Suite Life review: Hôtel Rochechouart, Paris

Away from Paris’ opulent riverside enclaves, the Art Deco Hôtel Rochechouart instead offers a trendy neighbourhood feel—not to mention a rooftop terrace and an underground nightclub—in the city’s creative heart

Why stay here?

Hôtel Rochechouart is part of the Orso Hotels portfolio, a collection of boutique properties with distinctive design languages, located in the lesser-trodden neighbourhoods of Paris.

Rochechouart is in Quartier Pigalle, bordering the 9^th and 18^th arrondissements — nearby attractions include Montmartre and the striking Sacré-Cœur basilica — with sweeping city views.

The area has historically been linked to the artistic set, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, and is becoming increasingly popular with a young, hipster crowd. The Art Deco hotel also carries a colourful history — opened in 1929 as The Charleston, it has hosted French luminaries such as the dancer, singer and actress Joséphine Baker, and singer Maurice Chevalier.

Close to the trendy boutiques, bars, and bistros of Montmartre, this is the kind of neighbourhood where you’ll find artisan coffee shops and bakeries, independent fashion brands, and a thriving nightlife scene. Paris’ sprawling flea markets — a treasure trove for vintage lovers — are a short metro or cab ride away, while tourist attractions like the Musée de la Vie Romantique (one of the city’s three literary museums) and the famed 19th-century cabaret club Moulin Rouge are within walking distance of the hotel.

Those accustomed to the five-star luxury synonymous with Paris’ three-Michelin-starred eateries and the high-end boutiques of the Champs-Elysées will not find it here. However, Hôtel Rochechouart is a great option for design enthusiasts and those who prefer to stay in an eclectic neighbourhood, a little more off the tourist trail.

Design and sustainability notes

French interior design duo, Festen Architecture, revived and reimagined the 106-key property to include contemporary touches, while retaining or reinstating many of the features of the original hotel, such as the beautiful Art Deco façade that greets guests. Other features include a Deco staircase, blue-tiled mosaic flooring, floral wall mouldings, and a (compact) elevator that, together, recall the spirit of 1930s Paris. Materials like wood, brass, and marble add a classic sense of luxury.

Guest rooms feature vintage brass lamps, alabaster sconces, and parquet flooring, with curated vintage pieces and furnishings custom designed by Festen to lend a contemporary touch. My 8th floor suite featured ochre carpeting, a navy velvet sofa, and a dark wooden headboard. The view of Sacré-Cœur from the window was an extra special feature.

In the bathroom, the hotel’s own Colomba bath products, with a lovely fig and fennel scent, were offered in large pump bottles, as well as eco toothbrushes.

Dining

The Parisian brasserie is elevated at Rochechouart Restaurant, serving French classics in a sprawling, exquisitely designed space. A seasonal à la carte menu includes dishes like frog’s legs in brown butter with sweet persillade, steak tartare boulevard with homemade fries, or sole Mikado with capers, lemon sauce and homemade purée.

Breakfast here is a continental affair, with freshly baked bread and pastries from the neighbouring bakery served alongside fruit juices and jams. Granola, sausages, and eggs made-to-order are offered at an additional charge.

While it was closed during my stay, the 9th-floor rooftop bar offers cocktails, wines, and small plates, with panoramic Paris views.

The special touches

For those who enjoy nightlife, the recently opened Mikado bar in the hotel basement is where guests can let down their hair. The retro-inspired space features an Art Deco bar, velvet sofas, poufs, and velvet drapes with dimly-lit pleated shade lamps adorning tables.

A disco ball shimmers over the dance floor, which hosts live performances and DJ sets — come for the retro-cool ambience, stay for the lively crowd.

If you want to upgrade

The 34m² Grand Junior Suites feature small private lounges.

The details

Deluxe Suite

Size 25m²

Price per night: from €500 (about AUD$829)