Park Hyatt Paris

French couturier Jeanne Paquin’s erstwhile Parisian dressmaking space lives on in the exquisite Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

By Nolan Lewis

Set on rue de la Paix, steps away from Place Vendôme, five Haussmann architectural-style 19th century Parisian buildings were unified by architect Ed Tuttle in 2002 to create one of the French capital's most celebrated luxury hotels – the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. The address used to be an 1891-vintage headquarter for dressmaker Jeanne Paquin. With France winning the FIFA World Cup 2018 this summer, followed by the Tour de France in July, the hotel is a bubble of activity. Despite the flurry of celebrity check-ins, the entrance is deliberately discreet even though Paris' hotels are accustomed to boasting grand lobbies. Dignitaries even access the private back-entrance, preferring to enter incognito.

French Baroque with Asian Influences

French décor is usually ultra-femme, and among Paris' revered list of luxury hotels, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme can be considered the most masculine and understated. Tuttle has emboldened the public areas in dark wood paneling, gilded accent moldings, limestone walls and marble flooring. The precedent architecture's manifold pillars and colonnades preserve a palace courtyard feel. In line with the unassuming entrance, the property skips the intimidating protocol typical of five-star establishments by maintaining the concierge at the entrance, while reception is laid out in an inner atrium of the hotel – luring guests to experience the brilliance of the hotel, before they check-in.

Seattle-native Tuttle spent a majority of his early experience in Asia before settling in Paris in 1977. His repertoire includes the fabulous Asian resorts for the Aman Group that he is most famous for; including Asian outposts for the Sheraton, Hyatt, Intercontinental and Hilton Group and private residences for designer Kenzo and artist Brice Marden. His Asian influences become evident in the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme's 153 rooms and 43 suites' plain beige and dark-brown colour palette, with ornate golden touches – the insignia for Asian nobility. Tuttle's architectural-line fabrics – Rue de la Paix, Vendôme and Chenille Canvas – custom-designed for Jim Thompson are used throughout the hotel. Tactile, a juxtaposition of contrasting warp and weft colours using chenille yarn in silk and cotton, the fabric line lends dimension, richness, exoticism and iridescence to the interior's French Baroque architecture.

Art At Every Corner

The lush Presidential Suite has its own in-room spa, while each of the five Ambassadors suites have been peppered with modern art pieces. In fact, this Hyatt property immerses you in art: Roseline Granet's bronze signature sculptures include the door handles in your bedrooms, the dimly-lit Le Bar's mahogany wall panels has seven canvases by Ed Paschke. Sens' bistronomy showcases vivacious artwork by Christiane Durand and there are also paintings by the Indian abstract artist Viswanadhan, collages by New Yorker Nora Speyer; artworks by Llyn Foulkes, Sideo Fromboluti and Irmgard Sigg, across the hotel.

Blaise Mautin: The Scent of a Hotel

Perfumer Blaise Mautin titillates your olfactory senses with a seductive fragrance concocted exclusively for the property – Russian leather, powdered patchouli, Floridian oranges and hints of vanilla intoxicate you across the hotel's ambience, as well infused the bath products. At Le Spa, another Mautin scent made of East-Indian verbena, eucalyptus and Brazilian orange is sprayed throughout and blended into the massage oil. The intimate basement space that houses the spa is built from Paris stone, has a balneotherapy and whirlpool area, a steam-room and sauna, a hi-tech gym and treatment booths, including one designed for couples.

Michelin Stars and Celebrity Hair Dressers

La Terrasse, the al fresco restaurant's tables are well shaded by olive groves, the perfect counterpoint watch the busy rue de la Paix. Chef Jean-François Rouquette's Michelin Star Le Pur has carved a reputation for itself within the iconic hotel for its superlative French gastronomy. To enter, guests must walk past a small gallery past a 6m. wine wall that not only serves as the hotel's cellar; but also as a cigar-cum-cheese cabinet. The tables are placed around a raised silver-leafed dome in the centre of the room, which is surrounded by a colonnaded rotunda. Breakfast is served at the Les Orchidées, a breezy orchidarium with a glass ceiling, while La Cheminée is a cosy salon with a see-through fire place. The décor at Suite 101: Hair Room Service by John Nollet reflects the hair stylist's edgy urban persona.

Tuttle says that Hyatt's aim for the hotel was "to build a palace, a really luxury new hotel," using beautiful furniture, luxurious fabrics and design to accentuate the basic element of the historic building. He talks about the Hyatt coming into the business, "with that extra creative stimulus."

The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme hotel was developed by the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, one of the world's leading hotel and hospitality companies. The hotel is part of the Park Hyatt brand, which is known for its luxurious properties and personalized service.

While the developer behind the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the architectural design of the hotel was done by Ed Tuttle, an American architect and designer. Tuttle's design for the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme combines contemporary style with Parisian elegance, creating a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere for guests.

The architectural design of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme was led by renowned architect Ed Tuttle. Ed Tuttle is an American architect known for his work on luxury hotels and resorts around the world. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in blending contemporary design with traditional elements, resulting in a timeless and elegant aesthetic. For Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Tuttle aimed to create a luxurious and intimate ambiance that reflects the romance and sophistication of Paris. The architectural design features a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements, with a focus on high-quality materials, refined details, and a sense of understated elegance.

The interior design of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme was led by renowned designer Ed Tuttle in collaboration with the renowned hospitality design firm, Didier Gomez & Associates. Didier Gomez is a French interior designer known for his refined and contemporary design approach. The interior design of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme reflects a combination of contemporary elegance and timeless luxury. The spaces are designed with a harmonious blend of high-quality materials, rich textures, and sophisticated furnishings. The design emphasizes a subdued color palette and subtle lighting, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. The interiors of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme feature luxurious details and bespoke elements, including custom-made furniture, artwork, and intricate finishes, creating a sense of exclusivity and refinement. The overall result is a sophisticated and inviting ambiance that reflects the essence of Parisian luxury.