PARIS—Hilton Paris Opera will debut in January 2015 following the completion of a $50-million restoration and enhancement program. The 268-room hotel was formerly known as the Concorde Paris Opera.
Originally designed by architect Juste Lisch to accommodate visitors flocking to the 1889 Exposition Universelle, Hilton Paris Opera tapped design firm Richmond for the revitalization.
Inspired by Paris’ elegant charm and refined style, the design scheme pays homage to the hotel’s storied history while providing an updated aesthetic. The 268 rooms including 29 suites will feature a bold yet calming color scheme and delicate brass detailing. Design elements include an entrance hall adorned with frescoes, Corinthian colonnades and original balustrades featuring chandeliers set with crystals and mosaic flooring. All rooms offer central air conditioning and complimentary WiFi.
Hilton Paris Opera’s 29 suites include the 900-sq.-ft. Maria Callas Suite. Besides a living room with the high ceilings typical for a Parisian Haussmann building, this suite features a master bedroom with a king bed, and a second bedroom with twin beds, both with private bathrooms designed with a large polished stone vanity and walk-in shower. Other suite highlights are the hotel’s four light-filled Rotonde Suites located on both sides of the building, characterized by the round exterior walls opening up to private French balconies.
Hilton Paris Opera also offers 10 one-bedroom suites as well as 14 junior suites, and all suite guests receive in-room Nespresso coffeemakers, full-size bath amenities and enhanced turndown services. Access to the Executive Lounge is included offering complimentary breakfast and afternoon bites and drinks.
The central archway between the two reception desks in the entrance lobby opens through to Le Grand Salon, the heart of the hotel. The formality of the original architecture with soaring 46-ft. high ceilings and hand-painted frescos is brought up to date with the large feature brass bar, contemporary high tables and mix of contemporary and vintage furniture, according to the company.
Off of the building’s front entrance is Le Petit Bar. Suspended from the tinted mirror, coffered ceiling are delicate rings of oval spheres that cast shadows throughout the room. Cocktail tables and comfortable yet elegant chairs complete the tone and ambience.
Salon Baccarat, a large function space, features vintage Baccarat crystal chandeliers. Six other, newly refurbished meeting rooms are located on the Entresol and Mezzanine Levels, all with top-of-the-line audio-visual technology. The breakfast lounge is also located on this floor, in the opposite wing with spaces that flow and wrap around the corner of the building.
Also as part of the renovation, Hilton Paris Opera has added an Executive Lounge and state-of-the art fitness center.
The hotel is situated in the city’s Right Bank district near to the Champs-Elysées, Opéra Square and Rue de la Paix. The hotel is located within close proximity to Saint-Lazare Railway Station and approximately 17 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport; 14 miles from Paris Orly Airport; and five miles from the La Défense business district.
Sofia Vandaele has been appointed general manager of the hotel. She joined from a similar position at the London NYC hotel in New York. Her previous experience includes roles with W Hotels in New York, the Sheraton Belgravia in London and Starwood Hotels in Brussels.