A new luxury hotel is to open in the historic Bains-Douches building in the Paris Marais neighborhood

An historic building in the Marais neighborhood is to be renovated and converted into a 5-star hotel. Cinema producer and hotelier Jean-Pierre Marois plans a 39-room luxury hotel that will preserve the unique character of the Bains-Douches (literally, public baths) building, located at 7 rue du Bourg l’Abbé in the 3^rd arrondissement (district). The hotel is scheduled to open in 2014.

The Guerbois family had the imposing building constructed in 1885. It housed a fashionable private spa frequented by the rich and famous of high Parisian society. Marcel Proust was a regular visitor. The swimming pool with gilded tiles and the Chinese salon were particularly celebrated.

The building was converted into a club-restaurant in 1978 with décor by a young Philippe Starck. During the 1980s, it became a chic nightspot, renowned for its avant-garde musical performances. It was the haunt of celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Mick Jagger, Andy Warhol, Vanessa Paradis and Kate Moss.

The property was closed in 2010 for structural reasons. In 2013, still closed to the public, it temporarily hosted works by 20 street artists, which art-lovers were able to enjoy via the Internet.

Now, Marois plans to take advantage of the building’s artistic past and enter the flourishing boutique hotel business. He intends to retain the chic, elegant ambiance, with a touch of the Bohemian. The initiative should eventually create about 100 jobs.

Parts of the 3,000m m² establishment will also provide space for private accommodation.