Review of Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

Originally envisioned by King Louis XV and later transformed into an aristocratic residence, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel has presided elegantly over Place de la Concorde since 1758. Since its debut as a luxury hotel in 1909, it has become an exclusive sanctuary for discerning travelers in the heart of Paris. 

Managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and meticulously restored in 2017, Hôtel de Crillon features 124 refined rooms, including 36 decadent suites and 10 signature accommodations, each attended by round-the-clock personal butlers. Gourmands will find four distinctive dining venues, a private dining salon, a cigar lounge, and two beautifully landscaped courtyards. Wellness is elevated at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, where bespoke treatments, an indoor pool, Hammam, sauna, experiential showers, and a serene relaxation lounge await. Fitness enthusiasts benefit from an exclusive studio equipped with the latest Technogym equipment, including treadmills, cycles, free weights, and specialized machines. For those seeking grooming excellence, the renowned David Lucas Hair Salon and Barber offers expert styling and spa services. 

The hotel also caters to families through the Rose Buds children’s program and welcomes pets with thoughtful amenities.

Hôtel de Crillon boasts a prime address on Place de la Concorde, placing guests at the nexus of Parisian culture and luxury. Steps away are the Champs-Élysées, with its lush gardens and theatres, and the iconic Jardin des Tuileries, seamlessly connecting to the Louvre, Samaritaine, and the designer boutiques of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. A stroll across Pont de la Concorde leads to Musée d’Orsay and the lively Left Bank, including Boulevard Saint-Germain’s celebrated cafés and shops. 

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is approximately 18 kilometers away, typically a 30–45 minute drive. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) sits 26 kilometers from the hotel, with journeys ranging from 45 to 60 minutes, while Paris Le Bourget (LBG), the city’s private jet hub, is about 76 kilometers distant, requiring 60 to 90 minutes by car. For Eurostar arrivals, Paris Gare du Nord is a mere 3.2 kilometers, or 20–30 minutes by car. The nearest Métro station, Concorde (Line 1), is conveniently located, providing swift access across Paris. 

On-site valet parking and a luxury courtesy car service (subject to availability) ensure seamless arrivals and local travel for guests.

Blending Parisian heritage with contemporary sophistication, Hôtel de Crillon’s 78 guest rooms, 36 suites, and 10 signature suites evoke the ambiance of a grand private residence. Interiors feature bespoke furnishings, curated antiques, and artistic accents. The late Karl Lagerfeld’s creative vision is showcased in the Grands Appartements, infusing historical gravitas with modern flair. 

Every room is equipped with 48- to 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth audio systems, luxurious Rivolta Carmignani linens, plush Drouault bedding, complimentary refreshments, Nespresso machines, and a curated selection of teas. Marble-clad bathrooms offer heated floors, walk-in rain showers, deep soaking tubs, Buly 1803 toiletries, salon-quality hairdryers, and in-mirror TVs. Digital scales are discreetly provided for those enjoying Paris’ culinary delights. 

All accommodations include dedicated 24/7 butler service, handling everything from luggage to spa reservations, dining, and exclusive requests, in partnership with the Clef d’Or concierge team. 

Guest rooms are categorized as Deluxe (overlooking serene courtyards), Grand Premier (with views of Rue Boissy d’Anglas or courtyards), and Premier rooms with similar vistas, each offering understated elegance and tranquility. 

Suites are divided into three types, all featuring views of Rue Boissy d’Anglas or the hotel’s courtyards, with perks such as complimentary pressing (three items per guest daily). Expect parquet floors, custom rugs, fine art, and sumptuous fabrics. Deluxe Suites offer a separate living area, spacious bedroom, and opulent marble bathroom. Premier Suites are more expansive, while Grand Premier Suites boast 72 square meters of living space with refined comfort. 

The signature suites are uniquely themed and individually styled, including the two Grands Appartements by Karl Lagerfeld, which come with return airport or rail station transfers. These suites are masterpieces of design, blending Versailles-inspired secret doors, original palace sinks, bespoke furniture, silk wallcoverings, and Carrara marble bathrooms. The Grands Appartements can be interconnected to form a three-bedroom residence. 

The Ateliers d’Artistes—Le Poète, L’Ecrivain, and Le Peintre—are artistic sanctuaries beneath the eaves, each with a balcony or terrace affording panoramic city and Eiffel Tower views. 

Other signature suites pay tribute to luminaries such as Leonard Bernstein (sixth floor, dining for six, vast terrace), the Duc de Crillon (second floor, original woodwork from the family’s chapel), and Suite Jardin (private terrace, peaceful courtyard views). Suite Louis XV and Suite Marie Antoinette, both on the sixth floor, offer regal perspectives over Paris, with terraces, grand living areas, and period details—Marie Antoinette’s suite even occupies the room where she took piano lessons, complete with a private courtyard and historical décor.

Sense, A Rosewood Spa is a destination for wellness connoisseurs, offering a tranquil atmosphere and an extensive menu of therapies using premium spa brands. Facilities include four serene treatment rooms, dedicated beauty stations, sensory showers, a traditional Hammam, infrared sauna, and a peaceful lounge with a Himalayan salt wall. The dazzling indoor pool—adorned with over 17,000 gold scales—evokes pure indulgence. The private fitness studio, reserved for hotel guests, features top-tier equipment, with personalized training available upon request. 

For expert grooming, guests turn to David Lucas’ salon and barbershop, renowned for precision cuts, styling, and beard care. 

Hôtel de Crillon curates immersive “Experiences” for guests, such as cocktail workshops at Bar Les Ambassadeurs, floral artistry sessions with Djordje Varda, exclusive wine tours in the cellars led by sommelier Xavier Thuizat, and bespoke city explorations in the hotel’s vintage car. Families are warmly welcomed through the Rosebuds children’s program, which offers creative activities like family Polaroid photography, private movie nights, boot camps in the Tuileries, or themed escape games at Parisian landmarks. Rosebud amenities include safety kits, plush bathrobes, slippers, custom bath products, and child-friendly extras such as toys, games, and highchairs.

Few hotels truly embody the term "iconic," but Hôtel de Crillon stands as an authentic symbol of Parisian grandeur and refinement. Its interiors masterfully unite opulent historical features—gilded mirrors, antiques, and marble columns—with contemporary design, creating an atmosphere both majestic and welcoming. This architectural gem has witnessed centuries of French history, from Queen Marie Antoinette’s piano lessons to the pivotal moments of the Revolution. 

Following an extensive four-year restoration—one of the most ambitious in the industry—the hotel reopened in 2017, unveiling a harmonious blend of legacy and modern luxury. The transformation, led by architect Aline d’Amman alongside Parisian design luminaries Tristan Auer, Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol, and Karl Lagerfeld, involved over 5,000 artisans and craftspeople. Their collective vision preserved the soul of this legendary address while elevating it to meet the highest standards of 21st-century hospitality.  

Today, Hôtel de Crillon remains a beacon for luxury travelers, seamlessly fusing historic prestige with the discreet, intuitive service for which Rosewood is renowned.

Hôtel de Crillon presents four exceptional venues for culinary exploration: Michelin-starred L’Ecrin, Brasserie d’Aumont, Jardin d’Hiver, and Bar Les Ambassadeurs. L’Ecrin, under the direction of Chef Boris Campanella, delivers an intimate gastronomic journey with only 22 seats, innovative French cuisine, and an award-winning wine list curated by sommelier Xavier Thuizat. For private celebrations, La Cave offers an exclusive setting surrounded by rare vintages from around the globe. 

Brasserie d’Aumont captures the vibrant essence of a Parisian brasserie, serving elevated renditions of French classics in an atmosphere that balances tradition with contemporary flair. 

Jardin d’Hiver, overlooking a verdant courtyard, features dazzling chandeliers, marble floors, and plush seating—an idyllic spot for all-day dining or Afternoon Tea. The signature “Le Goûter des Lords” tea experience pairs artisanal pastries and savory bites by Head Pastry Chef Matthieu Carlin with a selection of premium champagnes. 

Bar Les Ambassadeurs, set within the grand former dining room, boasts frescoed ceilings, mirrored walls, and panoramic views of Place de la Concorde. Guests can enjoy imaginative cocktails, a curated champagne list exceeding 100 labels, caviar, and live music. The horseshoe bar and Concorde Terrace provide settings for both lively evenings and tranquil moments. 

Cigar aficionados will appreciate L’Etincelle, the hotel’s intimate and atmospheric cigar lounge inspired by classic fumoirs.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations. Each property is thoughtfully designed to honor its local environment, history, and cultural heritage. At Hôtel de Crillon, this ethos is reflected in conservation initiatives, sustainable resource management, and ongoing collaboration with environmental organizations to foster education and stewardship in the Paris community. 

Delivering world-class hospitality, Rosewood ensures that its signature luxury never compromises environmental integrity. The hotel actively safeguards natural resources, meticulously managing energy, water, and waste, while retaining the elegant residential aesthetic for which Rosewood is celebrated.

Hôtel de Crillon supports clean air and water initiatives, implements eco-friendly housekeeping and landscaping, and follows the "five Rs"—Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Remove—to minimize waste. Energy efficiency is prioritized through advanced technologies and sustainable systems throughout the property.

Environmental sensitivity is embedded at every level, from procurement and budgeting to staff training and guest engagement. Guests are invited to participate in eco-conscious programs, such as opting for green housekeeping, enjoying organic culinary options, and utilizing energy-saving amenities. Continuous monitoring and improvement ensure that sustainability remains central to the guest experience in 2025 and beyond.

• Unbeatable Address: Hôtel de Crillon enjoys a prestigious location on Place de la Concorde, surrounded by Paris’ most exclusive landmarks. With Maxim’s legendary restaurant nearby and the historic Egyptian obelisk at its doorstep, guests have effortless access to the Louvre, the chic boutiques of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and the serene Jardin des Tuileries.
• L’Ecrin Dining: Among Paris’ constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Boris Campanella’s L’Ecrin stands out for its intimate setting and inventive cuisine. The soufflé is a perennial favorite, and the champagne selection—over 100 labels—is unmatched for celebratory moments.
• Parisian Romance: Known as the City of Light, Paris is synonymous with romance, and Hôtel de Crillon radiates an atmosphere of warmth and affection. From the gracious welcome to the rich historical tapestry and refined amenities, every stay feels deeply personal and memorable.  Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Bar Les Ambassadeurs: This stylish bar epitomizes Parisian elegance, attracting locals and visitors alike for signature cocktails beneath hand-painted arches, with sweeping views of Place de la Concorde.
• Signature Butler Service: The dedicated team at Hôtel de Crillon consistently exceeds expectations, offering highly personalized service. From crafting bespoke itineraries and organizing special occasions to delighting guests with artisanal pastries, the butlers are at the heart of the guest experience.
• Karl Lagerfeld’s Grands Appartements: Among the hotel’s signature suites, the Grands Appartements—conceived by Karl Lagerfeld—are true icons of Parisian luxury, offering regal living spaces with breathtaking Eiffel Tower vistas.  Vincent BilliardManaging DirectorHotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel