Known to all Parisians since 1888 (when it was founded by Julien Guadet), the mythical Poste du Louvre was transformed two years ago into a luxurious palace under the impetus of entrepreneur Laurent Taïeb, in partnership with architect Dominique Perrault and a host of designers. The result is spectacular, with a total surface area of 7,000 m2, 82 rooms and suites of rare elegance, two bar-restaurants (Madame Rêve Café, with its Mediterranean flavours, and La Plume, inspired by Japan) and a rooftop that has the whole of Paris in a frenzy, with its bar set in an immense hanging garden, overgrown with vegetation. Add to this a sumptuous spa on the mezzanine floor and the desire to make this place a model of sustainable development, and you have the perfect example of a new generation of hotels that reflect the desires and values of the times.