Embrace 1970s style at Hôtel Pilgrim in Paris, where a former garage has been turned into a luxury destination and brutalism meets bohemia!
Words: Ruth Bell
Located in the centre of the Paris’s 5th arrondissement, in the heart of the Left Bank, Hôtel Pilgrim is a brand-new destination for modern nomads. The Latin Quarter is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood but its buildings are overwhelmingly late 19th century. This is where the Hotel Pilgrim stands out for all the right reasons – its concrete and glass brutalist style both contrasts with and yet complements its surroundings.
The surprises really begin when you step inside, as Hôtel Pilgrim is a temple to all the very best the 1970s had to offer. Here, you’ll find rich vintage fabrics and vibrant colours set against a backdrop of raw concrete, all reminiscent of the joyous vitality of ‘70s design.
From the lobby onwards, the style of the hotel is beautifully evident. Here, there is an industrial feel, with exposed pipes in the ceiling and matt ceramic flooring. However, visitors can be in no doubt of the warmth of the welcome, thanks to the terracotta shade of the front desk and the comfortable armchairs set around soft rugs.
The hotel’s designers wanted to give the public spaces the feel of a contemporary art gallery – but they too are warm and welcoming. Through the main lobby is the lounge and bar, where quintessentially 1970s sofas, coffee tables and a water vapour electric fire put travellers instantly at ease.
From the bay windows of the bar – which also doubles as the breakfast room – visitors can enjoy views of the open-air terrace. Details such as the pops of orange on the chairs and the metallic edges on the marble-effect tables keep the ‘70s style running throughout. Creative design studio Saint-Lazare provided finishing touches, curating the artworks seen all over the hotel.
The 53 bedrooms are spread across six floors. They range from compact city boltholes to more spacious suites, but all have been carefully planned to make the very best of the space available. Comfort is paramount, as can be seen from the inviting sofas and the highly stylish but generously upholstered headboards.
Contemporary calm reigns in the bathrooms, with concrete-effect tiles, basins and shower trays contrasting beautifully with luxurious old-gold brassware. The straight lines of the furniture and fittings are softened by the metallic touches, creating an inviting overall effect.
Natural materials are conducive to relaxation and the bedrooms at Hôtel Pilgrim are rich in them, from fabrics to timber. The lighting in each room has been designed to highlight their warm tones.
Some rooms also enjoy access to a private terrace accessorised with plants in terracotta pots, brightly coloured chairs and relaxing loungers. It's here that the juxtaposition between the newer building and the older surroundings is more evident, but it also shows how well the hotel fits into the neighbourhood.
If you need a reminder that you’re still in Paris, the Hôtel Pilgrim rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of the city. It features the very best in retro patio furniture, from fringed garden umbrellas to wire-work chairs and tables in warm neutrals, plus plenty of greenery.
To find out more about Hôtel Pilgrim and to book your stay, visit the website.
Seeking even more ideas? We have lots of other Inspiring Spaces to help you bring some international flavour to your interiors. Check out all the other destinations here.
