The Saint James Paris Hotel: a very grande maison indeed...
With its park-style grounds right in the centre of Paris, its exclusive restaurant boasting a vast terrace that overlooks said gardens and a decor that is all at once eclectic, classically chic and openly extravagant, the Saint-James Paris Hotel welcomes you! Somewhere between a castle and a family house, this indescribable hotel has treated itself to an invigorating and cutting-edge makeover. It is sure to be a case of love at first sight !
Transformation…
As far as history goes, the mansion was built on the spot of Paris’s first airfield, from where hot air balloons used to take off at the end of the 20th Century, by Madame Thiers (widow of former French President Adolphe Thiers) to house the Thiers Foundation, a residence aimed at improving the education of France’s well-bred students. It then became a traditional London gentleman’s club and finally a château-hôtel at the end of the 20th Century. Since then the hotel had remained in the style of French designer Andrée Putman, until iconoclastic interior designer, Bambi Sloan, was appointed to give it a drastic makeover, whilst retaining the wonderful spirit of the place. With 5000m2, 48 bedrooms, lounges and a historic Library to work with, the trend-breaking Sloan transformed the residence, bringing it its current Anglo-Saxon charm. Describing the décor herself as ‘crazy chic’ this magnificent hotel is so ostensibly British in its exuberance and classicism.
Vive Napoleon III!
Inspired by the French 19th Century Napoleon III-style, she incorporated carpets designed by herself, cleverly crafted draperies and velours, wallpaper depicting hot air balloons, accessories gleaned from flea markets and replica master paintings from the 19th Century. In essence the hotel seduces its clientele by its grand folly, its disorienting calm, and its excellent restaurant brilliantly headed by chef Cyrille Robert and offering a delightful menu full of local produce. All that is left to discover is the Gemology Spa where precious gems are aplenty and rare minerals lend your skin a healthy glow…
As far as history goes, the mansion was built on the spot of Paris’s first airfield, from where hot air balloons used to take off at the end of the 20th Century, by Madame Thiers (widow of former French President Adolphe Thiers) to house the Thiers Foundation, a residence aimed at improving the education of France’s well-bred students. It then became a traditional London gentleman’s club and finally a château-hôtel at the end of the 20th Century. Since then the hotel had remained in the style of French designer Andrée Putman, until iconoclastic interior designer, Bambi Sloan, was appointed to give it a drastic makeover, whilst retaining the wonderful spirit of the place. With 5000m2, 48 bedrooms, lounges and a historic Library to work with, the trend-breaking Sloan transformed the residence, bringing it its current Anglo-Saxon charm. Describing the décor herself as ‘crazy chic’ this magnificent hotel is so ostensibly British in its exuberance and classicism.
Vive Napoleon III!
Inspired by the French 19th Century Napoleon III-style, she incorporated carpets designed by herself, cleverly crafted draperies and velours, wallpaper depicting hot air balloons, accessories gleaned from flea markets and replica master paintings from the 19th Century. In essence the hotel seduces its clientele by its grand folly, its disorienting calm, and its excellent restaurant brilliantly headed by chef Cyrille Robert and offering a delightful menu full of local produce. All that is left to discover is the Gemology Spa where precious gems are aplenty and rare minerals lend your skin a healthy glow…
Mai 2014
By Katya PELLEGRINO
