Lancaster Hotel, Paris
Six years after extensive restoration, the Lancaster is still the chicest address in Paris, says Kamin Mohammadi
The 1889 townhouse stands on Rue de Berri, off the north side of the Champs-Elysées, a stone’s throw from the exclusive shops of the Rue du Faubourg. This was the building that inspired legendary hotelier Emile Wolf to open a hotel in the ancienne regime style house in 1930. When the Lancaster first threw open its doors, it became a by-word for discreet elegance. Wolf had personally overseen every detail of the hotel’s decor, filling it with art and antiques. Marlene Dietrich made it her home while in Paris and artist Boris Pastoukhoff gave the hotel over 80 works of art as payment for his many stays in the 1930s (they are still displayed in the hotel). Noel Coward, Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly and Sir Alec Guinness are some of the other names associated with the hotel.
In 1996, the hotel was acquired by Grace Leo-Andrieu, the woman behind the Montalembert, among many other distinctive hotels. In her inimitable style, she has combined contemporary and oriental touches with existing elements, and the whole feels more like the home of a connoisseur than a hotel. All the rooms are individually fabulous but the suites are the ones to go for. The Marlene Dietrich suite is a symphony of lilac, the actress’s favourite colour, while the huge cinnamon and gold Emile Wolf suite next door features a grand piano. The gorgeous Suite 75 is bathed in light and overlooks the tranquil Zen garden in the inner courtyard. The Lancaster, still the chicest home away from home.
The Lancaster, 7 Rue de Berri, Paris;
T: 00 33 14 076 4076; F: 00 33 14 076 4000;
www.hotel-lancaster.fr