pink and timber with black accents frame the Reception area

The boudoir theme is echoed in the public areas in both hotels, where liberal use is made by the designer of his favourite pink chiffon sheers. Used in the Le Walt restaurant to separate tables it echoes a device used in the restaurant in the ‘W’ Union Square in New York (our Review for August) giving the illusion of privacy whilst allowing light through. In Le Marquis pink and black are dominant colours, from the pink of the corridor carpets to the pink sheers in the bar and reception. The effect is of a seductive opulence, with the contemporary furniture’s clean lines saving the design from sliding over the edge into indulgence.

Designer touches abound, from the two vases of fruit one green (apples) and one orange (inevitably, oranges) to the rack of primary coloured umbrellas by the doors for guest use. Staff uniforms also echo the ‘W’ in their simple severity, and the staff is friendly and charmant. The management eye is still not quite there yet though, and the vases of fruit were not kept topped up, rather spoiling the effect. One or two lamps also didn’t work leaving gaps in the carefully planned lighting scheme. The hotels have not been open long at the time of visit so no doubt this area will be tightened up as time goes on.

The same accents continue through bar/lounge and (rollover to see)lift lobby, helped in the corridor by a pink ceiling. Color is used confidently and positively.

The use of rugs and hard flooring in the public areas gives a clean hard feel that is changed in the bedroom corridors which have a hushed slightly under lit feel dramatised again by well designed lighting. The lighting is one of the strengths of the design of these hotels, used to give accents and drama. In the bedroom corridors it is turned on and off by motion sensors, surely more energy efficient than the cold light of so-called energy efficient lamps.

The bedside lights throw a golden glow through the pink sheers at the bedhead to give a subtle shadowing on the ceilings, softening and emphasizing the romantic colouring and fall of the drapes. Control of the lighting is simple enabling the guest to vary the amount and feel of the light - and, thank goodness, not one of those awful continental plastic 'paddle' switches in sight, instead good quality 'dolly' switches being used.

The use of a picture light over the bathroom mirror is also a good touch, throwing light straight down where it is needed. Shaving mirrors carry their own lights around the edge and the bathroom is liberally lit with spotlights providing a bright well lit environment.

The dining area works effectively for breakfast and dinner, but the public areas are not generous. Skilful design separates the bar and dining areas and there is room for the informal meetings so beloved of businessmen who don’t want to pay for a function room. In this respect the Walt is better than the Marquis, having a slightly better layout at the ground floor, and a slightly larger ‘footprint’. Unlike the Marquis the Walt was a complete new build on a former hotel site, and there too was a major planning battle, with some local residents fighting the new construction vigorously. To see the hotels now however, they both look as if they have been part of the Paris street scene for many years, making one wonder what the fuss was about.