Located at the base of Montmartre you’ll find a 1929 Art Deco jewel that has been thoughtfully renovated into what is now Hôtel Rochechouart. The boutique property opened in the fall of 2020, shortly after France began welcoming back foreign visitors following border closures as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and is the flagship property for the brand new Orso Hotels group. Founded by Anouk and Louis Solanet, the couple have created a collection of intimate hotels that showcase the art of hospitality. And for their very first project of this caliber, it comes as no surprise that their labor of love is on full display. Below, a closer look at Hôtel Rochechouart and five reasons why you should be staying there for your next vacation to Paris.
1. Incredible Design
To restore this late 1920s Art Deco gem, the Solanets brought on Festen Architecture. Helmed by Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, the duo thoroughly researched the history of the building and studied the patrons that dined and partied at the establishment back in its heyday. The result: A hotel reflective of its times, but with just enough contemporary touches and restraint on Festen’s part to appeal to the modern-day traveler while dodging the label of being kitschy. Throughout the property you’ll find special touches like the restaurant’s mosaic floor; ornate crown molding; vases of dried flowers; and a period glass elevator. In the rooms, wooden headboards, vintage-style plumping, and brass-covered lamps further showcase the contrast between old and new.
2. Great Location
Set at the junction of the 9th and 18th Arrondissements, to the north of Hôtel Rochechouart you have Montmartre where you’ll find Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic church that sits on the highest hill in Paris, and restaurants that many argue are some of the best in town. Just below is the hip neighborhood of Pigalle, which is filled with bars, cafés, shops, the famed Moulin Rouge, and the store-lined Rue des Martyrs. Plus, if you’re leaving Paris by train to explore a different corner of France or onward to another country, Gare du Nord is less than a 10-minute drive—or 15-minute walk—away.
3. Rooftop Bar With Beautiful Views
In a city like Paris where one particularly iconic landmark soars high, a great view goes a long way and Hôtel Rochechouart delivers. At its rooftop bar you’ll have panoramic vistas of not just the Eiffel Tower, but Sacré-Coeur as well. Whether you’re coming up for an afternoon tipple or an aperitif, soak in the splendid sights and enjoy the garden-esque atmosphere courtesy of all the potted herbs that are scattered throughout the space.
4. A Restaurant Worth Dining At
More often than not hotel restaurants are for convenience rather than a place you actually want to dine at, but Restaurant Rochechouart defies the norm. The brasserie-style eatery is reminiscent of 1930s Paris with its cloth-covered tables, sexy music, and a convivial atmosphere that draws in both hotel guests and locals. The menu leans on the more traditional side and you’ll find many of your French favorites like paté, beef tartare, roast chicken, and plenty of comté to finish off the meal.
5. An Affordable Price
The average starting rate is just under $200, but if you happen to be visiting during low season you might just be able to score something around the $150 mark. While some accommodations are on the smaller side, they’re well-appointed rooms with luxurious details like marble sinks and comfortable beds to ensure a good night’s rest.
More From Orso Hotels
In addition to Hôtel Rochechouart, Orso Hotels currently has five other properties under its umbrella spread across the city. If you’re looking to be near some of Paris’ famed landmarks, there’s Hôtel Doisy in the 17th that’s a stone’s throw away from the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées while Hôtel Leopold in the 14th is just steps from the Luxembourg Gardens. For those who want to be in the heart of Montparnasse, there’s Hôtel Cabane, but if you want something a little more tucked away, Hôtel Ami and Hôtel Wallace in the less-trafficked 15th might just be the perfect fit and boast incredible amenities like a secret patio and a Nordic sauna, respectively.
Getting To Paris
In the summer of 2019, La Compagnie began flying new Airbus A321 neo planes between Newark and Paris that not only consumed 30 percent less fuel than their previous aircrafts, but also provided a more superior level of service. At last, the business class–only airline finally offered life-flat seats and in-flight entertainment on mounted screens, a significant upgrade from their previous angled beds and tablets. Plus, fares are usually a fraction of what other major airlines charge for a similar experience, meaning you can save more on your flight without having to sacrifice comfort. Talk about a win-win.
