Imagine strolling down a chic Parisian avenue, admiring the elegant buildings with their charming balconies and shutters. You might think it’s just another residential street, but behind those walls lies a secret: luxury apartment hotels that offer a unique and sophisticated experience.
One such hidden gem is La Sève, located on Avenue de Lowendal in the prestigious 7th arrondissement. From the outside, it looks like a typical Parisian apartment building, but step inside and you’ll discover a world of comfort and style. No reception desk, no flashing signs, just discreet luxury. Each floor boasts beautifully decorated hotel apartments, featuring three or four bedrooms, perfect for families or groups of friends.
These apartments are fully equipped with kitchens and living rooms, offering guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their own space. You can book a whole apartment for around €1,500 a night, or opt for a private room with its own bathroom for a more budget-friendly option. The hotel staff takes care of everything, providing daily cleaning, delicious breakfast, and even a chef on request.
A New Breed of Hotelier: Guillaume Lange and the Rise of 1.75
Behind this new wave of apartment hotels is a visionary entrepreneur named Guillaume Lange. A successful Parisian financier, Lange recognized the growing demand for more spacious and customizable travel accommodations. Instead of following the traditional real estate path, he embraced the riskier but potentially more rewarding world of apartment hotels.
Lange’s company, 1.75, now owns four elegant apartment hotels in Paris, each strategically located in desirable neighborhoods. These properties, acquired with the help of investors, represent a significant investment exceeding €50 million. Lange’s ambition, however, doesn’t stop there – he has even more acquisitions planned, solidifying 1.75’s position as a major player in the Parisian hotel market.
Luxury Meets Flexibility: A New Era of Travel
The concept of apartment hotels isn’t entirely new, but 1.75 and similar players are bringing a fresh perspective to the genre. These “new kids on the block” are offering travelers a more luxurious experience, with stylish décor and a range of services catering to diverse needs.
No longer limited to standardized accommodations, these apartment hotels cater to the evolving demands of modern travelers. Families, business travelers, and groups of friends are all seeking spaces that provide a comfortable and flexible experience, allowing them to work, relax, and explore without sacrificing any of the amenities they desire.
“These concepts are perfect for families, but also for business travelers and groups of friends,” explains Vanguelis Panayotis, a hotel industry expert. “Today, we’re seeing a shift in travel habits, blurring the lines between work and leisure. These hybrid accommodations offer a perfect solution for this new reality.”
A New Approach to Hospitality: Breaking the Traditional Mold
Traditional apartment hotels were often sold off to private individuals, with limited management and service. This new generation of apartment hotels, however, takes a different approach. Instead of selling individual units, they purchase entire buildings en bloc, allowing for greater control and consistency.
This model, however, presents its own challenges, especially when converting residential buildings. To compensate for the loss of living space, developers often have to purchase “marketing rights,” which are used to create new housing units in the same neighborhood. This complex process ensures that the conversion of residential buildings is done responsibly and ethically.
This new wave of apartment hotels is redefining the concept of luxury hospitality. By embracing flexibility, offering diverse services, and prioritizing the needs of modern travelers, they’re creating a new and exciting chapter in the world of travel.
So, the next time you’re in Paris, look beyond the traditional hotels. You might just discover a hidden haven of style, comfort, and freedom in one of the city’s many luxurious apartment hotels.
