Review Author

Megan Shelton

Contributing Editor & NYC Know-It-All Columnist

When hospitality mogul-turned-hotelier Laurent Taïeb was first approached about turning La Poste du Louvre (the Louvre Post Office) into a hotel, his imagination ran wild. Erected in 1888, the building’s storied place in Parisian history and its influence on art and innovation was enough convincing.

Upon its opening in the fall of 2021, Hôtel Madame Rêve has set a new standard for luxury hotels in Paris. Spanning 700 square meters, this enchanting hotel offers a red-letter stay that seamlessly blends modern comforts with extreme opulence.

Taïeb’s creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped the hotel into a contemporary masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from his Tunisian roots and upbringing near the flea market in Saint-Ouen, Taïeb sought to create an environment that evokes the joy of living.

Located at 48 Rue du Louvre, the immense stone façade is intended to be as simple as a 19th-century mansion. Upon entering through the small front door, guests will gape at the impressive lobby-café-restaurant. The sense of awe only blossoms when ascending the elevator to the guest floors, which reveal a breathtaking sight: a giant plate glass roof housing 82 rooms and suites.

French interior designer Andrée Putnam once said “Life must be golden”––as such, the common spaces and rooms feature golden-brown textiles. Each is adorned with walnut and oak woodwork. Most open onto city- or garden-facing terraces––a rare extravagance.

French craftsmanship and creativity are showcased in every corner. Contributions from renowned artists Olivier Masmonteil, Inès Longevial, and María José Benvenuto line the walls. A private collector donated eight hundred works of Mail Art, which are displayed in all guest rooms. A striking fresco by Jacques Villeglé is visible along the entrance hall. To further establish a sense of place, perfumer Olivia Giacobetti was commissioned to infuse each space with custom scents of varnished wood and powdery rose.

Hôtel Madame Rêve boasts several exceptional drinking and dining concepts. Ask any hotel concierge in the city where to go for dinner, and they are sure to suggest La Plume Rive Droite. This expansive, panoramic restaurant offers contemporary Japanese cuisine by Chef Benjamin Six. Perched atop the mythical Louvre Post Office, Roof serves signature cocktails, wine and bubbly, and Japanese-influenced finger food.

Kitchen is the newest addition to the property. Located on the lobby level, guests and locals alike co-mingle within the classically designed Belle-Époque dining room. With a modern French menu suited for every mood by two Michellin-starred Chef Stéphanie Le-Quellec, dishes range from light bites such as well-buttered radishes and Parisian mushrooms salad with burrata. For dessert, indulge in Brioche French toast with salted caramel ice cream.

At the heart of the hotel lies a serene wellness area, comprised of intimate beauty cabins, a state-of-the-art fitness room, and a light-wood sauna overlooking the streets below.

A celebration of life and philosophy, Hôtel Madame Rêve treats guests to a lavish stay unlike any other in the center of Paris.

Fast Facts

Location: Les Halles neighborhood (1st arrondissement)

Address: 48 Rue de Louvre, 75001 Paris, France

Rating: Five-Star

The vibe: Somewhere between luxury and extreme luxury, Hôtel Madame Rêve provides an art-driven, golden-hued space to enjoy all that Paris has to offer.

Food + Drink: There are three distinct restaurants and bars: La Plume Rive Droite, Roof, and Kitchen by Stéphanie Le Quellec.

Amenities: 2 restaurants; Bar; Fitness center; Spa; Garden terrace; Private art collection

Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: Hôtel Madame Rêve’s location is as central as one can hope to be.

Nearby attractions: Centre Pompidou; Place des Victoires; Palais-Royal Garden; Louvre Museum; Musée des Arts Decoratifs

Rooms: 82 rooms and suites.

Pricing: Rates start at approximately $462/night.

Closest airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport and Paris-Orly Airport