Hotel Edouard VII

Paris

The Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opera, in the heart of Paris, is the crown jewel of an extremely lively neighborhood. The Opera quarter, an important business center, is also filled with high fashion luxury boutiques, prestigious department stores, cafe terraces and restaurants. Its wide avenues and Haussmann type architecture are wonderful examples of Paris’ striking transformation during the Second Empire.

Formerly a swamp land, the quarter was used for growing vegetables before the construction, under Louis XIV, of les “Folies”, small private houses used by aristocrats to house their mistresses.

In the 19th century, spearheaded by Baron Haussmann, the streets were widened and the quarter, already inhabited by actors and dandies, became the site for numerous restaurants and cafes which became the favorite haunts of a great many writers, painters and intellectuals.

It was during this period that Napoleon III commissioned Charles Garnier to build a new opera house. The result was an architectural jewel, an exuberant blend of Baroque splendor and eclecticism, representing the official art of the Second Empire and asymbol of luxury and Parisian pleasure.

A royal residence

The Edouard VII, in the heart of the French capital, just a few steps from the Opera Garnier, on one of the most prestigious right bank avenues, is an emblematic hotel which pays tribute to its illustrious former inhabitant. Edward VII, the Prince of Wales at the time, lived in this emblematic 1877 structure built in the purest Haussmann style, and hosted artists, divas from the Opera Garnier and other celebrities from all over the world.

Interior decorator Marina Bessé, who was entrusted with the building’s renovation, took her inspiration from its elegant and refined former resident by decorating each room like a fashion model on the catwalk, turning the structure into a four star “high fashion” hotel. From the entrance hall to the 69 rooms and 12 suites, the decor plays with flamboyant colors and precious fabrics like a rare high fashion garment. The red, black and purple shades of taffeta and velvet adorn the rooms, whereas the magnificent bathrooms are decorated in black and gold, white and red, or blue and taupe.

In 2012, a new « collection » of rooms was created by designer Christophe Daudré. True to the spirit of the site, he brilliantly combined French elegance with a “so British” spirit, as well as combining 19^th century elements and ultra contemporary furniture which he personally designed.

The spacious and bright Sarah, Melba and Lily suites are named after three of the Prince’s conquests and are designed like Parisian apartments.

The Cuisine de l’E7 is a must, with a menu created by executive Chef, Christophe Hay and its inventive cuisine interpreted by Chef Rémy Fourmeaux, served in a floral decor that was in vogue during the time of Edward VII. One can even enjoy a late night drink at the E7 Bar, once again in the spirit of high fashion where elegance is in perfect harmony with modern furnishings.