PHOTO: Le Jardin gives guests at the Hotel Regina an intimate place to eat light meals al fresco in summer. (Courtesy of Hotel Regina)
The Belle Époque made many European cities more beautiful with its lighter more lyrical approach to art and architecture. No city did better than Paris and one of the more beautiful gems of the period, the historic five-star Hotel Regina with its Second Empire façade and domed roof.
The property has just re-emerged after a two-year, €17 million renovation, to all of its 99 rooms and suites as well as public spaces, restaurants and bars. The décor stayed true to the historic spirit of the hotel using Pierre Frey and Nobilis fabrics, as well as Regency colors. New soundproofing was installed throughout the hotel to preserve that essential feel of serenity even in central Paris.
So much of what makes a stay in Paris is location. Located off the Rue de Rivoli at the Place des Pyramids, near the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, the hotel is right there where so many Parisian memories haunt the neighborhood. And true to its Belle Époque roots, it has grand views of the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre, by the way, is the world's most visited museum with some 9.3 million annual visitors.
The renovation promises a total overhaul of all rooms and suites in all tiers: superior, deluxe, junior suites, the Suite Cour Jardin and the Suite Tour Eiffel. Period furnishings were also restored and bathrooms were brought up to the best modern standards using Thé Blanc bathroom amenities by parfum house, Fragonard.
The renovation also adapted the property to new market realities. Family travelers, for instance, will find that three dedicated suites have been designed with connecting rooms with bunk beds and a play area that can accommodate parents and up to three children.
The Lounge Club, the main restaurant, serving classic French cuisine is offering al fresco lunch this summer on the Rue de Rivoli, and this September, a Wine Bar will debut in the hotel's lobby serving a selection of vintages and small plates. There is also an English Bar and the seasonal mainstay, Le Jardin, a secret garden restaurant within the city center, popular with Parisians and guests.
The Regina first opened as a new hotel to welcome guests to the 1900 World's Fair. A member of Les Hotels Baverez Collection, the Regina is one of three Parisian hotels including The Raphael and Majestic Hotel that are fourth generation family-owned and operated for over 100 years. Superior Double Room rates start at €360 ($470). Paris has about 75,000 hotel rooms and hopes to add another 7,000 to 15,000 rooms by 2020.
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