W Hotels Comes to Paris: W Paris-Opéra Slated for 2011

The City of Light is getting a slew of new luxury hotels next year-- from the Shangri-La to the Royal Monceau- A Raffles Hotel. Not to be left behind, W Hotels has picked a prime piece of real estate in the Opéra district to bring its signature "wow factor" to the French capital. Housed in a Haussman-era building across the street from the famous Opéra Garnier (and near Galeries Lafayette and Place Vendome), the new hotel will be designed by Rockwell Group Europe. Straight from the horse's mouth: "Taking the inspiration from combining New York's energy, where the W brand began in 1998, and Paris, the "City of Light," RGe is flooding the new W Hotel with illumination and color." Their goal is a lofty one in a city this fabulously chic: To make W-Paris the coolest place in Paris. Here's more about the design concept:

An oversized undulating wall of light is the central design feature that defines the building from the inside and from the street as it weaves through the public spaces, secret corners of DJ booths and martini bars, through the corridors and finally into each guest room. This programmable wall of light can transform based on season, event or time of day to create a festive and celebratory atmosphere, bringing the historic building to life with sophistication and a glowing vibrancy. This central feature initiates a dynamic dialogue with the street, introducing people to the magic of the W Hotel before they enter and are dazzled by the dramatic vaulted ceiling supported by ornate Corinthian columns. To invite guests and locals to the W brand’s world of WOW, RGe will add life to this historic space with an innovative installation of projected images from nature upon arrival that will change throughout the day.