The closest experience I’ve had to living in a 18th century palace has been at the Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, France. Le Meurice offers a glimpse into the sumptuous royal lifestyle of an antiquated yet classic era- earning the hotel an official “palace” distinction by the French government in 2011.

With its Palace of Versailles baroque interiors characterized by magnificent ceiling paintings and large, ornate mirrors, Le Meurice truly resembles a regal Parisian palace overlooking the beautiful Tuileries gardens.

The hotel’s close association with figures like Salvador Dalí- one of the most celebrated artists of all time, further adds to the hotel’s grandeur, especially in a city with long-standing roots in fine art and craftwork. Dali’s fondness for Le Meurice was reciprocated by the hotel through the glorious Le Dalí restaurant which embraces Dali’s Spanish origins by serving Mediterranean cuisine blended with traditional French brasserie flavors.

Infact, the hotel’s origins tracing back to 1815 add an air of mystery as it makes you think of all the iconic figures that have walked the gilded hallways and the countless secrets hidden behind the walls.

Le Meurice also possesses a two-michelin star french restaurant named after its famous chef- Alain Ducasse in what is known to be one of the most splendid dining rooms of all time. Gastronomy, elegance and opulence come together in this restaurant recently retouched by the famous french interior designer Philippe Starck.

Starck was hired in 2016 to make the palace more homely and welcoming in a slightly more contemporary setting while still retaining its french resplendence. Starck’s personal artistic touch of giving each floor in the hotel its each distinctive theme was greeted with a positive response, painting Le Meurice as the ultimate hotel to satisfy all desires in the city of romance.

The rooms at Le Meurice are styled in a palette of natural, soft colors like beige, light pink and ivory giving it a sophisticated vibe.

Despite an inclination towards a Louis XVI decorative style, the hotel provides its guests with all the modern comforts such as fine bed linens, marble-adorned bathrooms, high speed internet and the Valmont Spa.

A part of the established Dorchestor collection which owns many well-known hotels across the world such as the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA as well as Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, Le Meurice is one of the most elegant hotels in Europe and lives unto its reputed name.​​​​​​​

Although on the pricier end, I’d say the price of this hotel is a true reflection of its value as the experience is nothing short of exemplary, not only in terms of its splendor and service but also in terms of its ideal location.

Suitable for all preferences ranging from shopping to fine art and literature to simply sightseeing and exploring Paris, Le Meurice is exactly what you came for.

Contact Info:
Le Meurice Hotel, Paris
Where: 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 44 58 10 10
Website: //www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/le-meurice/
Price Range: $$$-$$$$