The Château de Versailles Opens an Extravagant Boutique Hotel Fit for Royalty
Le Grand Contrôle features 18th-century furnishings, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, Valmont Spa, and access to the palace's famed gardens
King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette might be long gone, but the dream of living like royalty is alive and well at the Château de Versailles, their former residence, where visitors still flock to experience a taste of their extravagant life. Now the landmark is poised to become France’s (and maybe Europe’s) most opulent place to spend the night, courtesy of five-star hospitality group Airelles, which has spent the past four years transforming a trio of historic buildings on the grounds into a sumptuous boutique hotel.
The structures have been restored to their decadent beauty by French designer Christophe Tollemer, who used the year 1788—the last time the building’s inventory was catalogued—as an aesthetic touchstone. In addition to working with Pierre Frey and the Royal Manufacture of Aubusson to create historically accurate fabrics, Tollemer sought to capture the look of Louis XVI’s personal style by filling the 14 rooms and suites with a dazzling array of 18th-century furnishings and accessories.
Amenities include a restaurant helmed by Alain Ducasse, an invigorating Valmont spa, and a 50-foot indoor swimming pool. Guests will also be granted exclusive access to the palace and grounds, so they can literally retrace the footsteps of the royal couple. Maybe you really can have your cake and eat it too.
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2020 Spring issue in the section The Artful Life. Subscribe to the magazine. See more photos below.
