New Hotel Features Modern Parisian Style With a Twist of Nature
In the heart of Paris, a stylish new hotel offers a comfortable and relaxing refuge amid the activity and bustle of the city. Hotel Le Belleval is a new property that aims to be a breath of fresh air for its guests in many ways — from the interior to the guestrooms and the food.
Created by well-known hotel architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, the 54-room Le Belleval is a visual melange of nature, modern comforts and sophisticated style. It sits in a most convenient location in the center of Paris, in the 8th arrondissement, near attractions such as the Saint-Lazare train station, Paris Opera, department stores and countless restaurants, including its own bar-restaurant.
The Saint-Lazare district building that houses Le Bellecal is an architectural gem on its own, being a Haussman building. Georges-Eugène Haussman was the architect of the renovation of Paris and his homogeneous apartment buildings line many boulevards in Paris.
“The ground floor areas are charged with a real energy and are designed to be a place for meetings and interaction,” explained Jean-Philippe Nuel. “The decoration is also designed to express this energy, generated by the variety of different functions. It combines references and trends to create a contemporary communal space, as opposed to a frozen backdrop.”
Sitting in the rue de la Pépinière, Nuel’s hotel is an urban oasis, offering guests everything they would expect, and then some: Touches of nature and a secret courtyard patio. Climbing up the length of the wall in the courtyard, a mural created by famous street artist Gola Hundun lends a bright and cheerful backdrop to the private and relaxing space. The bright and airy patio is wonderful — day or night – to enjoy a beverage and conversation with your fellow travelers or work colleagues.
The restaurant at Le Belleval reflects the same touches of nature that accent the hotel, including in the menu. Serving mostly organic and natural food, chef Edgard Prince (formerly of My Free Kitchen) strives to present a healthy menu featuring local, seasonal and organic food. Everything served is made in-house. Vegan and gluten- intolerant guests will rejoice as the hotel offers specific dishes just for them.
One of the signature items on the menu is the Pokebowl, which comes as a starter or a main course and can include meat, fish or only vegetables. For those not interested in poke, the menu has grilled cheese sandwiches, vegetable crumble and poached.
The different seating areas around the hotel are very welcoming thanks to the eclectic mix of furnishings. Comfortable and not at all matchy-matchy, it makes you feel as if you are staying in a Parisian home instead of a hotel, filled with nondescript mass-produced furniture. The different colors, styles and patterns create a lively backdrop for the rooms and encourage you to linger there.
For those guests who, like Proust, are in search of a “memorable” experience via the famous Madeleine, can enjoy these French treats at the hotel.
The hotel bar is a delight with all the products coming from local sources: Parisian Winery selections, Gallia beers, Bap Bap and Parisienne, Caron coffee Hauts-de-Seine, cider and organic apple juice made in Normandy. Both the bar and the hotel restaurant open out to the street and bring in those who want a snack or just a drink.
The guest rooms occupy the upper floors and are designed with a relaxed, yet modern Parisian style, evocative of today’s homes in the city. The “green theme” carries through each room, where a bold a teal wall and ceiling create a vivid backdrop for the space. Furniture is expertly combined in a style that is a little bit upcycled, yet quite sophisticated and natural.
In the guestrooms, the botanical accents are present in the upholstery and the carpeting. Unique accessories highlight each room and add a touch of quirkiness and fun to the decor. The lighting design in the rooms uses a variety of indirect light sources to create a relaxed and restful atmosphere. Most of the furniture has clean lines, which makes the accent pieces even more memorable. Combining a modernist sofa with a chair that has a traditional shape and brightly printed upholstery makes the space interesting.