Wayfarer exclusive: inside Paris’ iconic, legendary and luxurious Le Meurice hotel
There are so many things to say, but one of the most obvious is probably the perfect mix of heritage and modernity. Le Meurice combines 18th-century splendours with the most innovative modern comforts, for example hand-painted Gournay wallpapers, stained glass windows by Duchemin or straw marquetry by Lison de Caunes.
Technology is intuitive and everything has been thought to make you feel like in a stunning Parisian apartment with attention to detail and exceptional fabrics like. Prelle, a renowned silk manufacturer from Lyon since 1752.
Ideally located opposite the Tuileries gardens, between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, Le Meurice provides a haven of tranquillity to countless important personalities since it opened in 1835.
We entrusted Charles Jouffre with the renovations of the rooms and suites. I have been working with him for some time now.
For the latest renovations, he called on a young designer couple, Margaux Lally and Luc Berger, with whom we have selected fine fabrics from Rubelli, Toyine Sellers or Veraseta, bespoke furniture from Charles Jouffre and some beautiful artwork from Carole Benzaken and others to design harmonious Parisian apartments with opulent surroundings.
The most talented French craftsmen have been gathered to give credit to our French savoir-faire.
One of our most requested rooms is the Executive Balcony Room 605 facing the Tuileries gardens. It is an attic room on the sixth floor kept as a Parisian apartment in a classical French style.
Our goal was to create a very calm ambience where you can feel a sense of relief while enjoying the view over the gardens.
The unique twist of this room is the beautiful hand painted wallpaper from de Gournay of exceptional quality with themes and patterns of the natural world as an echo to the Tuileries.
It is my second experience with Alain Ducasse and I would consider him as a pioneer and visionary. His culture and curiosity allow him to be always ahead of the curve.
As a skilled and decisive captain, he federates our teams led by Executive Chef Amaury Bouhours who takes them constantly up to the next level proposing new challenges.
His focus is on the product and those who provide it; he always would prefer seasonal culinary experiences to exotic creations and is an adept of authentic taste while offering a global experience where every detail counts.
Alain Ducasse and Amaury Bouhours aim to defend the culinary French heritage that is similar to the identity of Le Meurice where we strive to combine tradition and modernity.
The dining experience is of course about what is on the plate – and Chef Clémentine Bouchon from Le Dalí masters this art at its finest by sublimating and transforming the best ingredients into tasteful dishes – but also about the ambience.
Whereas Le Dalí is the vibrant heart of the hotel and offers the guest a magnificent spectacle of palace life, the gastronomic restaurant elevates the dining experience to another dimension.
It has one of the most incredible penthouse suites on the seventh floor, designed in a contemporary style and featuring a 360-degree view from the landscaped terrace offering spectacular views to iconic landmarks but also to the famous zinc rooftops of Paris.
With our interior designers Lally and Berger, we have selected the best artisans to make this place a harmonious Parisian apartment with enchanting surroundings. The hot spot is the marbled bathroom where you can see Sacré Cœur while taking a bath in the oversized tub. In this unique suite, Paris is yours!
Guests have references and they know in advance that the staff will take care of them, be always available for special requests and make them feel secure.
Dorchester Collection focuses on the human dimension with our ‘we care’ approach towards the staff, and our leitmotiv is ‘treasured by guests, cherished by employees’. That says it all! The special way to create a home away from home for your guests can only consolidate the relationship and enhance loyalty. We have guests who come to Le Meurice for more than 30 years.
I like crossing the street and strolling through ‘our’ Tuileries Gardens to take a breath of fresh air which is very valuable in a big city like Paris!
Of course, some shopping could also be part of the plan. And for that, rue Saint-Honoré – right behind the hotel – is for sure the best neighbourhood to find chic and classic French boutiques.
Still, I would probably make a five minutes’ walk detour to the Palais Royal, strolling around this very typical Parisian area where you can find exceptional shops, galleries and authentic cafés facing the apartment of French writer Colette.
From there, it is only a stone’s throw away to the the Bourse de Commerce that offers amazing contemporary art exhibitions which are part of the private collection of François Pinault.
Finally, to end with this most perfect day, I would love to attend a representation at the Comédie Française or at the Opera followed by a sparkling midnight drink at their CoCo bar.
Wayfarer recommends flying to Paris in Business Class on Singapore Airlines, which offers ten flights per week to the French Capital.
Singapore Airlines operates two aircraft types to Paris, including the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A350-900.
On the B777 and A350, the signature Business Class seats offer two new seating positions, the Lazy Z, a cradling position that ensures your weight is centered and balanced when you’re sitting down, and the Sundeck, a lounging position that extends the base and foot of your seat so you can stretch and rest your legs on the ottoman.
On flights to Paris, you can ‘Book the Cook’ and reserve your main course up to 24 hours before you fly, including creations by notable chefs from the carrier’s International Culinary Panel. You’ll dine in restaurant setting onboard with full table service, and wines to match the food and altitude.
There’s free WiFi available for Business, First and Suites customers and alongside fantastic food, hospitality and comfort, find thousands’ of hours entertainment on demand including new-release movies, TV shows, music, games and more.
Book your Singapore Airlines flights now at singaporeair.com