Neighborhoods are what make cities so unique. Behind each is a unique pattern of rhymes and rhythms embedded in the winding side streets or hidden behind that dusty shop sign, far removed from the well-tread tourist trails. More and more, travelers are searching for access to these areas to truly get a feel for their destination of choice. Design Hotelsª presents four Parisian members that act as gateways to their neighborhoods, from the Golden Triangle in the city center to the vibrant Pigalle district, these hotels reflect their and allow guests to experience true neighborhood integration first-hand.
Hotel Bel Ami à Saint-Germain-des-PrÂs
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-PrÂs in Paris, which has attracted Parisian intellectuals since the 18th century, Hotel Bel Ami calls one of Paris’ most storied districts home. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful Rive Gauche, find some of the capital’s most charming bookshops, or simply get lost in the enchanting streets peppered with hidden restaurants, cafÂs, and boutiques around the church of Saint-Sulpice. Tucked away on a tiny side street, Hotel Bel Ami embodies the characteristics of its setting, with a visual and conceptual identity that reflects the district’s history, culture, and inimitable style.
Les Bains à Le Marais
Once a private bathhouse which played host to Marcel Proust and the bohemians of the Belle Âpoque, and more recently a famed nightclub where Jagger and Bowie romped, Les Bains is gloriously backÃthis time, as a boutique hotel in Paris’ Le Marais neighborhood. The hotel is set at 7 Rue du Bourg L’AbbÂ, a jewel of the historic third arrondissement, formerly the playground of the city’s aristocrats, then the stomping ground of the celebrity and fashionista elite in the 1980s and 1990s. The district of Le Marais is home to a jumble of architecturally grand buildings and swanky clubs, a vibrant and varied art scene, and plenty of upscale bars and eateries.
Hotel Vernet à Champs ElysÂes
Housed in a post-Haussmann building that dates from 1917, Hotel Vernet is situated on the edge of arguably the most famous boulevard in Paris, the Avenue des Champs-ÂlysÂes. The hotel is perched on the northern edge of the Golden Triangle, while Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V extend south to the Seine to complete the trilogy. One will stumble upon the likes of Chanel and HermÂs while walking the cobblestones, and street-side restaurants and cafÂs make for a flamboyant display of fashion, flair, and Parisian eccentricity. The Golden Triangle also sits between the Arc de Triomphe to the northwestÃoffering impressive views over the cityÃand the Grand Palais des Champs-ÂlysÂes, a 1900 Art Nouveau exhibition hall and cultural center topped with an awe-inspiring glass dome.
Le Pigalle à Pigalle
It isn’t often that one gets a glimpse of a golden age these days. In the case of Le Pigalle, a shining beacon in the Pigalle district, this age speaks of the Paris of Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, and Edith Piaf. This once-seedy, neon-lit neighborhood welcomed all echelons of society, from the creative to the criminal, with the occasional well-heeled professional thrown in for good measure. To capture the artistic and collaborative spirit once alive here, Le Pigalle has turned to the district’s residents to create what is a monumentally inspired, brazen, and energetic focal point. This authentic neighborhood hotel features photographs and illustrations by local artists, curated music by a neighborhood DJ, delicious baked goods delivered by a nearby bakery, and a local flower shop by Muse. It also offers special access to the local community, the members of which can often be found propping up the bar with their tales of a gritty and provocative red light district that defied definition.
