For almost two centuries, Le Meurice has epitomised Parisian luxurious, drawing royalty, artists and discerning travellers into its world of refined splendour. Nestled between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this legendary palace lodge blends 18th-century grandeur with modern artistry, all whereas upholding the very best requirements of service. Deputy basic supervisor Christophe Chopineau affords a glimpse into the lodge’s distinctive character, from its ties to Salvador Dalí to its Michelin-starred eating experiences and dedication to sustainability.
Inform us briefly concerning the historical past and particular DNA of Le Meurice?
Le Meurice is strategically positioned reverse the Tuileries Gardens and has held its sway as one of many first Parisian luxurious lodges courting again to 1835. Reflecting its uninterrupted attachment to the French artwork of residing, Le Meurice is a magical, serene and chic place, the place the refined splendours of 18th-century structure meet the design of Philippe Starck and Charles Jouffre, the French artisan-designer who created the splendid drapes and hangings of the Grand Lobby on the Opéra Garnier. It is usually the place Alain Ducasse, probably the most Michelin starred Chef on the planet, celebrates the seasons together with his culinary creations. His heavenly delicacies elevates Parisian gastronomy to the rank of artwork. He brings previous and current along with flavour and aptitude. As for Cédric Grolet, elected the world’s greatest Pastry Chef in 2018, the strains in entrance of his store throughout the lodge communicate for themselves!
Within the coronary heart of Paris, a minute’s stroll away from Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré, the place luxurious shops and boutiques showcasing younger designers flourish, Le Meurice regularly unveils its secrets and techniques, as a haven of peace the place you’ll be able to actually be your self.
Because the deputy basic supervisor, what’s the very first thing you discover whenever you enter a lodge and which particulars do you pay specific consideration to?
That is tough to clarify as it’s all about emotions and notion. When coming into Le Meurice for instance, you instantly really feel a way of belonging. You get like magically attracted by each place and the nice and cozy welcome of the folks. That’s what it’s all about! Every palace has its personal story and Le Meurice, which is a part of the long-lasting lodges of Dorchester Assortment, has at all times stood out because the jewel amongst French palace lodges since 1835. It displays magnificence and stays true to its philosophy of the artwork of residing à la française. It is usually the place the place you could be your self, the place there aren’t any dictates. Perhaps it’s as a result of since its creation, it has nurtured intimate hyperlinks with artists abandoning fantastic tales, all witness to its legendary extravagance.
How do you preserve constant service requirements on the property?
I might say that our occupation is manufactured from ardour and transmission, each of which have at all times been of paramount significance to us. They’ve undergone a vertiginous evolution in recent times, not solely when it comes to service excellence, but in addition when it comes to visitor expertise and workers growth because of cutting-edge coaching initiated by Dorchester Assortment. Coaching is constant all through your journey with the Assortment, inner promotions are frequent and inspired, and there are a number of packages tailor-made for junior workers to assist them evolve throughout the Assortment in addition to for extra senior workers members to permit them to turn out to be inspirational leaders and/or ambassadors to the Assortment.
Le Meurice is just a brief stroll from Le Louvre, which to most guests is the must-see Paris artwork establishment. Do you’ve different favorite cultural locations shut by?
The Museum of Ornamental Arts (MAD) is true throughout the road within the northwestern wing of the Louvre. It’s the largest museum of ornamental arts in continental Europe and its assortment is primarily composed of French furnishings, tableware, carpets comparable to these from Aubusson, porcelain comparable to that by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, and plenty of glass items by René Lalique, Émile Gallé and plenty of others. It contains quite a few works within the Artwork Nouveau and Artwork Déco kinds and fashionable examples by designers like Eileen Grey and Charlotte Perriand.
A brief 2 minutes’ stroll away from the lodge, on place de la Concorde, is the Hôtel de la Marine, the previous ministry of the French Navy. The constructing was totally renovated between 2015 and 2021 and shows the Al Thani Assortment presenting worldwide and inter-cultural artistic endeavors from the extraordinary assortment of Sheik Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, representing civilizations all over the world. The constructing is completely beautiful and the exhibition artwork at its best.
Inform us extra concerning the distinctive artwork assortment at Le Meurice?
As quickly as you enter the foyer, you might be in entrance of “The Kiss”, a monumental paintings by Zoulikha Bouabdellah who was awarded the very first Meurice Award for Up to date Artwork in 2008 and which is now a part of the lodge’s creative DNA.
Salvador Dalí may be very current in fact, the Suite he occupied for a minimum of a month yearly nonetheless shows a few of his authentic furnishings he introduced by himself.
In nearly each nook of the lodge, you’ll be discovering smaller or bigger artworks and it’s a actual pleasure sitting in one in every of our eating places or within the bar and let your eyes stroll by the room, coming throughout so many options and recognizing some hidden secrets and techniques!
What can guests to Le Meurice count on when it comes to eating experiences?
As you understand, we’re working with Alain Ducasse and I might take into account him as a pioneer and visionary. His tradition and curiosity permit him to be at all times forward of the curve. As a talented and decisive captain, he federates our groups led by Government Chef Amaury Bouhours who takes them continuously as much as the following stage proposing new challenges. His focus is on the product and people who present it; he at all times would like seasonal culinary experiences to unique creations and is adept of genuine style whereas providing a world expertise the place each element counts. Alain Ducasse and Amaury Bouhours goal to defend the culinary French heritage that’s much like the id of Le Meurice the place we attempt to mix custom and modernity.
The eating expertise is in fact about what’s on the plate – and Chef Clémentine Bouchon from Le Dalí masters this artwork at its best by sublimating and reworking the perfect substances into tasteful dishes – but in addition concerning the atmosphere. Whereas Le Dalí is the colourful coronary heart of the lodge and affords the visitor an impressive spectacle of palace life, the gastronomic restaurant elevates the eating expertise to a different dimension.
After all, competitors on this subject is rising continuously in Paris, however I consider now we have stable belongings to be aggressive. Our affords between the superb eating restaurant, the Dalí restaurant, the Bar 228 and the banqueting mirror an awesome selection permitting to fulfill each visitor’s expectations. Cédric Grolet’s pastry masterpieces are one other asset to the lodge and the Michelin Information clearly performs an essential position at Le Meurice, as now we have at all times stood out among the many greatest.
How essential is sustainability in your culinary strategy and the way will you mirror this throughout the lodge’s eating venues?
At Le Meurice, each outlet – from the Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse to the workers restaurant – focuses on native and seasonal merchandise. That is one in every of our prime ESG priorities: we goal to be proactive in lowering our environmental impression as a lot as we will. We need to play our half in contributing to lower noxious emissions.
At any time when we will, we course of regionally grown merchandise. All of our suppliers are requested to signal our ESG constitution to make sure our and their dedication to sustainability and accountable procurement and cultivation. We’re additionally the primary Palace lodge to be awarded three stars from the Ecotable label for our gastronomic restaurant, a French distinction for sustainable F&B administration of which we’re very proud.
How a lot of a spotlight has your spa product been?
We’re having a powerful partnership with Valmont since 2008, culminating within the opening of La Maison Valmont in 2020, the model’s Parisian flagship retail retailer. Valmont are pioneers in the case of steady innovative coaching for his or her therapists, be it for progressive remedies comparable to Hydrafacial expertise or the trendy lympathic drainage by Renata França.
Our Spa has 4 remedy rooms, 2 of that are double rooms, and all benefiting from pure gentle.
The lodge has hosted many famend artists previously, most famously Salvador Dalí. Have been any of the present workers round when he was nonetheless an everyday?
Sadly not. The staff with the very best seniority – almost 40 years – arrived simply after Dalí’s final stick with us. Nonetheless, once I arrived, there have been nonetheless some individuals who had identified him. For greater than 30 years, he spent a least one month per 12 months at Le Meurice, bringing his personal furnishings, typically his pet, an ocelot referred to as Babou, or perhaps a Harley Davidson bike into the lounge! He at all times rented the identical Suite, as he heard that King Alfonso XIII of Spain had been there as soon as. As well as, Dalí was a monarchist. His excentricity was considerably exhausting, however he turned out to be good and pleasant with the workers, even providing them lithographs he produced right here. In the present day the Suite bears his title.
What makes a lodge keep an unforgettable expertise?
Le Meurice has an incredible historic background anchored in artwork and tradition. It’s true to the 18th century French spirit with no show of fashion, however with true magnificence and stylish. It’s all about refined particulars which are skilfully organized in every of the rooms and suites offering a really genuine surroundings. Once you get up at Le Meurice, you positively know you might be in Paris!
Ideally positioned reverse the Tuileries Gardens, between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, Le Meurice offers a haven of tranquillity to numerous essential personalities because it opened in 1835. As for the distinguishing traits, it’s not that a lot concerning the lodge’s materials options, it’s extra concerning the workers!
Le Meurice is a part of Dorchester Assortment. What sort of worth does this convey to the property?
Visitors have references and so they know prematurely that the workers will deal with them, be at all times accessible for particular requests and make them really feel safe. Dorchester Assortment focuses on the human dimension with our “We Care” strategy, and our leitmotiv is treasured by company, cherished by workers, celebrated worldwide. That claims all of it! The particular option to create a house away from dwelling to your company can solely consolidate your relationship and improve loyalty. We’ve company who’ve been coming to Le Meurice for greater than 30 years, passing on their ardour to their kids and grandchildren.
What’s your outlook on progress for the property and what’s the key focus for the property in 2025?
2024 has been an distinctive 12 months for Paris, the impression of the Olympics was very optimistic when it comes to picture (bear in mind the nice views of Paris’ iconic landmarks through the sport occasions!), organisation and safety. Lots of those that didn’t journey over the past summer time and who noticed the gorgeous photos of Paris and its environment on TV would now prefer to catch up their stays. The reopening of Notre Dame in December was one other spotlight: visits of the rebuilt cathedral are skyrocketing (I used to be fortunate to have the ability to go and should admit that it’s completely beautiful!). Therefore reservations enhance steadily and I’m assured that this development will proceed all year long. At Le Meurice, everybody is ready and we’re wanting very a lot ahead to welcoming common and new company from all around the world as now we have been doing for 190 years!
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