How One Parisian Hotel is Keeping it Alive

_{Enthusiasts are flocking to experience “Unlocking Art Deco,” a new offering that celebrates the movement’s centennial with a guided tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks from the era}

Lobby of the Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris

© Raphael Metivet

Paris birthed Art Deco long before the world had a name for it. The 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes established the city as the movement’s epicenter, shaping the look and language of modern design. It was a philosophy that rooted balance, artistry, and optimism in the belief that function and ornament could coexist beautifully. Completed in 1929, Prince de Galles Hotel rose from that momentum, marrying structure with stylistic splendor. Guests had a front-row seat to the aesthetic that would define modern France and, soon, the world.

This year, as Paris observes a century of Art Deco, Prince de Galles has introduced “Unlocking Art Deco,” an immersive three-hour guided experience curated exclusively for its guests. The tour traces the city’s architectural milestones; from the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (the first major Art Deco monument by Auguste Perret), to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Palais d’Iéna. It continues through the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris and the department store Printemps, whose stained-glass dome and marble stairways epitomize the period’s fascination with light and raw material. Guests also have the option to extend their trip to sites such as Palais de la Porte Dorée and Sotheby’s new Paris headquarters, creating a panoramic view of Art Deco’s evolution across the city.

The package begins at €2,400 and includes a night’s stay in a Mosaic Suite with à la carte breakfast for two. It’s a sensorial masterclass on design history, anchored by the very hotel that helped define the period’s expression.

Today, Prince de Galles stands as one of the most authentic representations of Art Deco in French hospitality. Restorative efforts have preserved its signature materials, while evolving the guest experience to feel both grounded and contemporary. Its marble, lacquered wood, and geometric inlays don’t merely evoke nostalgia but a deep reverence for constructural majesty. The hotel feels timeless; somewhat of a rare equilibrium between heritage and modernity.

Blueprint to Revival

The original hotel was designed by architect André Arfvidson and began construction in 1928 on the site of former Chaillot quarries. Its name pays homage to the Prince of Wales, whose patronage reflected the cosmopolitan energy Paris had become known for. In 2013, Pierre-Yves Rochon led a meticulous two-and-a-half-year restoration that cost roughly $100 million. The goal was not to reinvent the landmark but to refine it. Every element, from the black Saint-Laurent marble floors to the Macassar ebony paneling and wrought-iron filigree, was restored or recreated by French artisans. Rochon’s approach was deeply intentional. He kept the original proportions and palette intact, updating the infrastructure for modern travelers while preserving the spirit of 1929.

Recapturing an Era

Every suite at Prince de Galles reflects a nuanced interpretation of Art Deco design, honoring its heritage while adapting to modern expectations of comfort and scale. The more popular standouts among them are:

Lalique Suite by Patrick Hellmann

The hotel’s crown jewel, the Lalique Suite by Patrick Hellmann, was designed in partnership with the renowned French crystal house Maison Lalique. Spanning roughly 165 square meters, the two-level suite includes a living room, dining area, bedroom, and terrace overlooking Avenue George V. Frosted glass, mirrored planes, polished Macassar ebony, and hand-cut crystal details create a refined play of texture and light. The design captures the balance between architectural rigor and decorative flourish that defines Art Deco at its best.

Suite d’Or

At approximately 97 square meters, the Suite d’Or is one of the hotel’s most sought-after accommodations. Its name, meaning “gold,” comes to life through subtle metallic tones and rich textiles. The suite features a separate living room, bedroom, and marble bathroom adorned with gold accents and black mosaic. The palette, along with carefully restored details, evokes the glamour of 1920s Paris while maintaining an intimate, residential feel.

Suite Saphir

The Suite Saphir, at about 100 square meters, takes its cues from the cooler end of the Art Deco spectrum. Hues of deep blue and soft cream define the interiors, complemented by geometric patterns and polished elements. Two private terraces frame views of the Paris skyline, extending the sense of symmetry and calm that the interiors embody. It’s a tranquil space that channels the sophistication of the Jazz Age through a contemporary lens.

Makassar and Mosaic Suites

The Macassar and Mosaic Suites each offer a more distilled expression of the hotel’s design language. The Macassar Suite highlights the exotic wood that became emblematic of the Art Deco period, while the Mosaic Suite borrows the tilework seen in the property’s courtyard. Both are examples of how tasteful touches are enough to complete any space.

Culinary Concepts

Prince de Galles houses two distinct dining experiences that showcase Paris’ duality; international fare and French tradition.

Akira Back Paris

Opened in 2022, this is the first European venture from Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The menu blends modern Japanese technique with Korean influence and a global edge. Signature dishes like tuna pizza, wagyu tacos, and black cod miso share space with inventive plant-based options, including crispy tofu bao and truffle-infused vegetable rolls that rival the seafood selections. The restaurant’s design by Black Sheep Studios integrates 1920s Japonisme with the hotel’s Art Deco theme. Smoky glass, warm brass, and dark timber create an atmosphere that feels cosmopolitan yet intimate. It’s a subtle nod to the crosscurrents of the Jazz Age.

Restaurant and Bar 19.20

Downstairs, Chef Norbert Tarayre reimagines the neighborhood brasserie with theatrical flair. The name references the years when Art Deco came to life, and the energy matches that vibrancy. The space transitions from breakfast to evening apéritifs, seamlessly. Inside, artist Adam Ellis’ murals animate the walls with playful wildlife scenes. Giraffes and leopards traverse Parisian landmarks, painted in lush tones that signal the era’s love of abstract shapes and rich embellishment. The menu centers on French classics such as sole meunière and côte de boeuf, with vegan options like roasted artichokes with citrus beurre blanc and wild mushroom risotto. Guests can also take the experience outdoors to Le Patio, just in time for golden hour over cocktails.

Wellness and Relaxation

The hotel’s Wellness Suite by Olivier Lecocq offers treatments consisting of custom oils and traditional French beauty techniques. A must-try is the signature CALMA PARIS experience designed to restore energy balance. Guests can book private sessions that include hammam and steam services or in-room therapies. The fitness center is compact but modern, open 24 hours with Technogym equipment and optional personal training. True to the property’s philosophy, wellness here is deeply restorative; a soothing counterpoint to the frenetic city.

A History of Greats

Across nearly a century, Prince de Galles has welcomed some of the most recognizable names of their time. Winston Churchill, Elvis Presley, Marlene Dietrich, and Dalida each passed through its halls, drawn by its privacy and understated grandeur. The hotel’s discretion remains one of its most endearing traits. There’s no commemorative plaques on display, only light traces of those who’ve came before. Mainly photographs of diplomats and silent film stars, sprinkled throughout the staircase and halls.

Located on Avenue George V, steps from the Seine, the hotel sits at the center of Paris’s Golden Triangle of art, gastronomy, and design. Yet despite its proximity to the city’s showier neighbors, it maintains an air of intimacy. Where other palace hotels lean flashier, Prince de Galles favors subtlety. The appeal lies in how it makes you feel rather than keeping up with trends.

Why It’s Still a Favorite

As Art Deco turns 100, the movement’s influence remains visible throughout the city, but few places preserve its integrity the way this hotel does. Prince de Galles continues to evolve without losing its sense of origin. The building honors its lineage while its offerings feel aligned with contemporary life. Nearly a century later, Prince de Galles remains what it’s always been, a luxurious bridge between the past and present.