Any esthete worth their salt knows who Martin Brudnizki is: the designer is the man behind the gloriously over-the-top interiors of chic Mayfair members club Annabel’s and the recently opened Broadwick hotel in Soho. Now he has brought his decadent brand of maximalism to Paris’s Le Marais with the opening of a stylish new retreat, Le Grand Mazarin.
Located on a quiet side street in the French capital’s coolest arrondissement, the hotel may only have opened in September, but it’s already proven itself as one of the hottest new spots in the area – just try to get a table in their bustling restaurant on Friday evenings if you don’t believe us. With its central location and lively but relaxed atmosphere, it is the ideal base for a weekend in the City of Light.
Where?
Hidden on Rue de la Verrerie – opposite the BHV Marais department store – lies Le Grand Mazarin, an extremely stylish place in the heart of Le Marais. You’ll find all the delights of Paris’s most bohemian neighborhood right on your doorstep, from fashionable boutiques and quaint cafes to quirky modern art galleries and avant-garde concept stores. The contemporary art paradise Center Pompidou is just a five-minute walk away, while you can reach Paris’s oldest food market, Le Marché des Enfants Rouge, within 15 minutes.
Style
As you would expect from a Martin Brudnizki home, style is one thing Le Grand Mazarin has in abundance. Every corner of this beautiful jewel-box hotel has been considered, from the artfully arranged alcoves and bookshelves in the lobby to the beautiful mural by local artist Jacques Merle above the indoor pool. Those familiar with Brudnizki’s other properties will recognize his signature style in the public areas, all clashing prints, colors and textures.
The rooms feel calmer, but no less opulent. The most striking feature is the headliner above the bed, which makes you feel like you’re staying in a medieval castle. Pistachio green walls are offset by painted cabinets and striped chaise longues, while an assortment of tasteful trinkets and coffee table books give the impression you’re staying in a chic friend’s home rather than a hotel.
Eat Drink
The buzzing restaurant and sultry bar are two of the main reasons to stay at Le Grand Mazarin – and are largely why the hotel has already been so warmly embraced by the local community. Dinner at the sweetly named Boubalé (a Yiddish term of endearment used by Ashkenazi grandmothers) is always a lively affair, especially if you sit up at the counter, where you can watch the busy chefs at work preparing an array of truly prepare inventive dishes.
We admit we didn’t really know what to expect when the blurb told us the cuisine was inspired by Ashkenazi culture, but we were pleasantly surprised by the range of flavorful dishes that came out of the kitchen, from soft challah bread to . with tahini and grindax topped with arrack, into a deconstructed version of chicken soup (also known as ‘Jewish penicillin’).
Thanks to the genius of Michelin-starred Israeli chef Assaf Granit, every dish is a creative triumph worth raising a glass – which you certainly will when you stand at the chef’s counter, because you get a shot of white rum laced with passion fruit between each course.
The small but perfectly formed bar is a cozy place to spend the night, where you can sip eclectic cocktails (the Sababoush, an eggplant-laced riff on baba ghanoush, is our top pick) and enjoy the cozy atmosphere . A basement bar will also be opening soon, with live DJ sets three nights a week – guaranteed to make this even more of a hip spot than it already is.
Facilities
Despite being a fairly compact city hotel, with just 50 rooms and 11 suites, Le Grand Mazarin has its own swimming pool, a rarity in Paris. And what a pool it is – we don’t think we’ve ever seen a more picturesque basement pool, complete with hand-painted columns, a vaulted ceiling and striped green tiles. It’s almost too beautiful to splash around in.
There is also a lovely hammam and hot tub where you can relax and admire the fresco above. Across the street you’ll find a gym stocked with new Technogym equipment, as well as a treatment booth from Parisian favorite Anne Cali down the hall.
Extracurricular activities
The friendly reception team and concierge are happy to provide local tips, from shopping at cult concept store Fleux to suggesting a route in Musée Carnavalet, the oldest museum in Paris. But ultimately, this is a great place to explore the city on your own and see what you discover, whether you stroll along the Seine to discover the charms of nearby Île Saint-Louis or take the metro to venture further afield .
Which room?
While all the rooms are beautiful, the suites get top billing here. They are located on the top floors of the hotel and offer fantastic panoramic views of the city. Some even have their own balcony.
The gleaming marble bathrooms are spacious and luxuriously appointed with rain showers and deep bathtubs, ready to be filled with Diptyque perfumed products.
If you are traveling with your family or a group, some suites can connect to adjoining Deluxe Rooms, while the Mazarin Suite at the top of the hotel has its own private staircase. Whichever room you choose, ask for one that doesn’t face the courtyard, which can be a bit noisy on weekends.
Best for…
Couples booking a holiday in the ultimate city of romance or friends looking for a hip place to drink, dine and meet the locals. With its elegant rooms and unbeatable location, it is perfectly situated to enjoy the very best that Paris has to offer.
Rooms start from €690 (£598) on a B&B basis. legrandmazarin.com