Hotel Bulgari: The New Jewel of the Golden Triangle

And seven! After Milan, London, Bali, Beijing, Dubai and Shanghai, Bulgari has finally put its signature on Paris. And this new hotel signed by the famous jewellery brand has offered itself a choice setting: Avenue George V, in the heart of the Parisian Golden Triangle.

Sylvain Ercoli is jubilant. After years of complicated administrative procedures and pharaonic work, the hotel at which he is the General Manager is finally opening its doors. For this emblematic GM (he managed the Ritz, the Martinez in Cannes, the Byblos in Saint-Tropez, etc.) the time has finally come to introduce his guests to this new establishment which, according to him, offers "a touch of Italian elegance married to the spirit of Paris." A few years after having managed the magnificent Bulgari Hotel in London since its opening in the chic district of Knightsbridge, Ercoli is as happy to find his place in Paris as guides us in what will quickly assert itself as one of the most refined palaces in the capital.

Italian atmosphere

After the reopening last summer of the sumptuous boutique in Place Vendôme (nicknamed "Casa Roma"), the Bulgari group is affirming its desire to be a major player in lifestyle and hospitality according to its CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin. This is obvious when entering the lobby of the hotel on Avenue George V. As a nicely orchestrated contrast with the geometric lines of the facade, the interior welcomes you in a subdued atmosphere full of Italian refinement.

Just like the photo gallery that adorns the walls of the hallway leading to the living room and the bar, decorator duo – Antonio Citterio and Patricia Veil (who have also signed all Bulgari hotels) have brought together what best illustrates the elegance of Rome and Paris. Warm colours, silky materials, and the most precious materials; nothing has been neglected to make Bulgari Paris stand out from its competitors.

Rooms like apartments

If luxury is space, then this hotel is the epitome of luxury. Because this large building once housed soulless offices, the hotel only offers 76 rooms. 75% of which are suites – with the smallest measure of 42m2 and the majority featuring a balcony on the avenue or a terrace. Designed like real apartments, they illustrate this attention to detail and beautiful materials specific to the brand.

Varnished wood, marble, velvet, and soft leather match the furniture designed to measure by the decorator duo. We love the elegance of the lighting, the fluidity of the lines of the small offices, the nods to the world of fine jewellery.

The best of luxury is also located on the 9th and 10th floors. Perched on the roof, the Bulgari Penthouse covers 1000m2. It consists of a magnificent apartment of 400m2 and a huge terraced garden of 600m2 which overlooks all of Paris. Before your eyes, beyond the plants and trees, the spire of the American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Eiffel Tower, and the Grand Palais.

Cucina Italiana

The restaurant table (titled "Il Ristorante") is held by one of the most promising chefs on the peninsula, Niko Romito. Three-star for his restaurant Reale in Castel di Sangro, in the Abbruzzo region, this cook is a champion of simplicity. He has already proven it at Bulgari Milan and confirms it here. A simplicity which, as he specifies, does not exclude effort, but the desire for research and the passion for balance, especially when it is enhanced by a choice of products and remarkable know-how.

Risotto alla Milanese, Merluzzo carbonaro con pomodoro speziato e crema di potato, and more; his dishes sing the song of the Italian terroir. Executive Chef, Niko is assisted on a daily basis by another gifted Italian, Davide Capucchio, who recently distinguished himself at the Bulgari in Shanghai where he obtained his first star.

Ideally located on the ground floor between the living room and the Ristorante room, in a cosy atmosphere, the bar is run by another expert: Leonardo Vanini, a "young former" of the Ritz. Known for his excellence at preparing the most classic cocktails, the mixologist also reinvents spirits with his talent via his signature cocktails.

Relaxation and Dolce Vita

The Bulgari Spa, which is spread over 1300m2 and two levels, also displays Italian style. Its mosaics, inspired by the Baths of Caracalla, respond to the rough and polished Vicenza stone that adorns the walls. The 25m swimming pool, which comes close to the length record in Paris, is a joy for swimming enthusiasts. For massages and facials, the Spa offers 9 cabins with teak walls including an impressive Spa Suite with a jacuzzi and hammam. The fitness area, which includes a private training studio, offers the training methods of the Workshop Gymnasium created exclusively for Bulgari by the famous coach Lee Mullins.

As for any future plans for Bulgari? Silvio Ursini, Executive Vice-President in charge of the hotel industry and true inspiration of Bulgari Hotels, has got it covered – announcing the upcoming opening of two hotels in Rome (2022) and one in Moscow (2022), which will then be followed by Tokyo (2023), Miami (2024) and Los Angeles (2025).

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