16 avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris

Molitor Hôtel & Spa

Name: Molitor Hôtel & Spa
Address: 16 avenue de la Porte Molitor, Paris, 75016, FR
Rating: 4.3

Hotel-restaurant 5-star with pool and spa in Paris

Presentation

The Molitor Hôtel & Spa occupies, in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, the site of a swimming pool opened in 1929, closed at the end of the 1980s, then occupied for more than twenty years by street artists before its reopening in 2014. This history is still visible everywhere in the walls.

From the lobby, a tag-covered convertible Rolls Royce welcomes arriving guests. All around, around a hundred street art works accumulate, like a memory of the place that was never repainted.

At the center of the hotel, the two pools still occupy their original location. The first, indoors, retains its Art Deco architecture and metal portholes. The water there is calmer, almost discreet. Outside, the large 46-meter pool remains heated all year round, making it possible to swim even in the middle of winter, beneath the steam rising from the surface.

The rooms, designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, are arranged all around this outdoor pool. Most open directly onto the water, some with a small terrace. You’ll find the expected amenities at this level of luxury, right down to the Nespresso machine on the desk and the Clarins products lined up in the bathroom.

In the basement, the Spa by Clarins extends over more than 1,600 square meters, one of the largest in Europe. Thirteen treatment rooms are organized around the treatments, including a private suite with sauna and reserved spa, and a women-only hammam for extended relaxation. myBlend facial treatments attract a loyal clientele, who generally remember to book their slot before arrival.

In the morning, breakfast is served in the Jardin d’Hiver, the room overlooking the outdoor pool. Pastries, fresh products, a service that most regulars consider consistent from one visit to the next.

In summer, head to the rooftop, open only from May to September, with views stretching all the way to the Eiffel Tower. The cocktails and light dining menu changes with the seasons, and the offerings vary more than in the main restaurant: some evenings everything runs smoothly, other times the service struggles to keep up with demand. Nothing that spoils the place, but it is better to aim for a quiet evening rather than a day of heavy traffic.

Around the hotel, the neighborhood remains residential. It is a stone’s throw from Roland-Garros, the Parc des Princes and the Jean Bouin stadium, and the Bois de Boulogne begins right across the way for a walk or a morning jog. In the evening, the surrounding streets empty quickly: there is no nightlife to seek out on site, but a genuine calm that contrasts with the rest of Paris and is best enjoyed after a day by the pool.

On match nights at the Parc des Princes, it is better to allow a little extra time for the valet service: it remains free, but the parking lots around Jean Bouin fill up faster than usual.

Late in the morning, before the groups arrive, the outdoor pool is almost completely empty. It is the ideal moment to swim in peace, with a coffee still hot at the edge of the pool.

Summary of a few positive reviews read on the Web

Spacious room, sofa and table for dining, large bathroom with space for luggage. Everything was clean, nothing to complain about.
Generous breakfast, fresh pastries, good selection of products. Room overlooking the pool, pleasant for taking one’s time.
Wedding anniversary mentioned at booking. Upon arrival in the room, a card and sweets with rose petals were already waiting.
Free valet parking, convenient for parking near Jean Bouin. Better to allow a bit more time on Parc des Princes match nights.
Spa treatment appreciated after a tour of the two pools. The indoor one still retains its 1930s atmosphere.