Eight months.
In 1924, this is the time it took for the architect Auguste Bluysen to offer Le Touquet, “its extra gem”: The Westminster.
110 rooms, an elegant Art Deco facade, a Queen Anne style and Louis XIII or XVI furniture… Thus was born this symbol of the elegance of the seaside resort in the Roaring Twenties.
Nine months.
In 2020, this is the time it took French architect Bruno Borrione to reinvent it.
With a major stake: that of preserving the soul of this unique survivor of the palaces of yesteryear of the Opal Coast.
Between these two dates, almost a century has passed despite work over the decades.
“The accommodations were very aging but it was out of the question to wipe out the past,” explains the architect a few days before the opening announced this Friday, September 25.
The challenge was to give the illusion that everything was already there!
What could be restored, or restored, has been ”.
The renovated key locker is now a decorative item.
Yan Bernard-Guilbaud / Le Figaro
Thus in the lobby, the wall lights and the imposing original chandelier have regained their splendor.
The woodwork in the reception area has been renovated and the large revolving door at the entrance is still there, as is the elevator, which has been entirely refurbished in a pure Art Deco style.
To bring in the light, walls were knocked down.
The safe room has been transformed into a small living room.
The fireplace has been put back into service and the bar has been extended.
Its huge hand-made fresco illuminates the living room in a cubist spirit.
Behind the counter, Marc Jean, head barman emblematic of Normandy is busy.
He arrived from Deauville to distill his precious advice before opening, in particular for the elaboration of the new signature cocktail based on lemon liqueur, chin, strawberry and champagne: the “25.9”.
"The hotel is already full for the next weekends"
The architect Bruno Borrione followed the Art Deco line so characteristic of the hotel to enhance the common areas, such as the bar here.
Yan Bernard-Guilbaud / Le Figaro
The owner, managing director of Westminster since March, John Banizette continues the visit, time is running out before the big day.
“We are eagerly awaited and the hotel is already full for the next weekends.
In a few weeks we hope to earn a star.
Westminster will then be the only 5-star on the Opal Coast, from Honfleur to Knokke-Le-Zoute in Belgium.
"
But for the moment we are fine-tuning the last details before the reservations are lifted.
The swimming pool, which was put in water the day before, is still plunged into darkness.
And in the Nuxe spa (the first to open in France), plumbers and carpenters are busy while manager Véronique Sabatier unpacks the boxes while gazing at her new treatment rooms.
Six in number, including a double, they were imagined and designed by interior designer Chantal Peyrat.
Next door, the more athletic will now enjoy a fitness room equipped with all the machines needed to have a dream body.
Children (from 4 to 12 years old) are not forgotten, they will be taken care of at the Studio by Petit Vip where they can learn about all the arts: cinema, sculpture, photography, comics, music, tableware ...
The metamorphosis of the rooms
Each room offers a selection of artwork above the beds.
Barrier / Photo press
But the biggest change is two floors up, in the bedrooms.
To make our nights better than our days, the "West" has only 104 rooms and suites spread over 4 floors.
“We wanted to offer greater comfort and modernity to our customers,” explains John Banizette.
So make way for air conditioning, connected TVs and usb sockets.
But also in oak, walnut or Chinese lacquer.
The know-how of the craftsmen is there;
carpets, fabrics, furniture are a tribute to the great interior designers of the 20th century.
The proof with the seams of the sofas and armchairs made in the same fabric as that of the curtains or the golden wallpaper of the ceilings of the bathrooms.
Luxury is in the detail.
Like Suite 007. Unique in terms of decoration with its honeycomb ceiling, a reference to those of 1924, its double dressing room… And its huge bathroom with double shower.
A tribute to James Bond?
In 1961, Sean Connery signed his first contract with the 007 logo on a Westminster table.
Admired by customers since 1924, the “Hall of Fame” is still present.
Yan Bernard-Guilbaud / Le Figaro
Because for nearly a century many personalities have paraded in the hotel.
The gallery of celebrities hosted here since 1924 is still there.
Facing the entrance to the Pavilion, the only starred restaurant in the Barrière group, Emmanuel Macron wrote a few words under his photo.
It is also here that the President of the Republic got married.
In his brand new kitchen, Executive Chef William Elliott is ready to welcome him again.
Discreetly.
In Le Touquet, with elegance, it is always in order.
Hotel Barrière Le Westminster, avenue du Verger, 62520 Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.
Phone.
: 03 21 05 48 48. From € 264 per night.
