22 September, 2017
It seems that wherever The Hoxton group take root, a young creative crowd naturally follow. They've just pitched up in Paris with a grand mansion block sitting proudly on the 2nd arrondissement in the regenerated garment district of Sentier. Sitting directly opposite fashion week haunt Le Fou, the former home to Etienne Rivié (an advisor to Louis XV) has undergone a magnificent four-year restoration.
The result? Imposing 18th-century iron columns prop up 300-year-old spiral staircases, striking mosaic tiles line bar floors and vast, light-filled courtyards take centre stage. With 172 bedrooms and three facade-fronted adjoining buildings, the new Hoxton Paris is the biggest and perhaps most stylish addition to the group. By day, the high-backed, green-velvet bar stools and marble-topped tables are filled by espresso-slurping freelancers (encouraged by conveniently placed charging points) who appear somewhat chicer than their Shoreditch counterparts. By night, the Breton-striped tops are replaced by Acne Studio silk shirts, elegantly draped over the mustard sofas enjoying an aperitif. Ensimore's Creative Studios tied the final bow and flung open the doors with the finishing touches, bringing this Parisian home from home together.
Local Parisian design studio Humbert & Payet took control of the bedrooms with the modern flair and originality we've come to expect. Emerald-green walls and burnt-yellow armchairs sit side-by-side and Lampe Gras lamps perch atop vintage oak writing desks for those burning the midnight oil. Offering luxury for less, without cutting corners, expect high ceilings, courtyard views, free wifi and a miniature bookshelf offering a selection of hand-picked books penned by French influencers. Gleaming white tiles line the bathroom with aesthetically pleasing bronze fittings and powerful rainforest showers. A word of warning before you hit the hay; their queen-sized beds and marshmallow-like mattresses will swallow you whole, meaning hitting the snooze buttons several times in the morning is pretty unavoidable. Book in a wake up call at reception just in case.
Before you wake from your slumber, your breakfast bag filled with fruit and freshly pressed juice will be hanging outside your door. For something more substantial, head to Rivié for eggs your way, chia-seed puddings and caffeine fixes from custom La Marzocco machines.
Seasonal French cuisine such as the "Hox Monseiur", steak frites and mushroom tartine with slow-poached duck egg are served across the open-plan lobby and courtyard that leads into the main restaurant. Channelling a modern brasserie with a side order of cool, Rivié hums with the chatter of an in-the-know, eclectic crowd from dawn to dusk. You may experience a slight sense of déjà vu, as the public areas were designed by long-term Hoxton partners Soho House.
Ascend what will undoubtedly become the most Instagrammable part of the Hoxton into the intimate lounge bar, Jacques. The spiral staircase opens up to blush-pink stools, floral tapestry and sumptuous velvet sofas dotted throughout. Place your tipple in the hands of the expert mixologist who will create a custom concoction to suit you. Don't be alarmed when he slips you a small note with, not his phone number, but the ingredients he used to mix your bespoke cocktail.
Disregarding the age-old suspicion that clouds the number 13, there's a surprise waiting for the lucky guests who occupy room 313. Embracing the architectural quirks of the building, the duplex room opens up to a shared courtyard with glimpses of the Eiffel Tower.
The hustle of each Hoxton grows organically through their cleverly picked locations. Paris's fashion-conscious crowd flock to Sentier for sophisticated shopping at places like Sézane, but to take home a taste of Paris head to L'Éclair de Génie for some sweet treats.
