Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that the Hôtel de Crillon is Paris — from its privileged position on the Place de la Concorde, the backdrop to so many of this city’s defining events, to its century-long tenure as the ultimate Parisian luxury hotel, it’s never been one to fly under the radar. And now, fresh off a massive renovation, it’s ready for the spotlight once more, under new management; it’s now officially the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel.

Any worry about a takeover by an established hotel brand is quite misplaced in this case. Rosewood knows a thing or two about preserving the essential character of historic hotel properties, and the Crillon hasn’t lost one iota of old-fashioned opulence in the course of its rebirth. An all-star team of French architects, creative directors, and interior designers oversaw the historically sensitive project, and even the new Karl Lagerfeld–designed suites are true to the 18th-century character of the Crillon — no surprise, as Lagerfeld himself is something of an expert in the visual language of the era.

The result is something that’s a bit more intimate and discreet than its previous incarnation, emphasizing the feeling of a grand palace residence rather than the busy bustle of a typical five-star city hotel. And underneath its period-correct surface, the Hôtel de Crillon is thoroughly up to date. The dazzling spa features an unforgettable subterranean indoor pool, while the fine-dining L’Ecrin and the Brasserie d’Aumont bring hotel guests and Parisian locals together around the table, while the Jardin d’Hiver serves tea and sweets and Les Ambassadeurs dishes up caviar, champagne, and cocktails.