Hotel Banke in Paris gets top stars
The Banke Hotel in Paris, part of Derby Hotels Collection, has been awarded 5* by the French Tourism Development Agency. Built on an old prestigious bank headquarter, The Banke Hotel has a great historical and cultural value. The hotel hosts Jordi Clos’ own exquisite private ethnic jewel collection with pieces from Papua New Guinea, China, India, Tibet and Africa.
This top 5* qualification given to Banke Hotel in Paris by ATOUT FRANCE, the French Tourism Development Agency, evaluates the quality of services provided by the hotel, along with the comfort of the premises, the customer service and its environmental policies in a setting full of art and history.
Joaquim Clos, general director of the DHC group, said: “I am very pleased with this distinction that crowns our commitment and efforts. This new star is a reward for the daily work of our staff, who work indefatigably to improve our guests’ stay.”
Since its opening 5 years ago, the hotel has invested over 7 million euros (£5,600,000GBP) in improving its premises in terms of decoration, expansion and renovation of all facilities and Suites, going from 105 to 92 spacious rooms. The hotel has continued to expand its range of services by building a gym and hammam and a high standard environmental policies.
As well as delivering a great gastronomical offer through the Josefin restaurant, with the recent incorporation of Chef Cyril Chevalier, the Banke Hotel also provides a refined dining experience with a Mediterranean touch and an elaborate and exclusive tapas and cocktails menu at the Spanish-influenced Lolabar.
The Clos family, owners of the Banke Hotel are proud to bring back the Salle de Coffres, an emblematic room, which they wish to open soon to the public as an events hosting venue. The historical and cultural value of this establishment is a common characteristic in all of the hotels of the Derby Hotels Collection, which combine luxury and culture.
Full of history
The Banke Hotel was one of the first buildings to be erected in Rue Pillet Will, next to Rue La Fayette, at the turn of the 20th century. This masterpiece by architects Paul Friesé and Cassien Bernand used to host the old headquarters of the Banque Suisse Français of Haussmanniene building, until its refurbishment in 2009 for the hotel’s opening. The hotel, based in the middle of the Opera area, one of the most luxurious commercial areas in Paris, can be recognised by its majestic exterior façade, reminiscing of the Belle Epoque of Paris.
When entering the hotel, a spectacular hall under the crystal dome can be admired nineteen metres above, still preserving the old mosaic of the bank counters as a heirloom of the old headquarters along with the heavy wrought iron bars, the embedded medallions in the arches of the porch or the wrought iron railings in the first floor.
An art masterpiece itself
As it is customary in all the hotels in Derby Hotels Collection, Banke Hotel showcases unique art pieces in its public, as well as its private places. Art and luxury blend in a place where guests and visitors can enjoy the pieces of the private collection of Jordi Clos, president of the chain.
The hotel showcases a stunning collection of ethnic jewels, sculptures and art pieces from different collections and civilisations in each floor, communal space and even in the rooms. On display there are distinctive pieces coming from Papua New Guinea, China, India and Tibet to ancient African tribes. The collection also includes spectacular jewels and garments of great anthropological value, such as ritual necklaces from Papua New Guinea, silver and ivory bracelets from Sri Lanka, shaman dresses from Ivory Coast or the talisman boxes from the Mali desert.
The Banke Hotel has achieved in the same category as the emblematic and flagship Derby Hotels Collection hotels the chain owns in Spain: Claris Hotel 5* GL in Barcelona and the Urban Hotel 5* GL in Madrid. This 5th star will allow the Spanish chain to offer a better quality service surrounded by art. The Banke Hotel is member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.