Deals of the day
Il Sereno Como
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La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
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Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Azulik Tulum
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Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Kudadoo Private Island
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Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
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Juma Amazon Lodge
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Palazzo Navona Rome
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Royal Mansour Marrakech
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Château de La Chèvre d’Or
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Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
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Villa Belvedere Taormina
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Cliveden House
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Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
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Cocos Hotel Antigua
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Piccolo Hotel Portofino
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Mnemba Island Lodge
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Aria Hotel Budapest
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The “hôtel particulier” of Alfred Sommier, a sugar industrialist, has just been restored into a luxury hotel by a descendant of the family. The soul of the family mansion has been preserved.
Located at the center of Paris, this 80 rooms hotel, including 17 suites, offers antique meeting rooms, a restaurant and a bar opened on a private garden, as well as a fitness room.
The Alfred Sommier hotel is located in a calm street, nearby la Madeleine, right at the center of Paris business district, halfway on foot between the boutiques on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré and the Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette department stores.
Five metro lines, ten bus lines and two RER lines are less than 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The Garnier Opera, the Champs Elysées and several theaters are within walking distance.
A series of spacious and bright reception rooms strikes when entering the hotel. A white and garnet-red marble checkerboard covers the floor and accentuates the perspective.
Two majestic marble staircases stand at each extremity. In the reception hall, a huge canvas painted by Malel represents the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte along with its park. Family souvenirs arouse curiosity.
A private garden offering either sun or shade is hidden at the heart of the mansion. You will be surprised by how peaceful it is. It is rare to find luxurious Parisian hotels that have such a unique garden where one can enjoy a meal, a drink or just relax while admiring the cut stone facades.
The garden terraces are overlooked by three 14 m high wall hangings. These photographic works of art, made by Nicolas d’Ursel and Fabien de Cugnac, represent oversized flowerbeds from which emerges the romantic portrait of Alfred Sommier as a young man.
The “hôtel particulier”
In 1859, Alfred Sommier’s father, acquired a large building plot on rue de l’Arcade, close to la Madeleine. He wished to settle there his family, in a mansion matching with the prosperity of the family-run sugar business.
At the time, the district of the Madeleine was on going the Baron Haussmann’s Parisian building developments. The Sommier reached out to Joseph Lesoufaché, a renowned architect of the Second Empire.
He designed two twin buildings made of cut stone with a courtyard and a garden at the back. Alfred settles himself on the 20 rue de l’Arcade. Descendants of the Sommier family still own the building and one of them, transformed it into the hotel and now operates it.
Many elements of the original interior decor have been preserved in the rooms and suites, and in Alfred Sommier’s former office and salons. His monogram is wrought inside the staircases iron railings. Two caryatids support one of the grand marble staircases.
The Sommier family
At the beginning of the 19th century, three entrepreneurial Sommier brothers left their roots in Burgundy, along with their family-run bakery business, to open a sugar refinery in Paris. The youngest brother fell in love with his eldest brother’s daughter!
Hence, the couple ended up with a large share of the company. The couple had two children: Alfred, born in 1835 and Anne born in 1837; their portraits hang side by side in the hotel lobby.
Alfred was gifted. At the age of 18, he stopped his studies when his father handed the family business over to him. The sugar refinery thrived under his management to become the leader of the French market.
He settled himself in the “hôtel particulier” on 20 rue de l’Arcade and was joined in 1872 by his wife Jeanne de Barante. Their son Edme was born there in 1873.
In the 20th century, Sommier Sugars merged with Lebaudy Sugars. As a result of further mergers, the group is known today as Saint-Louis Sucre, but the original families have no remaining interests in the business.
Alfred Sommier Suite
Located on the 1st floor, the Alfred Sommier suite is the most spacious one in the hotel. This beautiful room epitomizes Alfred Sommier’s exceptional residence with due to its antique gilded wall mirrors and marble fireplace.
The suite boasts high ceilings and offers a woodwork decor with stucco cornices. The large windows, which open onto a private balcony, bathe the room with sunlight.
Vaux-le-Vicomte Suite
The Vaux-le-Vicomte suite is the most spectacular of all the suites. The Vaux le Vicomte suite, located on the 1st floor, offers an impressive volume.
Overlooking the garden, the Suite grants to the guests a calm and serene environment, although a few steps from la Madeleine. It can connect with a junior suite to create a large apartment of 91 m2. This exclusive suite offers a historical lounge space decorated with four gilded wall mirrors.
Golden Suite
The Golden Suite has a prestigious high ceiling with a unique gold decoration. Boasting a unique golden decoration and featuring a Hungarian point parquet floor with a period fireplace, this Suite offers an unforgettable experience with a city view
Deluxe Rooms
Equipped with a marble fireplace and decorated with large antique mirrors, the Deluxe rooms can accommodate 2 guests. Decorated with antique stucco cornices and moldings, these rooms are pleasant. Their volume is boasted by high ceilings. They offer a view on the private garden, the courtyard or the city.
The “Caryatids” Restaurant
The “Caryatids” restaurant is named after the two impressive statues at its entrance. Located in the mansion’s large dining room and canopy, it can be connected to the Salon doré with its beautiful Louis XV decorations.
It opens on to the private garden and can also be extended into the garden if the weather permits. The cane medallion chairs and Alfred Sommier’s monogram on the Gien tableware convey the feeling of attending a family dinner.
The succinct menu deliberately reflects the unique menu that was served to the family’s guests. It varies according to the seasons and the chef creations. For an authentic experience, it is possible to dine with the owner upon reservation and on certain dates.
The Bar and the canopy
Located beyond the dining room and the canopy, and open to any customer, the bar opens on to the garden and its terrace. The huge antique mirror reflects an original collection of architectural plans of the “hôtel particulier”.
Until 11:30pm, the grand lantern creates a “chiaroscuro” atmosphere on the anthracite-colored walls and the wooden floors. The exclusive garnet-red armchairs, and the red marble counter create a propitious environment to relax and exchange.
A garden in the heart of Paris
One can enjoy this elegant, calm and discrete environment whilst having a meal or a drink. We can admire the classical facades of the back of the private mansion and on the other side the 14 meters high modern creations. The garden and the terraces can be privatized for private events or for professional meetings.
At the owner’s table
To really experience the family mansion, enjoy a privileged lunch or dinner with Richard de Warren de Rosanbo, a descendant of the Sommier family and the owner of the hotel.
You will discover the history of the family and of the “hôtel particulier” which can be linked to chapters of Paris and France history. It is the perfect opportunity to meet and exchange in many languages. To book, please contact the Concierge or the restaurant.
Meetings & Events
The four reception rooms on the ground floor of the mansion had been designed for Alfred Sommier’s social and professional entertainment. They still offer an unparalleled setting. A fifth salon called the Archives is located on a half-level. The most secure communication systems have been integrated.
Whether hired independently or jointly, these five reception rooms offer a variety of layouts for business meetings and private parties, from the most intimate to the grandest: seminar, business meal, product launch, general assembly, cocktail, fashion show, private party, wedding.
Business meals or private event
The guests benefit from a private entrance, independent of the hotel lobby. The following technological and operational facilities ensure the quality of events: Internet connection with optical fiber at very high speed (100MB), available in each reception room with a private and secure access.
Each reception room is equipped with an LCD television with a large screen, instantly connected to any PC by Chromecast (NB: giant screen in the Salon des Archives). When combined, the reception rooms can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Events can be extended onto the private garden and its terrace. The chef can meet any type of request: banquet, cocktail, buffet. The suites, the connecting rooms and the rooms with a terrace can also be used for shootings, private meals, or to shoot the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre.
A taste for the arts
Each generation of the Sommier family showed their love for art. The oldest evidence is the decoration preserved in the hotel and the most radiant one is the interior and exterior decoration of the Vaux-le-Vicomte recreated by Alfred Sommier.
By visiting the Louvre, you will also observe a few examples of this artistic passion due to the philanthropy of certain family members:
Edme Sommier (Alfred’s son) and his wife Germaine Casimir Périer donated a painting by Chardin representing the Jeune Dessinateur (wing Sully, 2nd floor) and a sculpture of kings Charles XII of Sweden by Bouchardon (wing Denon, ground floor).
Robert Le Roux, the son of Anne Sommier, Alfred’s sister, bequeathed two paintings by Giandomenico TIepoolo that represent Le Charlatan and Le Menuet (wing Denon, 1st floor)
Family anecdotes
Eiffel Tower: As mythical during the day as during the night. Several rooms of the 5th floor offer a view on the Eiffel Tower. Alfred Sommier used to rent to the banker Albert Rostand, the uncle of Edmond Rostand, the author of Cyrano de Bergerac, the apartment on the 2nd floor of the “hôtel particulier”.
Albert Rostand who was president of the Franco-Egyptian Bank took the risk of being the lead investor for the construction of the Eiffel Tower. Following this, he introduced the designer of the tower, Gustave Eiffel, to Alfred Sommier’s friends network.
La Madeleine church : famous for hosting the funerals of artists, notably Chopin, Offenbach, Piaf, Dalida, Trenet and lately Johnny Hallyday.
The well-known Fauré requiem was performed there for the first time in 1888, at the one-year anniversary of the funerals of Joseph Lesoufaché, architect of Alfred Sommier’s « hôtel particulier ».
The “Alfred Sommier” style
Through the various canvas, busts and pictures of Alfred Sommier laid out in the hotel, one can observe certain of his traits. He was a direct and trustworthy man that displays empathy. He gathered an entrepreneurial spirit, elegance and a passion for art.
This is the style that the architect Stéphane Darchy (LD2 Architecture) and the interior designers Colombe Desazars (Adequat) and Adrien Quélet had to inspire by creating a subtle blend of classical and contemporary flavours.
This style is also disclosed with the choice of Guerlain amenities for the bathrooms and of Gien tableware for the restaurant, both brands appreciated by Alfred Sommier, created in the 19th century and still fashionable. As well as in thousand and one details that Alfred Sommier hotel guests will take pleasure to discover.
