The Saint James Paris isn’t your typical Parisian hotel. It’s not a grand palace on the Seine or a trendy boutique in the Marais. Instead, it’s a hidden gem nestled in the chic and sophisticated 16th arrondissement, a former country estate transformed into a haven of understated elegance.
A History of Glamour and Charm
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by an impressive staircase adorned with intricate carpet patterns and strategically placed mirrors, reminiscent of the mind-bending creations of M.C. Escher. From the second floor, a stunning view of the interior courtyard unfolds, defying expectations for the size of the space within a seemingly humble building.
The Saint James Paris has a fascinating past, dating back to the late 19th century when the land was used for hot air balloon launches. It was later transformed into a small mansion, serving as a student residence for promising foreigners and French pupils.
Notable individuals, including the founder of the Cannes Film Festival, passed through its doors. By the late 20th century, it evolved into the Saint James Club of Paris, an outpost of one of the UK’s most prestigious private social clubs.
A Modern Haven of Luxury and Comfort
Today, the hotel remains privately owned by a French family and welcomes both local and international members of the Saint James Club. The cozy library, with its members-only access before cocktail hour, offers a sense of exclusivity.
Chef Julien Dumas’ Michelin-starred restaurant, Bellefeuille, also maintains its members-only exclusivity during lunchtime, although the impeccable a la carte breakfast is available to all hotel guests.
The Saint James Paris provides a “Relais & Châteaux experience in Paris”, as director of sales and marketing, Nicholas Egloff, describes it. This “country estate in the city” theme is further enhanced by the recent renovation, completed in 2021 and 2022, under the direction of talented designer Laura Gonzalez.
Gonzalez’s signature style, infused with historical romance, visual textures, and juxtaposed influences, has transformed the space. The junior suites on the top floor are flooded with sunlight, their angled glass ceilings resembling conservatories and offering a perfect backdrop for the full-size banana trees tucked into the corners.
All 50 rooms in the main building, as well as four new serviced apartments in a villa across the street, feature mismatched prints and a mix of unexpected influences: Art Deco, ancient Greece, 19th-century Far East, and various nature motifs. Despite its eclectic nature, the hotel retains a residential feel, described as “the home of a well-traveled art collector.”
A World-Class Experience
The Saint James Paris delivers the world-class service and luxury expected of a Relais & Châteaux establishment. The front desk staff is polished and professional, yet happy to play along for photos in front of the “Accidentally Wes Anderson” room key cabinet.
The concierges wear the Clefs d’Or crossed keys, a symbol of excellence in the hospitality industry. The spa features products and fragrances from Guerlain, including some that are exclusive to the hotel. And a room service dessert arrives within five minutes, impeccably presented on a silver tray, a testament to the hotel’s attention to detail.
A Timeless Sanctuary
The Saint James Paris is more than just a luxury hotel. It’s a timeless sanctuary of living history, brimming with romance, intrigue, and memory. It’s a place where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance and understated luxury.
