Through two World Wars and a socialist revolution, Ritz Paris endured as the city’s premiere hotel address until its closing in August 2012. Embarking on what was to be an ambitious 2-year refurbishment, the hotel is extending its hiatus until the second quarter of 2015 when it’s scheduled for reopening. For those familiar with the former property, its aristocratic glory was a bit like an old aunt’s apartment that you tolerated and somehow loved with its gilt décor, opulent pile rugs and crystal chandelier grandeur that seemed to twinkle especially bring during Paris Fashion Week. And fashion editors have had a tough time replacing the property, especially with the Dorchester Collection boycott in full effect at Le Meurice and Plaza Athene, as properties like Le Bristol and newer Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula Paris have benefited from the closure.
For those curious as to the renovation of the Ritz Paris, it’s being led by one of Paris’s top construction restoration firms that undertook the renovation of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Royal Monceau and Shangri-La Hotel. Interiors look to preserve the opulence that played second home for the likes of Coco Chanel and Wallis Simpson. Leading the design is Thierry Despont and his staff responsible for work inside London’s Dorchester and 45 Park Lane as well as NY’s Carlyle Hotel. Upon reopening, guests will find a revamped selection of suites, more spacious entry-level rooms, a summer garden with lounge and revamped formal ballroom.
Not the only historic Paris hotel undergoing the surgeon’s sledgehammer, Hôtel de Crillon embarked an equally monumental renovation behind its imperial Ange-Jacques Gabriel façade originally constructed for Count Crillon’s family. Management explains, “The current restoration will add a contemporary polish to the hotel while remaining respectful of its traditions and faithful to its character.” Heading the renovation is architect Richard Martinet and Paris-based decorators Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol and Tristan Auer that are overseen by Lebanese artistic director, Aline d’Amman. Amman is also liaising with designer Karl Lagerfeld, who has been commissioned to pen two of the hotel’s top suites. Lagerfeld has described the suites as “grand apartments” along Place de Concorde according to Rosewood Hotels that will be managing the property with an anticipated opening in mid-2015.
