Les Ambassadeurs : The famed Michelinstarred restaurant has become a bar .
The spirit of Paris ’ Hôtel de Crillon is more hôtel particulier than hotel , says Aline Asmar d ’ Amman , artistic director of the four-year project to restore the historic property – so she set out to recreate a grand private residence to make guests feel they are “ staying in the chateau of a wealthy friend .”
Asmar d ’ Amman grew up in Lebanon , whose cultural bridge to France has always been strong . The influence of French art de vivre and history inspires her , so she says it was imperative to “ let the heritage express itself in a very modern , edgy way , which is enjoyable rather than a burden .”
That modern way resulted in 124 renovated guest rooms , down from 147 , including 36 suites and 10 signature suites . Management will not disclose what owner Saudi Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah spent , but estimates range from US $ 235 million to US $ 470 million .
Managing Director Marc Raffray says guests who know the property well will find a historical hotel been reborn with a fresh and modern twist . “ The property now radiates fine French contemporary lifestyle , not only in its design , but in gastronomy , art and service ,” he says .
Asmar d ’ Amman and Raffray took a collaborative approach . “ Many big design decisions had been made by the time I joined the hotel ,” Raffray says , “ but I have played a critical role in ensuring all those designs are functional and make sense operationally . If not , we work together to find a solution .” Rosewood Hotels & Resorts , which was awarded the management contract for the property in December 2013 , says the approach was to respect history while injecting modernity and Parisian irreverence . Apart from her team at Culture in Architecture , Asmar d ’ Amman worked closely with Paris-based designers Tristan Auer , Chahan Minassian and Cyril Vergniol .
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