The Chess Hotel is a new boutique four star hotel (just over a year old having celebrated its first birthday on the 12th of June) with a new and exclusive address. Nestled on the peaceful Rue De Helder, neighbour to the Opera and in the heart of the charming 9th district, known as the the “in between” district that is shaped like a butterfly with a heavy cultural history and 19th-century architecture.
The entrance to the hotel is on the 1st floor, above street level and only accessible via elevator that takes you straight into the lobby. Once in the lobby you understand where the hotel gets it name from. Designed by the talented dynamic duo Gilles & Boissier who decided upon a theme of chess, match making monochrome, classic and timeless black and white patterns are predominant throughout this hotel with 50 rooms.
The game of chess is one of man’s great creations and a mirror of life, rich in metaphors for human experience, a canvas whereupon great players create masterpieces, like famous paintings, that can be enjoyed by generations to come. The Chess Hotel Paris is one of these masterpieces.
Looking over the guests and greeting them on arrival is a black and white owl mural created and painted by one of the greatest exponents of contemporary street art, Victor Ash. The bird of magic and darkness who sees clearly in the night, the wise one and protector of the hotel.
The lobby is the heart of the hotel and the kind of place you want to hang out in and meet other travellers as they step on to the black and white chessboard tiled floor. Afternoon tea at three o’clock is a social gathering to share with cosmopolitan guests with a delightful selection of Mariage Frères teas and sweet temptations serving delicious Popelini choux pastries and other delights.
My 32m² suite located on the top floor with a magnificent view of the Opera House was a sanctuary of calm, the separate lounge room provided the perfect space to work from or relax in. The super comfy four poster bed gave me a peaceful and deep nights sleep until breakfast time. I couldn’t hear a sound!
A lot of thought has gone into the breakfast at the Chess Hotel. An abundant and extensive spread of mostly organic and healthy foods, with no conservatives, choosing ingredients that have preferably been made locally by passionate people. There is even a dedicated gluten free section. The flavoursome and colourful organic jams come from La Chambre aux Confitures in the nearby rue des Martyrs and the fresh fruit juices are prepared by Kookabara in the South of France and guaranteed to be 100% natural. It’s the best breakfast I have come across in a Parisian hotel.
To top it all off, the warm, attentive and genuinely friendly staff made for a completely relaxing stay. The Chess Hotel Paris is one that checked every box for me and that has found a place in my little black and white book of favourite Parisian boutique hotels. Checkmate.
Find the Chess Hotel Paris at 6 Rue du Helder
www.thechesshotel.com
[email protected]
+33 (0)1 48 24 10 10
