Leading Hotels of the World
Located in the heart of the 8th district, within walking distance of the Champs Elysees Avenue, Hotel Lancaster was originally built as a private mansion. This small and intimate hotel is peaceful and discrete, with a large and valuable collection of art and French antiques, accented with contemporary items. The former private residence became a hotel in 1930, when famous guests included Marlene Dietrich, and epitomises civilised Paris and comfort.
Style
Originally a private residence built by Spanish aristocrat Santiago Drake del Castillo, before being enlarged and converted into a hotel by Swiss Emile Wolf in 1925-30, the Lancaster still has something of the feel of a private home, perhaps because of the winding corridors. The hotel has several original paintings on display, including numerous portraits by Russian artist Boris Pastoukhoff who lived here in the 1930s, antique clocks, and furniture mixed with modern comforts. The restaurant has recently been redecorated, forsaking the Japanese touches of its Grace Léo Andrieu days for a comforting ambience of grey velvet seats and white linen.
Rooms
The 56 rooms, including compact singles and good-sized doubles, overlooking the street or planted courtyard, feature herringbone parquet floors, original paintings and antique furniture. The ultimate is the spacious Suite Marlène Dietrich, where the actress actually lived for more than three years in the 1930s, complete with its tall windows, lilac-coloured sofa, chaise longue and baby grand piano.
Food & Drink
Chef Julien Roucheteau is one of the surprisingly unsung talents of Parisian cuisine. He gained his second Michelin star at just 35 years old, and has been at the head of the one Michelin-starred Table du Lancaster restaurant since 2011. Dishes such as dessert of mango sorbet, mousse, and redcurrants with curry reveal Roucheteau’s flair for subtle spicing.
Hotel Lancaster Paris is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of authentic and uncommon luxury hotels. Rooted in the locations where they are found, the hotels embody the very essence of their destinations. Offering varied styles of architecture and design, and immersive cultural experiences delivered by passionate people, LHW’s collection is for the curious traveller looking for their next discovery. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, Leading Hotels has an eight decade-long commitment to providing remarkable travel experiences.
READ MORE
A&E Reviews: Mondrian London
