Checking in to Le Grand Hôtel Cayré

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré is one of the newest hotels to open in Paris. It is located in Saint-Germain-des-Pres quarter in the 7th arrondissment of Paris. The hotel shelters 123 bedrooms, including two suites, some with views of the Eiffel Tower. It also houses Annette, a restaurant inspired by local French cuisine.

Image credit: James McDonald

The hotel is backed by Miiro, one of Europe’s newest lifestyle hotel groups. Miiro is owned by InterGlobe Enterprises, the biggest shareholder of IndiGo airline. The group has ambitious plans to curate a characterful new collection of hotels, individually designed and inspired by their local surroundings. Le Grand Hôtel Cayré opened in July 2024 in Paris, and Borneta in Barcelona in August 2024. In 2025, additional hotels will be opening in London and Vienna. Miiro comes from the Latin word ‘miro’ meaning, ‘I wonder’ and each hotel is designed to encourage guests to look around and imagine.

Image credit: James McDonald

Miiro hired London-based architecture and interior design studio, Michaelis Boyd, to design the property. Michaelis Boyd drew inspiration from the local and stylish Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood, and the energy and artistic flair of the roaring twenties. Art-deco patterns like geometric rugs and fabrics are used throughout as well as cut-glass chandeliers and Jacque Adnet inspired furniture and lights. Traditional decoration techniques, like a hand-painted tromp l’oeil of the sky up the stairs, also gives a nod to the past. The colour palette of the hotel is warm and autumnal, full of natural materials like wood and stone. All in all, the space has a sense of sophisticated timelessness. It’s warm, welcoming and elegant.

Sustainability is an important topic in the hotel industry, and it’s also on consumers minds. Hotel operators are set with the task of finding ways to meaningfully incorporate sustainability goals into their fit-outs and services. Le Grand Hôtel Cayré have done this well. Good quality, natural materials are used throughout the interior fit out, such as timber and stone, which are robust and will age beautifully with time. They have also incorporated antiques furniture in their suites, from local dealers, which if a fabulous example of environmental and social sustainability, by supporting one’s local economy.

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When it comes to services, guests are given the option of three different types of services in their rooms. These range from the ‘Essentials’ package which reduces cleaning to every other day, gets rid of slippers and other ‘non-essentials’ to reduce environmental impact, to the ‘Premium Package,’ and the ‘Full Works’ which provide travellers with a full 5-star level of service. This helps the hotel appeal to the conscious traveller, as well as those who seek a standard 5-star French experience.

On arrival, I was greeted by Mickael Meunier, the General Manager. He gave me a tour of the hotel, outlining the thought and process that had gone into bringing it to life. His passion for creating memorable experiences for his guests was very evident, as well as his knowledge of the hospitality industry in Paris.

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Meunier told me the story of Annette, the hotel restaurant. Like the rest of the hotel, it is a contemporary take on tradition — serving a refreshed interpretation of local French cuisine. And the name ‘Annette’ is in tribute to Annette Kolb, the French-German writer and pacifist who lived at the original Hôtel Cayré for 17 years from 1944. The restaurant is overseen by Bruno Brangea (former head chef for Alain Ducasse and world œufs en meurette champion).

Meunier left me to check in, and I collected my keys. I spent two nights in a suite called Suite du Collectionneur. Given the care that had gone into the rest of the hotel design, I knew this would be a special experience — but my expectations were exceeded by the exquisite collection of 20th and 21st century furniture, lights and decorative objects that garnished the suite.

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The hotel collaborated with Gilbert Kann, a local curator of major public and private collections, who sourced the pieces by design houses such as Rink Manufacture, DCW Editions and Maison Leleu. I felt like I had been given the keys to my favourite antique shop and allowed to spend the night there. And over the course of my time in the suite, I was able to take my time to get to know each piece.

I was in town for Paris Design Week, and Suite du Collectionneur is quite possibly the best place to stay to engage with French design, both past and present.

Image credit: James McDonald

Later that evening, we enjoyed a three-course meal at Annette – the ambience was soft and relaxing, with warm lighting and comfortable seats. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a busy day in the city. The use of upholstery and plants throughout the restaurant dampened the sound, so you don’t feel overheard. We had a selection of delicious courses, expertly served with wonderful wine pairing suggestions.

After dinning, back in the suite. I curled up on the beautiful Maison Lele curved, mohair covered sofa and looked at the view outside. The Eiffel Tower was in clear view, sparkling. It felt like the perfect way to end Paris Design Week.

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré received top scores for me for ambience, service and design. It’s the kind of hotel I look forward to returning to for both work and leisure. The restaurant is delicious, the staff are very attentive and the rooms are beautifully designed.

Main image credit: James McDonald