Hotel Victor Hugo in the 16th Arrondissement Gets a Makeover

The Blanc Hotels group honors Victor Hugo, restyling the charming Art-Déco hotel dedicated to his name.

On a tranquil street near Le Union Libérale Israélite de France synagogue, the St. Honoré-d’Eylau church– and just minutes from the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées and Trocadéro Gardens– here’s a fantastic under-the-radar address for your next visit to Paris.

Located in the chic 16th arrondissement, the hotel has splendid views (from the eighth floor) of the Eiffel Tower and “secret” Passy reservoir.

Balcony at the Hotel Victor Hugo

Jacques Blanc of Blanc Hotels and Arnaud Dupin gave carte blanche to interior architect Laurent Maugoust to revive the 75-room, four-star boutique hotel, preserving the Art-Déco detail and the homage to the national treasure that is Victor Hugo.

“It was an exciting challenge; I have tried to retain the spirit of the 19th century, revising and correcting it for savvy travelers of the 21st – bearing in mind my requirements when checking into to a hotel which must be chic, convivial and welcoming,” explains Maugoust. A charming, talented, hip dude, Maugoust graduated from the prestigious Ecole Camondo and worked with the likes of Christian de Portzamparc and Jean-Philippe Nuel before creating his own design group.

Architect Laurent Maugoust

From the ground floor, library-style reception area and lobby bar up to the 8th floor, there’s an eclectic collection of stylish photos and paintings. (Look up; they’re on the ceilings, too). You’ll also find books and souvenirs of the poet who famously said: “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark”.

The 75 rooms can be reached by two lifts, or climb the original stairway to heaven; the sexy leopard print carpet is inspired by designer Madeleine Castaing.

In the bar called Les Contemplations, generous buffet breakfasts are served and throughout the day a selection of delicious dishes and desserts “Boco” by Vincent Ferniot – also available in room.

Hotel Victor Hugo, lobby. Photo: Guillaume Grasset

Although the Victor Hugo Museum is at Place de Vosges, the poet, novelist, dramatist, breathed his last breath (1802-1885) in a handsome hôtel particulier at 124, Avenue Saint Cloud. This street was renamed, in his honor, the Avenue Victor Hugo in 1881. At the end of the road, the superb monument – by Rodin – sits proudly at the angle of Avenues Victor Hugo and Henri Martin!

Hôtel Victor Hugo
19 rue Copernic, 16th
Metro: Victor Hugo
Single rooms from €110-200, Doubles from €140-300
Buffet Breakfast €19 – Formula Express €9.50
Tel: 01 45 53 76 01

Need to Know in the ‘Hood:
Bistro – Le Petit Retro – 5, rue Mesnil, 16th

Bakery – La Petite Marquise – 3, place Victor Hugo, 16th

Brasserie – Le Café Victor Hugo, 4, place Victor Hugo, 16th

Hotel Victor Hugo, standard room with Eiffel Tower view. Photo: Bielsa

Lead photo credit : Lobby of the Hotel Victor Hugo. Photo: Bielsa