Ah, Paris. The city that is so often celebrated for its unwavering grip on what’s chic and what’s stylish. Think twinkling of Eiffel Tower lights, artists lining the Seine, and the quintessential Parisian Café (not to mention the world’s most expensive high-street in the Champs-Élysées).
It’s a bold choice then, for a hotel to claim that it has ‘redefined’ Parisian chic. And yet, here we are at the doorstep of SO/Paris, nestled in the lively 4th arrondissement, to find out if it goes beyond that famous ‘je ne sais quoi’ or if it’s just another well-dressed pretender.
Stepping inside SO/Paris, it’s clear this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Parisian hotel. The place hums with a kind of whimsical self-assurance that’s more often found in the pages of a high-fashion magazine than the heart of historic Paris. The lobby is a vibrant clash of eras – a nod to the swinging sixties with a twist of modern artistry – a bit like a meticulously curated vintage store that’s discovered Instagram.
The staff, decked in maritime outfits complete with red berets, seem to be in on a secret – that to truly stand out in Paris, you need to bring something new to the table. Or, in the case of SO/Paris, to the lobby, the rooms, and beyond.
Speaking of rooms, SO/Paris has 162 of them. And they aren’t just places to rest your weary head; they give you front-row seats to Paris itself. The views here aren’t just good; they’re photoshoot good. From the slowly flowing Seine to the historic skyline, it’s all there, framed like a series of artful photographs. Inside, the rooms are a tasteful mix of styles: think wood-paneled bathrooms that whisper luxury and artwork that shouts Parisian charm.
Then there’s Bonnie, the main restaurant and bar. It gives you a 360-degree visual feast of the city beyond. It’s a real problem, however, as you’re left grappling with the dilemma of where to focus – on the plate or the panorama in front of you. The menu is as quirky and stylish as the hotel itself, and offers a modern twist on French classics; trying to prove that even in Paris, tradition can be reinvented.
But what truly sets SO/Paris apart is how it embraces its neighborhood. Walking the streets of the 4th arrondissement is an integral part of the experience. This district, with its mix of historic charm and vibrant modernity, mirrors the hotel’s ethos. And it’s just a stroll away from landmarks like The Pompidou Centre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Art in SO/Paris plays a role that’s more protagonist than supporting act. With over 120 pieces dotting its halls and rooms, the hotel doubles as an art gallery. Each piece comes complete with its own QR code, providing more information on the artist and theme.
The SO/ Paris does more than just ‘fit in’ with Parisian chic; it’s trying to create its own identity. It’s a place where the city’s historic grandeur meets a bold, contemporary look and feel. Whether that’s through the panoramic views of its rooms, the artistic flair in its corridors, or the culinary stylings at Bonnie.
No, this isn’t just another well-dressed contender in a city famous for its fashion; it’s a trendsetter in its own right. And in a city that’s seen and said it all, that’s really saying something.