Just moments away from the Louvre, the Comédie Française and the Palais Royal Gardens, between the Garnier opera house and the famous Rue Saint Honoré, enclosed between layers of history and Haussmann elegance, lies a temple to art and life à la française: the five starred Nolinski hotel. This breathtaking, characterful haven bears the hallmark eclectic refinement of decorator Jean Louis Deniot. You just bump into this immediately: a minimalist front desk made from Carrara marble – in a space where contemporary aesthetics and classical prestige meet enchantment and flair. But from the bright, luminous rooms and a mineral spa to Nolinski the Restaurant and Cocktail bar, each space is an invitation to let the senses roam and emotions rise. An intimate setting scented with spices and musk, a musical atmosphere and the warm softness of velvet or tweed. Hues of blue and emerald green, precious materials and custom-made furniture and furnishings intertwine to orchestrate a lyrical and harmonious ensemble. Conviviality served with passion. The passion of Epicurean experiences and unimaginable dreams, where the art of attention to detail intuitively paves the way for mystery. Visitors wander through a world in which luxurious comforts, works of art and Parisian authenticity coexist.

But take a look at their suites! For example our junior suite where we were invited to stay is a bright, spacious and intimate hideaway. The suites are private apartments characterised by art and discretion. Salvador, Pablo, Ernest, Gustave and Marie are the names given to these comfortable spaces, with hallway, bathroom (with shower and bathtub  and Nolinski branded beauty products) and living room separated from the bedroom by sliding mirror doors. All embody the same essence: beautiful materials and vintage 70’s furniture complete the little Haussmann lofts and bring it a personalised elegance. Windows and balconies open out onto the heart of Paris. A lacquered wardrobe watches over an elegant desk, bearing sculptural and ceramic souvenirs from faraway lands, while heavy curtains and plush carpets provide the ultimate indulgent finishing touch to your temporary home in Paris. Indulge in your favourite shade, be it green, raspberry, beige, blue, yellow or fawn. (Certainly you can have room service all over the day and night, as well as the laundry and dry cleaning and shoe polishing services.)

Nolinski has got two gastro in-house shirnes. The first one is the restaurant where we had á la carte breakfast. The décor subtly mingles Art Deco with the seventies spirit, a nod to the hotel’s 1930s façade. Nolinski Le Restaurant presents a contemporary, sun-drenched cuisine that features fresh and unexpected textures, colors and flavors. Its Chef, Philip Chronopoulos trained at the École Paul Bocuse in Lyon, then joined Alain Passard’s team, and later worked closely with Joël Robuchon.

He is also responsible for the Michelin-starred Palais Royal Restaurant, that celebrates a unique, cosmopolitan cuisine infused with Mediterranean accents. The originality of a menu devoted to different worlds: “The world of raw food, spices, and the sea, for cuisine that will never be boring”. On its menu are mini stewed veal turnovers, burrata cauliflower with pesto, poultry kebab and crispy ravioli. Its desserts are invented by Yann Brys, who was named Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

We tried the same breakfast dishes several times, these were our highlights: the acai bowl is amazing and even better if you order it with a bowl of red fruits. You have to try the detox juices as well – especially the one with berries named Nolinski. We really liked the fritatta with truffels and the homemade smoked salmon with waffle. But the most interesting morning dish was the egg&caviar. Not is just an ordinary one, the caviar comes from the famous Petrossian house. (They have numerous restaurants in the city.) On the top of the soft boiled eggs there was the caviar and it was served with buttered bread slices. Very-very delicious!

At the center of the Grand Salon, in a private, subdued setting, Nolinski hosts a new cocktail bar with a variety of signature cocktails, along with mocktails, housemade infusions, and a light menu designed by Philip Chronopoulos. The piano in the bar is available for an evening performance, an inspired improvisation, or other “happenings.” After all, spontaneity and freedom are also part of the Nolinski spirit.

Okay, after culinary experiences let’s go down to the Spa Nolinski by La Colline. It invites you to experience a moment of serenity in an intimate setting in the heart of Paris, where French elegance meets the cutting-edge treatments and products of the Swiss Riviera. An experience where the four elements unite: the soft whisper of the water, granite flooring, warm wood panelling, flickering candles all collide in a natural source of cosy well-being. On the ceiling, a mirror reflects an endless swimming stroke gliding across an abstract landscape. Luxurious treatments offer you a sensation of well-being. After a session with a personal trainer on-site or in the neighbouring Louvre gardens, a sense of deep serenity takes over. In this new space downstairs dedicated to relaxation and serenity, La Colline offers you enchanting experiences that are second to none.

Cutting-edge products – the fruit of extensive research on cellular metabolism – are combined with a sophisticated and authentic atmosphere where an eye for detail is translated into precision of treatment and appreciation for carefully codifed rituals. The treatments include breathing and stretching in alternating phases, as well as relaxing and firming massages allowing the body and mind to revitalise in complete harmony. For almost 20 years now, La Colline, born in the heart of the Swiss biotechnological Riviera, has been fulfilling its mission: providing the best premium Swiss care, using the most effective biotechnological active ingredients, while applying the expertise needed for the complex formula. Alongside its work to improve and bring out the best in skin, La Colline set up the La Colline doctoral award at the University Hospital Zurich with the aim of encouraging significant  progress in skin culture techniques. You can find the treatments here.

The conclusion is we loved to stay here. All staff is extremly kind and professional from the roommaids, waiters and security to the concierge and management. We were amazed by the Nolinski experience because here even the smallest details are designed to make a lasting impression. They have their own labeled perfumes (which you can buy at the reception) as well as their own labeled complimentary chocolates. The quality of the slippers’ and the robe’s is unique. Even the stairway is also a real pleasure with its cloud patterned paintings on the wall. The good news is you can try this experience in Venice soon. Later this year they are opening the second Nolinski hotel, hurray!

Photos: PR / Guillome de Laubier, The Gentleman’s Review (just the breakfast table)
23th of April, 2022
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