Sofitel Le Faubourg, Paris

Posted in Projects on 11 August, 2015

Sofitel re-introduces its flagship hotel. Imagined by renowned designer, Didier Gomez, sense of place and Paris’ fashion connection was at the heart of the concept in the re-birth of the Sofitel Le Faubourg Paris. Hamish Kilburn writes…

In the heart of Paris – surrounded by the elegant, fashionable and well-known Faubourg Saint-Honoré district – sits the Sofitel Le Faubourg. Re-opened in March 2015, after a complete renovation, the hotel is charmed by the signature of the acclaimed designer Didier Gomez and his eclectic and precise vision of Parisian style.

Gomez – who has in the past worked with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Kenzo – took inspiration from the fitting neighbouring high-fashion houses and modelled the hotel’s look on a Parisian couture house.

Breathing new life into the lobby area, Gomez has succeeded in creating a dynamic space where guests can relax in a sense of amenity. The grey-stone walls offer comfort with a touch of golf leaf detailing, portraying a stylish and bright ambiance. Simple yet elegant, eyes are first drawn to the superb mirrors, the 70’s audacious chandelier and the grand floral centrepiece, connecting its interior with natural environment.  Throughout the lobby, Gomez has designed a bold choice of furnishings, conveying harmonious confrontation between the 18^th and 21^st centuries, in gradation of white, beige, grey, black and gold.

Guestrooms

The Parisian hotel offers 147 guestrooms, of which 20 superior rooms, 81 luxury rooms, 10 premium rooms, seven Junior Suites, seven Prestige Suites, 17 Collection Suites, four Opera Suites, three Prestige Suites, four Faubourg Suites and one ostentatious  ‘Couture’ Apartment.

Each room – with an intimate, soft and crystalline atmosphere – captures the true image of Parisian luxury. Gomez’s inspiration from high-fashion houses is well placed in each room. The light plays on pendants and precious materials. For example slightly timeworn-looking mirrors reflect the marvellous photographs such as the famous dresses taken by Cecil Beaton for Vogue. Adorned in velvets and satin pale, the rooms are airy, soft and echo the wealth and refinement of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district. A case of raw leather hides the dressing and invites guests into the bathroom.

Fashion suites

Every part of the hotel sits naturally within its environment. Pushing this concept further, Gomez has designed the hotel suites while paying tribute to influential fashion movements. Consolidating the legitimate connection between the hotel and its location, the suites homage fashion in a spectacular and tasteful manner. Ivory, grey and black form dominant tones that enhance gold, crystal and amethyst. While cornices, pilasters, armchairs and mirrors evoke the Century of Light (in the City of Light), the modern contrast resides with the contemporary design of carpeting, certain decorative objects and the organisation of the space complete with a wellness room opening onto the bedroom.

The ‘Couture’ Apartment is the true piece de resistance as it recreates the harmony and quietness of a luxury Parisian interior. The vast drawing room, study area, dining room and grand bedroom exudes an atmosphere of elegance and serenity and is complimented exquisitely by a gentle variety of beige and ivory shades.

Public areas

Downstairs, the public bar sits in perfect elegance of black and white enhanced by warm browns and striking golds. Continuing the custom theme, fashion photos where the 60’s models move fatal and futuristic figures hang on the walls. Boudoirs-style sofas appropriately remind guests of the 18^th century lounges of when the hotel was once a mansion.

A generous fireplace welcomes guests into the library. Black lacquer and ebony shelves, filled with beautiful books in many languages and fashions, makes the space the perfect setting for informal meetings, quiet drinks and relaxation.

As well as the library area, the hotel also features two new flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 50 people for seminars, conferences and showrooms. Honey woodworks, greige leather and design chandeliers weave a rich dialogue in the corporate area.

The re-opening of the Sofitel Le Faubourg is a fitting and stylish addition to the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district. As it’s name suggests, the hotel’s location is at the core of its new design. Gomez’s meticulous and elegant design has re-introduced a timeless addition to the luxurious Sofitel brand.

www.sofitel.com/Paris