Hotel from outer space
With a first name borrowed from painter Henner’s muse, a palette where azure blue sketches the mood of the day, a setting with solid character, the Joyce Hotel is the antitode to gloominess. By Noémie Barré. Photos Claude Weber.
As you enter, a counter with interlocked Eiffel towers sets the tone, like a welcome wink or a decompression chamber. Freshly hatched out at the heart of the Nouvelle Athènes, this halt is worth the stay! From the lobby to the 6th floor, the architect Philippe Maidenberg juggles with the symbols, using the hotel design and travel codes like a real playground. The tempo is set, the mood too. In the entrance hall, the clocks give the time in Paris, the Moon, and ‘Somewhere’ else…
Bright Earth globes and leds embedded in the floor delineate the walk of the globe-trotters floating in the Parisian weightlessness; suspended to the metallic framework, a cloud echoes the aerial films shown on the screens. Under the glass roof, pieces of atmosphere reflect on the mirror trays of the tables. And car seats, 1950’s armchairs by Thonet and low chairs without arms welcome the clients for breakfast. An outer space travel that unfolds in the open sky.
To continue the visit, follow the stars that stud the chair, the elevator and the corridors. Then, behind the bedrooms’ doors, discover a few masculine notes: Prince of Wales carpet, banded wardrobes, bicolor bedspreads. And to awaken these grey shades: pillows and bedside lamps by Jieldé are colored in pink, blue or acidulous green. Invigorating as you wake up, the bathrooms propel you at the speed of yellow or red light, at the heart of a busy day, hailed on the way by Fornasetti’s earthenware suns.
A graphic game this time: the white walls are used as paper leaves. Architect drawings drawn in black firmly plant the setting. Padded headboards, molding or bookshelves, frames or wall lamps with carefully drawn jewelry reinvent themselves in each room. This hotel chose the way of the stars to dream… But also engaged on the environment-friendly way by choosing energy sources, equipment and cleaning products that help protect the planet. A supplement of saoul that echoes the daily cares: Moisan bread and organic fruits for breakfast, Cosmebio N Ki range at bathing time. Humor, spirit, environment-friendliness… for a positive stay.
44 bedrooms (3 for disabled people) and 1 junior suite.