Hotel Odyssey

The Scene

Hotel Odyssey couldn't be better located in the heart of Paris at 19 rue Hérold; it provides the perfect springboard for a walking adventure in Paris. It's close to the best of Parisian shopping with the department store Les Halles and the upmarket Place des Victoires and its fashionable shops a few minutes' walk away. Also a short walk away is the Louvre and the Opera.

The Concept

The Hotel Odyssey is the result of a partnership between the Elegancia group and the talented designer Ora-ïto, whose simplexite design philosophy-making something complex seem deceptively simple-is reminiscent of Tokyo-style modernity and clean design. What distinguishes the Hotel O from other establishments is its clever combination of nature and urbanism in its use of color, organic and clean lines, plus a natural touch of wood. The difference starts right in the stunning lobby with an impressive wooden sculpture with futuristic curves that draw you in and around to the welcoming bar, weaving a tranquil atmosphere and a cool vibe into the common areas with natural green and relaxing blue hues. Linger for a drink downstairs in the bar just off the lobby that's reminiscent of a beehive with its honeycomb design behind the bar and honey-colored wood undulating quietly on the walls of the lounge, encouraging guests to join the hum of activity that usually picks up in the evening.

The Look

Far from entering yet another bland cream-coloured room, a range of 29 different shades welcome and entice you to come in. Ora-ïto was inspired by the cité radieuse-"radiant city"-concept from famed French urban architect Le Corbusier that uses several hues of colour to enhance an entire building. Each floor has its own colour from deep red to Prussian blue, and rooms adopt their specific colors from the same family as the unique floor colors. Innovative use of mirrors and perspective as well as the sensuous curves of the furniture are pleasing to the eye and balance the whole space out very cleverly. The result is a pod-like atmosphere that isn't at all claustrophobic but instead swathes you in pacific calm. The utter silence that greets you while staying at the heart of the busy capital is also a huge bonus.

In Short

In a world of hotels competing to be more ostentatiously luxurious than the next, Hotel Odyssey provides a refreshing nest of cool lines at the heart of the French capital. It's not afraid to be resolutely modern and innovative, yet it never compromises on comfort.