Hotel 123 Sebastopol

The Scene

Opera is easily Paris’ most well-trafficked neighborhood for locals and travelers. It’s the heart of French theatre and home to the most stunning single collection of art the world has amassed in the breathtaking Louvre. Add to that the extravagant shopping at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps and you’ve got yourself a whirlwind of Parisian grandeur at every turn. The businesspeople who work here know how to unwind---in the area’s upscale bars and restaurants, of course.

The Concept

Unquestionably the boldest hotel in the 2nd arrondissement, Hotel 123 Sebastopol fuses American Hollywood style with French cinematic stars. The dazzling design was carried out by a partnership between architect Philippe Maidenberg and the subjects of each floor (from bottom to top)---Ennio Morricone (composer), Elysa Zylberstein (actress), Agnes Jaoui & Jean-Pierre Bacri (acting and screenwriting duo), Daniele Thompson (screenwriter and producer), Claude Lelouch (producer), and Jean-Paul Belmondo (boxer and actor). Cinematic touches are absolutely everywhere from the marquee in the lobby to the fresh popcorn to the literal red carpet guiding you from reception through to the bar and lounge and finally up the stairs to the rooms. A portrait of Hitchcock critically surveys the bar lounge area from his space lodged amidst sparkling drink glasses. It’s a stage all its own with gorgeous glass ceiling, stage lights, and a piano in the corner à la Casablanca. The cocktails crafted by resident mixologist Mei Ho perfectly embody their cinematic inspirations in a glass. (We received the golden Palme d’Or with spiced rum, plum wine, ginger syrup, and lemon zest.) There’s even a private projection room that can be rented out for events and showings.

The Look

Classic color and material combinations drive the designs of each floor, reflecting the artists themselves who were directly instrumental in the design process. Morricone brought literal music to the room with images of his scores, a black-and-white color scheme reminiscent of piano keys, and even headphones so you can listen to his music. Zylberstein, a classical dancer herself, takes you to glamorous ballet replete with chandeliers and enchanting pinks, greys, and velvet aplenty. Jaoui and Bacri put you square in the theatre with rich reds, dark woods, plus images of scenes and scripts from their work. Thompson whisks you away to the present with a contemporary hand; a palette of bright pinks paired with pale blue and light wood let her photos and notes shine. Lelouch arranged a tribute to the camera, featuring stills from his films as well as a film light table-turned-headboard and a monochromatic color scheme. Finally, Belmondo’s room is a monument to masculinity, complementing his love of boxing---evident in the gym bars, punching gloves, and punching bags---with burgundy velvet, dark woods, and a sleek black industrial bathroom.

In Short

It takes a hotel with serious vision to flawlessly combine the essence of five leaders of French film and the glamour of Hollywood. The resulting visual masterpiece Hotel 123 Sebastopol is worth revisiting again and again---just like your favorite movie.