Hotel Snapshot
Paris hotel Le Meurice is an opulent, artful heart that keeps to the beat of its home city.
On Rue de Rivoli, the property is optimally situated near to the Louvre with views of the Eiffel Tower. Perched just off the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice’s interior is as gorgeous inside as its surroundings, accented by soft pastels and rich hues of gold detailing.
Opened originally in 1835, Le Meurice’s history begins with royalty.
Initially owned by Charles-Augustin Meurice it was often called “Hotel des Rois” or “Hotel of Kings” given the frequency with which royal guests stayed at the property.
Across decades, Le Meurice has been renovated and restored time and again by a lineup of designers. Notable moments featuring some of the world’s greatest artists are woven into the fabric of the property’s history as well. Pablo Picasso even held his wedding festivities at Le Meurice.
In 2011, Le Meurice achieved “Palace” status, according to the hotel. The designation sets it apart as a “true landmark of luxury”—and I couldn’t agree more with the characterization.
The Rooms
Le Meurice is home to 121 glorious rooms and 39 stunning suites. Each is uniquely designed with a thread of heritage, luxury and beauty running throughout. Many include tall windows or balconies looking out on Parisian streets, the Tuileries Garden or the hotel’s courtyard.
Details are intended to reflect French craftsmanship and to celebrate traditional French elegance with a modern touch.
Rooms and suites are more special with ornate molding, plush seating areas, chandeliers and details like the hotel’s gorgeous crest embroidered on a coverlet.
No opportunity to meld interesting detail with excellence was missed in the hotel’s design.
Bathrooms are spacious, bedding is plush—and artful touches are abundant. There are intricately painted pastoral and city scenes in suites and portraits in gilded frames throughout the property.
Everywhere you look, beauty can be found at Le Meurice.
Food & Drink
Dining options abound at Le Meurice—and the focus on art and innovation continues in those concepts.
There’s Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, which has two Michelin stars and presents the height of luxury. The restaurant offers dining set in a room that takes notes from Versailles, adorned by classical frescoes.
And Bar 228 offers a late-night dream setting off the hotel’s lobby with deep leather chairs, perfect to sink into while listening to live jazz performances.
Meanwhile, there’s Le Dalì, which I visited in 2023 to review the restaurant for Hotels Above Par.
In my review I wrote that: to eat at Le Dalí is not to sit for a meal. To dine at Le Dalí is to have an experience. The restaurant’s composition, which includes touches honoring Dalí, is creative in nature and somewhat mind-bending.
After a second visit, I stand by the sentiment.
Building its list of culinary delights, the hotel is now hosting Afternoon Tea by Cedric Grolet at Restaurant Le Dalí. Le Meurice first offered afternoon tea in 1835, when it began welcoming British guests. Now, Grolet has reinterpreted the tradition, with a service that starts with savory sandwiches, followed by Grolet’s well-known “trompe-l’œil” desserts. Additional pastries are also available.
Le Meurice is also hosting The Chef’s Table, another dining experience meant to be “one-of-a-kind.” The experience is offered in a private room with a view of the kitchen. From The Chef’s Table, guests can watch executive chef Amaury Bouhours craft a tasting menu.
And “Pastry boutique” La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet offers confections including Grolet’s aforementioned trompe-l’oeil” sculpted fruit, madeleines and bundt cakes.
Of course, breakfast and brunch are also offered and in-room dining is available as well.
Spa & Wellness
La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice includes a boutique and Le Spa—the only Valmont spa in Paris. The team offers a full range of treatments, a relaxation room and an outside terrace.
The Valmont spa experience is delightful. While on property, I indulged in a facial and I fell asleep. I was so relaxed. My skin was glowing for days after.
Le Meurice also offers a fitness center with Technogym equipment.
Additional Amenities
Le Meurice advertises family stay offerings on its website, including additional beds for a fee, children’s toys and more. The hotel offers accessible accommodations and bedding that is allergy-friendly. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
And, car parking is available and airport transfers are also available to be arranged during booking. Additionally, Le Meurice is home to three event spaces.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Where do I begin with area recommendations? Some are obvious such as the Louvre, Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Garden.
Additional highlights include the famed Angelina, which is well-known for its hot chocolate and lives practically on top of the hotel. Also within walking distance is the Ritz Paris, where Bar Hemingway is worth waiting on line for an elevated cocktail experience.
Nearby Rue Saint-Honoré offers wonderful, high-end shopping options, perfect for discovering a few wardrobe must-haves to pack in your suitcase.
My list could very well continue. It’s a great, central location to kick off all of your luxury Parisian adventures.
Fast Facts
Location: Paris, France
Rating: Five-star
Pricing: Rooms start at €1650 for low season and €2500 for high season.
Amenities: Restaurants, bar, pastry shop, in-room dining, spa, fitness center, additional bed, pets.
Airport: Paris Orly Airport is about 27 minutes from the hotel and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 37 minutes from the hotel.
Paris, France
