Celebrated Decorator Redefines Sofitel's Hotel Scribe, Paris

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. October 14, 2008

PARIS, France, October 23, 2007. Sofitel, the French luxury hotel brand, presents the new face of the Scribe after two years of renovations. Jacques Grange, renowned interior architect, refreshed the Scribe in a typically elegant Parisian style, perfectly matching the brand's vision of luxury hotels.

Located a few steps from the Op'era Garnier and the Place Vend^ome, the hotel was entirely renovated and offers new spaces ready to welcome the most discerning guests including a spa, the "Le Caf'e Lumi`ere", the "La Maison de Th'e" and a fitness center.

Opened in 1861, the hotel is inspired by the personalities who left a mark in its history. The hotel embodies French sophistication, combining contemporary luxury with the timeless charm of rare and precious decorative features.

Inside, paintings accompany the visitor along the hallways. Each floor celebrates an event or a distinguished guest in the Scribe's history: the first public projection of cinema by the Lumi`ere brothers and the visits of Josephine Baker and Jules Verne.

Jacques Grange, French decorator of international repute and ambassador of Parisian elegance, exercises his talents around the world. He has decorated private residences and palaces of clients such as Yves Saint-Laurent and the Princess Caroline de Hanovre. Hotel Scribe is Grange's debut at showcasing his talents at a premiere French hotel.

Discover the new Scribe

In the heart of the capital's neighborhood of business, luxury, culture, nightlife and shopping landmarks, the Scribe is a haven of serenity and timeless charm. The elegant facade of Second Empire architecture was entirely renovated and widened. The majestic entrance is enhanced with crystal chandeliers and a checker floor.

The Scribe's lobby is an invitation to relaxation and refinement with two separate welcoming spaces:

---| The deep velvet sofas of a plush salon in the mezzanine library, offer a cozy ambiance under the dimmed light of the 1925 chandeliers.

---| The "Caf'e Lumi`ere" delights with contemporary cuisine under its new transparent glass roof.

Room and suites

Jacques Grange made the 200 rooms stylish and distinguished spaces, playing with subtle shades of blue, green, grey and brown.

The furniture blends simple lines and precious sycamore and white mahogany woods. Grange incorporated Art Deco style furniture in shapes that combine pure lines and supple curves, pyramidal volumes and a contrast between light and dark tones.

Four spacious and luminous duplex suites offer the allure of a private residence. They are decorated with pictures by famous photographers such as Lee Miller who stayed at the Hotel Scribe.

Each of the hotel's six floors celebrates an event or a person that left a mark in the Scribe's history:

---| 1st floor - THE JOCKEY CLUB - The origins of the Scribe

As early as 1863, the French Horse Breeders' Society chose the already prestigious Scribe as the location for its aristocratic Jockey Club.

---| 2nd floor - JOSEPHINE BAKER - The Scribe and music

Arriving in Paris in 1925, Josephine Baker was famous for her mythical "Revue N`egre." She was also very involved in the Civil Rights movement. She stayed at the Scribe often and made the hotel one of her privileged places in Paris.

---| 3rd floor - MARCEL PROUST - The Scribe and literature

One of Marcel Proust's recurrent characters, the Baron de Charlus, is a member of the Jockey Club at Hotel Scribe.

---| 4th floor - SERGEI DIAGHILEV - The Scribe and dance

In 1909, the Russian Ballets were performed at the Th'e^atre du Chatelet and received an enthusiastic welcome. The dancer Sergei Diaghilev, like many artists, frequented the Grand Caf'e, on the ground floor of the Scribe.

---| 5th floor - LOUIS & AUGUSTE LUMIERE - The Scribe and cinema

On December 28, 1895, Louis and Auguste Lumi`ere held the first public demonstration of their new invention -- cinema. For this event, the Lumi`ere brothers chose the Salon Indien, below street level of the current Scribe.

---| 6th floor - JULES VERNE - The Scribe and science

In 1896, Doctor Wilhelm R"ontgen also chose the Salon Indien to unveil another major discovery - X-rays. Jules Verne, precursor of science-fiction and visionary author is illustrated on the top floor, just under the roof, a tribute to imagination without limits.

The Spa

A sanctuary of serenity in the midst of Parisian luxury, the Hotel Scribe spa welcomes guests into a world of lustrous, pearly white. Located on the first floor, the urban spa of 2,045 square feet is a place of pure indulgence. The signature treatments are an invitation to embrace the delights of essential oils, clays and vegetal essences.

In the heart of the spa, the Lanc^ome Beauty Institute ? the signature of French luxury and beauty ? boasts its exceptional "French touch."

Lanc^ome's commitment to the beauty of women and men is redefined with its expert treatments and unique savoir-faire. All senses are stimulated in the intimacy of the private cubicles, with rich multi-sensory experiences.

The hotel offers additional wellness opportunities at the Jacuzzi and dynamic sessions at the fitness center.

<< La Maison de Th'e > >

Take a break from the bustling activity of the city in the tranquil intimacy of the hotel at "Maison de Th'e." Evoking respite, the library-inspired tearoom is an ideal place for a delicious break between shopping sprees or for a business meeting. A variety of rare and exclusive teas from the prestigious Cha Yuan brand accompany the delicatessen prepared by the Patisserie Chef Pierre Pr'evost.

Gastronomy

In February 2007, the Scribe opened its restaurant "Le Caf'e Lumi`ere." The name pays tribute to the Lumi`ere brothers with a glass roof, creating a winter garden effect. The talented Chef Franck Charpentier is at the head of the operation and is also the Chef at the Michelin-rated "Les Muses," the hotel's gourmet restaurant. In Parisian d'ecor, inspired by the cinema spirit, Franck Charpentier offers a creative and modern cuisine.

The bar innovates with whimsical variations of classical cocktails like the "Purple Mojito" or creative cocktails with names dedicated to cinema: "Fiction," "Suspense," "Cartoon," and "Comedy."