Hôtel Fontaines du Luxembourg features a long history that stretches back to the 17th century, when it was established by King Louis XVI right in the middle of Paris as a coach house. Over the next few centuries, the property was able to survive and remain largely unchanged and undamaged despite later events such as the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the invasions of France during both World Wars, and the Cold War. However, it would only be in the 20th century when the property was opened as a publicly available accommodation. In the process, the property has retained its original features while also providing for modern conveniences and renovations.

Design and Architecture

Hôtel Fontaines du Luxembourg largely exemplifies 17th-century architecture with its stone brick walls that nonetheless conform to the large-scale architectural redesigns brought about by the Haussmann renovations during the 19th century. While the four-level height was retained and lower levels keep the exterior surface features of the original facade of the structure, the upper levels more closely feature the Haussman renovations as seen in its use of pièrre de taille material, mansard roofs and dormer windows, the slightly taller heights of its second and third levels, and a consistent height of around 12 to 20 meters. Details such as windows and signage are decidedly modern in material and design, as well as other needed or integrated attributes, such as internal and external accessibility features that allow guests with mobility issues to enter and use the facilities of the property.

By contrast, interior spaces feature a more colorful yet also rather modernized design, with various portraits and tapestries alongside tiled or wooden floors, and even matching designs for indoor elements such as curtains and carpets. Indeed, interior design is rather eclectic, with some spaces containing smooth, simple monochromatic surface features that are only adorned by mirrors or portraits. Other surfaces have somewhat rough and uncut stone, while spaces such as bathrooms and toilets have their tiles extend to both floors and walls. Alternatively, walls can be plain, fitted with large paintings, or even have tapestries directly painted on their surface. Furniture and fixtures are similarly eclectic, with no single style or design being dominant, spanning a wide range from classically styled to Baroque, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and even minimalist functionalist designs.

The dining experience at the Hôtel Fontaines du Luxembourg is primarily centered around its Continental buffet breakfast, served and prepared in the hotel’s antique dining room, which has sections dating back to even the 12th century. There is also a lounge, an indoor bar, and an outdoor patio where guests can stay and relax at any time during the day, featuring wooden beams on the ceiling, stone walls, low lighting, designer shelving, and stylish furnishings. In addition, guests looking for a smoking area may do so on the patio.

Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, with visitors being able to choose between having their meals in the dining room or having it in their rooms instead. The Continental breakfast buffet includes pastry offerings such as a traditional French breakfast of French bread with butter and jams, dried fruit and cereal, healthy fruit juice, fruit purees, salads, yoghurts, selections of cold cuts and eggs, hot drinks, and more.

Its location in the heart of Paris provides guests of the hotel with an ideal location for further exploring the sights and wonders of the famed city. In particular, the hotel’s concierge service offers a wide selection of recommended tours and activities for visitors seeking to enhance their experience in Paris. At the top of the list of interesting locations the concierge service can help guests visit are famous landmarks and locales such as the Eiffel Tower, the regal Versailles Castle and Palace, and the Les Invalides museum and mausoleum complex.

Special themed tours where visitors are guided through a set of locales that reflect a given theme. Alternatively, guests who wish to travel farther or in style may choose special cruise options that allow them to dine and relax in luxury while observing and visiting major landmarks. Out of town visits include locales such as the nearby Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle in Maincy, the wider Loire Valley for its various castles, or Normandy for its beaches and memorials.