Hotel Madame Reve

Hotel review

With eyes closed, one imagines the ideal stay in Paris—a vision of Haussmann crème stones, a view over the zinc roofs to Montmartre or perhaps the Louvre, minimalism that feels like maximalism, the always beautiful but aloof staff, the feel of the Belle Époque without the muddle. The eyes blink open, and there is l’Hôtel Madame Rêve, the edifice of that vision.

The rooms, are well lit and spacious, with comfy beds, sky views through the slanted windows, and furniture that has the sturdy look and feel of a French safari camp. Whether they face the city or the interior garden, the terrace space is a welcome addition.

The hotel is large, rounding an entire corner of the 1st arrondissement, sitting over the Louvre Post Office. The hallways have a Tarantino/Kubrick quality to them; their orange lighting, their length—they are long enough to warrant street signs.

There is a gym, but the atmosphere is too Parisian for exercise, and one is drawn instead to the food. La Plume restaurant is another addition to the Parisian push-pull of cultures that doesn’t always land. The green, living-wall, open-to-the-sky concept is a nice effect regardless of rain or shine, but the nipponized French fare is split between fusion and confusion. The breakfast, pure français is delicious, is the better, bet. The Madame Rêve café is classic, dream-like Parisian—chandeliers, sculpted chairs, a glass case for the Campari, gin, and calvados. The beautiful, aloof staff are, of course, ready to take your order.

James Patterson