Experimental unveils a flagship hotel in Paris

Hotel Experimental Marais marks the group’s third Parisian hotel, accompanying Grand Pigalle Experimental and Grand Boulevards Experimental. Located in the Haut Marais district, the new five star hotel will launch with a new restaurant, Temple & Chapon, offering a menu crafted by acclaimed French chef Mélanie Serre.

Led by four French visionaries, Experimental began in Paris with a cocktail bar that redefined the city’s nightlife. Over the years, the group has expanded globally, earning acclaim as pioneers of innovative hospitality and setting a new code in luxury experiences. The opening of Hotel Experimental Marais brings the brand’s signature blend of bold design and exceptional hospitality back to Paris.

Image credit: Mr Tripper

Acquired in October 2024, Hotel Experimental Marais transforms the property into a 43 room hotel designed by  interior designer Tristan Auer (Hôtel de Crillon, Les Bains, Hôtel du Louvre). Auer has crafted a neo-Gothic masterpiece inspired by the history and cultural heritage of the Marais, featuring grand arches, stained glass windows, bold architectural lines, and intimate spaces. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a beautiful spa with indoor swimming pool, a sophisticated cocktail bar, and a restaurant that promises to be a new culinary destination.

Image credit: Mr Tripper

For the reimagination of the spaces, Tristan Auer envisioned the fictional character of a curious and adventurous traveller, someone who explores the world while savouring every moment – an aesthete and an epicurean. The spacious restaurant, Temple & Chapon, is decorated with this traveller’s collection of drawings and photographs, creating an ambiance that feels both intimate and exotic. This atmosphere is further enhanced by a palette of brown tones, ranging from vibrant to textured. To bring the concept to life, Tristan Auer collaborated with artist Clovis Retif on the artistic direction of the space.

Inspired by the classic New York chophouses of the 1950s, Temple & Chapon brings a touch of Manhattan’s bold energy to the heart of Paris. Set in a striking cathedral-like space with a glass ceiling, the 100 seat restaurant offers a menu from Chef Consultant Mélanie Serre which reimagines American classics with French precision and elegance.

“For our new restaurant Temple & Chapon, we want to combine the demands and ambition of a young French Chef with the energy and glamour of a New York table, in unprecedented volumes for a restaurant in the Marais district, we are happy to entrust the reins to Mélanie Serre.” said Olivier Bon, Co-Founder of Experimental.

Image credit: Amaury Laparra

The upstairs American Bar continues the celebration of Experimental’s origins, paying homage to its founding vision and Parisian roots. Accessible via a grand staircase, the bar is inspired by legendary New York cocktail institutions like Please Don’t Tell, Attaboy, and the Raines Law Room. Guests can indulge in Experimental’s signature cocktails: the famous Benton’s Old Fashioned (fat washed bourbon), the vibrant Quetzal as well as a selection of wines from California and Oregon (Roseroc, New-York Ravines).

In collaboration with natural skincare brand Susanne Kaufmann, which combines science and nature for exceptional treatments, the Spa de l’Experimental Marais will offer facial treatments as well as tailor-made massages alongside a swimming pool.

Who is Experimental?
Experimental was founded in 2007 by three childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros and Romée de Goriainoff; then joined by Xavier Padovani. Between the four of them, they share a single vision: To offer the best hospitality experience to an ever more demanding clientele. Known for having introduced the culture of cocktail bars to Paris, Experimental has grown with bars in Paris, London, Venice, Val d’Isere and Verbier; wine bars in Paris, London and New York City and eight hotels, beach clubs and restaurants, in London, Paris, Ibiza, Verbier, Val d’Isere, Menorca and Venice.

Main image credit: Mr Tripper