You must venture to the slopes of "SOPI" (South Pigalle), one of the most sought-after spots in the French capital, to discover the discreet HOY Hotel (whose name means "today" in Spanish). Upon entering, you are immediately struck by the serene atmosphere that fills the lobby—a beautiful space overflowing with greenery, home to a bright café-restaurant illuminated by a stunning skylight. More than just a reception area, it is a true living space where many locals come to enjoy a coffee, have lunch, or participate in a pottery workshop.
Cultivating the Art of Hospitality
Designed by Charlotte Gomez de Orozco, the décor reflects the personality of this vibrant, creative Franco-Mexican woman; she wanted to create a hotel that mirrored her own spirit, and has succeeded! Partly raised in the homeland of Frida Kahlo, Gomez de Orozco comes from a family of hoteliers with a legacy spanning four generations. Her life was changed during her training at the renowned École Hôtelière de Lausanne, where she discovered the art of hospitality and service. Those years in Switzerland, rich in learning and meaningful connections, instilled in her a passion for hard work, excellence, and attention to detail.
École Hôtelière de Lausanne, founded in 1893, had such an impact on her career because it is not just an educational institution, but also a fully operational hotel, complete with its own MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, Le Berceau des Sens. Students from around the world come here to learn the trades of hospitality and gastronomy from passionate professionals—"professors" who are obsessed with the guest experience. At the same time, they are also taught to think outside the box, to envision the future of hospitality. Gomez de Orozco began her career by opening a unique wine bar, where events played a central role. Following this successful first venture, she felt drawn to return to her family’s roots: the hotel industry.
Well-Being as a Guiding Principle
From the very beginning, HOY Hotel was designed as a sanctuary. Scattered across the floors of a beautiful Parisian building, its rooms serve as serene retreats where natural materials—cotton, linen, wood—set the tone. The same harmony extends to the color palette, carefully chosen according to feng shui principles, with soothing shades of blue and green promoting deep relaxation.Guests can enjoy the comfortable beds and spacious rooms, whether in the double bedrooms or the family suites, designed as private apartments. A speaker allows for personalized music, house-made teas and herbal infusions are available, and a ballet barre (yes, really!) invites guests to move freely and unwind.
But what truly sets HOY Hotel apart is its spacious in-house yoga studio, led by Hélène Duval, founder of YUJ Paris. Here, sessions take place in complete darkness, illuminated only by candlelight—an ideal way to unwind from daily stress.
Adjacent treatment rooms offer a variety of massages and alternative therapies, including Reiki, sound therapy, holistic massages, and Tibetan singing bowls, as well as Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The goal? Quite simply, to help guests feel their best. This philosophy extends to the hotel staff as well, who are encouraged to take part in the yoga sessions.
Sustainable Hospitality
Committed to both personal well-being and environmental responsibility, HOY Hotel embraces a sustainable approach through strong eco-initiatives. Central heating and air conditioning are used sparingly to minimize energy consumption. Instead of providing plastic water bottles, guests are offered filtered water with Japanese charcoal in elegant carafes, reducing plastic waste.The same eco-conscious philosophy extends to the bathrooms, where refillable dispensers of organic, French-made soap are topped up before each guest’s arrival.
On the ground floor, the restaurant Mesa (Spanish for "table") serves up 100% vegan cuisine with Latin influences, crafted primarily from organic and locally sourced ingredients. Guest chefs are occasionally invited for lively pop-up events, always staying true to the seasons. In the wine cellar, organic and natural wines take center stage.
Sustainability extends beyond the kitchen, too. The in-house florist, La Florería, focuses on eco-friendly plants, sourced as locally as possible. Meanwhile, the boutique offers a curated selection of recycled and unsold clothing, embracing a more responsible approach to fashion.
So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a serene and sustainable stay at HOY Hotel, a one-of-a-kind retreat in the heart of vibrant Paris!
Hero Image: © HOY Paris
