Le Méridien Etoile Reopens with a Splash

When Air France first launched Le Méridien hotels in 1972, they created a big flagship property next to the Palais des Congrès convention center (Porte Maillot) in the 17th arrondissement. Now owned by Starwood, Le Méridien has been reimagined as a “contemporary lifestyle brand focused on unlocking the destination through culture, the arts, and cuisine.” And Le Méridien Etoile—the flagship and the biggest hotel in central Paris—has reopened after a multi-million-euro makeover. To fete the occasion, the hotel threw a lavish launch party last week, showing off the new interiors by London-based firm Michaelis Boyd and Jean-Philippe Nuel (the designer responsible for the cool look of the Molitor). We were impressed with the Paris accents throughout this big business hotel; the mid-century modern décor also pays homage to the hotel’s setting with fun Paris references (illustrated maps of Parisian arrondissements decorate the headboards of the beds). And art plays a big part in the hotel experience. Art Curator Marion Vignal invited four Paris-based contemporary artists to express their perspectives of the city through different mediums. Sculptor and fashion set designer Arnold Goron created the arrival art installation and mural fresco: comprised of brass petals forming a map of Paris. There’s a lovely landscaped terrace, a library-style lounge, the famous Jazz Club Etoile, Longitude 2°17 Bar for illy coffee and éclairs, a fitness center, and lots of conference rooms and event space. The champagne was free flowing, the legendary Jazz Club Etoile was packed with revelers, and gourmands oohed and ahhed over the make-your-own éclairs. A fun soirée, indeed. Le Méridien Etoile is a four-star hotel with 1,025 guest rooms. 81 Boulevard Gouvion-Saint-Cyr, 75017 Paris. Tel: +33 (0)1-40-68-34-34. Web: www.lemeridienetoile.com. Rooms around 200 euros/night.