Imagine yourself in the City of Lights, with the Paris Olympics in full swing, the buzz of the city, and the incredible camaraderie between South Korea and North Korea. This is a moment you’ll want to savor, and the Paris Travel searches have gone through the roof!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, Google is overflowing with suggestions for “Best Paris Hotel” and “Where to stay in Paris.” But among all the incredible options, two hotels stand out: Hôtel Madame Rêve and TOO Hôtel. Both are owned by the same hospitality group but offer completely different experiences.
Hôtel Madame Rêve: Parisian Luxury Meets Modern Style
Hôtel Madame Rêve is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris. It’s a discreet boutique luxury property housed in the iconic Louvre Post Office, just a short distance from the bustling streets of the city’s central business district. The entrance is marked by a small door that leads to an immense stone façade, which is designed to resemble a 19th-century mansion. Once you step inside, you’re transported to a world of luxury and elegance.
The impressive lobby-café-restaurant is reminiscent of the 19th century, with gorgeous common spaces draped in rich fabrics, gilded walls, and sumptuous seating. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail, enjoy a light bite, or even indulge in a decadent dinner. The rooftop offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, with its lush greenery and modern ambiance. This is a place where you can truly experience Parisian life.
A Glimpse into Hôtel Madame Rêve’s Inspiration
Laurent Taïeb, the founder of the hotel, wanted to create a space that paid homage to the rich history of the Louvre Post Office. He drew inspiration from unparalleled French know-how, including the creative breath of glassmaker Emilie Gallé and cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle. He also drew inspiration from the Viennese Secession and the work of Josef Hoffmann, which can be seen in the grand café with its 8-meter-high ceilings.
Hôtel Madame Rêve: A Haven of Luxury and Comfort
Hôtel Madame Rêve features some of the most expansive and beautifully designed outdoor spaces in Paris. The 10,000-square-foot rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the city, including landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. This is a place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city below.
The hotel features 82 rooms and suites, each with its own unique character. The smallest rooms feel cozy and intimate, thanks to the original slanted windows, warm woods, leather details, and an earthen color scheme that evokes a mid-century design aesthetic. Even the largest suites offer a feeling of elegance and comfort.
A Culinary Journey at Hôtel Madame Rêve
Hôtel Madame Rêve features two exceptional restaurants. The Kitchen by Stéphanie Le Quellec is a must-visit for food lovers. This art deco-inspired restaurant is led by one of Paris’s best chefs and one of the city’s best female chefs. If you have the time, be sure to book a table at her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Scène.
La Plûme is a Franco-Japanese spot known for its sexy, dimly lit dining room and its delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, La Plûme is the perfect place to experience the Parisian nightlife.
TOO Hôtel: Modern Design Meets Stunning City Views
TOO Hôtel stands in stark contrast to Hôtel Madame Rêve, but it’s equally exciting and worth booking for the contrast it offers. The key to TOO Hôtel isn’t the location – more on that later – but the hotel itself. Sky-high rooms designed by the legendary Philippe Starck offer sublime million-euro views of Paris for incredibly affordable rates.
The hotel’s design is a 180-degree shift from the fashionable, velvet-swaddled Rêve. It’s a collaboration between Taïeb and Starck, and it occupies several floors of two glass skyscrapers designed by Jean Nouvel. From the raw concrete lobby to the bamboo keycard, everything about TOO Hôtel is modern and minimalist.
A Sky-High Experience at TOO Hôtel
The TOO TacTac SkyBar is a must-visit for its epic terrace floating above the city. The stunning views are especially breathtaking at sunset, as you watch the sun dip behind the Eiffel Tower.
Despite its location 25-30 minutes by car from downtown, the TOO TacTac Skybar has become a popular destination. Reservations are highly recommended for this rooftop haven. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious cocktail, a glass of French wine, and small bites with Asian influences.
A Modern Paris Experience at TOO Hôtel
The TOO Hôtel sits in the developing neighborhood of the 13th arrondissement. While it’s not your typical Parisian streetscape, it’s filled with bars and restaurants with a vibrant outdoor scene. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the hyper-local scene and experience the new Paris.
The rooms are modern, spacious, and minimalist, a hallmark of Starck’s designs. Floor-to-ceiling views of the city beyond provide all the visual stimulation you’ll need. Imagine waking up to the Eiffel Tower in the distance and the bustling city below – it’s a view straight out of a movie!
Culinary Delights and Amenities at TOO Hôtel
The TOO TacTac SkyBar is the perfect way to start your evening, before indulging in a panoramic dining experience at the 27th-floor restaurant. The expansive room features high ceilings and whimsical décor that gives the effect of a giant’s dining room. The Asian-fusion dishes are excellent, but pricey.
The hotel also boasts a small gym, a terrace hot tub, and a spa – all the amenities you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.
The Choice is Yours: Hôtel Madame Rêve or TOO Hôtel?
If you’re looking for a swish and walkable downtown location, Hôtel Madame Rêve is the perfect choice. If you’re on a budget and appreciate modern design, TOO Hôtel is the one for you. And if you have four nights, why not split your time and experience both? You can’t go wrong with either choice! You’ll have a memorable Parisian getaway no matter which hotel you choose.
