From the birthplace of the brand, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has marked a milestone as its first-ever hotel and flagship in Paris revealed the completion of its multi-million dollar renovation. Following the hotel’s transformation, Le Méridien Etoile now boasts reimagined guestrooms, suites and the transformation of the hotel’s public spaces, including the legendary Jazz Club Etoile and brand’s signature lobby concept: Le Méridien Hub.
“With a stronger and more globally diverse portfolio than ever before, Le Méridien has hit its stride with guests and locals as well as owners and developers around the world,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “We are delighted to have the crown jewel of our brand shining brightly once more in the City of Light, as Le Méridien returns to its roots with distinctive design and bold Destination Unlocked positioning.”
Located in the 17th arrondissement, anchored by Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées, Le Méridien Etoile is the largest hotel in central Paris. The redesign of the hotel’s rooms was led by French interior architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, while London-based firm Michaelis Boyd restyled all the public areas; both draw inspiration from Le Méridien brand’s mid-century modern design aesthetic.
The interiors of all 1,025 guestrooms and suites have been redesigned with residential texture and details inspired by the destination: the lighting and the muted colour palette of grey, light blue and charcoal are underscored by eye-catching accents. Travel and discovery are woven into the fabric of the design, with illustrated maps of Parisian arrondissements that adorn the headboards and deconstructed images of the city that are displayed in the rooms and corridors.
Art and design also provide an element of discovery throughout the public spaces of Le Méridien Etoile. Art Curator Marion Vignal selected four Parisian, contemporary artists to express their unique perspectives of Paris through different mediums. For instance, Arnold Goron, the sought-after sculptor and set designer for several French fashion houses, created the arrival art installation and impressive mural fresco, both composed of brass petals forming a map of Paris.
From the arrival lighting installation that represents the traffic circles of the city, to the custom-tiled accent wall that pays homage to Paris’ metro system, Le Méridien Etoile has transformed the staid, traditional lobby into the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub. Set amidst this space, the Longitude 2°17 Bar provides Le Méridien signature éclairs, light bites and illy coffee, expertly prepared by the hotel’s Master Barista, creating an experience that brings guests and locals together.
Le Méridien Etoile features 2,500 square metre of meeting spaces with design cues taken from the 17th arrondissement. The small meeting rooms or ‘Petits Salons’ hold up to 25 people and are named after local streets, while the large ‘Grands Salons’ hold up to 1,200 people and bear the names of neighbouring avenues and boulevards. Each of the spaces is designed with the brand’s mid-century modern aesthetic and offers modular furniture that allows personalization. Custom photography, depicting scenes from each Boulevard, was shot by one of France’s most influential Instagrammers, Vutheara Kham, and aims to inspire creativity.
The renovation of the conference centre and public areas was overseen by London-based architectural duo Alex Michaelis and Tim Boyd.
Jazz Club Etoile
Created in 1975 with celebrated drummer F.A. Galepides, known as Moustache, the Jazz Club Etoile has been entirely renovated in a mid-century modern style, with an emphasis on bright colours and vintage furniture. Parisian touches once again pepper the decor with white tiles, reminiscent of the metro stations, surrounded by the works of visual artist Christian Gastaldi, who was inspired by the posters displayed in the metro system.
While preserving the essence of the Jazz Club Etoile, former music booker and friend of Moustache, Jean-Pierre Vignola, has collaborated with Jonathan Miltat, an experienced Jazz producer, to renew the musical offering and put the spotlight on Jazz, Soul, Funk and Blues. Both locals and hotel guests alike can now discover legendary artists and new talent in the intimate venue with a new menu curated by Executive Chef Laurent Bélijar.
“Ten years after Le Méridien joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the brand now stands stronger than ever before,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Highlighting our commitment to strengthening the brand’s portfolio around the globe, over 50% of Le Méridien hotels in Europe and the Middle East have been upgraded over the last three years. We are proud to celebrate Le Méridien distinctive design aesthetic and bold ‘Destination Unlocked’ positioning in the brand’s home city of Paris.”
Since 2005, Starwood and its hotel ownership groups have transformed Le Méridien into a contemporary lifestyle brand now focused on unlocking the destination through culture, the arts, and cuisine. Now Le Méridien boasts the strongest portfolio levels in the brand’s history, growing in key destinations around the world, Le Méridien Denver; Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa; 6 newly-built Le Méridien hotels in China, including 2 in Shanghai alone; and the brand’s re-entry into Italy with the opening of Le Méridien Visconti Rome early next year.
