Jean-François Legaret, Mayor of Paris' first arrondissement joined senior executives from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Société Foncière Lyonnaise to officiate at the opening of Mandarin Oriental, Paris,  bringing the Group's legendary service and elegance to the City of Light.

An opening ceremony and ribbon cutting marked the official debut of the stunning new 138-room hotel located on famed rue Saint Honoré.

During the ceremony, Philippe Leboeuf, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris stated: "I am very proud to be at the helm of this wonderful ship, and to carry the values of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. A hotel is most importantly about those who work there, and we are extremely honoured to have been able to recruit a wonderful team, diverse both in culture and professional background. We look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental's levels of award-winning service to Paris".

Christoph Mares, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's Director of Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa added: "We are delighted to inaugurate today the latest Mandarin Oriental hotel in the heart of Paris, one of the world's premier destinations. This opening marks a major step in the growth strategy of our Group".

Bertrand Julien -Lafferière, CEO of the board of owning company Société Foncière Lyonnaise added, ‘The Société Foncière Lyonnaise is very pleased to have facilitated the opening in Paris of one of Mandarin Oriental's most strategic properties in its international portfolio.'

To celebrate the opening, Mandarin Oriental, Paris is offering an enticing opening package, ‘J'aime Paris'. Available from 17 July to 28 August 2011 each reservation includes a cash credit of EUR 300 for any room reservation, or EUR 500 for suite reservations. These credits may be redeemed on rooms or at the spa, bar or one of the restaurants. A minimum length of stay may be required on certain dates.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris is ideally situated in the heart of the city's entertainment and high-end retail districts, offering easy access to all major tourist sites and the city's business centre.  The original, magnificent Art Deco façade of this luxury hotel has been beautifully complemented by chic, contemporary interiors, making this the most luxurious, glamorous, and truly Parisian experience in the city.

The hotel's 138 luxurious rooms are some of the largest in Paris, providing elegance, comfort, space and light. The design combines Parisian sophistication, with art deco details and oriental touches. The hotel has worked with the foremost international names in architecture and design. 

The architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte supervised the renovation of the building, facade and patio. Sybille de Margerie imagined the interior design and decoration of the rooms, spa and public spaces, while Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku lent their talent to the bar and restaurants. The hotel's indoor garden of oriental inspiration was created by Wilmotte & Associés, in association with the landscape artists François Neveux and Bernard Rouyer.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris offers a choice of two restaurants and bar along with a delightful cake shop all brilliantly led by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Thierry Marx: Sur Mesure, a haute-couture restaurant for 40, Camélia, serving light French cuisine, and the vibrant Bar 8, which is set to be the place to ‘see and be seen'.

The hotel has a holistic Spa at Mandarin Oriental complete with a 14m swimming pool, a comprehensive fitness centre and a range of stylish event space.