Pavillon de la Reine

The Scene

Tucked away in Le Marais, one of Paris' most historical and now hip neighborhoods, Le Pavillon de la Reine sits steps from world-famous Place de Vosges, a collection of chateau-like mansions that surround the city's very first royal square. The Place once served as the residence for the King and Queen Anne, after whom the hotel is named (i.e. reine is French for queen). Most recently, it was also home to other noteworthy figures, including poet/writer Victor Hugo and painter Georges Dufrenoy.

The Concept

Le Pavillon de la Reine cleverly manages to merge two distinct universes to produce its own: a marriage of Place des Vosges' royal-luxe atmosphere with the current nonchalant attitude of the Marais. The result is an understated luxury that doesn't feel overbearing but is still worthy of royalty. At least today's royalty, exemplified by a few of the celebrities who take up residence in the hotel from time to time (most recently was Jean-Paul Gaultier who lived in the Victor Hugo suite for 18 months). And it's this very image of a quintessential Parisian pied-a-terre (read: a chic second residence) that continues to captivate and attract other news-worthy figures to Le Pavillon de la Reine.

The Look

The look and feel is consistent with what one would expect from an elegant Parisian home, starting with a beautiful vine-covered facade and a charming rosebush-filled courtyard. Inside, the décor evokes of the hotel's classic past, including rich, dark oak beams, period oil paintings, sumptuous fabrics and flock wallpaper, and cozy seating arrangements throughout. Despite its old-school charm, the hotel is completely up to date when it comes to comfort and amenities; likewise, its 54 (uniquely decorated) rooms follow suit, offering the best of both worlds, including marble bathrooms and Molton Brown toiletries. The hotel also boasts an in-house spa by French brand Carita.

In Short

Embodying the spirit of its locale, including the royal-luxe atmosphere of Place des Vosges and the nonchalant attitude of the Marais, Le Pavillon de la Reine delivers a fine blend of luxury that is both discreet and steeped in history--a perfect fit for the inner kings and queens in each of us.