📝 usncan Note: Inside Look: Le Meurice Review
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Jane Sung, Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Paris is full of beautiful hotels, but few make you feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of the city’s history the moment you walk through the door. Since opening in 1835, Le Meurice has long been a magnet for royalty, artists and tastemakers—from Coco Chanel’s fashion shows to surrealist gatherings hosted by Salvador Dalí (who took annual month-long residence at the hotel over the course of 30 years). Deemed one of the city’s select Palace hotels, a mark of distinction awarded by the French government for exceptional service and heritage, the property is a must-see destination for art and culture lovers, featuring contemporary art that blends seamlessly alongside classic French design.
On a recent trip to Paris, I checked in to Le Meurice with my family. Its prime location on Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement, facing the Tuileries Garden and steps from the Louvre and the Seine, make it a great base for exploring the City of Lights. Plus, the property itself feels like an oasis—albeit an ornate, luxurious one—with impeccable service and amenities (it’s no surprise it made it into our best Paris hotels guide). If you’re planning a stay, here’s what to know.
Exterior of Le Meurice hotel.
Le Meurice
Le Meurice
Who Will Love It: Art lovers; couples and families looking for a prime location
All-Star Amenities: Penhaligon’s toiletries, spa featuring Valmont products; Italian marble bathrooms; location facing the Tuileries Garden and right near the Louvre
What Not To Miss: Hammam and sauna, breakfast in the Versailles room, cocktails at Bar 228
Location: Paris, France
All-Star Amenities
Public spaces on the property were designed by Philippe Starck, and every detail feels carefully curated (think statement lighting and rich fabrics alongside Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs and an oversized frosted mirror in the lobby for guests to write on). The hotel’s La Maison Valmont Spa, blending Swiss wellness traditions with cutting-edge treatments, is the only one of its kind in Paris. After a revitalizing massage or facial, guests can unwind in the serene lounges. The hammam and sauna are open from 8am until 10pm, making it especially convenient for the jet lagged.
Store at La Maison Valmont Spa.
Mark Read
The hotel’s 24-hour concierge staff stands out for their impeccable knowledge of Paris, and can conveniently be reached via a guest Whatsapp service too. When I asked them for itinerary ideas, they were ready to arrange everything from private museum tours—like Louvre treasure hunts for families or a city walk tracing the life and career of Rodin—to skip-the-line access to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Rooms
The property’s 160 rooms, many of which have been refreshed by the design duo Lally & Berger, tap into the elegance of Louis XVI style while mixing antique-style furnishings with modern comforts. Rooms feel spacious by Paris standards, with elegant touches like silk draperies, marble bathrooms and plush bedding that create a warm, inviting ambiance. I stayed in an executive suite with my family, which featured soft pastel tones, Parisian art, gilded accents, and sweeping views of the Tuileries Garden, Eiffel Tower and Musee D’Orsay. Even with a lively summer carnival going on throughout our stay, the soundproofing on the windows was excellent, as were the blackout blinds, which could be controlled by conveniently placed switches bedside and throughout the room.
Living room in a Meurice Executive Suite.
Mark Read
Food And Beverage
Along with design, there’s even an artful vibe to the on-site dining options. Le Dalí is the main restaurant and Starck’s surrealist ode to the namesake (you can’t miss the handpainted ceiling by his daughter, Ara Starck). It offers French and international classics and a lively atmosphere perfect for cocktails or casual gatherings. A highlight of our meal was a signature Cédric Grolet trompe l’oeil dessert simply named “pistachio” that was a delightful chocolate, nutty, crunchy concoction. The Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse features inventive French haute cuisine served in a Versailles-inspired dining room. (Pro tip: If you’re treating yourself to breakfast at the hotel, opt to have it in this space.) Bar 228 serves up cocktails, wine and spirits, alongside live jazz. Nearby, Cédric Grolet’s Pâtisserie tempts with visually stunning pastries that are as delicious as they are artful.
Dining room at Le Dalí restaurant.
Mark Read
What To Do In The Area
Le Meurice occupies a prime spot on Rue de Rivoli, overlooking the expansive Tuileries Garden and a short stroll from storied museums and Place Vendôme. It’s close to plenty of Métro stations and bus stops, but there’s so much to see within walking distance whether you want to visit museums, check out cute wine bars or browse the “perfume row” of neighboring Rue Saint-Honoré.
How To Get There
Le Meurice is located in the 1st arrondissement on the Right Bank of Paris. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and a 30-minute drive from Paris-Orly Airport. Its closest subway stations are: Tuileries (a 3-minute walk away) and Concorde (a 5-minute walk away).
