Paris legends. Famous hotels glorified by history or celebrities

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris Many hotels in Paris have already become outstanding landmarks of this wonderful city. The prestigious Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris is one of them. In different years, this hotel greeted such famous visitors as Jean Gabin and Marlin Dietrich, Yves Montand and Charlie Chaplin, Francois Mitterrand and Richard Nixon, the famous Liverpool Four and Penelope Cruz. The historic hotel was founded by Joel Hillman. Originally from America, he built the hotel in the 20s of the previous century, investing more than 30 million dollars in the project.

Several years later, the hotel was purchased by Francois Dupre, the owner of the no less luxurious Plaza Athénée hotel. Currently, Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris is the property of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal who lives in Saudi Arabia. Guests of the luxurious hotel have an amazing opportunity to live in guest rooms, which once were a temporary home for internationally famous celebrities. The design of many rooms hasn’t changed for decades. Rich décor of Hotel George V brings visitors to the refined atmosphere of Louis XVI epoch. The legendary hotel carefully keeps an old tradition. Every evening, at 5 p.m., the charming La Galerie café hosts the special «Five o’clock tea». The tea is traditionally served with a great choice of pastries and cakes. Live music is another good tradition of the party. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Ritz Paris In 2012, one more legendary hotel in Paris, Ritz Paris , was closed for the restoration purposes. The reopening took place in the second part of 2014. During its long history, the hotel greeted many famous guests, but, perhaps, Coco Chanel remains the most iconic customer. She lived more than 30 years in one of the posh rooms of Ritz Paris. This is the place where her famed romance with Serge Lifar took place.

The history of the hotel is no less interesting. Ritz Paris was founded by Caesar Ritz. In 1898, the tycoon decided to turn the magnificent building of an old bank on Place Vendôme into a posh hotel. Virtually right from the opening, Ritz Paris became one of the most popular and innovative hotels in the French capital. It was one of the first hotels in the world to offer guest rooms with an individual bathroom and, later, with a private telephone.

Hôtel de Crillon Place de la Concorde is home to one more iconic hotel in Paris, Hôtel de Crillon . It is open in a spectacular palace that dates back to 1758. Built by order of Louis XV, the palace was a temporary residence for important foreign guests. Hotel de Crillon was the place where the League of Nations was founded in 1919. In 1964, the luxurious rooms on the top floors of the building were added to the list of priceless historic landmarks of France. The design of these rooms has been unchanged since then. Nowadays, travelers from all over the world can stay in these posh rooms that once welcomed prominent politicians and artists.

Le Meurice Rivoli Street is also the location of one of the oldest hotels in Paris - Le Meurice - that was founded yet in 1771. In 1835, the luxurious hotel moved into a new building. A countless number of famous guests stayed at Le Meurice in different years, including Prince of Wales, kings of Bulgaria, Denmark, Belgium, and other European countries. One of the most important historic events took place at Le Meurice in 1931.

Dethroned King Alfonso XIII moved into one of the hotel’s apartments. He lived in Le Meurice several years. After the king, many prominent politicians stayed in the posh apartments. The guest room still has a beautiful antique cabinet and furniture made of rare sorts of wood. Fans of Salvador Dali are also well-aware of this hotel. There is still a room at Le Meurice that the famous artists enjoyed staying at. Besides rooms with wonderful long history, the hotel offers an excellent high cuisine restaurant awarded three Michelin stars.