A charming boutique hotel by trendy Parisian Experimental Group, the Grand Pigalle Experimental is situated on a great block at the foot of Montmartre with a Frenchie in the lobby.
Location 8/10
A block south of boulevard de Clichy, home of the famed Moulin Rouge, the Grand Pigalle Experimental occupies a lovely corner in prime Pigalle surrounded by hip restaurants, cafes and bars. The neighborhood is at the foot of Montmartre and a straight walk up to romantic Sacré-Coeur with its panoramic views of Paris. It’s only about a 20-minute amble to central Paris and before you know it, you’re at the Seine with the Left Bank waiting.
Design 8/10
Situated inside a classic 19th century Haussmannian building typical of Paris with its creamy stone facade, wrought iron Juliet balconies and slate mansard roof, the 37-room boutique hotel’s interiors have been reimagined by Dorothée Meilichzon whose designs—modern with a touch whimsy—are behind many Experimental properties. At Grand Pigalle this means deep jewel-tones, touches of gilt and geometric patterns, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s bohemian past.
Amenities & Hospitality 7/10
Grand Pigalle is a boutique hotel in the true sense of that term. There are really no amenities to speak of. Hospitality is warm and gracious. I checked in twice in the last year and on each of my visits, my room was ready before the official check-in time and I was told I’d been upgraded. Up the lift, inside my room on a high floor, I was greeted with a handwritten welcome note and further delighted by views of the tip-top of Sacré-Coeur above the roofline from my private Juliet balconies. And yes, I squealed in delight à la Carrie Bradshaw both times!
Rooms 7/10
Rooms are relatively tight, but typical of Parisian standards. Still, they’re plenty comfortable, stylish and smartly designed with deep green and gilt textured walls, a comfortable bed with crisp white linens and upholstered half-moon headboard, plus creature comforts that add a touch of luxury, like a plush terry robe and slippers, complimentary water bottles with cut glass goblets, mini bar, snacks and a Nespresso-like machine. Some rooms also feature original decorative fireplaces painted a glossy white. Bathrooms are gorgeous in glistening green or white tile with marble countertops, vessel sinks with chrome fixtures, beveled mirrors and glass-enclosed rainfall showers.
Food & Beverage 9/10
On the ground floor, Frenchie Pigalle is an offshoot of Chef Grégory Marchand’s Michelin starred restaurant of the same name in the 2nd arrondissement. A compact, casual-seeming destination, it offers a well-edited menu of simple, yet transcendent dishes with an exceptional wine list. I joined them for a quiet late lunch one afternoon and enjoyed an elegant lamb ragout pappardelle and sublime banoffee dessert with a glass of perfectly chilled Champagne. In the evening, it transforms into a bustling local restaurant. It’s also open for breakfast.
Value 8/10
Current rates from about $359. Book.
The Bottom Line
A darling boutique hotel priced right in what’s becoming my new favorite Paris neighborhood. I’d gladly return; highly recommend.
“You belong to me and all Paris belongs to me and I belong to this notebook and this pencil.”
Ernest Hemingway, ‘A Moveable Feast,’ 1964
Contact
29 rue Victor Massé, 75009; +33 1 85 73 12 00; grandpigalle.com
