La Maison Heler, the hotel designed by Philippe Starck, opened its doors on Thursday 27 March, a decade after the project was first announced.
More than ten years after its announcement, the hotel has finally opened. Designed by Philippe Starck, who calls it a "liveable work of art," it is the first hotel inspired by a poetic and surrealistic tale, La Vie Minutieuse de Manfred Heler. The novel follows the adventures of Manfred, a fictional character who inherits a house from his parents.
The house was inspired by the Villa Salomon, built in 1904 on Avenue Foch in Metz.
La maison Salomon située sur l'avenue Foch à Metz, qui a inspiré la maison Heler / © RIEGER BERTRAND / Hemis via AFP
Today, a replica of this villa sits atop a striking 9-story monolithic building that houses the hotel, distinguished by its innovative architecture and exceptional design.
The 4-star hotel features 104 rooms and suites spread between the second and eighth floor. On the ground floor, guests can enjoy La Cuisine de Rose, a romantic brasserie decorated with a giant origami airplane hanging from the ceiling and photographs of startling inventions reminiscent of Manfred's imagined workshop.
The hotel's second restaurant, La Maison de Manfred, sits atop the ninth floor, offering breathtaking views of the Centre Pompidou and the Amphitheater district. The decor evokes the warmth of a family dining room, with objects that seem plucked from a cabinet of curiosities. Adding a touch of magic, the stained-glass windows by Ara Starck fill the space with vibrant colors that illuminate the entire floor
Both restaurants emphasise local and seasonal products, offering yogurt from nearby farms, mirabelle jam, and honey from the Vosges region.
Room rates range from €170 to €393 per night.
