The Rise of Paris’ Cocktail Scene: The Experimental Journey
The story of Paris’ evolving cocktail scene began in 2007 with the opening of the Experimental Cocktail Club. Childhood friends Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée de Goriainoff — later joined by Xavier Padovani — joined forces to build the Experimental brand, which has since become a globally influential name in the hospitality industry.
This visionary group successfully expanded their ventures to include bars, restaurants, hotels, and even beach clubs, strategically located across Europe and reaching as far as New York. Yet, despite this impressive international growth, the brand remains deeply rooted in Paris — a fact solidified by the opening of their third Parisian hotel, and the first flagship hotel to officially bear the Experimental name.
Le Marais: The Historic and Cultural Heart of Paris
Le Marais stands as a living portrait of the Paris many dream of. As one of the city’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, it charms visitors with its narrow cobblestone alleys, historic architecture, traditional bistros, and classic Parisian terraces — all of which combine to create a uniquely vibrant atmosphere.
For many travelers, Le Marais offers the quintessential Parisian experience, where authentic French cuisine meets rich culture and renowned museums. The neighborhood also invites guests to embrace the art of flânerie — the French concept of strolling aimlessly, allowing oneself to observe and interact with the soul of the city.
Who is Behind the Hotel’s Design?
When discussing the design of the Experimental Hotel, one cannot overlook the significant role played by French designer Tristan Auer. Interestingly, Experimental not only acquired the hotel formerly known as Seiner, but also retained the same designer — a clear testament to their confidence in his artistic vision.
From Gothic Character to Contemporary French Style
The design of the former Seiner Hotel was a prominent example of religious Gothic style infused with bold hints, which is difficult to connect with the current hotel’s design. However, Auer’s extensive expertise — which includes notable projects like Hôtel du Crillon, Le Bain, and the Louvre Hotel — enables him to blend tradition and modernity in a uniquely Parisian manner.
A New Design Vision: An Imaginary Character Traveling Through Paris
Instead of evoking the atmosphere of a priest lighting the guests’ path with his lamp as in the previous hotel, Auer envisioned an imaginary character — cultured and well-traveled — who came to Paris to immerse herself in its rich culture and fashion. This vision is reflected through the fusion of classical French design with ecclesiastical-inspired elements, alongside bold architectural features.
Building Surprise: From Telecom Headquarters to a Hotel Masterpiece
Remarkably, this unique blend exists within a building that was once the headquarters of the French telecommunications company Orange. This unexpected background adds an extra layer of contrast and distinction, making the hotel stay not only luxurious but also filled with elements that spark curiosity and invite exploration.
Room Design and Accommodation Spaces
The hotel features 43 guest rooms, all similar in design within each category and on every floor. Notably, the design leaves no trace that the building was once administrative offices, reflecting the skillful transformation of office spaces into a comfortable and functional hotel environment. It is worth mentioning that the standard rooms are relatively spacious by Parisian standards, starting from 20 square meters — a size that provides a relatively roomy and comfortable feeling in a city known for its small rooms.
Design Touches in the Suites and Other Rooms
The main suite (The Suite) boasts elegant and modern touches based on neutral creamy tones, creating a calm and visually soothing atmosphere. Design pieces were carefully chosen to complement this tranquil ambiance, resulting in a refined stay experience without complexity.
In contrast, the other rooms retain their classic appeal from the time when the hotel was Seiner. This is evident in the use of pristine white walls that provide a perfect backdrop for abstract artworks adorning the rooms, alongside a selective mix of various materials and textures. For example, there are ceramic lamps on fabric-covered side tables, classic wooden desks with wicker chairs, creating a balance between classic character and artisanal touches.
Details Highlighting the Hotel’s Character
A particularly eye-catching element is the pair of armchairs in light green and yellow, designed by Pierre Paulin — a detail that reflects refined artistic taste and connects modern design with French artistic heritage.
In the bathrooms, they are fully equipped with high-quality products from the Swedish brand La Bruket, alongside advanced Japanese toilets and spacious rain showers ensuring a comfortable and luxurious bathing experience. Hotel robes branded with the Experimental logo are also provided, enhancing the hotel’s identity and emphasizing its attention to details that add to guest comfort.
The Architectural Character of the Restaurant and Its Unique Space
The restaurant has always been distinguished by its cathedral-inspired character, occupying a soaring two-story space, which is rare in the Marais district known for its narrow alleys and historic buildings. This vast space imparts a sense of grandeur and luxury, standing out as a unique architectural feature in the heart of the neighborhood.
Design Renovation with a Contemporary Retro Style
Recently, the restaurant underwent a design update led by designer Tristan Aur, who drew inspiration from retro style to add a modern and elegant touch. In this renovation, the tall tables and high stools were replaced with bistro chairs upholstered in warm brown leather, adding comfort and warmth to the space and creating a more intimate atmosphere.
Details Combining Drama and Comfort
Regarding details, the old black carpet was replaced with an abstract pattern inspired by 1970s designs, enhancing the restaurant’s retro vibe. Despite the modern updates, there are still gothic dramatic touches, manifested in the large chandeliers and candle holders, which create a calm romantic ambiance through dim lighting and candles, making the dining experience distinctive and unique.
The Suite Worth Booking: A Unique Parisian Experience
Entering the suite on the fifth floor feels like stepping into a private Parisian apartment, where comfort blends with luxury in every corner. The serene living room is carefully designed to effortlessly transition from daytime relaxation to evening soirée vibes.
The suite features the iconic Ligne Roset Togo sofas in creamy leather, stacks of books, and a record player, alongside a carefully placed bottle of liquor on the coffee table—setting the perfect start to the evening.
The bathroom is an artistic piece inspired by the style of French artist Serge Gainsbourg, featuring a bathtub beneath a black arch surrounded by deep dark red tiles, drawing inspiration from Gainsbourg’s house, now transformed into the Maison Gainsbourg museum.
Finally, this floor offers a distinctive view of Paris’s famous zinc rooftops, adding a unique visual dimension to the stay experience.
Deluxe Rooms: A Practical Choice with Distinctive Views
Away from the luxurious suite, the Deluxe rooms are among the best options available at the hotel, combining comfort with harmonious design. It is recommended to book on the upper floors, starting from the third floor, to benefit from the distinctive views offered by these locations.
Connected Spaces for Families and Groups
The hotel also offers the possibility of connecting five adjacent rooms on the third and fourth floors, from different categories, creating a spacious area of up to 150 square meters. This feature makes it ideal for families or groups seeking a comprehensive and interconnected stay experience while maintaining the privacy of each room.
Mini Bar Features at the Hotel
The hotel’s mini bar offers ready-to-drink Travellers Cocktails, meticulously crafted by the Experimental Cocktail Club team itself. These cocktails are not only easy to drink but also designed for convenient carrying and consumption on the go.
Cocktails Inspired by Global Cities
This collection reflects a distinctive cultural diversity, representing three prominent cities considered the brand’s homelands:
- Vesper: A cocktail inspired by the James Bond character, symbolizing London.
- Manhattan: A classic cocktail representing New York.
- Orchard Keeper: A cocktail based on Calvados, embodying Paris.
Harmonizing Cocktails with Snacks
In addition to the cocktails, the mini bar includes a wide selection of snacks, including exquisite desserts by renowned Parisian chef Arnaud Larher, providing a complete experience that combines refined taste and convenience.
A Distinctive Dining Experience in the Heart of Paris
In the ever-evolving Parisian restaurant scene, new venues occasionally emerge to quickly secure their place among the city’s most sought-after dining spots. Among these, Temple & Chapon stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for visitors, even during midweek.
A Unique Blend of French and American Flavors
The kitchen is led by French chef Mélanie Serre, who skillfully combines the spirit of classic 1950s New York restaurants with the authentic French heritage of the renowned Experimental group.
This approach has resulted in a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, where these two traditions meet through dishes such as Rockefeller oysters and pâté en croûte, reflecting a harmonious blend of classics from both sides of the Atlantic.
Main Courses That Reflect Comfort and Warmth
The main dishes stand out with their simplicity and comfort, such as beef fillet with a rich pepper sauce and flame-grilled chicken seasoned with paprika, served alongside generous portions of French fries. These dishes embody the soul of comforting meals that satisfy visitors seeking warmth and contentment.
The Drinking Experience at the American Bar
A visit to Temple & Chapon is incomplete without trying the drinks at the American Bar, which is considered the perfect spot before or after dinner.
High-Quality Cocktails and American Traditions
If you haven’t yet tried the distinctive cocktails offered by the Experimental group, this is a great opportunity to explore them. The bar features a carefully crafted selection of American classics, such as the Manhattan and Martini cocktails, reflecting the rich traditions of American bar drinks with high quality.
A Place to Relax and Escape Life’s Stresses
While the Experimental group is mainly known for its distinctive cocktails, it also offers an ideal environment to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Advanced Treatments and Comfortable Spaces at Marais Hotel
The main Marais Hotel is the second facility within the Experimental group to offer exclusive treatments from the renowned Austrian brand Suzanne Kaufmann. This brand adds a touch of luxury and distinction to any French spa, enhancing the guest experience in a special way.
Comprehensive Wellness Experiences
Visitors can book carefully designed facial treatments, alongside personalized massage sessions tailored to individual needs. The hotel also features a Roman-style steam bath surrounded by arched columns that evoke classical grandeur, in addition to a steam room that boosts relaxation and energy renewal.
Summary of the Experimental Experience in the Marais District
Experimental Group did not just launch its first flagship hotel; it did so in the heart of the historic and prestigious Marais district.
Balance Between Modernity and Heritage
The hotel’s design carefully considers the limited number of rooms to suit the narrow, cobblestone streets of the neighborhood, preventing the impression of a large hotel brand that could disrupt the unique charm of the area.
At the same time, Experimental’s contemporary cocktails and the restaurant’s classic New York style reflect the modern spirit that characterizes this district as one of Paris’s most trendy and vibrant areas.
A Return to the Roots
It makes perfect sense that Experimental chose the Marais district to bring its experiences back to its roots, where history meets modern elegance in a balanced way that enriches the visitor’s experience.
