Hôtel Balzac is a discreet haven in Paris’ Champs-Élysées
Hôtel Balzac, located just off the Champs-Élysées in Paris, has reopened with 58 luxurious rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, and a new Japanese-inspired spa. Share
Step into Hôtel Balzac, situated just off the top of the Champs-Élysées in Paris’ 8th Arrondissement, and you are stepping into a historic property that takes pride in perfectionism and Parisian hospitality. Reopened recently following a complete interior transformation by the renowned French architecture firm, Festen, Balzac marks the fifth distinctive hotel property opened by Olivier Bertrand and the third new hotel in the past three years.
Hôtel Balzac occupies a turn-of-the-century building on the site of the former home of the 19th-century French novelist, Honoré de Balzac. Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, the duo behind Festen Architecture, have infused the hotel with a blend of grand hotel spirit and intimate chic. They drew inspiration from the building’s facade and architectural details to create a unique atmosphere that honours the hotel’s history and heritage.
The hotel features a cosy and welcoming ambience throughout its spaces, including the glass-roofed lounge, rooms, and spa. Neutral tones, clean lines, and refined materials such as wood, velvet, and natural stone create a timeless elegance. Light, considered a true element of decoration, enhances the space throughout the day. Custom-made furniture, reminiscent of the 1930s and 40s, is reinterpreted with modern creativity and a focus on comfort, echoing Balzac’s Parisian identity.
The designer duo Festen has crafted a new singular address deeply rooted in its Parisian identity. Inspired by the hotel’s exterior façade, they were guided by the soul of the place, its history, and its heritage. The hotel’s decoration exudes timeless elegance, with the presence of wood, intricate trimmings, selected art objects, and noble materials. The custom-designed furniture evokes the understated elegance of the 1930s and 1940s, revisited with modern creativity, ensuring absolute comfort.
Hôtel Balzac offers a sensation of peace and discretion in its 58 rooms and suites. Some rooms provide views of the Eiffel Tower while being protected from the outside bustle. The two suites with private open-air terraces give guests the impression that Paris belongs to them. The decorative concept balances grand volumes with a warm, soothing atmosphere, blending classic heritage with contemporary lines.
Adjacent to the lobby, the glass-roofed lounge is a versatile space for relaxation, meetings, and gourmet breaks. The Bar exudes a mysterious atmosphere, resembling a chic Parisian speakeasy. The menu features expertly mixed cocktails with Balzacian humour names, high-quality wines, and spirits. A secret door from the lobby leads to the gastronomic restaurant Pierre Gagnaire, sharing values of generosity and authenticity with Hôtel Balzac. The award-winning restaurant offers a culinary experience rooted in French tradition and local craftsmanship.
The hotel’s Ikoi Spa, opening this summer, includes three cabins dedicated to well-being. The treatment menu features revitalizing protocols for tired faces and bodies. Guests can exercise in the fitness room, relax in the sauna, and unwind in the pool. Beyond the spa, the Champs-Élysées neighbourhood is a perfect destination for relaxation, regaining nobility and increasingly asserting itself as “the most beautiful avenue in the world.” From the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, the vibrant atmosphere evokes dreams of the chic Paris of the golden years. Hôtel Balzac, located on a quiet side street at the corner of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron, offers a vantage point to experience the capital alongside a cosmopolitan Parisian elite.
With Hôtel Balzac, Olivier Bertrand adds a new interpretation of his art of hospitality in Paris. The hotel reflects the passion of his family, engaged in luxury hospitality since 1979. Owned by the Bertrand family, Hôtel Balzac, and its sister hotels Saint James Paris and Relais Christine, are members of Relais & Chateaux. The family has recently opened two other hotels: Château des Fleurs and Hotel Norman, both inspired by distinct artistic influences.
For further information, visit hotelbalzac.paris
