Inside Maison Proust, an Intimate, Art-Filled Hotel in Paris
A portal to la belle époque in the Marais neighbourhood.
Maison Proust is a newish—and very swish—boutique hotel in Paris, tucked away on a quiet street just steps from the stylish bistros, curated shops, and contemporary galleries of Le Marais. After Maison Athénée and Maison Souquet, the hotel is the third property from owners Sylviane Sanz and Yoni Aidan, the duo behind the Parisian hotel group Collection Maisons Particulières.
The hotel is named after Marcel Proust, the famed French novelist. But the homage goes far beyond the name alone. Upon passing through the doors of this meticulously restored six-storey townhouse, you are immediately transported to the belle époque, greeted by a salon-style bar with a library of 2,000 rare books and first editions, including a 1914 signed copy of Swann’s Way.
Designer Jacques Garcia—who designed Maison Athénée and Maison Souquet, along with notable hotels including Hotel Costes in Paris and La Mamounia in Marrakech—masterminded the interior, blending belle époque splendour with contemporary sophistication. It took more than three years and 2,000 metres of fabric to realize his vision for Maison Proust. The result is a symphony of plush textures, rich colours, antique furnishings, and original artworks selected by Sanz and Aidan. Every miniscule detail is considered: the deep-blue, velvety material on the chairs of the bar and adjacent restaurant recalls the fabric Proust preferred in his bedroom.
Each of the 23 rooms and suites is adorned with velvet drapes, crystal chandeliers, and intricately patterned wallpapers, transporting guests to the literary salons of the early 20th century without veering into pastiche. Each is also inspired by a member of Proust’s inner circle, from vaunted artists to famed actresses. I stayed in the Cocteau Suite, a 323-square-foot junior suite inspired by the French poet, playwright, and artist Jean Cocteau, which includes his authentic, hand-drawn sketches. The attentive service is only matched by the exceptional comfort of the room and views overlooking the chic Marais.
The basement “water spa” is an architectural wonder that took Moroccan craftspeople one year to build using marble, Moroccan tiles, and tadelakt, an ancient lime plaster finish. Guests can book the space for an hour to enjoy the 10-metre heated pool, a hammam, sauna, and daybed for lounging.
The global jet set have endless options for stylish accommodations in the City of Light (and luxury). But Maison Proust is the rare property offering impeccable service, complete comfort, and a welcome touch of opulence without feeling dated or ostentatious. Maison Proust enchants with a meticulous attention to detail and intimate environment that evokes the charms and culture of a bygone era.
