Located on one of Paris’ most prestigious and iconic streets — Avenue George V — the Bulgari Hotel Paris, open as of Dec. 2, is a modern blend of Italian hospitality and exquisite luxury. This stylish address is as sophisticated as it is seductive — from the black hand-lacquered walls and voluminous seating in the lounge to in-room steamer trunk bars with opulent touches. With origins in a jewelry brand, the attention to detail is not only impressive but maximizes every angle, encapsulating the Roman Renaissance inspiration married with modernity the brand has upheld since 1884.
The visually stunning blend of contemporary architecture and classic design was conceived by the renowned Italian architectural house Antonia Citterio Patricia Viel, who has designed each of the seven Bulgari Hotels to date. This design provides an understated elegance that extends throughout the hotel. “Space and silence is what luxury clients want, and every Bulgari Hotel has always been designed with space in mind,” architect Patricia Viel explained.
Many spaces incorporate elements recognizable from Bulgari’s handbag, fine jewelry, and watch designs, including etched serpents perched atop oversized bathtubs. One cannot help but feel a sensual sophistication while on the property, which complements the overall romanticism of Paris. “Paris needed a different hotel that was more contemporary luxury; a place where you feel good and comfortable everywhere,” Viel continued. The sense of not feeling pressured to leave is present—it’s welcoming, cozy, and no detail has been compromised—making guests feel as though they are in a private home.
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The hotel features 57 suites — including the soon-to-be-famous Bulgari Penthouse — and 19 executive rooms, each designed to feel like a private residence with high levels of class and comfort. That comfort is enhanced by velvet and silk lining the rooms, and thick herringbone-patterned carpeting which is incomparably soft. Guests might be tempted to spend their time in bed ordering room service if the allure of Parisian shopping and sights did not motivate them outdoors to the eighth arrondissement. Most rooms include a private loggia overlooking Avenue George V or the internal garden, providing delightful opportunities for people-watching or enjoying a morning coffee.
The pièce de resistance is the Bulgari Penthouse, which can be seen from the street and showcases floor-to-ceiling windows while maintaining incredible privacy. With over 1,300 square feet of indoor space and nearly 2,000 additional square feet of outdoor space, the Bulgari Penthouse is a hidden gem. Connected by a beautiful spiral staircase, both floors offer unobstructed, 360-degree views of Paris. However, the most spectacular view of the city’s landmarks — including the Eiffel Tower — is from the private rooftop garden, which is covered in seasonal, lush vegetation providing seclusion. Inside the penthouse, two standout features include a stunning, handmade straw wall by Jean-Michael Frank and a main bathroom finished in polished marble, where guests can fully immerse themselves in self-care and relaxation.
“We approach the hotel business from an external perspective — we are jewelry makers — and to us, creating a hotel is akin to crafting a piece of Bulgari jewelry,” explained Silvio Ursini, executive vice president of Bulgari Hotels.
Around the hotel, guests will discover an extensive wellness area featuring Paris’ longest indoor (and underground) pool, measuring just over 82 feet. The facility includes nearly 4,300 square feet of space, a vitality pool, nine treatment rooms, hair and beauty areas, and a well-equipped gym offering ample space for activities like stretching or cycling.
Moreover, dining and cocktails at the Bulgari Hotel Paris are not to be overlooked. Each striking social area offers something unique and special. The intricate crackling finish used on the bar walls was crafted by a family-owned business in Paris and took over a year to complete. “Our inspiration [for the bar] came from a music room that belonged to Yves Saint Laurent, which was also treated with this finish,” said Ursini.
Set in a private garden providing a retreat from the Parisian bustle, the on-site restaurant showcases chef Niko Romito’s dishes that celebrate local flavors. Once again, no detail has been overlooked, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed with a touch of refinement. Chef Niko, widely known for his vegetable lasagna, creates culinary delights that invigorate the palate in both simple and exciting ways. The risotto in the dining room is a must-try; however, the exclusive menu items available only via room service, like the blanquette de veau, are equally exceptional. On your way to dinner, make a stop at the bar for a drink where mixologists are infusing spirits with local ingredients, crafting specialty drinks — such as the Scognizzo, made with tequila, velvet falernum, artichoke syrup, kiwi extract, and jalapeño essence, and which goes down all too easily.
Suites at Bulgari Hotel Paris start at €1,400, with the penthouse beginning at €35,000 per night.