Overlooking the Gardens of the Tuileries on the Right Bank of the Seine, in Paris, the Hôtel Meurice is on the Rue de Rivoli at number 228. During the occupation of France by the Nazis, the German Forces had their Headquarters in this palace. This is here that Commanding-Governor Dietrich von Choltitz made his final decision to disobey Hitler's order to destroy Paris. It is here too that General Leclerc received the surrender of the Nazis in 1944.
The “Belle Etoile” suite in the Meurice is the most expensive of Paris luxury hotels. It offers a marble hall, Charles X furniture, intricate design wood panels with gilt decor and mural paintings. The palace opened in 1835 in the buildings created by great architects Percier and Fontaine when the Rue de Rivoli was opened. In a purpose of competition with the Hôtel Ritz (see my article: “Luxury Hotels in Paris : The Ritz”) the Hôtel Meurice is quickly extended. Kings and Queens, the Prince of Wales were clients here, then businessmen, showbiz stars and jet-set . Salvador Dali lived here one month a year, in the Alphonse XIII suite, splashing the walls with paint in the company of his tamed leopards. He even had goats and a horse on the first floor.
For each floor, a different style is proposed. The spectacular rooms have a Louis XVI decor on the first floor, in white and gold with fireplaces, “à la polonaise” beds and period furniture. On the second and third floors which are more dedicated to a business clientele, the style is in the office atmosphere with vast spaces. The upper floors with a parisian decor were created for permanent residents. This is why some people like to settle in the palace all year round.
The hotel is close to the Louvre Museum and tours are organized by an Art Historian who can tell you more about the Da Vinci Code and the church Saint-Sulpice. The restaurant “Le Meurice” bathed in sunlight was inspired by the “Salon de la Paix” in Versailles. The frescoes, marbles, bronze and gilt decoration create a very romantic environment. The tantalizing cuisine includes specialties from all the regions of France. The “Jardin d'Hiver” and its delightful Art Déco glass roof along with the cosy “Fontainebleau” bar, in the British style, are well-known. 5000 roses a week are bought by this Parisian palace. And “Haute couture” boutiques like Lanvin, Chanel, Dior, Dolce and Gabanna or John Galliano are so close!
Take a moment and enjoy the fabulous cocktail “Meurice Millenium” made of Champagne rosé, Cointreau and rose liquor. A votre santé!
Hôtel Meurice, the Restaurant « Le Meurice », Paris.
Copyright: Peter Hebeisen.
Rue de Rivoli, Paris. The entrance of the Hôtel Meurice is under the arcades.
