Imagine two siblings, sharing some family resemblances but possessing entirely different personalities. This is precisely the story of L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur and Hôtel Vernet, two captivating hotels in Paris’s chic Eighth Arrondissement.
Sibling Similarities
Both hotels, nestled near the iconic Champs Elysées, are relatively new or newly renovated and proudly wear the five-star designation. They promise luxurious comfort at a price tag less intimidating than “palace” hotels, while boasting a captivatingly stylish decor.
Distinct Personalities
Despite their shared elegance, each hotel has a unique charm. L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur is a grand and multifaceted establishment, while Hôtel Vernet whispers of intimacy and exclusivity. One evokes the glamour and sophistication of 1930s Paris, while the other embraces the cutting-edge contemporary aesthetic of the 21st century.
L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur: A Grand Parisian Statement
L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur, a seven-story structure at 51-57 rue de Courcelles, welcomes guests with 478 rooms and suites. It’s a haven for discerning travelers, offering a full-service spa, an elegant restaurant, a chic bar, a serene central garden, numerous meeting rooms and event spaces, and an “executive lounge” catering to guests in select rooms and suites.
A Transformation from Hilton to Art Deco
This architectural gem has a fascinating history. Built in 2004, it initially operated under the Hilton banner as the Hilton Arc de Triomphe. However, in 2012, owner Albert Cohen reclaimed the property and embarked on a complete transformation, shedding all traces of its former chain affiliation. The result is a stunning metamorphosis into a member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand, showcasing a distinct and captivating personality.
A Celebration of 1930s Elegance
L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur embraces two intertwining themes of the 1930s: transatlantic liners and Art Deco. Hints of the ocean liner motif appear throughout the hotel’s architectural details, transporting guests to a bygone era of luxury and elegance. The Art Deco influence is even more pronounced, evident in the hotel’s very name.
An Immersive Art Deco Experience
(The original Hôtel d’un Collectionneur was a pavilion built for the Paris Exhibition of 1925 to showcase the burgeoning “Art Deco” movement.)
L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur’s decorators have artfully woven Art Deco into the fabric of the hotel, filling both guest rooms and public spaces with original and reproduced Art Deco objects and artifacts. The hotel also boasts custom-made pieces, crafted by designers using contemporary materials and authentic Art Deco designs.
Catering to Every Traveler
L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur caters to a wide range of travelers, each finding something to love. Groups adore the inviting lobby, the attentive staff, the well-appointed rooms, and the bountiful buffet breakfast. Business travelers appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi, business facilities, and the knowledgeable concierge. Families are drawn to the connecting rooms, kid-friendly promotions, and engaging programs. And sophisticated leisure travelers are captivated by the Deco decor, the lush flower arrangements, the luxurious room amenities, the user-friendly bathrooms, and the exceptional breakfast, snack, and cocktail service in the executive lounge. In fact, most guests find themselves charmed by every facet of this remarkable hotel.
The Essence of L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur
Three words perfectly encapsulate the vibe of L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur: graceful, artistic, multidimensional.
Hôtel Vernet: A Modern Masterpiece
Looking at Hôtel Vernet from the street, one wouldn’t guess the light, bright, and contemporary magic that lies within its walls.
A Transformation from Tradition to Trend
Built in 1913, Hôtel Vernet stood as a traditional hotel for decades. In 2013, the Besse Signature Group, a family-owned French company specializing in design hotels, purchased the property and envisioned a radical transformation. They enlisted renowned interior designer François Champsaur to reinvent the space, and the result is truly breathtaking.
Blending History with Modernity
The original structure’s elegance is preserved: marble floors and lobby colonnades, high ceilings, a majestic skylight designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel, and stained-glass windows in a curving stairwell. These historical elements serve as a stunning backdrop for the bold, contemporary decor.
Intimate Luxury
With 50 rooms and suites, and public space limited to a discreet reception area, several salons, a bar, and a restaurant, Hôtel Vernet maintains an intimate atmosphere. Staying here feels like stepping into the private home of a wealthy grande dame who has allowed her trendy, art-loving grandchild to redecorate.
A Symphony of Contemporary Art
Contemporary art is seamlessly woven into the fabric of Hôtel Vernet. From carpets and ceiling frescos to framed prints adorning mirrors and walls, and from pleated copper screens to inventive lighting fixtures, art becomes an integral part of the experience.
Sculpted Spaces
Even the hotel’s bar feels like a masterpiece, sculpted from a single slab of marble.
A Dining Experience Under the Stars
The restaurant, with its blue and green dining banquettes, invites guests into a sacred space of color bathed in the luminous glow of Eiffel’s stained-glass dome.
Guest Rooms: A Haven of Oak and Luxury
Guest rooms are dominated by rich oak, from the massive doors and room dividers to the wall panels and bed headboards. The oak creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by shades of gray carpeting, white linens, table tops, and wall inserts. Woolen throws and decorative pillows add pops of vibrant color, creating a restful yet stimulating environment.
Bathrooms: A Sanctuary of Luxury
The bathrooms, crafted from wood and Carrere marble, maintain the clean-line luxury theme.
Technology Meets Elegance
In keeping with its five-star designation, Hôtel Vernet’s guest rooms boast the latest technology, including state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and dramatic, futuristic brass bed lamps.
A Haven for Trendsetters
Hôtel Vernet attracts a clientele of interior designers, fashionistas, hipsters, and sophisticated travelers. Three words perfectly capture the hotel’s vibe: trendy, hot, urbane.
