Paris’s landmark Crillon hotel closes for makeover

The stone building was commissioned by French King Louis XV and built in 1758. It is one of two twin buildings overlooking the emblematic Place de La Concorde, where French King Louis XVI was guillotined.

The hotel, currently owned by Saudi royals, has attracted celebrity guests over the decades, including Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson and Madonna.

The staff took pains to explain that while innovations such as a basement spa were planned, the hotel’s classic look would not be tampered with.

“We will not touch the historic salons on the first floor but we will redo all the 147 rooms, the ground floor and the two inner courtyards,” said Sandrine Daban from the Crillon’s public relations department.

The Crillon is joining the Ritz which closed down last year for a two-year refit.