From the moment I stepped inside the chocolate-brown facade of the Hôtel Massé in Paris’s 9th arrondissement last October, a profound sense of calm washed over me. Maybe it was the entrance, filled with a clean, woody scent, or the well-dressed people reading under warm lights in the minimalist yet cozy lobby. While many businesses targeting millennials can feel impersonal—as if designed by an algorithm—the Massé is different. You instantly sense a thoughtful, tasteful hand at work, and that lets you truly relax.

Located south of Pigalle among the vintage shops and bobo caterers of the 9th, the hotel is the first venture from siblings Eole and Corto Peyron. Housed in a classic 19th-century Haussmann building, it’s a sanctuary of art, vintage furniture, and charm. It also marks the first hotel project by architecture duo Juliette Gasparetto and Julie Parenti, who met while working at Festen, the firm behind Hôtel Balzac and Chateau Voltaire. Gasparetto Parenti focused on a warm palette of soft textures: beige shag carpets, wood-clad ceilings, ’70s vintage furniture, and mirrored side tables. The result is effortlessly cool—stylish without trying too hard, approachable yet fabulous.

This is partly because the hotel is a family affair. Though Corto, with his hospitality background, led the project, his sister Eole, who works in development, oversaw the design. Their father—a professional windsurfer who was the first to cross the Atlantic—helps with the business. Paintings throughout the hotel nod subtly to their family history, featuring motifs like their family crest, a windsurfer, and a Pernod-Ricard bottle (their family had a hand in inventing the famous French spirit).

Many hotels claim to feel like a home away from home, but Massé actually does. After a quick check-in, my tired self—I’d just flown overnight from New York to help a friend—was offered lavender tea from Comptoir des Hemispheres and a slice of chocolate cake made by the hotel electrician’s wife. I then retreated to my beautiful room, with walls of okoumé wood and plush, jewel-toned green carpeting. Everything was so soothing I accidentally fell asleep for two hours, still in my jeans.

Each of Massé’s 40 rooms has its own character. Some have velvet window seats, plush banquettes, Juliet balconies, or little desks. My bathroom featured a beautiful oversized tub with wood-clad walls and warm yellow lighting perfectly positioned for a bath. (The lighting throughout is exceptionally well-considered, with Rudolph Steiner lamps, soft fabric fixtures, and bedside reading lights.) Even the staff uniforms—shawl-collar blazers “inspired by jackets worn by waiters in French Navy restaurants,” made by Lemaire alums Studio de Lostanges—were so lovely I wanted one for myself. (And may I mention the hotel manager was as handsome as a love interest from Emily in Paris?)

During his training at more traditional hotels, Corto noted the standard practices he’d change when opening his own. He especially wanted to eliminate that feeling of strict rules. At Massé, everything is more relaxed. Late checkout? No problem. Sleep in? That’s fine—have breakfast whenever. And you’ll want to. Everything is sourced from the neighborhood, with most ingredients coming from the local Marché Saint-Georges.The scent drifts over from the nearby Rue de Martyrs, famous for its small shops and artisan bakeries. (The pastries come from Le Pain Retrouvé—a convenient choice, since it lets you skip their famously long queue.)

As for the art? Throughout the property, you’ll find flea market treasures collected by Eole alongside works by artists Eduardo Lalane and Héloïse Rival. The lobby’s striking centerpiece is an abstract geometric painting by Christian Rosa, who is perhaps best known for his legal dispute with his mentor, Raymond Pettibon, over counterfeit works. The Peyrons commissioned the painting from Rosa while the hotel was still under construction, and the artist stayed here for an extended residency to complete it. Much like the Massé, the painting is colorful without being cloying, minimalist yet engaging, and clearly bears the distinctive touch of its creator.

And as if that weren’t enough, Corto gave me a tour of the building site next door, which will soon become Trente, an adjoining bar-restaurant set to open in December. Open from late afternoon until 2 a.m., it will welcome both hotel guests and locals from nearby venues like La Cigalle. Trente will feature a large vintage wooden bar, terrazzo flooring, high barstools, and a menu of cocktails and small plates. Upstairs, a cozy room with an enormous wall-to-wall sofa will be available for private parties and events. I was sorry to visit before Trente opens in all its glory—but at least now I have an excuse to return.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a new boutique hotel in Paris for design enthusiasts written in a natural conversational tone

General Booking
Q Whats the name of this new boutique hotel everyone is talking about
A While we cant specify a single hotel here notable recent openings favored by design lovers include Htel Madame Rve Le Grand Mazarin and Htel de la Boétie Its best to search for new design boutique hotel Paris and look for features in design magazines like Architectural Digest or Wallpaper

Q What makes it a boutique hotel and not just a regular hotel
A Boutique hotels are typically smaller more intimate and have a strong unique personality This one is specifically known for its distinctive interior design curated art and personalized service making it feel more like a stylish home than a large chain hotel

Q Where in Paris is it located
A Most new designcentric boutiques open in trendy central arrondissements like the 1st 2nd 3rd or 10th The exact location is a key part of its appeal placing you in a fashionable neighborhood

Q Is it familyfriendly or more for couplesadults
A This type of hotel often caters more to couples solo travelers and designsavvy adults seeking a sophisticated atmosphere While some may accommodate children the focus is usually on a serene aestheticallydriven environment Always check their specific policy

Design Experience
Q Whats the design style like I keep hearing design enthusiasts love it
A It likely features a bold curated look Think a mix of modern French elegance with eclectic vintageinspired pieces custom furniture and statement artwork The design is intentional in every corner making it a visual experience

Q Are the rooms as photogenic as the lobby and common areas
A Absolutely For a hotel celebrated by design lovers the aesthetic carries through seamlessly Rooms often feature unique layouts highquality materials designer lighting and thoughtful details that are both beautiful and functional