The Peninsula Paris

Posted in Projects on 11 August, 2015

Setting new standards in design, luxury and comfort, The Peninsula Paris makes its grand entrance into Europe after an all-encompassing renovation by handpicked artisans, designers and architects, writes Hamish Kilburn…

Formerly opened in 1908 and a hotel, the original building, which was first called “The Majestic”, took two years to build. Having had its doors firmly closed for a complete four-year renovation, the hotel finally re-opened its doors and The Peninsula Paris in August 2014 and is now in full operation as one of Paris’ finest hotels.

Newly painted ceilings by renowned artist Cinzia Pasquali, an ornamental original staircase that was created by Schwartz & Meurer and new rooftop terraces are just some of the work that has been done to the grand property. The renovation radiates its creativity and glamour, which has become tantamount to The Peninsula’s image throughout decades of playing host to the rich and famous in major cities around the world.

During the renovation, a grand total of 3,000 workers restored the building with around 900 on site everyday. 40,000 pieces of gold leaf, each measuring 8sq cm and covering an area of 200sq metres of the hotel were used in the rebuilding of The Peninsula Paris and the sheer scale of the hotel’s expansive public spaces have been retained and preserved to encompass the true eminence and wealth of the hotel’s ambiance.

Luxury goes a valiant step further at The Peninsula Paris. Guests have access to the highly iconic car fleet that are kept in the underground car park holding 57 cars. Distinctive to this hotel, the fleet includes a magnificent 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a Rolls-Royce EWB Phantom, two MINI Clubmans and 10 BMW 7 Series limousines, an old 1954 old 2CV (Citroen) and 6 BMW’s electric bikes for guest to use – all in The Peninsula Hotel’s signature green Livery.

Just steps from the Arc De Triomphe, The Peninsula Paris sits in the beating heart of Paris within walking distance of some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts.

Six years in the making, some of France’s finest artisans were handpicked to undertake the stunning restoration that was promised to combine Parisian charm with contemporary style.

Guests are now greeted into the hotel by two signature Peninsula door lions at the entrance are each 1.7 metres tall and 4.6 metric tons in weight. Door lions are believed to have powerful protective benefits for those inside. Always in pairs, the male lion has his paw on a ball (representing supremacy over the world), while the female lion restrains a cub (representing nurture).

Discovered under six layers of green paint, the lobby’s original cream and gold décor was restored to its authentic colour scheme. A total of 1,000 pieces of wood were removed from the original building including 370 and 130 sections from the lobby and bar respectfully – to undergo restoration and re-installation by wood restoration experts, Atelier Fancelli.

The bespoke chandelier in the lobby area is comprised of 800 individual, hand-blown crystal leaves, creating a delicate-three dimensional impression for those entering the regal hotel.

Guests at The Peninsula will experience supreme luxury. The hotel houses 200 luxurious rooms, including 34 suites, all of which feature an accent on classic modernity in their bespoke arrangement. Each room within the hotel has been skilfully designed to incorporate simplicity and chic elegance, whilst showcasing the finest materials in craftsmanship.

Since its original opening, the hotel is one of Paris’ most luxurious ‘grand hotels’. Immersed in its history, the property has been meticulously restored and renovated to offer guests the ultimate 21^st-century guest rooms and suites that pose stunning views of the City’s finest landmarks.

Marble floors, high ceilings and elegant drapery throughout the lobby area reflect the creative yet traditional style of the buildings recently completed refurbishment. Capturing the city of light from the exceptional peddle-stall of The Blanc rooftop restaurant and bar, guests can enjoy boastful and striking panoramic views over Paris from the most exclusive point of view.

The Peninsula suites

Each suite within the hotel is individualised in their design showing the very highest level of French interior artistry, creating a calming atmosphere. Guests can relax in the spacious suite and enjoy the sumptuous furnishings as part of their Peninsula experience.

With design inspiration from the likes of artist, Helen Murray, who created the magnificent hand-carved leather headboards in each room of the property. Murray’s vision came from the majestic domes of the Grand Palais. Her sober design is harmonised by the exorbitant-marble bathrooms.

All suites and guest rooms at the Peninsula, Paris have been designed to incorporate the spirit of traditional-French design, whilst also including subtle-modern features to allow for a more convenient stay, such as the fully-customised interactive digital bedside and desk tablets, state-of-the-art audio-visual centre and LED touch screen wall panels that are programmed in 11 languages. 2.5 kilometres of cable runs behind the walls of every guestroom.

The Peninsula Paris’ collection of art pieces superbly creates a contemporary feel to the heritage building. It is apparent that time and effort was no object in the enormity of the four-year project and because of this, the hotel is now fully up to date with its guests’ requirements and needs. The Peninsula Paris delivers the highest-level quality when it comes to its luxurious facilities to ensure that each guest can expect that they will walk away from their experience knowing that their needs were met with the highest level of service, which has become famous amongst all of the Peninsula properties worldwide.

www.paris.peninsula.com