Hotel Regina Louvre

Hotel Regina Louvre is an historic, traditional property located in the heart of historic Paris, close to the Jardins des Tuileries, Le Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay and Notre Dame. Remaining in the same family since it opened in 1900 for the Paris Exposition Universelle, it was converted into a belle epoque hotel from a residential building which kept the original façade with its existing tall archways. This was where Antoine de Pluvinel, squire for Kings Henri III and IV, once had his riding school. Decorated by the master designers of the day, expect to find scrollwork, bas reliefs, mosaics, stained-glass windows, carved wooden window frames and decorative panelling with crystal chandeliers and wall lights created exclusively for the property. Said to be the last example of an Art Nouveau hotel in the capital with the last remaining revolving entrance, today’s property blends the traditional Louis XV styling with a touch of the contemporary. There are 98 individually decorated guest rooms including 32 suites – no two are alike – with high ceilings, draped curtains with some enjoying floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Eiffel Tower whilst others look out over the palace that is Le Louvre. Guest rooms are sized at a generous 20 – 50 square metres over five categories whilst the suites range from 40 square metres for the entry level Junior Suite, to 50 square metres for the Eiffel Tower Suite with amazing views of the attraction, up to 110 square metres for the top of the line three-bedroom Parisian Suites up on the seventh floor in the rafters. These enjoy sweeping views out over Paris from their terraces and can easily accommodate a family of up to seven. A backdrop for many a film – including Mission Impossible 5 and The Bourne Identity - the gilt Joan of Arc statue in front of the entrance to the property on the Place des Pyramides is instantly recognisable.

 For health and fitness, the property has a 70 square metre wellness centre with a gym offering a selection of TechnoGym equipment, a Hamman and a sauna whilst there are ample choices for jogging or walking close to the hotel. When it comes to wining and dining, a Parisian menu is served during clement months in the Courtyard Garden Terrace, a pretty, landscaped oasis in the heart of the hotel or in the English Bar. Here, panelled wooden walls and ornate carved ceilings and etched windows with swirling designs contrast with crimson velvet armchairs and comfortable sofas to enjoy an all-day dining menu, a cocktail or two or some fine spirits. Soft mood lighting lends the Bar a feel of Victorian England so it should come as no surprise that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once frequented this establishment. The concierge can also make recommendations for any number of cafés, bistros and restaurants in the close vicinity. FYI, Hotel Regina Louvre was also where the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies were founded in 1919, after the First World War.