L’Aigle Noir Hotel Fontainebleau MGallery

In the world of aristocratic-style luxury hospitality there are roughly two schools of thought. One preserves the original structure, be it a château or a townhouse or a country manor, and attempts to restore it to the condition in which its original inhabitants would have enjoyed it. But a second, more modern approach, is to take whatever liberties are required in order to reach today’s equivalent of the same level of luxury. Shakespeare in modern dress is no less powerful a theatrical experience; and a hotel like L’Aigle Noir Fontainebleau MGallery is anything but diminished by the contemporary flourishes that update its 16th-century Neoclassicist architecture.

In its current incarnation L’Aigle Noir is a visual feast, its 46 rooms and 10 suites decorated in anything from deep jewel tones to vibrant repeating patterns to bold graphic murals, and sometimes all three. In terms of comfort they’re pure modern luxury, with all the 21st-century details in place. And they’re supported by services that are thoroughly high-quality, if not quite palace-hotel lavish, including plenty of meeting and events space as well as everyday necessities like Le Montijo, the cocktail bar, and a restaurant by A L’Epicerie Pastatime.