paris issue 310
Nov 2011
Hotel Banke
Paris - hotels & apartments
Hotel Banke, a superior four-star hotel, is located in the Opera district in the very heart of Paris and a stone's throw from Boulevard Haussmann and the Galeries Lafayette.
The hotel occupies a building dating from the beginning of the 20th century designed by architects Paul Friesse and Cassien Bernard, and the stately site sits at the junction of Rue La Fayette and Rue Pillet Will. The spacious lobby, closed off by a crystal dome installed 19 metres from the floor, retains the old counters from the former bank around a large mosaic; at present the hotel's bar and restaurant are found behind them.
Hotel Banke has 94 rooms, meeting rooms, a hamam steam room, sauna and gym. It also offers a unique opportunity to combine Spanish tradition and creative cuisine at Josefin Restaurant. There is also a glamorous cocktail bar, Lola Bar, that aims to become one of the most in-vogue spots in Paris.