Occupying an enviable position on the corner of Rue des Archives and Rue de la Verrerie in the heart of Paris’s Le Marais district, Le Grand Mazarin has been brought to life by the family-run Maisons Pariente group. This is its first property in Paris, joining the existing portfolio in Provence, Meribel and St Tropez.
Housed in an historic six-storey building dating back to the 14th century, there are 61 guest rooms and suites, and the delightful Boubale restaurant headed up by Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit. Other highlights include the inner courtyard and winter garden, late-night cabaret bar, spa, subterranean swimming pool and intimate cocktail bar.
Interiors are by Martin Brudnizki, so think opulent furnishings with whimsical touches. Combining the French classicism of 18th-century salons with Brudnizki’s playful imagination, guests can expect to find everything from pink lobsters on the carpets, to rugs adorned with seashells. There are intricately woven tapestries draped over guest beds, heavy set marble sinks with ornate swan taps, animal prints sitting alongside monochrome tiles, hand-painted murals on the walls created by local artists and romantic pastels, all set against a classic Parisian backdrop.
Guest rooms have a warm, homely feel with a predominantly feminine colour palette. There are well-thought-out soft furnishings, beautiful bed linens with detailing, hand-built wardrobes, heavy black out curtains to ensure a restful night’s sleep and colourful, classic bathrooms with Diptyque toiletries.
This is Paris, though, so don’t expect huge bedrooms on the whole. The Superior Room I stayed in was snug, but felt big enough for me as a solo traveller. There’s more to shout about in the larger options, of course, and the 11 suites have been thoughtfully designed to o er maximum floor space, with top-floor ones boasting a small balcony with table and chairs and iconic views of the city’s rooftops. Some can be converted into family suites; there’s also the option of booking three suites to create a luxury three-bedroomed duplex.
Where to start with the food? Dinner was an unforgettable feast from start to finish. Faultless in taste, delivery, inventiveness, service and atmosphere, Granit pays homage to the Ashkenazi cuisine of his childhood: Boubale means “my little darling” in Yiddish and is a favourite expression of Ashkenazi grandmothers.
From Poland, Russia, Germany, Georgia, Lithuania and Ukraine, they made the journey to Israel and shared recipes with neighbours, which have been reimagined for the present day in this hip corner of Paris. From the tablecloths to the vintage crockery and hand-carved wine glasses, no detail has been omitted.
The night I ate, the restaurant was packed with locals and the atmosphere was buzzy and welcoming. I’d highly recommend booking a table at Boubale to feast on inventive Eastern European cuisine and possibly the best chocolate mousse you’ll ever eat. Daily breakfast is also served here, with buffet and a la carte options for guests.
The ground floor space is taken up by the small reception area, winter garden and restaurant. There’s a small lounge area for guests, but no large communal lounge for visitors who may prefer a bigger space to work or relax after a day exploring Paris.
The hotel’s bar is a pleasant place for drinks, with friendly staff who know their stuff when it comes to cocktails. Plans are afoot to launch a cabaret-style offering in the “secret” Library Bar in the hotel’s basement next to the swimming pool. Dark, opulent furnishings, mood lighting and a strict no-phones policy should ensure this will be the place to see and be seen for trendy Parisians.
The basement pool is large enough for guests to enjoy some lengths during their stay. There’s a separate Jacuzzi and hammam and fully equipped fitness room; or just lie on the pool’s daybeds and admire the mosaic tiles and ceiling decorated with a magnificent fresco painted by artist Jacques Merle.
Le Grand Mazarin is a dazzling addition to Paris’s boutique hotel scene and will no doubt attract a well-heeled crowd of international guests. Just a short walk from the Seine and the many art galleries, luxury boutiques, shops, museums, bars and restaurants of Le Marais, this popular Paris neighbourhood shows no sign of losing its appeal any time soon. Good news for Le Grand Mazarin.
