Molitor

Molitor, Paris, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique luxury experience blending its iconic Art Deco heritage with contemporary design and urban art. It generally receives very good to excellent feedback, particularly for its distinctive features and atmosphere.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Molitor consistently garners high praise, with an overall experience rating of 19.3 out of 20 from Michelin Guide guests. Guests frequently describe it as a "superb" and "magnificent" hotel, with many calling it a "bucket list visit" or their "favorite hotel in Paris." While the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues are noted, particularly concerning service consistency.

Key Highlights

The hotel's most celebrated features are its two iconic swimming pools – a 46-meter outdoor pool and a 33-meter indoor pool – which are free for guest use and maintained at 28 degrees Celsius year-round. The Art Deco architecture, reminiscent of a "white cruise liner," is a significant draw, beautifully integrated with vibrant urban art throughout the property, including original works from artists who previously used the abandoned site as a canvas. The 1,700 square meter Clarins© spa, offering extensive wellness facilities including steam rooms, a sauna, and 13 treatment rooms, is another major highlight. The panoramic rooftop bar and restaurant, offering views of the Eiffel Tower, is also a popular feature during warmer months.

Room Quality

Molitor features 124 cocoon-like rooms and suites, designed by Jean Philippe Nuel, that blend Art Deco with urban art. Rooms are described as comfortable, spacious (especially suites), bright, modern, and minimalist in design. Many rooms offer distinctive porthole-style windows overlooking the outdoor pool, creating a unique focal point. Amenities include Bose iPod docks, Nespresso machines, safes, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious Clarins toiletries, along with bathrobes and slippers. Some executive rooms boast private 80m² terraces with city views.

Dining Experience

The hotel offers several dining options. The Brasserie Molitor (also referred to as 1929 or Jardin d'Hiver) serves French brasserie classics with a seasonal menu and is popular for brunch. Guests often praise the breakfast as "superb" and "one of the best in Paris," featuring fresh products and artistic displays. The Rooftop Molitor, open during summer, provides an eclectic setting for drinks and lighter, summery fare, often with a "Middle East from French brasserie style" menu. While the rooftop offers excellent views, some guests have found the food to be average and overpriced, with service occasionally lacking. In-room dining is also available.

Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests commending the "friendly," "welcoming," and "attentive staff." The team's pride in the hotel's history and ambiance is often noted. However, there are recurring criticisms regarding inconsistent service levels. Some guests have reported "very bad" service, particularly at reception during check-in, where staff might seem stressed or indifferent, and at the pool bar where service can be slow or unfriendly.

Location & Accessibility

Molitor is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, near landmarks such as Roland Garros tennis courts, Parc des Princes, Bois de Boulogne, Palais de Tokyo, and Fondation Louis Vuitton. While its location is excellent for these specific attractions, it is considered to be on the "outskirts of the city limits" relative to central Paris. Access to central Paris typically involves a 30-minute taxi or metro ride, with a metro stop less than a 10-minute walk away.

Value & Pricing

As a luxury 5-star hotel and Michelin Key Selected property, Molitor commands premium pricing. Classic rooms start from approximately €300 per night. While many guests find the overall experience, especially the unique facilities and ambiance, to be worth the cost, some question the value for money, citing concerns over the pricing of rooftop dining and perceived inconsistencies in service for a hotel in this category. Pool passes are included in the nightly rate for hotel guests.

Common Complaints

Recurring complaints include:

• Inconsistent Service: Specific issues with indifferent or stressed reception staff, slow service at pool bars, and general disorganization.
• Dining Value: The rooftop restaurant's food is sometimes described as average and overpriced. There have also been comments about the room service menu not matching the hotel's overall quality.
• Room Issues: Isolated reports of unpleasant smells or broken key card slots in rooms.
• Location for Tourism: While excellent for local attractions, its distance from the hyper-central tourist areas of Paris can be a minor inconvenience for some.

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