Architectural Digest visits the newly renovated Paris Hotel Crillon

The renovation of the Hotel de Crillon that began in 2013 has finally been completed, bringing an 18th-century building into the 21st.

The list of famous hotels in Paris is a treat for any critic: the Hotel Georges V, the Peninsula Paris, the Saint James Paris and the l’Hopital Hotel-Dieu to name a few. For the last few years there’s been a notable omission from hotel listings sites that has recently been filled by the Hotel de Crillon’s re-opening after a four-year, 200-million euro renovation that has given it wifi, new spa, pool and fitness centre and a re-working of its room plan.  Architectural Digest captures the full effect of the remodel.

The building dates back to 1758 when Louis XV requested the building of facades – and only facades – of a grandeur fitting to overlook the Place de la Concorde, before the land behind was snapped up by a developer and turned into a private mansion. This became the Crillon residence after the Count of Crillon bought the home in 1788, and after being requisitioned during the revolution but returned to the family shortly after, it was sold in 1907. Two years later, it became the Hotel de Crillon.

And 118 years later Rosewood, a hospitality management company with 19 luxury hotels under its portfolio, oversaw the renovation works. They manage the hotel as it re-enters an extremely competitive market, but with its premier location and historic elegance, the Crillon should not have any trouble breaking even.

With a guest list peppered with historical heavyweights, the Hotel de Crillon has built a remarkably singular reputation over the years. From the arts, Conan Doyle, Charlie Chaplin, Henry Salvador, Andy Warhol and Madonna frequented the establishment. British royalties George V and George VI, as well as the current Queen Elizabeth have been guests. Marie Antoinette took piano lessons there and met her unfortunate end on the Place de la Concorde in 1793.

The building sits squarely in Paris’ historical and architectural centre. A panoramic view from the entrance overlooks the Tuileries Garden, the Place de la Concorde, and the leafy beginnings of the Champs-Elysees, while behind it lies the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the ‘most luxurious street in the world’. The Crillon’s facade, encapsulating the neoclassical design of its era, gives way to 124 luxury rooms and 36 suites, 10 of which are especially spacious. Two of those were designed by Karl Lagerfield.

To follow in the footsteps of Doyle, Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth, rooms will set you back around €1,000 a night.

images © Wikicommons, Architectural Digest