Paris’ Legendary Nightclub Les Bains Returns as a Luxury Hotel & Bar.

“La Salle à Manger” restaurant at Les Bains Paris. Photo © Paul Raeside.

“La Salle à Manger” restaurant at Les Bains Paris. Photo © Guillaume Grasset.

“A cozy boudoir serving teas, pastries and speciality coffees as well as an honesty bar, Le Salon Chinois is reserved exclusively for guests residing at Les Bains. The salon has a unique atmosphere thanks to the pearlescent lights and stained glass windows, and the original nineteenth century chinoiserie’s restored colours radiate the age-old charm of Les Bains. Photo © Guillaume Grasset.

Le Salon Chinois. Photo © Paul Raeside.

The pool. Image courtesy of Tristan Auer.

The Club. Image courtesy of Tristan Auer.

Hotel Lobby. Image courtesy of Tristan Auer.

Once a private bathhouse for the likes of Marcel Proust, a hotspot for the Bohemians of the Belle Époque, and a famed nightclub where Jagger and Bowie romped, Les Bains is back. Les Bains is both a homage to the heritage of its storied past and a bold new take on Parisian hospitality. Thanks to the outstanding joint work of the architects and designers Vincent Bastie, Tristan Auer, and Denis Montel, the property shines as a vibrant, connected, international clubhouse and hotel, which includes a restaurant, bars, a private lounge, a club, guest rooms, and suites. Set in the historic third arrondissement, the property is ideally nestled in Paris’ old aristocratic district, a trove of atmospheric streets and architectural splendours.

Les Bains iconic “La Salle à Manger” restaurant is now characterised by neo-brasserie chic, although the space has retained some of Les Bains Douches’ originl charm – most notably in the form of Philippe Starck’s original 1978 black-and-white-checkered dance-floor. This pixelated objet d’art has been fully restored, where nearly two million tiles have been intricately hand-laid. Stalactite pillars borrow inspiration from natural shapes formed by water, with bulbous, droplet-like shapes hanging below the undulating red ceiling domes and rotundas. The red lacquered verticals columns are complemented by mahogany tables and the nineteenth century floral arabesque pattern of the entrance floor.

Deluxe Room. Photo © Paul Raeside.

Executive Room. Photo © Paul Raeside.

Deluxe Room. Photo © Paul Raeside.

Junior Suite. Photo © Paul Raeside.

Hotel Bathroom. Image courtesy of Tristan Auer.

Photo © Guillaume Grasset.

Less in the spirit of a traditional hotel, and more akin to a residence, Les Bains’ 39 spacious rooms and suites are each stamped with their own unique personality. Custom-crafted furniture sits amongst white marble, precious woods, Gainsbourienne carpets and replica sofas from Andy Warhol’s Factory. Rock ‘n’ roll whimsy permeates the rooms: from Joy Division album covers, playfully sexy ‘do not disturb’ signs, to beauty boxes of little luxuries, the whole is a package that transcends style. Each of the five junior and two suites come equipped with private hammams.

A sleek and sophisticated color palette of grey, white and black unites the rooms, while the hotel’s artistic essence is reflected by a constantly rotating curation of art. The result of various residencies, these works will be displayed throughout the hotel, and are available for purchase.

With it’s scratched and almost patinad walls, and distressed grey carpets, lifted by bright retro velvet orange couches, the rooms almost look like they’ve always existed – even after the ambitious overhaul. With its tangible soul and loads personality evident in every corner, it’s like Les Bains never closed.

Les Bains Paris
7 Rue du Bourg l’Abbé, 75003 Paris, France

[Images courtesy of Les Bains Paris. Photography credits as noted.]