What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 29 June 2015

Welcome to another week or bonjour! It's closing week for the Fresh Awards this week so our office is a little inundated with entries, but despite the distractions, we're continuing our look at some of the new hotels around the world this week, and popping over the Channel, to France! Oo-la-la!v

Here at Cloud 9 we do like to make sure we are up to date with all new hotels be they in the UK or Abroad, and although its unlikely we'll find the time to attend Meedex in September, despite lots of lovely invitations (and we do love Paris!) we have been taking a close look at the new properties popping up, or due to, in France.

The Address Hotels + Resorts was launched by Emaar Hospitality Group in May 2008 with a mandate to become a recognised global luxury lifestyle brand within 10 years. Since its launch, The Address rapidly established itself with five award-wining operational properties in Dubai and is now setting its sites on France with the plan to launch The Address Domaine De Lavagnac.

Lead by the vision to own, operate or manage properties in key cities and tourist destinations around the world, the group have maintained their commitment and belief in the future of The Address vision and are actively seeking new and exciting projects to expand the brand presence across the globe.

The Domaine de Lavagnac, a 500-acre site in the wine-rich coastal land of the Languedoc in the south of France, will certainly raise some eyebrows when the resort is finished later this year, and the first phase promises 150 properties, a 18-hole golf course and five-star hotel run.

Also set to open its door later this year is the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, although this hotel is in Paris. The Hôtel de Crillon is more than just one of the world’s most majestic hotels, it is a landmark that personifies the poise, elegance and spirit of Paris. Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivalled position overlooking Place de la Concorde, the most enviable address in Paris. With its perfectly proportioned, neoclassical façade, the building has stood through the reign of two French Kings, the French Revolution, the rise and fall of the Napoleonic Empire and the birth of the League of Nations.

On 30 March 2013, Hôtel de Crillon closed its doors to begin a complete restoration that will add a contemporary polish to the hotel while remaining respectful of its traditions and faithful to its character. The renowned architect Richard Martinet will be working with artistic director, Aline d’Amman and three Paris-based decorators, Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol and Tristan Auer, to create rich, new interiors. When Hôtel de Crillon reopens, it will offer luxurious accommodation, historic reception rooms and new restaurants and bars. We don't have a date to announce as yet, but we look forward to seeing this iconic hotel once complete.

Also closed for a major refurbishment is the Ritz in Paris. César Ritz had a dream: to open his ideal hotel offering "all the refinements that a prince could wish for his own home". Today at the Ritz Paris, his dream has come true. Pioneer of the modern bathroom and indirect lighting, he was also the first one to combine fine dining and music. Once inside the Ritz Paris, they are committed to carrying on the tradition of excellence by ensuring guests' comfort and personalising each stay.

Intimate moments are captured forever at the Ritz Paris. The rooms and suites of the hotel have seen an entire century unfold - with its laughter and tears, its faces and voices. Ties have been interwoven for over 100 years between the guests and the employees, celebrities and housekeepers. Nothing has changed. They are committed to the same welcome, the same delicacy and the same excellence to satisfy every wish of  guests. 

The Ritz Paris of tomorrow is emerging gradually and preparing for its grand reopening at the end of the year. Many of the most skilled artisans and restoration artists of France are busy working at the rejuvenated Ritz Paris constantly on the move. See you soon at 15, Place Vendôme!

If you need somewhere now though, head on over to 42 Avenue Gabriel, a new capital address. Mid-way between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, where the heart of Paris beats. Nestled in a peaceful location, slightly set back from the world's most beautiful avenue, La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa overlooks the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the Concorde obelisk. Just in front, a majestic curtain of trees preserves the intimacy of this place, like an echo of the Elysée gardens nearby.

Michel Reybier's highly distinctive urban mansion has all the elegance of a 19^th century private apartment, where ultra-personalised services can be enjoyed in complete simplicity and discretion. All around are immense spaces bathed in light, barely muted by the rich fabrics of the hangings. Scattered here and there are beautiful marble fireplaces, and everywhere the joy of vast indoor spaces, typical of Haussmann-style apartments. The noble and generous materials exude a forgotten spirit of generosity. More suites than rooms, a library reserved for guests and their friends, a smoking lounge, a 16-meter indoor pool (a rarity in Paris), wine cellars in the suites, an inner courtyard with lush greenery echoing the landscaped entrance. At La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa, you experience the quintessence of Parisian chic in the Belle Époque.

For those whose budget is perhaps a little more modest, then why not head over to to the emerging district of the 10th arrondissement, where Generator Hotels, have transformed a derelict office block into a chic array of stylish rooms to share and private rooms with terraces to boot. Generator Paris is their biggest property yet, complete with a gorgeous rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a soirée or two overlooking the city of lights; and after dark head down to our slick underground Metro Bar fit for the sophisticated traveller.

 In tune with Paris’ cultural diversity, their chill-out areas are stylistically modern with a Moroccan feel and the breakfast area ‘Café Fabien’ is fitted with original Parisian metro tiles. It’s a 15 minute walk from Gare Du Nord, you can take a stroll through Buttes-Chaumont park and mix with the locals, wander from art galleries to vintage shops or relax in a café by the Canal St-Martin just a 5 minute walk away. Like every other Generator, Gen Paris stays true to the soul of the city.