A Conversation with Christopher Hache, Head Chef at Hotel Crillon, a Rosewood hotel In March of 2013, the Crillon closed its doors for large-scale renovation work. I recently met with Christopher Hache, the head chef of the hotel’s restaurants, to discuss the steps he has taken to prepare for the re-opening of the hotel (under the new management of the Rosewood […]
The world of hospitality is a vast one. There exist various categories of hotels according to designated stars, diverse styles, sizes, etc. In addition to hotels, you can also have hotel residences, which are not exactly hotels, but resemble them in several ways. I recently visited Frasers Hospitality Residence, which has just been renovated along the Avenue des Champs-Elysées […]
His Take on the French Art of welcoming How do you envision the French art of welcoming? In what ways have you revisited it? What are the keys to success today in guaranteeing that the client enjoys an exclusive experience? The French art of welcoming has been shaped by a very long tradition. This is an advantage, but, over time, […]
The Plaza Athénée, a Place for Living The Plaza Athénée has recently been expanded and partially renovated following 10 months of work. “If we have endeavored to expand the Plaza Athénée, it is in an attempt to continue the venture we originally began 100 years ago,” explains General Manager François Delahaye, in order to keep it a thoroughly […]
Jean-Philippe Nuel In conjunction with Journal des Palaces, I co-organized a round table around the theme of “Shifts in Renovations at High-End and Luxury Hotels.” Jean-Philippe Nuel, interior designer and head of the architectural agency Agence Nuel, Olivia Putman, designer and director of Studio Putman, and Max Flageollet, director of Ligne Roset Contracts, were invited to take part […]
A hotel for business or pleasure? When a ‘resort’ and a ‘business hotel’ come together, you may find your stay transported to a new realm: Welcome to the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Ajaccio Bay. This hotel will be reason enough for a change of scenery for a stay or other professional reasons. You won’t hesitate to extend […]
What is your view on the French art of welcoming? It’s a true French tradition. France has always been a country that has drawn the attention of the rest of the world, including the English, who have developed their own art of welcoming. But it’s important to remember that many English people are descended from French families. In […]
The bar During my visit to the Plaza Athénée in 2014 after the renovation of the hotel, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with head bartender Thierry Hernandez. He works now in another hotel in Paris. The decor of the bar of the Plaza has been redesigned, giving way to a completely different […]
Stella Cadente and Florian Claudel Under the artistic direction of Thierry Virvaire, six different architects have designed six hotel rooms to showcase the latest trends and innovations in the hotel industry (EQUIPHOTEL). Today, I present to you the work of Stella Cadente and Florian Claudel (see photo below). Ever faithful to the codes that have […]
A new concept in luxury hotels Are you eager to live out a new hotel room experience? I invite you to discover the concept of “Sleeping Around,” which corresponds to a room in a 4-star hotel, but one housed in a container for the meager cost of 200 euros. This is a portable room that conducts itself in […]
This interview with Alain Ducasse was conducted around 2015, at a time when the transformation of the French art of welcoming was already underway within luxury hospitality. Revisiting this exchange today offers a particularly insightful perspective. It reflects a vision that has not only endured but continues to influence how hotels and restaurants approach guest experience, design, […]
The fears that worry clients : hotel superstition Here’s a rather unconventional subject—though one that, based on stories from hotel employees, does not go unnoticed. I myself remember several clients who explicitly refused to sleep on the 13th floor of the Sofitel Paris Porte de Sèvre. All very well, as it, in fact, did not […]
Olivier Lapidus I met Olivier Lapidus while preparations were underway for the EQUIPHOTEL Salon. Olivier is a fashion designer, an interior designer, an inventor, and a key figure in the conception of hotels. As part of the EQUIPHOTEL 2014, he will be preparing the room studio suite 302, which I encourage you to visit on […]
A job well done Question to the Hotel GM Majestic Cannes : Pierre–Louis Renou Each employee is an ambassador of his hotel and the promise of expected services. What actions do you put in place to involve your team in the success of the customer experience? How do you motivate them so that they give the […]
A Stay in Beijing I have just come back from Beijing, where I participated in the China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) as a Hosted Buyer. I was one of three French buyers. There were 400 exhibitors, primarily of Asian origin. I was thus able to establish numerous contacts in Asia and the Pacific in various hotels […]
French art of welcoming Over the course of the centuries, France-with its rich history, traditions, and taste for magnificence—has developed an architectural expertise within hotels that has allowed it to cultivate its art of welcoming. What is your own definition or view of this French art of welcoming? What characterizes it? What influences do you bring to it? France […]
Today, I’d like to share with you a beautiful encounter I had in 2016. Sylvia Harrault is a well-known figure in the hotel industry. She is very involved with the AICR association and its hotel. She always has good ideas for her customers. I recommend his hotel for an excellent stay just a stone’s throw […]
“French Art of Welcoming” Meet Pierre-Louis Renou, GM Hotel Majestic Barrière What is your business approach to the French “art of welcoming”? Do you think that the French “art of welcoming” is a differentiating factor for luxury hotels? What are the values that you emphasize when you welcome your customers? What experiences do you deliver? What […]
Alain Ducasse I interviewed Alain Ducasse, when he was the chef of the restaurant Plaza Athénée who oversees the cuisine of this Palace and balances it around these three themes: Restaurant offerings in luxury hotels The French art of welcoming The art of the table: tableware I invite you to read about his responses and […]
123 Sébastopol Hotel….Spend a Night in the World of a Cineaste These days, I devote all of my articles to the notion of being away from home at a hotel. Today I’d like to present to you the 123 Sébastopol Hotel Paris, which illustrates precisely this theme of being far from home. Clients are always […]
The luxury hotel industry and hotel renovation project We pick up our conversation with Fanélie Gaffinel, Design Director at Accor Group. Last time she described to us the guiding principles that define Sofitel, and today Fanélie shares more about the cultural heritage and personal philosophies that inform her unique architectural vision. What first brought you to […]
