Mermaids in the pool, violinists in the bedrooms and voguing on the dancefloor… the launch of Le Marais’ newest five-star hotel was not an understated occasion, but then this is a place designed for fun times as well as a good night’s sleep. The latest opening by boutique hotel group Maison Pariente (founded by Patrick Pariente and his two daughters, Leslie Kouhana and Kimberley Cohen), Le Grand Mazarin takes its mission to create distinctive and personality-packed venues to a new level.
The group is known for working with some of the finest contemporary interior designers, including Charles Zana and Pierre Yovanovitch – the latter is the mastermind behind Meribel-based ski hotel Le Coucou, which made it onto our list of the 10 best design hotels.
For Le Grand Mazarin, the family approached Brit-based designer Martin Brudnizki, founder of MBDS, known for creating the decadent interiors for London members’ bar Annabel’s. He has combined his eclectic and exuberant style with elements of French classicism, filling the historic 14th-century building with vintage furnishings and creations by the finest French artisans. Above the bed in every one of the 50 rooms and 11 suites hangs a bespoke Aubusson-style tapestry created specially for the property by the Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Companies). This generations-old craft house also created much of the lighting for the hotel.
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Elsewhere, the work of young artist Jacques Merle can be seen in the basement spa, where the leaves of the mythically-inspired trees in his large-scale mural stretch in a canopy over the pool and adjoining jacuzzi. Not only does it look dreamy, but the mere presence of a pool of this size in Le Marais, one of Paris’ most central neighbourhoods (the Pompidou gallery is just a short stroll away, as are many of the city’s most luxurious shopping streets), is a treat.
It’s not the only unique element in Le Grand Mazarin, though. A secret cabaret bar will soon be opening. An exclusive nightspot (entry will be by invite only and mobile phones strictly banned), it’s due to be run by cabaret star Uriel and promises to be a place to see exciting acts in an intimate setting. Cocktails, of course, will be flowing – and the signature drinks created by Le Bar de l'hôtel Grand Mazarin are incredibly tempting. There’s even a new shot every day (off-menu it’s a treat for those in the know – just ask the friendly staff).
Finally, there’s one last nonconformist flourish: the restaurant. Deciding against a traditional French bistro (the area has many of those already), Maison Pariente turned to Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit to create dishes that pay homage to the Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine of his childhood. Named Boubalé – meaning ‘little darling’ in Yiddish, an affectionate term given to Eastern European grandmothers – the restaurant is divided between the cosy main restaurant and the winter garden. The latter features 12 celestial windows inspired by tarot cards – the creation of Menorcan-born artist Sophie Pega.
As Audrey Hepburn is incorrectly attributed to having said ‘Paris is always a good idea,’ and Le Grand Mazarin (flamboyant yet invitingly comfortable, eclectic yet perfectly considered) makes that feel truer than ever. legrandmazarin.com
