Le Meurice Paris Review: Paris's oldest Palace Hotel, Where Versailles Meets Dalí
An insider's guide to staying at Le Meurice, from the Tuileries views to Bar 228, the Dalí restaurant, and why this palace feels unlike any other in Paris.
Some hotels impress you the moment you walk in. Le Meurice stops you in your tracks.
Standing in the lobby for the first time, looking up at crystal chandeliers and gold-leafed moldings that could have been lifted straight from Versailles, it hit me that Le Meurice isn't trying to reference grandeur. It IS grandeur. This is Paris's oldest palace hotel, open since 1835, and nothing about that history has been diluted.
I stayed at Le Meurice with two of my best friends as part of a girls trip that also included Le Bristol Paris (you can read that review here). The two hotels could not be more different in personality, and that contrast is exactly what made the trip so memorable. If Le Bristol is a warm, elegant Parisian home, Le Meurice is the palace you can't believe you're actually allowed to sleep in.
Here's everything you need to know.
The History of Le Meurice
Le Meurice opened in 1835, making it the oldest palace hotel in Paris. It was founded by Charles-Augustin Meurice, who originally ran a coaching inn in Calais and noticed that British travelers heading to Paris needed a more refined stopping point. He moved the operation to the Rue de Rivoli and built a hotel specifically designed to make international visitors feel at home. To this day, there are subtle nods to that British heritage throughout the property, including beautifully ornate "Ladies" and "Gents" signage in the public bathrooms.
The guest list over nearly two centuries reads like a history book. Queen Victoria, King Alfonso XIII, and King George VI all stayed here. So did Picasso, Tchaikovsky, Rudyard Kipling, and Coco Chanel. Picasso actually held his wedding banquet at Le Meurice in 1918 when he married Russian ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova. During the celebration, a champagne cork flew and struck the portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour that hangs above the fireplace. The dent is still there! Nearly two centuries of history, and a Picasso champagne cork scar is part of it. Look for it next time you're in the room.
Le Meurice has been part of the Dorchester Collection since 1997, joining properties like The Dorchester in London and Hotel Plaza Athénée down the street. The most recent renovation was led by Charles Jouffre and interior design studio Lally & Berger from Lyon, who took on the concept of "the Versailles of today." The result is a hotel that honors its 18th-century bones with the finest traditional French craftsmanship while introducing quiet, contemporary details. It's opulence with intelligence.
Location
Le Meurice's location is one of the best in Paris, full stop.
The hotel sits at 228 Rue de Rivoli, directly facing the Tuileries Garden. Step out the front door and you're looking at the garden stretching toward the Place de la Concorde in one direction and the Louvre in the other. The Eiffel Tower is visible from upper-floor rooms and suites. Place Vendôme (and all its jewelry houses) is a five-minute walk. The Musée d'Orsay is across the river.
The Rue de Rivoli itself runs under covered arcades, so even in the rain, you can walk to Angelina (famous for its hot chocolate) or Ladurée (the macaron institution) without getting wet. For shopping, everything from Saint Laurent to Dior is within a few blocks.
What I appreciated most about the location was the view! Waking up and looking out over the Tuileries Garden, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance and the Grand Palais dome glinting to the right, was one of the most Parisian moments of my life. No other palace hotel in Paris has this exact vantage point, and it alone is a compelling reason to book.
The Rooms and Suites
Le Meurice has 160 rooms and suites, each individually furnished. The rooms are decorated in Louis XVI style, with high ceilings, tall French windows, marble bathrooms, and the kind of architectural detail that reminds you the building is nearly 200 years old. The recent renovation by Lally & Berger introduced bespoke furniture and wallpaper alongside modern technology (including in-room tablets that allow you to order room service, book spa treatments, or adjust the lighting without picking up the phone).
Rooms facing the Rue de Rivoli offer views of the Tuileries Garden. This is the side you want. Request a Tuileries-facing room when booking, and if you can swing a room with a balcony, do it. Standing on a small wrought-iron balcony watching the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower while the garden stretches out below you is the kind of Paris moment that stays with you.
For something truly extraordinary, Le Meurice's Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite spans over 600 square meters with a private rooftop terrace offering 360-degree views. You can see 18 of Paris's most famous landmarks from the terrace. It's one of the most spectacular hotel suites in the world.
We stayed in a Executive Suite, Eiffel View and the space was gorgeous. Cream walls, gold accents, soft drapery, polished marble floors in the bathroom. But what made the room special wasn't the decor alone. It was the view. I found myself pulling back the curtains constantly, almost unable to believe the Tuileries and the Tower were just sitting there, framed by the window like a painting.
Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse
This is the room that defines Le Meurice.
The main restaurant holds two Michelin stars under the oversight of Alain Ducasse, with executive chef Amaury Bouhours leading the kitchen. But before you even think about the food, you need to understand the space. The dining room was created between 1905 and 1907 and was directly inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Palace of Versailles. The frescoes, the gilded moldings, the original mosaic floor, the marble columns, the crystal chandeliers, the arched mirrors reflecting light across the room. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful restaurant interiors in the world.
Philippe Starck redesigned the furnishings, adding sleek modern chairs and a central Murano glass sculpture by Aristide Najean that captures the suspended movement of water. The contrast between the 18th-century opulence of the room and the clean modern lines of the furniture is striking and deliberate. It should clash. It doesn't. It works beautifully.
Breakfast here is an experience I'd recommend even if you never make it for dinner. Sitting in this Versailles-inspired room with morning light pouring through the windows, eating eggs and croissants surrounded by frescoes and gold leaf, is one of those "I can't believe this is real" moments.
Restaurant Le Dalí
If the Alain Ducasse restaurant is the classical heart of Le Meurice, Le Dalí is its playful soul.
The all-day restaurant was designed by Philippe Starck and his daughter Ara, who painted the extraordinary ceiling canvas. Where the Ducasse restaurant channels Versailles, Le Dalí channels the surrealism that defined the hotel's most famous guest. The ceiling painting features larger-than-life muscular figures in warm tones, with French script curling along the edges. Mirrored columns reflect the room from every angle. The furniture is modern and comfortable, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and buzzy than the formal dining room.
Le Dalí serves French cuisine with Mediterranean influence, using ingredients from the best local producers. It's the spot for a long lunch or a late afternoon coffee. And honestly, even if you just order a coffee, the ceiling alone is worth the visit.
Bar 228
Bar 228 is where Le Meurice shows a completely different side of itself.
The bar is named for the hotel's address and it occupies a dark, wood-paneled room with massive oil paintings covering the walls, cognac-colored leather armchairs, and warm lamplight that gives the whole space a moody, club-like atmosphere. It feels like stepping into a private gentleman's club from another century.
The cocktails are excellent, and the bartenders clearly take pride in what they do. One detail I loved: the armrests on some of the leather chairs have gilded griffin sculptures. When you're holding a cocktail next to a gold griffin while old-master paintings tower above you and the quiet hum of well-dressed Parisians fills the room, you feel the full weight of what a palace hotel really means.
Bar 228 is open daily and often features live music. It's the kind of bar that makes you want to stay for one more drink every single time.
The Valmont Spa
Le Meurice is home to the only Valmont spa in Paris. Valmont is a Swiss luxury skincare brand known for its anti-aging treatments, and the spa here is a serene, beautifully designed retreat from the energy of the hotel and the city outside.
The spa includes treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, relaxation room, and fitness center. Facials, body wraps, massages, and beauty treatments are all available. I'd recommend booking a treatment in advance, especially during high season, as availability is limited.
The Details That Surprised Me
The surrealist touches. Dalí's influence is woven subtly throughout the hotel, not just in the restaurant named for him. In the lobby, there's a double-seated chair. The carpet in the main corridor has quotes stitched into it. There's a frosted mirror where guests can write messages that clear overnight, becoming a blank canvas by morning. These details aren't loud or gimmicky. They're quiet, clever, and they reward the guests who notice them.
The Eiffel Tower at night. I knew the view would be good. I didn't expect it to be transcendent. Watching the Tower light up gold from our room, with the beam sweeping across the sky and the Tuileries dark and still below, was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in Paris. We stood on the balcony in our robes for at least twenty minutes, unable to go inside.
Cédric Grolet. Le Meurice's pastry chef, Cédric Grolet, is one of the most celebrated pastry chefs in the world. His patisserie, La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, offers his famous trompe-l'oeil fruit pastries and other creations. Even if you're not staying at Le Meurice, the patisserie is worth a visit. But if you ARE staying, order one of his desserts at dinner. They're edible art.
The sense of scale. Le Meurice feels grand in a way that most "luxury" hotels don't. The ceilings are soaring. The chandeliers are enormous. The paintings on the walls are museum-quality. Walking through the public spaces genuinely feels like walking through a wing of Versailles. You don't get this at modern design hotels, and even among the Paris palaces, Le Meurice's sense of scale and drama is exceptional.
Who Le Meurice Is Perfect For
Art and design lovers. Between the Dalí connection, Starck's design interventions, the Versailles-inspired dining room, the Murano glass sculptures, and Cédric Grolet's edible art, Le Meurice is one of the most creatively rich hotels in the world. And its proximity to the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay doesn't hurt.
Couples celebrating a milestone. An anniversary dinner in the Alain Ducasse restaurant, Eiffel Tower views from your balcony, cocktails at Bar 228. Le Meurice was made for occasions that deserve to feel monumental.
Girlfriend getaways. This was our experience and it was phenomenal. Getting dressed up and walking through that lobby, the Dalí restaurant, the bar. Le Meurice makes you feel like the most glamorous version of yourself.
Anyone who loves Paris for its history and spectacle. Le Meurice doesn't understate anything. It leans into the beauty, the excess, the romance of Paris. If that's what you want from a hotel, there is nowhere better.
Practical Information
Address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Collection: Dorchester Collection
Dining: Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse (two Michelin stars), Restaurant Le Dalí (all-day dining), Bar 228, La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet
Spa: Valmont Spa (the only one in Paris), with steam room, sauna, fitness center, and treatment rooms
Nearest landmarks: Tuileries Garden (directly across the street), Louvre Museum (5-minute walk), Place de la Concorde (5-minute walk), Place Vendôme (5-minute walk), Musée d'Orsay (10-minute walk across the river)
Getting there: CDG airport is approximately 14 miles. Orly airport is approximately 10 miles. The hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Ideal stay: At least three nights. Three gives you time to enjoy both restaurants, the bar, and the neighborhood without rushing.
How to Book Le Meurice With VIP Perks
As a luxury travel advisor, I book Le Meurice through the Dorchester Collection's preferred partner program. My clients receive benefits that cannot be accessed by booking through the hotel's website or online travel agencies, at no additional cost.
When you book through Wonder Travel Studio, you can expect:
A guaranteed room upgrade at the time of booking (subject to availability). Daily full breakfast for two. A food and beverage or spa credit. Early check-in and late checkout when available. A special welcome amenity.
These perks come at the same published rate. For a hotel at Le Meurice's price point, the daily breakfast and room upgrade alone can represent hundreds of euros in added value per stay.
I also communicate your preferences directly to the hotel team in advance, coordinate any special occasion details, and make sure everything is confirmed before you arrive. Having stayed at Le Meurice personally, I can speak to the experience firsthand and help you choose the right room category, the right restaurant, and the right details to make your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Le Meurice
Is Le Meurice a Palace hotel? Yes. Le Meurice holds the Palace distinction, the highest classification for luxury hotels in France, above even five stars. It is the oldest palace hotel in Paris, open since 1835.
What is the connection between Le Meurice and Salvador Dalí? Salvador Dalí stayed at Le Meurice every year for over three decades, always booking the same suite. His surrealist influence is now woven throughout the hotel's design, including Restaurant Le Dalí, which features a ceiling painting by Ara Starck (Philippe Starck's daughter) and surrealist-inspired decor throughout the public spaces.
Does Le Meurice have a view of the Eiffel Tower? Yes. Rooms and suites facing the Rue de Rivoli overlook the Tuileries Garden with views of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Place de la Concorde. Request a Tuileries-facing room when booking for the best views.
How many Michelin stars does Le Meurice have? Le Meurice holds two Michelin stars at Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, overseen by Alain Ducasse with executive chef Amaury Bouhours.
What is Bar 228 at Le Meurice? Bar 228 is Le Meurice's cocktail bar, named for the hotel's street address. It occupies a wood-paneled room with oil paintings, leather armchairs, gilded details, and a warm, club-like atmosphere. It's open daily and often features live music.
Who is Cédric Grolet? Cédric Grolet is Le Meurice's pastry chef and one of the most acclaimed pastry chefs in the world. He operates La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet at the hotel, known for his trompe-l'oeil fruit pastries and sculptural desserts.
How does Le Meurice compare to Le Bristol Paris? Both are Palace-designated hotels with world-class dining and exceptional service. Le Meurice offers more dramatic grandeur, Versailles-inspired interiors, Tuileries views, and a stronger arts connection (Dalí, Starck, Grolet). Le Bristol offers a warmer, more residential atmosphere, a private garden, a rooftop pool, four Michelin stars, and exceptional family programming. I've stayed at both and am happy to help you choose the right fit. See my full comparison in the post above.
Can I get VIP perks at Le Meurice? Yes. By booking through a preferred travel advisor like Wonder Travel Studio, you receive complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast, hotel credits, and other benefits at no additional cost. View Le Meurice availability and rates here.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Le Bristol Paris Review: Inside the Suite Azur at Paris's First Palace Hotel
The Best Palace Hotels in Paris: A Complete Comparison Guide (coming soon)
How to Plan the Perfect Paris Girls Trip (coming soon)
Ready to Book Le Meurice?
We would love to help you plan your stay. Here are a few ways to get started:
Book Le Meurice directly with VIP perks - you can view rates and availability and book instantly.
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We handle everything from room selection to restaurant reservations, concierge coordination, and special occasion planning. Having stayed at Le Meurice personally, we can help you choose the right room category, the right dining experience, and the right details to make your trip unforgettable.
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