Hotel interior experts Richmond were commissioned to design the interiors of Hilton Paris Opera, formerly Grand Hotel Terminus, one of Paris’ original majestic hotels.Designed by architect Juste Lisch, the hotel first welcomed visitors to the Exposition Universelle of 1889. The hotel, recently rebranded as part of a major renovation, now opens its doors on 21 January 2015 as Hilton Paris Opera, to invite guests to enjoy the opulent spaces within this historic building in Paris’ vibrant Opéra quarter.
The Raised Ground Floor Entrance Lobby lies behind a large revolving glass door with stone floors, elegant Corinthian-style columns and an intricately hand-painted ceiling from the original building. Crystal chandeliers, inspired by jewellery pieces, suspend from the ceiling whilst graceful curved chairs and glass cocktail tables offer guests intimate seating areas. Two reception desks are positioned either side of a raised rear area and feature floral panel designs crafted from brass; these reflect the original brass detailing that adorns the central balustrade.
The colour palette of the hotel’s Le Petit Bar, left of the Entrance Lobby, was inspired by a bold striped fabric by fashion designer Christian Lacroix, which has been used as an upholstery to a number of the chairs. Opaque reeded glass and backlit columns with gold leaf wall mouldings highlight the space and create a sense of form and structure. Suspended from a tinted mirrored and coffered ceiling, delicate interlocking rings form globes of light and cast elaborate shadows over the room. The striking black and white floor design accentuates the luxurious chairs and cocktail tables that occupy the space and bestow a traditional Parisian feel, whilst lounge chairs complete the tone of this relaxed social space.
The central archways of the Entrance Lobby open up to the heart of the hotel, the highly decorative Le Grand Salon. This space acts as the hotel’s social hub, open from breakfast through to late evening. The formality of the original architecture, with a 14m high ceiling and hand-painted murals, has been updated with the addition of a large brass and backlit glass feature bar, high tables and mix of contemporary and vintage furniture. The space’s architectural detailing is echoed in the bespoke handcrafted wool rugs, sofas and coloured glass tabletops, all of which have been designed to create a fresh and sophisticated interior. A new backlit ceiling adds light and volume to the space. Below the ceiling, crystal rings of light wrap around two monumental chandeliers and offer a contemporary addition to the existing features by creating a jewel box quality that glistens throughout the room.
The Salon Baccarat is the hotel’s largest meeting room, a glamorous function space lit by five Baccarat crystal chandeliers. Six additional newly refurbished meeting rooms are located on the Entresol level of the hotel and offer audio-visual technology. The Breakfast Lounge occupies the Mezzanine level, which it shares with the hotel’s executive lounge, with spaces that wrap and flow around the corner of the building.
An ornate grand staircase leads to the luxurious Guestrooms where commissioned artworks decorate the corridor walls outside. A muted colour scheme with dashes of delicate brass detailing gives each room a sense of tranquillity whilst enriching the guest experience. Parisian references, including bespoke wallpaper to the headboard wall, create a suggestive backdrop to the décor and shagreen detailing and high-gloss surfaces feature heavily throughout. Each bathroom has been re-designed to accommodate sizeable polished stone vanities and spacious walk-in showers.
