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When The Continental, as it was first called, came into being in the 1870s it formed one part of a golden triangle of Parisian palaces along with the nearby Louvre and Grand hotels. A favourite of Empress Eugénie, The Westin Paris is a symbol of the beauty and glory of the French Second Empire. Housed behind a set of arcades, its architectural style is typical of Baron Hausmann's Paris. Inside, its salons bear testimony to the wonders of nineteenth century French interior designers, with works from the likes of Laugée, Faustin-Besson, Mazerolles and Delaplanche.
1878: The Continental, as it was then called, opened for business.
HISTORY IN DETAIL
1878: The newly opened hotel joined The Louvre and the Grand in a trio of first class Parisian hotels. It was designed by Henri Blondel (1832-97), the son-in-law of Charles Garnier, who had designed the opera house of the same name three years earlier. Blondel was clearly influenced by his father-in-law’s work, as evidenced by the belle époque interiors behind the facades of Rue de Rivoli and Rue de Castiglione.
Late 19th Century: The Continental was Empress Eugénie’s favourite hotel. She stayed here for long visits every summer. She took a second-floor apartment with one a bedroom and two salons and a view over the Tuileries. The link between the hotel and the empress is commemorated on a plaque by the entrance.
1919: Eugénie made her last visit.
1970s: The Inter-Continental was one of the most fashionable hotels in Paris.
1981: On 29 August a bomb exploded in a meeting room at the hotel, injuring 14 people.
2006: The hotel became a Westin.
The hotel has accommodated a host of famous name in the past, most notably Empress Eugénie and Victor Hugo.
First, restaurant boudoir paris – modern take on the traditional Brasserie menu
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Tuileries Bar
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La Terrasse Fleurie
It's hard to argue with those who call Paris the most beautiful city in the world when you take in the view from one of the windows on the upper floors of the hotel, over the Rue de Rivoli and Tuileries Gardens, down to the banks of the Seine and across to the Left Bank, where the Eiffel Tower dominates the skyscape. Hardly surprising that Empress Eugénie liked it here so much.
Fitness Centre and Health Club
The hotel has impressive facilities, with a total space of 1,982 square metres to accommodate up to 1,000 delegates at a time for fashion shows, award ceremonies and other events. The Salon Impérial is spectacular with its massive, intricate mirrors, the Salon Napoléon boasts friezes, rococo ornamentation and sparkiling chandeliers, and Salon Concorde is a sumptuous grand ballroom.
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Westin Paris (Former Continental) Country: France City: Paris Opening date: 1878
Note from the Host
General Manager Dagmar WOODWARD
Coordinates
3 Rue de Castiglione 75001
France, Paris
Tel: +33-1-44 77 11 11
Fax: +33-1-44 77 14 60
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How the Stage was Set HISTORY IN BRIEF
1878: The Continental, as it was then called, opened for business.
HISTORY IN DETAIL
1878: The newly opened hotel joined The Louvre and the Grand in a trio of first class Parisian hotels. It was designed by Henri Blondel (1832-97), the son-in-law of Charles Garnier, who had designed the opera house of the same name three years earlier. Blondel was clearly influenced by his father-in-law’s work, as evidenced by the belle époque interiors behind the facades of Rue de Rivoli and Rue de Castiglione.
Late 19th Century: The Continental was Empress Eugénie’s favourite hotel. She stayed here for long visits every summer. She took a second-floor apartment with one a bedroom and two salons and a view over the Tuileries. The link between the hotel and the empress is commemorated on a plaque by the entrance.
1919: Eugénie made her last visit.
1970s: The Inter-Continental was one of the most fashionable hotels in Paris.
1981: On 29 August a bomb exploded in a meeting room at the hotel, injuring 14 people.
2006: The hotel became a Westin.
René PROTTO