A Building With a Past Worth Telling
The building was originally the Hôtel Élysée Palace, one of the most luxurious establishments of the Belle Époque, before spending two decades as the HSBC bank headquarters. History runs deep here: it is allegedly where the infamous spy Mata Hari was arrested in her room in 1917, talk about dramatic hospitality heritage. Louis Vuitton is now restoring its original purpose, with an entirely contemporary vision.
The Façade That Became a Landmark
Before the hotel opened, the construction site itself became a sensation. Rather than an unpleasant scaffolding structure, Louis Vuitton disguised the entire building façade as one of their iconic monogrammed trunks, a genius piece of brand storytelling that turned a construction site into a must-see Paris attraction.
Inside the Most Anticipated Address in Paris
The hotel will feature around ten ultra-luxurious suites, including three duplex units and a triplex, all offering panoramic views over Paris. A prestigious restaurant will occupy the upper floors, while a 1,500 m² spa awaits below ground. CEO Pietro Beccari has described the view from the building as "the most spectacular view in the world" looking down the Champs-Élysées toward Place de la Concorde.
Travel as a Brand Philosophy
This project places Louis Vuitton in the exclusive club of fashion houses with their own hotels, joining the ranks of Bulgari and Armani. While LVMH already owns numerous hotels including Cheval Blanc properties, this will be the first explicitly branded Louis Vuitton accommodation, a natural culmination for a house whose entire identity was built on the art of travel.
Source : The Opening List
