Paris, Je T’aime! InterContinental Paris Le Grand
Paris, Je T’aime!
Nestled amongst Paris’ most opulent offerings, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand provides an ultraluxurious stay for its guests.
Although the hotel’s history is still at its heart, it has evolved to match the times, facing the challenges of the 2020’s head on. Business Enquirer speaks with the hotel’s experienced and well-traveled General Manager, Christophe Laure.
A Historical Landmark in the City of Lights
When discussing the InterContinental Paris Le Grand, it’s important to note its magnificent history.
Built in 1862, the hotel was commissioned by Napoleon III to receive dignitaries.
Designed by Alfred Armand and built by Isaac and Emile Pereire, the hotel formed part of the wider reconstruction of Paris. Marking the significance of its heritage, the hotel’s facade is listed.
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Christophe Laure, IHG - General Manager InterContinental Paris Le Grand, Area General Manager Southern Europe
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Armand and the Perieres certainly fulfilled Napoleon III brief, with the hotel hosting the Shogun Dynasty in Japan’s first diplomatic mission in the year of its inception. To this day, the InterContinental is still one of Paris’ hotels of choice for official visits.
At the time of its build, the hotel boasted 800 beds, this has now been reduced to 450 to accommodate en-suites for every room, as well as combining smaller rooms transforming them into larger ones.
In its most recent, significant renovation, the hotel saw the addition of its Presidential Suite.
“Continuing in its history, the hotel is still favoured by diplomats,” Christoph shared, “in 2020 we launched our Presidential Suite, which features bullet proof windows, a panic room, and an adjoining security detail bedroom which is fitted with high-tech equipment”.
The addition of the fit-for-purpose Presidential Suite formed part of a wider renovation which Christophe described as “marking a new era for both Parisian and international guests”.
Suites Magnifiques
As you would expect from an InterContinental hotel, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand offers a beautiful setting.
“Of course, all of our rooms and suites offer an exceptional level of design, but I have two personal favourites, the Charles Garnier and La Parisienne,” shared Christophe.
The Charles Garnier suite offers unique views of the Palais Garnier opera house with design nods to Swan Lake throughout. “It’s an elegant and romantic suite, truly remarkable,” described Christophe.
La Parisienne is a newly created suite, launched as part of the recent refurbishment in partnership with interior designer Pierre-
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Yves Rochon. Designed in the style of a typical Parisian apartment, this suite offers a walk-in closet, a breathtaking view on the Eiffel tower and features tailor-made furniture.
As well as its suites and its Club Lounge, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand boasts a Parisian institution within the hotel: the Café de la Paix.
The Club Lounge is an end-to-end, heightened guest experience, combining personal service with exclusive privileges, designed to make a guest’s stay extra special.
“There are many 5-star hotels in Paris, but we are Paris in a 5-star,” Chrisophe said.
The Soul of the InterContinental Paris Le Grand
There is no doubt that the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand offers a luxurious stay. Its real uniqueness, Christophe believes, comes from the hotel’s team.
“It is our aim to touch the soul of the guest,” explained Christophe, “I believe people remember experiences and emotions rather than things, and so it’s imperative that every interaction a guest has with the team is exceptional.”
To ensure the InterContinental standard is met, employees have the opportunity to undergo a wealth of training. “We want to enable our staff to bring their personality to the hotel, whilst subtly sharing our story to the guests,” said Christophe.
Recruitment is a challenge met by the hospitality industry since the Covid pandemic, with many leaving the industry when it was forced to close.
“The tourism industry is looking very positive at the moment, but whilst we’re seeing the guests returning, we’re not seeing the same with staff,” explained Christophe, “I am
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passionate about this beautiful industry, and I think there is a fantastic opportunity for young people to join our world”.
Paris 2024
Since the Covid pandemic there has naturally been a positive shift in the tourism sector.
The coming years offer a fantastic opportunity, with the capital hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympics in 2024.
However, with the geo-political climate affecting inflation across the world, Christophe is aware some adaptations will need to be made too.
“We need to consider how we can offer more in relation to cost, as well as enabling our future guests to be confident in travel again”.
7 Cities in 11 years
During his 30-year career at IHG (the mother company of InterContinental and its sister chains including Hualuxe, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza), Christophe has had the opportunity to explore the world.
“I’ve had a fantastic journey at IHG, working in places such as Jordan, Egypt and Oman. I’ve also worked in hotels in Barcelona,
Cannes, and Madrid, prior to coming back to Paris,” he shared, “in fact, my son had lived in seven cities by the time he was 11!”.
During his career, Christophe states that he has had the opportunity to get out of his comfort zone and learn a lot, which he believes has helped his leadership style.
“I was born to serve and I like to please people,” he shared, “I’ve learnt a lot about myself during my leadership journey and taken the opportunity to learn about others too. I think that’s paramount in leadership”.
The next challenge for Christophe and his colleagues at InterContinental Paris Le Grand is recruiting and developing talent. “We have an opportunity here to not only add value for our owners, but also enable young people to have career progression and become part of a wider vision”.
With 6000 hotels under the 18 different brands of IHG Hotels and Resorts, there is plenty of opportunity for people looking to join the industry.
“Every hotel in our group has an essence which you’re able to add your personality to. We offer fantastic training along with the opportunity to travel the world,” shared Christophe.
Inaugurated under Napoleon III, the InterContinental Paris le Grand is located in the heart of Paris, offering guests a magnificent view of the Opera Garnier.
5-star hotel boasts rooms and suites decorated in a Second Empire style infused with contemporary touches and unique reception venues. The Café de la Paix, Parisian institution within the hotel, serves the great classics of French gastronomy.
This
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