Hôtel Balzac Reopens with Festen Architecture’s Redesign

Hôtel Balzac, located on a quiet side street near the top of the Champs-Élysées in Paris' 8th arrondissement, following an extensive renovation by the esteemed French architectural firm Festen, reopened on June 1, 2024. The hotel, which is currently owned by Olivier Bertrand and his family, boasts 58 luxurious accommodations and suites, some of which feature open-air terraces and views of the Eiffel Tower. The redesign blends the grand hotel spirit with intimate chic, incorporating neutral tones, refined materials, and custom-made furniture reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s. Public spaces include a glass-roofed lobby lounge, a discrete bar, and the 3-Michelin star restaurant Pierre Gagnaire. The hotel is also set to open its Japanese-inspired Ikoi Spa this summer.

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The Champs-Élysées, often hailed as "the most beautiful avenue in the world," is regaining its elegance and vibrant atmosphere, from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Hôtel Balzac, situated on the historic site of the 19th-century French novelist Honoré de Balzac's former home, offers a unique vantage point for experiencing the cosmopolitan Parisian elite. This reopening marks Olivier Bertrand's fifth hotel in Paris, reinforcing his family's legacy in luxury hospitality and their commitment to French tradition and local craftsmanship.

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