DESIGN : W PARIS – OPÉRA
Given W Hotels ’ stylish reputation , it is fitting that the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide brand has made its debut in the global fashion capital of Paris . The 91-room W Paris – Opéra , which opened this past February , occupies a Haussmann-era building dating back to the 1860s in the 9th Arrondissement near the Opéra Garnier , Galeries Lafayette and Place Vendome . Starwood and owner Meridia Capital , Barcelona , are hoping it stands out in one of the world ’ s most competitive hotel markets thanks to that prime location as well as features including a distinctive design .
“ We wanted to play with the vibrancy of [ Paris as ] ‘ The City of Light ’ and the magnificence of the building itself ,” says Diego Gronda , managing and creative director of Rockwell Group Europe , Madrid , which crafted the design concept along with W Global Brand Design . “ The W Paris – Opéra design aesthetic embraces collisions between the elegant , fashion-savvy and eclectic city of Paris and the energetic , cosmopolitan and hip lifestyle of New York City .”
The design theme throughout the hotel is “ The Spark ,” embodied by an oversized , backlit , digital wall in the central core of the building . Elevators and staircases , meanwhile , are upholstered or painted in red , “ to give the idea that guests are walking inside the core of ‘ The Spark ,’” Gronda notes .
General Manager Olivier Servat highlights other differentiators for the property , such as W Insider Cécile Rummler — a concierge who aims to connect guests to Paris ’ hottest attractions — as well as amenities like Arola , the first restaurant in France for Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola , and the W Lounge bar , which offers events including hands-on mixology classes .
Guestrooms and suites aim to reflect a bold spirit as well . The building ’ s history shines through in elements such as headboards and TV panels made from frames and moldings typical in the heritage architecture , while contemporary artwork provides a modern touch .
Servat declines to comment on the hotel ’ s occupancy since its opening , but says average rate has been € 420 ( US $ 524 ). “ Presently , there is no strong competition with the hotels in the Opéra district for W Paris – Opéra , as those in the area tend to be more traditional ,” Servat says .
And “ traditional ” is just what this hotel is not . “ I do not want guests to feel like they are staying in the cliché Parisian hotel ,” Gronda adds . “ I want them to feel as if they are residing in a chic house in the heart of Paris surrounded by cool locals who unveil all the hidden secrets . After all , isn ’ t this what we all expect when we visit a new city ?”
The hotel ’ s two Extreme Wow Suites features high ceilings , tall windows and an oversized circular bed .
In addition to a “ secret shower ” behind two classical Parisian doors , Extreme Wow Suites boast a freestanding bathtub and two sinks .
www . hotelsmag . com July / August 2012 HOTELS 55