Fashionable Stay: Hotel Le Bellechasse in Paris Showcases the Designs of Christian Lacroix

When it comes to style, Paris is top of mind. Some of the world’s most legendary and iconic fashion houses originated in the City of Lights. Think Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès. One of the most opulent and theatrical fashion designers is Christian Lacroix. Following the acquisition of his eponymous label, Lacroix transitioned into interior design. In addition to creating home goods and accessories, he also imagines stunning décor, mainly in the hospitality sector. The Hotel Le Bellechasse in Paris showcases his work.

Opulent Interiors

Located in the chic and trendy Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood, just a half-block away from the famed Musée d’Orsay, the Hotel Le Bellechasse serves as an ideal base for sightseeing. For walking, it’s less than 2 miles from the top attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Catacombs, and Montmartre. It’s also steps from the Solférino and Musée d’Orsay train stations, for faster exploration.

The hotel itself is situated about midway on the narrow street. It’s flanked by a few tourist shops and a small pizzeria. There are no massive signs or flags flying from the building. Instead, look for the elegant gray façade. You’ll find the hotel’s name in decorative script above a large window.

Lacroix’s interiors were one of the main reasons I chose to stay at the Bellechasse during a recent trip to France. So I was slightly underwhelmed when I first entered the property. The lobby lacks the designer’s opulent whimsy. The color scheme of royal purple and bold yellow, punctuated by black leather seating, black lacquered tables, and a wall of mirrors, is more cartoonish than couture. One fun touch is a massive, white, alien-egg-shaped chandelier that hangs near the escalator/stairwell. Accent walls and pillows display Lacroix’s designs, ranging from Renaissance-style images to Modern art to fantastical feathered creatures.

Staying at Hotel Le Bellechasse

The 33 uniquely designed guest rooms all feature Lacroix’s artwork. There are bold circus stripes and butterflies and lobsters on ceilings, insects and Elizabethan figures, cityscapes and checkerboards. And all rooms feature sumptuous fabrics in rich jewel tones and animal prints.

We stayed in a king-size room on the second (first in France) floor. After seeing the vibrant colors of other rooms on the hotel’s website, we were surprised that our room was more subdued. The palette was dominated by deep earth tones, including browns, tans, and black. Gold accents and pops of red and purple accented the space. The far wall featured a mural with buildings, grotesque faces, abstract designs, and sketches. Large windows covered by heavy velvet drapes opened to a courtyard. The room included a mini fridge, coffee pot with instant coffee, small wall-mounted TV, large closet, and safe.

The bathroom was probably the biggest disappointment. It was very sterile, almost spartan. I was hoping for some dramatic design or color. Alas, gray ceramic tiles clad the walls, and a stainless steel all-in-one sink and vanity hung under a large frameless mirror. The toiletries were basic, with a mismatched selection of mini bottles. But the shower pressure was great, and the water was hot, which is all I really need.

Dining Options

While I did not eat breakfast at the hotel — you can pre-book breakfast as part of your room plan — I did check out the dining room, which is located downstairs from the lobby. Lacroix’s designs shine here. The walls and ceiling are covered in colorful, eye-popping imagery, including architectural columns, plants and flowers, trompe l’oeil vignettes, and more. And the stairwell is lined with large paintings of colorful birds. The stairwell to the guest rooms also showcases fanciful birds and historical-looking portraits.

In-room breakfast service as well as 24-hour room service is also available. In the evenings, relax at the Butterfly Bar, a very small bar inside the lobby. Or, on nice days (it rained every day while we were in Paris), enjoy breakfast or a drink on the courtyard’s outdoor terrace.

If You Go to Hotel Le Bellechasse

Overall, the Hotel Le Bellechasse is the perfect choice for the traveler who is looking for accommodations that are unique and a little fun, yet still affordable. Paris is not cheap, and rooms can be extremely small with limited amenities. Many of the properties I looked at prior to booking didn’t even have a mini fridge, a must for me as I always want to have cold water on hand.

The property is also accessible, with an elevator and two PMR or accessible rooms. Pets are even welcome, with an additional charge. While there is no on-site gym or spa, guests can book an in-room massage through an external provider. Babysitting, hairdressing, and laundry services are also available for a charge. And pets are welcome.

Rooms at the Hotel Le Bellechasse start at about $200 per night for a 161-square-foot double room, depending on the time of year. Packages that include museum tickets and champagne are also available. Taxes and fees are additional.  For more places to stay in Paris, check out our past reviews. 

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.