Once the residence of legendary French designer Pierre Cardin, Splendide Royal Paris is a discreet 12-suite boutique hotel favoured by those who appreciate privacy without sacrificing opulence.
Nestled just moments from the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, this “pocket-sized palace” quietly hosts high-profile guests who value impeccable, under-the-radar service.
Part of the Roberto Naldi Collection, which also includes its sister property in Rome, Splendide Royal Paris brings Italian hospitality to the French capital, striking a delicate balance between warmth and exclusivity.
19th-century mansion house
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted not by a traditional reception desk, but by an elegant antique table adorned with a box of chocolates and a welcome drink. It’s a subtle nod to the hotel’s ethos: refined hospitality with a personal touch.
Benoît Saudemont, the Maître de Maison, personally welcomes guests, setting the tone for a stay that feels more like being invited into an elegant Parisian home than checking into a hotel. Decorated with paintings, sculptures and books, the space feels personal and homely, as if you are staying at a friend’s Paris pied-à-terre.
The interiors echo the romance and grandeur of the building’s past: sparkling chandeliers, gilded mouldings, and plush velvet furnishings offer a taste of classic French luxury. Yet, despite its lavish aesthetic, the atmosphere remains effortlessly intimate and unfussy.
Opulence behind every door
The 12 suites – each more like a private apartment than a hotel room – are dressed in serene palettes and filled with antique-style furniture, ornate lampshades, oil paintings, high ceilings, and oversized windows that flood the spaces with natural light.
Some suites offer views of the Eiffel Tower from wrought-iron balconies – perfect for sipping champagne as the tower twinkles in the distance. Bathrooms are clad in Carrara marble, and the beds, wrapped in the softest Italian linens, feel like sleeping on a cloud. It’s luxury that whispers, not shouts.
Downstairs, a hidden lounge or drawing room complete with a fireplace and vintage furnishings transforms in the evening into an exclusive wine tasting space. Sommelier Erik Seillier guides guests through a selection of fine Italian wines, paired with amuse-bouches in true understated style.
The art of French dining
At the heart of the hotel is Tosca, its Michelin-starred Italian restaurant that draws both hotel guests and discerning Parisians. Under the direction of newly appointed chef Paolo Ambrogio, the menu blends modern Italian cuisine with French finesse.
Highlights from the tasting menu include raw langoustine with chicory and Pugliese burrata, and homemade tagliolini with oyster – each dish a delicate balance of flavour, texture, and artistry. A la carte and lunch options are also available, complemented by fresh Italian breads and Puglian olive oil. Service is gracious, with staff ready to guide you through both the menu and wine list with charm and expertise.
Breakfast here is a classic five-star fare and worth lingering over. Picture the best omelette, fruit plates and coffees, all freshly made just for you. The bread and pastries come every morning from a local Parisian baker.
Paris may be a city of grand hotels, but Splendide Royal Paris offers something rarer: a sanctuary of quiet sophistication, where grandeur meets grace and luxury feels personal.
More information about Splendide Royal Paris can be found here.
Image credits: © Splendide Royal Paris
