Controversy among Parisian palaces

For the very first time, the French government released last May the official list of French palaces. The “Palace label”, one step higher than the five-star rating, denotes excellence among the most prestigious French hotels. Out of the 7 historical Parisian palaces, only 2 made the new list : the Plaza Athénée and the Meurice. Since the results were released, a  vivid controversy has quickly developed as economic stakes are high. It is indeed quite surprising that prestigious hotels such as the Ritz, the Lutecia, the Fouquet’s, the Crillon or the George V have not been selected while two newcomers, the Park Hyatt Vendome and the Bristol made the list. Hotels owners are arguing that the criteria used to set up the list are non-objective. A real sweeping change in an elitist and conservative microcosm!

The committee in charge of the selection is refusing to reveal  the criteria it has used, fuelling the fierce debate even further. The only information available is that applicants must meet some requirements such as a certain number of rooms, a certain number of employees per customer and the presence of spa facilities.

In order to help you make your own opinion on the subject, this blog will release in the next months a series of articles dedicated to each of the Parisian palaces, whether they belong to the old or new list.

Stay tuned!