Not all luxury hotels are created equal — Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, stands in a class of its own. Proudly perched on the most coveted piece of real estate, right on the edge of Paris’ most prominent square, Place de la Concorde, this grand palace from the 1700s has witnessed centuries of history and countless secrets being shared within its walls.
Recapping the History
In 1754, King Louis XV tasked Ange-Jacques Gabriel — the era’s leading architect — with creating a grand public square, now known as Place de la Concorde. Gabriel answered with two perfectly symmetrical stone pavilions framing the rue Royale. One of them would ultimately become the Hôtel de Crillon.
The property changed hands in 1788, when the Count of Crillon became its owner. He would later be imprisoned during the French Revolution, though released afterward. The building survived the upheaval, and by 1895, it had passed to the Polignac family, who began restoring its historic interiors. Architect Charles Lenormand was brought in to renovate the Grand Salon, dining room, and facade – which was officially listed as a historic monument the following year.
In 1904, the Société du Louvre acquired the Hôtel de Crillon from the Polignac heirs, transforming the former palace into a luxury hotel. By 1909, it opened its doors to guests seeking a distinctly Parisian experience.
In 2013, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® was selected to oversee a major transformation of the property. Following extensive renovations, the Hôtel de Crillon reopened in 2017 under its new name: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel – a modern chapter in a long, storied history.
No Ordinary Restoration
In 2013, a grand restoration commenced which lasted 4 whole years. This was no ordinary restoration – this was a coming together of some of the world’s most sought after creatives, strategic thinkers, and committed patrons of the arts. A gargantuan vision that only the most brilliant minds could have brought to life. Under the guidance of Richard Martinet, founder of the architecture and design agency Affine Design and a specialist in the restoration of high-profile buildings throughout the world, the historic monument went through some key improvements. The artistic direction of the entire project was entrusted to Lebanon born architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, with her agency “Culture in Architecture”, who then commissioned various aspects of the restoration to some key figures of the art and design world.
Artful Living at de Crillon
With the exception of ten signature suites, architect and interior designer Cyril Vergniol redesigned all the remaining rooms and suites through the lens of an art connoisseur, adding elegant details through an eclectic selection of objects, photos and paintings, which he himself described as “a sort of studio with a lovely organised chaos”.
While all the rooms and suites stand out for their sheer elegance and artistic value, the masterstroke is the Nobile 2 on the 4th floor, a series of suites looking onto the Place de la Concorde, envisioned and art directed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld.
He brought both his expertise in luxury craftsmanship and his personal vision to the project, transforming the “Grands Appartements” into a singular and unapologetic tribute to 18th-century elegance and his flawless understanding of the French art de vivre.
True to Lagerfeld’s penchant for the unexpected, the space is accompanied by “Choupette” – a charming adjoining room named after his beloved cat, who continues to win hearts in the fashion editorial universe till date.
There are six more lavish signature suites in the hotel, here’s a quick look:
- Suite Duc de Crillon: Perched on the second floor, the Suite Duc de Crillon, named after the hotel’s historic owner, is styled by Aline Asmar d’Amman, with original chapel woodwork, gilded accents, and bespoke furniture that evoke its storied and sacred past. Hints of the former private chapel linger throughout, from ornate carvings to glistening gold details woven into the decor.
- The Suite Louis XV: Located on the sixth floor, the Suite Louis XV boasts a panoramic terrace overlooking Place de la Concorde and a generous living area. Adjoining the Suite Bernstein, it forms one of Paris’s most expansive luxury accommodations.
- The Suite Bernstein: Perched on the sixth floor, the Suite Bernstein, reimagined by Chahan Minassian, blends 18th-century elegance with contemporary charm. With over 2100 square feet of terrace space, it offers sweeping, cinematic views across Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
- Suite Marie-Antoinette: Also reimagined by Aline Asmar d’Amman in true 18th‑century style, the Suite Marie‑Antoinette pays homage to its namesake through a palette of pink‑grey tones. Featuring a secret passage to its living room and a columned terrace by Ange‑Jacques Gabriel overlooking Place de la Concorde, it seamlessly blends historic charm with discreet luxury.
- The Suite Jardin: This suite embodies the Parisian residential charm of Hôtel de Crillon, with a layout of interconnected rooms inspired by the Petit Trianon. Lined with bespoke furnishings, artwork, antiques, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, it makes for a refined, living-apartment atmosphere.
- Suites Ateliers d’Artistes: Tucked under the Hôtel de Crillon mansard roof, the Ateliers d’Artistes, designed by Chahan Minassian, comprise three loft-style suites named Le Poète, L’Écrivain, and Le Peintre. Each offers a Parisian “skylight” experience, a stunning tribute to the French art of living, with bespoke decor beneath the city’s skyline.
The Arts Take Centre Stage
Art plays a pivotal role in the Hôtel de Crillon story, as it continues the legacy of aristocrats and merchants who have long supported the arts. More than 500 original pieces have been thoughtfully preserved and meticulously incorporated into the interiors – either in their original form or reimagined with a contemporary touch.
Curator Fru Tholstrup, formerly director of Sotheby’s S|2 gallery in London, and fellow curator Jane Neal collaborated closely with the hotel’s interior designers to enrich the collection with contemporary works, spotlighting emerging artists represented by leading galleries. The result is a curated ensemble of over a thousand artworks, displayed throughout the property as they might be in a private collector’s home, creating a seamless, living gallery.
Wellness and A Sense of Place
Sense, A Rosewood Spa offers a personalised and luxurious approach to wellness, designed to rejuvenate mind and body. Guests can unwind in the serene relaxation area, which features a tranquil pool under a stunning glass roof, a relaxing steam room, and a rejuvenating sauna. The spa also includes a chic hair salon by renowned stylist David Lucas. For those focused on physical wellness, there is a fully equipped, state of the art fitness studio. Since September 2024, guests have also been able to indulge in exclusive treatments in the new EvidenS de Beauté cabin, combining high-end skincare with ultimate relaxation.
Dining at Hôtel de Crillon
Dining at Hôtel de Crillon is a suave affair, with a selection of venues to match every mood. From lively, modern city dining and a patisserie offering indulgent seasonal creations to one of Paris’ most iconic bars, the hotel remains one of the city’s most compelling culinary destinations.
Rooted in the tradition of the French grill, Nonos by Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet offers timeless dishes that transform the everyday into something special. Classic and retro, the menu blends gourmet flair with daily essentials.
If you’re looking for something more informal, the Nonos experience sees a beautiful extension in Comestibles, which offers a chic, relaxed take on the delicatessen – a stylish snack bar for locals and guests, open from morning to midnight.
Of course, no Parisian summer is complete without indulging in a champagne laced lunch in the garden. Jardin d’Hiver at Hôtel de Crillon is a serene escape from the energy of Paris in summer. Open all day, it offers seasonal cuisine in an elegant setting. Guests can dine beneath its stunning decorative ceiling or outdoors on the terrace in the Cour d’Honneur. There are few better places to enjoy oysters and champagne in Paris in the summer.
But that’s not all. Hôtel de Crillon’s Michelin-starred L’Écrin delivers an exceptional tasting experience, led by acclaimed Chef Boris Campanella, Pastry Chef Matthieu Carlin, and Rosewood Europe Head Sommelier Xavier Thuizat. Together, this celebrated trio crafts a refined, ever-evolving gastronomic journey, perfectly paired with guest-selected wines.
And finally, the highlight of every unforgettable Parisian meal – the dessert section. Making its European debut at Hôtel de Crillon, Butterfly Pâtisserie, led by Pastry Chef Matthieu Carlin, presents a refined selection of signature chocolates, elegant pastries, and seasonal creations. Blending tradition with innovation, it offers a fresh perspective on the French pâtisserie classics we all know and love.
Drinks with a side of history at Bar LesAmbassadeurs
A standout moment of being at Hôtel de Crillon is being able to have a drink at the very grandiose Bar LesAmbassadeurs, as one marvels at the sheer beauty of every detail. The crowning feature of this extraordinary bar is its original 18th‑century frescoed ceiling – a cloud-kissed sky where cherubs drift in amber light. Here, guests sip cocktails beneath a historic dreamscape that transforms every drink into an immersive moment. Bar Les Ambassadeurs invites guests to savour their evenings in a setting that beautifully merges history and grandeur with unmatched service.
This celebrated venue has witnessed generations of travellers and artists walk through its doors. Inside, a central horseshoe bar becomes the stage for a skilled bar team, led by Kevin Rigault, crafting memorable cocktails from a playful menu deriving its inspiration from life’s nostalgic moments.
The drinks programme, in contrast to the setting, is modern and representative of the global traveler in the new world. At dusk, live performances add a refined, musical layer to the already captivating mood of the bar, making it near impossible to leave.
While luxury hotels always have a way of creating an impression, Hôtel de Crillon creates a lasting and magical impact that goes well beyond the aesthetics and the history. The attention to detail from every member of staff, a concierge team that is attentive to every need, and the overall warmth and generosity of service, make any stay here exceed all expectations. Luxury is so much more than the thread count of the sheets and the age of the wine, it is the feeling of being cared for and remembered – and that’s what Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel delivers effortlessly, day after day.
What’s happening at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel this summer?
Beginning June 2025, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, will honour the France-Brazil 2025 cultural season by opening its storied doors to the spirit of Brazil. An exclusive summer program will celebrate Brazilian culture, cuisine, and joie de vivre in the heart of Paris.
From the iconic Concorde Terrace to the elegant settings of L’Écrin, Le Jardin d’Hiver, and Bar Les Ambassadeurs, guests will be invited to experience a vibrant Brazilian summer — all within the timeless grandeur of the Crillon.
Contact the hotel for more details: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, 10 place de la Concorde – 75008 Paris | 01 44 71 15 00
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