Imagine a luxurious Parisian apartment, with sleek decor and modern amenities, right in the heart of the city. This isn’t a dream, it’s the reality of a new wave of hotels sweeping through Paris, offering a unique blend of hotel comfort and apartment-style living. These “apartment hotels,” as they’re known, are changing the way travelers experience the city.
Let’s take a closer look at one such establishment, La Sève, nestled on the chic Avenue de Lowendal. From the outside, this elegant five-story building with its white wooden shutters blends seamlessly into the 7th arrondissement’s affluent neighborhood. You might even mistake it for a residential building, which it was until recently. But behind its unassuming facade lies a hidden gem: a discreet, luxurious hotel with no traditional reception desk or prominent signage. Each floor boasts tastefully decorated hotel apartments, offering the comfort and space of a home away from home. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a group of friends, or on business, these apartments, with their three or four bedrooms, are perfect for those seeking privacy and flexibility.
But La Sève isn’t just about luxury; it’s about choice. You can book an entire apartment for around €1,500 a night on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb, or opt for a more affordable option – a room with a private bathroom (€300) and shared living areas. Staff take care of cleaning and breakfast, and you can even request a chef to cater to your culinary needs. This personalized service, coupled with the stylish design, creates an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere, catering to a discerning clientele.
A New Breed of Hoteliers: Embracing the “Apartment Hotel” Trend
Behind this innovative concept is Guillaume Lange, a Paris-based financier with a keen eye for opportunity. Having built a successful career managing the fortunes of 200 clients, he recognized the potential of the “apartment hotel” market. Instead of focusing on traditional real estate, Lange saw the promise of this growing niche, where travelers crave the comfort and independence of an apartment combined with the convenience and service of a hotel.
Lange isn’t alone in his vision. In the past five years, a wave of new players has emerged in the hotel world, seeking to redefine the “apartment hotel” experience. From Edgar Suites to Madeho and My Maison in Paris, these brands are offering a more luxurious and stylish alternative to the standardized options offered by established chains. They’re catering to a new generation of travelers who value space, privacy, and the ability to cook and entertain.
Vanguelis Panayotis, a hotel consultant, explains this shift in demand: “These concepts are well-suited to families, business travelers, and groups of friends. Our lives are becoming more fluid, blurring the lines between work and leisure. These hybrid accommodations provide the flexibility we need.”
From Traditional to Modern: A Changing Landscape
The “apartment hotel” concept isn’t entirely new. For years, investors have purchased and converted buildings into private apartments, often taking advantage of tax breaks. These properties were managed by property managers, offering a limited range of services.
The new wave of “apartment hotels” is different. These entrepreneurs are buying entire buildings, often converting former offices, hotels, or even residential buildings into luxurious accommodations. The process isn’t without its challenges, especially when transforming residential buildings.
To ensure a smooth transition, owners are required to compensate for the loss of living space by purchasing “marketing rights.” This process allows them to create new housing units within the same district, ensuring a balanced approach to the market.
The “apartment hotel” revolution is just beginning. As more travelers embrace the flexibility and comfort these accommodations offer, we can expect to see more innovative concepts emerge, pushing the boundaries of the traditional hotel experience.
