly achieved his goal.
Taïeb, a renowned French entrepreneur, is also the mastermind behind several notable restaurants throughout Paris, including Kong, Le Trésor, and the “Tours Duo” skyscrapers. His inspiration for Hôtel Madame Rêve stemmed from a desire to preserve the historical significance of the Louvre Post Office. “I wanted to tell this story by leveraging unparalleled French craftsmanship,” he explained. “From the ground floor, I aimed to express the language of volumes, rediscovering the creative brilliance of glassmaker Emilie Gallé and cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle. I was also captivated by the Viennese Secession and drew inspiration from Josef Hoffmann in designing the chandeliers… This led to the concept of the grand café, with its 8-meter-high ceilings, reminiscent of the grandeur of historic spaces.”
Modern Elegance: TOO Hôtel
Across town, TOO Hôtel presents a stark contrast to Madame Rêve, yet remains equally captivating and worth exploring.
The allure of TOO Hôtel lies not in its location—more on that later—but in its captivating design by Philippe Starck. Sky-high rooms offer breathtaking million-euro views of Paris at incredibly affordable rates.
Opened in October 2022, TOO Hôtel’s design diverges significantly from Madame Rêve’s fashionable velvet embrace in terms of scope, scale, materials, and vision. The hotel, a collaboration between Taïeb and legendary designer Philippe Starck, occupies several floors of two glass skyscrapers designed by Jean Nouvel.
From the raw concrete lobby to the bamboo keycards and staff in minimalist uniforms, every element evokes a modern interplay between land and sky. This culminates in the TOO TacTac SkyBar and the 27th-floor TOO Panoramic restaurant.
Despite its location 25-30 minutes from downtown, the TOO TacTac SkyBar has become a popular destination, requiring reservations for its breathtaking terrace overlooking the city. Arrive before sunset to witness the sun setting behind the Eiffel Tower each night. Exceptional cocktails, a French wine list, and Asian-inspired small bites create a memorable experience for couples and friends alike.
Location, Location, Location
While Hôtel Madame Rêve caters to affluent guests in a prime location near Les Halles, TOO Hôtel resides in the evolving 13th arrondissement.
Its proximity to train tracks, the National Library, the international business district, and modern buildings may not immediately evoke the image of a classic Parisian streetscape. However, a stroll along the river reveals a lively waterfront scene. The neighborhood is teeming with bars and restaurants, each boasting a distinctive outdoor ambiance, from the food and music to the decor and seating. Frequented by locals rather than tourists, the area offers a glimpse into the vibrant, hyper-local scene that embodies the new Paris.
Design and Amenities
Hôtel Madame Rêve boasts expansive outdoor spaces, including a 10,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant that provides stunning panoramic views of the Parisian skyline. The lush greenery, comfortable seating, and lively ambiance, centered around exceptional cocktails and a French-focused wine list, make it the ideal escape from the bustling city below.
The property features one giant glass roof across two levels, 82 rooms and suites, including 43 with terraces or balconies. Rooms range in size from 300 square feet to 861 square feet. Even the smallest feel cozy, thanks to the original slanted windows framing the exterior wall, warm, rich woods, leather details, and an earthy color scheme reminiscent of mid-century design.
The hotel houses two restaurants. The ground floor is home to the art deco-inspired Kitchen by Stéphanie Le Quellec, one of Paris’s finest chefs and a leading female chef in the city. If you have time, make a reservation for lunch or dinner at her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Scène, with its art deco train-inspired design. The cuisine at her flagship restaurant differs significantly from that of the Kitchen. Expect well-executed classic French dishes served throughout the day and evening. The dining space features deep-seated chairs and couches, creating a lounge-like atmosphere. The 26-foot ceilings and high-back swivel chairs at the bar add to the room’s gravitas. The second restaurant, La Plûme, is a Franco-Japanese spot known for its sexy, dimly lit dining room.
Beyond food and beverage, the hotel offers a first-floor wellness center and spa with a sauna and fitness room. The gym features bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, yoga mats, weights, and other equipment. The spa is small, so booking ahead is recommended for one of the two treatment rooms for a scrub or massage.
TOO Hôtel rooms are modern, spacious, and minimalist, reflecting Starck’s signature style. However, the floor-to-ceiling views of the city beyond provide all the visual inspiration you’ll need. Imagine the famous timelapse video of Shibuya Crossing, but with a Parisian train version below your feet. Even the bathrooms, with their wall-to-wall glass, offer views from the freestanding soaking tubs. Wake up in a plush white bed with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, a setting worthy of a movie set. Rooms offer three views: the Eiffel Tower, Downtown Paris, and the Seine River. Room sizes range from Classic, Superior, and Executive to Deluxe Terrace and Junior Suites, depending on the chosen view.
The TOO TacTac SkyBar is the perfect starting point for an evening before indulging in a panoramic dining experience on the 27th floor. There is no bad table, as everyone enjoys floor-to-ceiling window views. The Panoramic restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The expansive room features high ceilings and whimsical décor of abstract and absurdist modern artworks of proportional size, creating the impression of a giant’s dining room. The Asian-fusion dishes are excellent but pricey. Highlights include a salmon tataki starter, followed by crab hotpot with sake bisque or jumbo tiger prawns for the main course.
The hotel also offers a small gym, a terrace hot tub, and a spa.
Which Hotel is Right for You?
If you prefer a chic and walkable downtown location, Hôtel Madame Rêve is the perfect choice. If you’re budget-conscious and appreciate modern design, TOO Hôtel is an excellent option. If you have four nights to spare, why not split your time between both hotels and experience the best of both worlds?
