Le Grey Hotel

The Scene

Situated between the Opera and Montmartre, Le Grey Hotel stands six stories high on a rather non-touristy block of the 9^th arrondissement. This works as an advantage as you get to experience authentic Parisian living without being far from some of the main boulevards and attractions, including the Opera Garnier, Moulin Rouge, and Gare Saint-Lazare (in case you feel inclined to roll out of Paris on a whim). Plenty of shopping can be done at the nearby Grands Magasins, or large department stores, such as Le Printemps and Les Galeries LaFayettes.

The Concept

To the untrained eye, Le Grey may initially appear a monochromatic hotel, though the opposite is true. Twelve shades of grey and four defining colors---purple, saffron, silver and blue---make up the color scheme, which can range in effect from hot to lively to cozy to calm as the interplay of natural and artificial lighting shifts throughout the day. It almost seems like the colors perform a slow dance that is continuously changing in intensity. The concept, which was envisioned by former artist and now owner-hotelier Sophie Gazil, aims to explore the almost infinite variations the color grey can yield. As Gazil points out, "grey doesn't really represent a color per se but rather a value of intensity between black and white, shade and light, darkness and purity".

The Look

Aside from the chromatic voyage, Le Grey also delivers a genuinely real Parisian experience. Designers Vincent Bastie and Elsa Joseph prioritized elegance and discretion, two well-prized qualities in the City of Light. Intimacy was also key---and it shows, particularly in the lobby and salon/bar, which provide a welcome respite from the eventful quartier outside. Bastie and Joseph also devoted a lot of thought to the materials selection: wallpapers, rugs and fabrics were hand-picked from designer houses such as Nobilis, Nina Campbell, Pierrey Frey and Missoni, among others. Walls are also adorned with custom-designed metal sculptures, and the lighting is always on point---never too bright, never too dark. Seven of the thirty-three rooms also come with private balconies, and the top-floor suite boasts a Herve Half fresco as well as stunning views of the Eiffel tower.

In Short

It seems the color grey has been in the spotlight as of late, but unlike any recent literary references, Le Grey Hotel is no temporary fad. A poetic concept beautifully executed and an authentic vibe will ensure this temple of sleep remains a hit for years to come.