Travel News
A TIMELESS PARISIAN
LANDMARK
After a four-year closure, the
timeless Parisian landmark, Hotel
de Crillon, will reopen July 5, 2017.
Reopening under the Rosewood
Hotels & Resorts chain, the hotel
will offer a delicate balance between
conservation and transformation.
THE HOTEL
The original building was constructed in
1758 by French architect Ange-Jacques
Gabriel for King Louis XV, to house world
ambassadors. With a prime position on
the Place de la Concorde, its Neoclassical
façade has stood the test of time. This
includes the reigns of two French kings,
the Revolution, and the rise and fall of the
Napoleonic Empire. The historic building
was transformed into a hotel in 1909, due
to its perfect location near the Champs-
Élysées. The stunning view from the hotel
over Pont de la Concorde and Quai d’Orsay
is breathtaking and magical. The scenery
compliments Hotel de Crillon’s reputation
as a meeting point of art, design, history
and haute cuisine. The 124-room palace
hotel was taken over by Rosewood Hotels &
Resorts in 2013. Established in 1979, and
now based in Hong Kong, Rosewood has 18
properties in 11 countries.
THE RENOVATIONS
To welcome Hotel de Crillon in to the
Rosewood family, the hotel closed for
refurbishment in March 2013. The
renovations will reflect the Rosewood brand,
while also offering a fusion of 18th century
and modern spirit. The renovation has been
envisioned and guided by a talented team
of French architects, designers, artisans,
and restoration experts. Richard Martinet,
together with Affine Design, has led the
renovations, with interiors redesigned by
Tristan Auer, Chahan Minassian and Cyril
Vergniol. Furthermore, Karl Lagerfeld has
put his distinctive touch on two suites and
one room. As for gardens and green spaces,
they have been under the precious care of
landscapist Louis Benech. Benech is known
to the Paris luxury world, having previously
worked in the gardens of la Tuileries and
Versailles. A major focus was to preserve
the classical elements of the historic-
listed building. While at the same time,
injecting it with contemporary décors, and
21st century comforts expected by luxury
travellers today. To enable this, the ground
floor was split into two levels, to house
the most operative parts of the hotel. Two
basement levels have also been excavated, in
order to accommodate the hotels improved
operations.
THE REOPENING
Now, after four years of meticulous
restoration work, the luxury hotel has
announced a summer reopening on July 5,
2017. The historic venue will still feature
124 rooms and suites, alongside three
historical salons. New facilities will include
a spa, swimming pool and hair salon. In the
kitchens, the C