Le Meurice is synonymous with Parisian luxury, a palace hotel where elegance and history resonate through its halls. While its Michelin-starred dining and opulent suites are well-documented, the hotel's soul is found in the captivating stories and unique details that have accumulated over its nearly 200-year history. Here are 15 things you probably never knew about this iconic establishment on Rue de Rivoli.
- Founded for British Travelers: Charles-Augustin Meurice opened the hotel in 1835 with a specific vision: to create a home away from home for British travelers visiting Paris. This savvy targeting made it one of the city's first "boutique" hotels, long before the term was coined.
- The Original Hotel Was in Calais: Before conquering Paris, the Meurice family already operated a successful hotel in the port city of Calais, strategically located just across the English Channel to welcome British guests as soon as they arrived in France.
- A Stray Dog Became Its Mascot: During a major renovation in 1907, construction workers adopted a stray greyhound. The hotel staff fell in love with him, and he officially became the hotel's mascot and emblem, a symbol of unexpected loyalty and charm.
- Salvador Dalí's Second Home: The surrealist master wasn't just a guest; he treated Le Meurice as a second home. His legendary, often eccentric, stays included requests to bring a herd of sheep to his room and famously walking his pet anteater through the lobby.
- Picasso's Wedding Reception: In 1918, Pablo Picasso chose the hotel's opulent Salon Pompadour to host his wedding banquet for his marriage to ballerina Olga Khokhlova, cementing the hotel's long-standing relationship with the art world.
The opulent Salon Pompadour at Le Meurice, where Pablo Picasso held his wedding reception in 1918. - Philippe Starck's Dalí-Inspired Design: The hotel's 2007 redesign by Philippe Starck was directly inspired by Dalí's playful and creative spirit. The interiors are a tribute to the artist, blending classical grandeur with surreal whimsy.
- A Restaurant Inspired by Versailles: The Alain Ducasse restaurant isn't just elegant; its design is a specific reinterpretation of the Salon de la Paix (Hall of Peace) in the Château de Versailles, bringing a slice of royal grandeur to Paris.
- Paris's Only Valmont Spa: Le Meurice is home to the only spa in Paris dedicated to the exclusive Swiss luxury skincare brand Valmont, offering an unparalleled level of cosmetology and anti-aging treatments.
- Commitment to Sustainable Gastronomy: Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse has been awarded three Écotable macarons—the highest recognition from this label—for its profound commitment to sustainable and eco-conscious gastronomy.
- The World's Best Pastry Chef in Residence: Cedric Grolet, named "The World's Best Pastry Chef" in 2018, operates his fantastical pastry boutique just around the corner from the hotel, where his hyper-realistic sculpted fruits sell out daily.
The boutique of World's Best Pastry Chef Cedric Grolet, located near Le Meurice. - Secret Terrace at the Spa: Beyond the treatment rooms and hammam, the Valmont spa hides a charming outdoor terrace where guests can relax post-treatment, a rare urban oasis.
- High-Tech Hidden Features: The Belle Etoile suite is equipped with seamless, intuitive technology integrated throughout its seven rooms, including superior connectivity and hidden features that surprise even the most tech-savvy guests.
- Dalí's Favorite Suite is Bookable: The Presidential Apartment Dalí, Park View, once the artist's favorite retreat, is available for guests to book. It's steeped in history and offers stunning views over the Tuileries Garden.
- A Living Art Gallery: The hotel considers itself a "living work of art" and offers curated experiences, like expert-guided tours through Montmartre following Picasso's footsteps or exploring the works of Monet and Rodin.
- 360-Degrees of Paris: The Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite isn't just large; it features a staggering 300m² wraparound terrace that offers the only true 360-degree panoramic view of the Paris skyline from a hotel suite.
The wraparound terrace of the Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite at Le Meurice, offering a 360-degree view of Paris.
These fascinating tidbits reveal that Le Meurice is far more than just a luxurious place to sleep. It's a living, breathing institution woven into the cultural fabric of Paris, where history, art, and a touch of the unexpected create a truly unforgettable experience.
For a detailed overview of its rooms, suites, and dining experiences, you can read our full review here.
Photos courtesy of Le Meurice.
