Luxury hotel in France features villa atop its rooftop
In a surprising twist for the French city of Metz, the Hilton hotel chain had unveiled an eccentric luxury establishment, the Maison Heler. This hotel, nestled above the city's rooftops, offers a striking sight with its sand-colored cube base – a nod to modernity – while the real showstopper lies on its roof. There, you'll find a Victorian-style villa with a pointed roof tower, hipped roof, and timber-framing details, all the while boasting a steampunk aesthetic.
The man behind this quirky creation is none other than the renowned designer Philippe Starck. Drawing inspiration from the grand houses of Lorraine's 19th-century elite, he's transformed the Maison Heler into a literal work of art. Starck not only conceived the plans but also cooked up a story about the fictional villa's owner. The yarn goes that one day, the mysterious Manfred Heler sits in his rocking chair, only for his house to take flight and hover above the city before finally settling down.
This pastiche of the old and the new houses the four-star hotel's restaurant on two floors. The dining experience is marked by heavy wooden and leather furniture contrasting with the white terracotta-tiled walls and concrete columns, creating an industrial-style atmosphere. To further immerse guests, archival photographs dot the villa and hotel, while a book detailing the whole story is available for purchase in the hotel.
A night at the Maison Heler doesn't come cheap, with room rates starting at 166 euros. However, for those seeking an immersive, unique hospitality experience that engages intellect, emotions, and visual senses, it's undoubtedly worth it (3).
Aside from being an architectural marvel, the Maison Heler is a demonstration of storytelling and imagination, offering something truly one-of-a-kind (1). With hidden puzzles, ancient coins, and art installations inspired by Jacques Carelman's Catalogue d’objets introuvables in its guestrooms, this hotel is an unforgettable experience (1). Located in the heart of Metz's cultural revival in the Amphithéâtre district, the Maison Heler stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and contemporary innovation (3).
- The Maison Heler, located in Metz's vibrant Amphithéâtre district, is an architectural marvel that showcases a blend of modernity and the old, showcasing a Victorian-style penthouse contrasting with the base's sand-colored cube design.
- Renowned designer Philippe Starck drew inspiration for the Maison Heler from the grand houses of Lorraine's 19th-century elite, transforming it into an artistic masterpiece reminiscent of a steampunk Victorian villa.
- The interior design of the Maison Heler's restaurant seamlessly merges heavy wooden and leather furniture, white terracotta-tiled walls, and concrete columns, creating an industrial atmosphere that complements the hotel's unique storytelling and aesthetic.
- Guests at the Maison Heler can immerse themselves in the one-of-a-kind experience of an immersive space filled with hidden puzzles, art installations, and artifacts inspired by Jacques Carelman's Catalogue d’objets introuvables, all nestled within the heart of Metz's cultural revival.
