Facing the Tuileries Gardens, something exciting is brewing behind the facades of the former Saint-James & Albany, closed for 5 years. Located at 202 rue de Rivoli, in the 1st arrondissement, the hotel is set to be completely transformed into a new five-star with palace ambitions. And to give the place a fresh identity, its owners have called upon a name you wouldn't necessarily expect in Parisian hospitality: Pharrell Williams.
The American artist, also creative director of men's collections at Louis Vuitton, has partnered with Mohari Hospitality and Omnam Investment Group, which acquired the property in 2024. Their goal: to
rebirth this emblematic address by blending Parisian heritage and a contemporary vision of luxury.A place steeped in history
Before becoming a hotel, the site was home to the Boullongne mansion, built in 1751 by architect Michel Tannevot. The entire complex now spans approximately 14,000 m², in one of the capital's most coveted locations, between the Louvre, the Tuileries, and rue Saint-Honoré. Closed since 2021, the Saint-James & Albany won't simply be getting a quick facelift. The project calls for a complete restructuring of the building, with a new spatial organization and an elevation in standards.
The Parisian agency Valode et Pistre, already behind several prestigious hotel projects, including the Bvlgari Hotel Paris, is leading this transformation that promises to be spectacular. The idea is to preserve the historical soul of the building while giving itfollowing the codes of a contemporary luxury hotel.
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Fewer rooms, but so much more luxury
The future establishment is expected to have around a hundred rooms and suites, with several projects mentioning 106 keys, compared to about 200 before. A reduction that speaks volumes about the project's ambitions: here, there's no question of betting on numbers, but rather on space, intimacy, and ultra-personalized service. The pro
The programme also includes several restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a spa and a fitness area. Private residences could also be part of the establishment, with four apartments featuring in particular an independent entrance.Pharrell Williams, the new king of Parisian hospitality?
This isn't the first time Pharrell Williams has ventured into the hotel business. In 2021, he already launched with entrepreneur David Grutman the Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach, a very colourful establishment with 266 rooms. But the Parisian project is a completely different vibe: goodbye to Florida's tropical feels, hello to historic heritage and Parisian chic. In Paris, Pharrell Williams is involved in particular in the artistic direction of the future hotel. A logical new step for someone who has been navigating for several years between music,
What will this palace look like?
For now, the mystery remains intact. The name of the future hotel, its brand, its final décor, and its opening date have not yet been officially revealed. One thing is certain: with its exceptional location overlooking the Tuileries and Pharrell Williams's artistic signature, this future address is bound tomake quite a stir.
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