Beyond the luxury shopping malls of Paris lies Hôtel Particulier Villeroy, a timeless boutique hotel celebrating the City of Love’s rich heritage.
Nestled discreetly on Rue Jean Goujon, few steps away from the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, Hôtel Particulier Villeroy restores to contemporary elegance this graceful building, originally constructed at the turn of the 20th-century.
Once a private mansion (to Maurice Villeroy, a member of one of the founding families of luxury group Villeroy & Boch) dating back to 1908, it was seized during the World War I and then sold to a real estate company in 1922. In 2016, private investment and real estate management company, Wainbridge, acquired the building with the intention to transform it into a luxury hotel. Then the mansion was listed as a ‘Historic Monument’ in 2014 and many of the original features have been carefully restored during the renovations.
From the outside, the three-storey building still looks like something from an old art film with its off-white walls and antique window grills. But inside it’s the creative vision of chief executive officer of The Collection, Jacques Oudinot that dominates. The interiors combine the history of the building with modern Parisian touches such as Calacatta marble fireplaces, cast-iron stairway railings and a sophisticated natural colour palette, while the exterior boasts a neoclassical cut stone façade, which replicates the look of a private home.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Each of the 11 apartments, suites and rooms, which are located on the mezzanine, first, second and third floors is dedicated to the history of the building. Centred around an internal atrium, each space is beautifully appointed with bespoke furniture made by Italian furniture brand Promemoria – each piece designed to complement the layout, colours, materials and decorative mouldings, giving it real Parisian character – handmade Vispring beds, Rivolta Carmignani Italian linen and duvets and pillows from French brand Drouault. Throughout the hotel there is parquet dark wood flooring, luxurious stone.
“My favourite features are the magnificent marble staircase which leads into the large, Italian-style atrium lobby. Following this, there is an additional staircase with a wrought- iron banister decorated with gold leaves. Plus chandelier in the centre of the hallway, created by atelier Alain Ellouz, it is composed of 35 cut alabaster spheres suspended from rods,” shares Jacques Oudinot
Topping it off, award-wining French artist Pierre Bonnefille has been commissioned to create bespoke paintings for the hotel’s rooms, common areas and dining spaces. Using many materials and textures, such as mineral powders, limestone, lava, marble, natural pigments and metallic powders; each of the artwork evokes a sense of nature and history. “I feel a sense of calmness with each piece,” says Oudinot.
EAT, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY
Each Hôtel Particulier Villeroy’s restaurant, Trente-Trois, is led by Michelin-starred chef Sebastien Sanjou. Residents can savour the most refined French cuisine in a sophisticated and intimate setting. In this chic Parisian restaurant, Chef Sanjou offers an elegant and contemporary cuisine that combines simple yet harmonious flavours using locally sourced fresh ingredients whilst the sommelier offers an impressive wine and champagne list, including some rare vintage bottles.
With its fireplace, mood lighting and cosy sofas, Bar Jean Goujon is an opulent salon with the building’s original golf leaf moulding and evokes the seduction of an exclusive members’ club. From 4pm until late, guests may indulge in a classic cocktail by the in-house mixologist, a glass of Champagne, or one of the most unique Japanese whiskey selections in Paris, then chow down on some light and gourmet snacks or enjoy a late-night digestif, against the backdrop of a carefully curated music selection.
“We also offer an exclusive partnership with L’Officine Universelle Buly 1803 for Spa Villeroy, which features two treatment rooms, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy shower and a private, heated relaxation terrace. In addition to the spa is a fitness room with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment,” shares Oudinot.
He adds “with such amazing building to work on, this is where art meets history, fashion meets tradition and soul meets the body.”
