Achitects or designers, the race for renovating Parisian hotels is in full swing

Hôtel de JOBO: the fairytale universe of Joséphine de Beauharnais

In the Marais district, the Sainte-Catherine-du-Val-des-Écoliers Couvent has found its vocation, under the helm of the eccentric English designer, Bambi Sloane. She conveys to the 24 bedrooms her funky take on the Directoire style, with panther skins, flowery beams and bathrooms in mosaic and marble, in homage to Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, renamed Joséphine by Napoléon Bonaparte. An unforgettable experience for lovebirds, in a living space connected to the Paris of yesterday and today. www.hoteldejobo.paris

The hotel hallways recall the whimsy of the Empress who fancied black swans and roses. © DR

What could be more divine than sipping a cocktail under the lovely portrait of Joséphine de Beauharnais ? © DR

Decorated with panther skins and black furniture, the Incroyable bedroom is the one most requested. © DR

Hôtel le Belleval: the customisation of a Haussmanian building

Rehabilitating a building with multiple uses, in the Saint-Lazare district, such is the challenge of architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. After several months of renovation work, the place is reconverted into a 4 star, conceived to convey a taste of the capital to Parisians, as well as worldwide travelers. Far from a staid decor, its monumental hall, combining the volumes and the ornamentation of the handsome Haussmanian style, mingles references and trends. It leads to 52 bedrooms, transformed into snuggly nests, where the layers of history overlap in harmony. www.belleval-hotel-paris.com

Carpets, columns, club armchairs, the lobby is majestic. © N. Matheus

In the restaurant, freestone walls and moldings are in harmony with the healthy cuisine of chef Edgard Prince. © N. Matheus

The choice of materials and the decoration motifs of the bedroom create a natural atmosphere, with a precious side. © Studio Chevojon

Hôtel les Deux Girafes: the luxury of industrial tourism

It's in a former furniture factory dating back to the 19th century, near Bastille, that the AR Architecture firm and the designers of Itak architects set their sights. With 4 stars, the hotel, that is articulated around a courtyard shaped as a vegetal bubble, presided by a giant girafe in iron wire, pays homage to the industrial era through its furniture, its lighting fixtures and its objects. Everything has been kept and redesigned in order to offer guests a unique experience when they come stay in the 22 bedrooms featuring a chic, functional and offbeat style. www.lesdeuxgirafes.com

In the courtyard, concentrate to discover the girafe designed in iron wire. © DR

The low-key ambiance of the living room is prolonged by glass panels that enable to perceive the patio. © DR

On the walls of the bedrooms, the fanciful works of artist Edgar Avila subtly recall the theme of the hotel. © DR