Pharrell Williams’ New 5-Star Hotel to Open Facing the Tuileries in Paris

A Historic Paris Hotel Is Being Reimagined for a New Generation

Few locations in Paris carry quite the same sense of place as the former Saint-James & Albany. Positioned at the intersection of rue de Rivoli, rue Saint-Honoré and rue du 29 Juillet, the property sits directly opposite the Tuileries Gardens, within walking distance of the Louvre, Place Vendôme and some of the capital’s most prestigious fashion houses.

Acquired in 2024 by a joint venture involving Pharrell Williams, Mohari Hospitality and Omnam Investment Group, the property is now undergoing an extensive transformation. The ambition is to turn the historic hotel into a new five-star landmark, with the scale, privacy and service expected of a contemporary Parisian palace.

A Parisian Address With Centuries of History

The story of the Saint-James & Albany goes far beyond its recent hotel identity. The main historic building has origins dating back to the late 17th century, while the wider property evolved over successive centuries and became closely associated with Parisian hospitality. Its architectural and historical significance is reflected in its protected status. The property has been listed as a historic monument since 1960, with protection covering several façades, roofs, the vaulted passage, the former garden and elements of the courtyards. The site is also part of a protected urban landscape. This heritage will form an essential part of the property’s next chapter, as the existing architecture is carefully reworked around a completely new hospitality program.

From the Saint-James & Albany to a Future Parisian Palace

The hotel has been closed since 2021, following its previous renovation plans. Under its new ownership, the project has evolved considerably, with a second building permit filed in 2025 and the architectural work now being developed by Paris-based firm Valode & Pistre. The redevelopment covers approximately 14,000 square meters, with the goal of creating a more intimate and elevated hospitality experience than the former hotel offered. The future property will feature 106 rooms and suites, significantly reducing the number of keys compared with the hotel’s previous configuration. The move reflects a broader shift toward more spacious, private and personalized luxury hospitality.

106 Rooms and Suites Facing the Tuileries

The accommodation concept is one of the most significant changes to the project. Rather than retaining the larger room inventory of the former hotel, the new five-star property will offer 106 rooms and suites designed around contemporary standards of comfort and privacy. Some rooms will benefit from views toward the Jardin des Tuileries, with the property’s privileged position allowing guests to experience one of Paris’s most iconic landscapes from within the hotel. The reduction in room count is also part of a wider strategy to create a more exclusive atmosphere, with generous public spaces and highly personalized service.

Four Private Residences for an Even More Exclusive Stay

Adding another residential dimension to the project, the new hotel will also introduce four high-end private residences. Located within the northern wing of the historic Charles X building, the residences will have their own independent entrance on rue du 29 Juillet while remaining connected to the hotel’s services. The concept reflects the growing convergence between luxury hotels and private residences, offering long-stay guests and owners the privacy of a private home with access to the amenities and service of a five-star hotel.

Restaurants, Bars and a New Social Heart

The future Saint-James & Albany is being conceived as more than a place to sleep. Dining and social spaces will form a central part of the new experience, with restaurants, several bars and private entertaining spaces integrated throughout the property. One of the restaurants will occupy the ground floor of the historic Château and Madagascar buildings, opening toward the Saint-Honoré courtyard. Adjacent salons will provide spaces for private receptions and intimate dinners. The former entrance porch will also be preserved and reinterpreted as part of the arrival and dining experience, reconnecting the historic architecture with the hotel’s new identity.

Courtyards, Gardens and Hidden Parisian Spaces

Behind the grand façades of rue de Rivoli and rue Saint-Honoré lies another side of the project: a sequence of courtyards and gardens designed to create a sense of calm within the center of Paris. The Rivoli courtyard is planned as a landscaped setting combining terraces and gardens, while the Saint-Honoré courtyard will become an important focal point for the hotel’s restaurant and public spaces. This relationship between architecture, greenery and hospitality is particularly significant at a property whose greatest luxury may ultimately be its ability to offer privacy in one of the busiest parts of the capital.

Wellness Beneath the Historic Building

One of the most atmospheric elements of the redevelopment will be hidden below ground. The property’s vaulted cellars are being restored and transformed into a dedicated wellness area featuring a swimming pool, spa, fitness facilities and treatment rooms. Rather than adding a conventional contemporary spa, the project will use the historic architecture of the underground spaces to create an experience that combines heritage with modern wellness.

A Contemporary Vision for Luxury Hospitality

Pharrell Williams’ involvement adds another layer to the story. Best known globally for his work in music, fashion and culture, he is also familiar with the hospitality industry through his involvement in The Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach. His investment in the Saint-James & Albany places him at the center of a very different kind of hotel project: one rooted in the architectural heritage and cultural energy of Paris. Together with Mohari Hospitality and Omnam Investment Group, the project represents an intersection between international investment, contemporary culture and historic Parisian real estate.

Valode & Pistre Rework a Historic Landmark

The architectural transformation is being led by Valode & Pistre, the Paris-based architecture firm responsible for the restructuring of the property. The project carefully balances preservation and reinvention. Historic elements are being retained while circulation, guestrooms and public spaces are being reconfigured to meet the expectations of a modern luxury hotel. The 43-meter façade will continue to define the property’s presence on rue de Rivoli, while the historic stone entrance porch, courtyards and protected architectural elements will be integrated into the new hospitality concept.

One of Paris’s Most Anticipated Future Hotel Openings

No official opening date has yet been announced, and the future name of the hotel remains undisclosed. Its operator and room rates have also yet to be revealed. What is already clear, however, is the scale of the transformation. With 14,000 square meters being restructured, 106 rooms and suites, four private residences and an extensive collection of dining and wellness spaces, the project represents a significant new addition to Paris’s luxury hotel landscape. More than a renovation, the redevelopment is an opportunity to reinterpret a historic address for a new generation of travelers—one that values heritage, privacy, design, wellness and a strong sense of place.

When Pharrell Williams’ new Paris hotel eventually opens its doors, it could offer a distinctly contemporary interpretation of the Parisian palace: one where centuries of history meet a new generation of luxury hospitality, directly across from the Tuileries.

The next chapter of Parisian hospitality is taking shape. As the historic Saint-James & Albany prepares for its transformation, discover the new hotels redefining luxury hospitality across France and beyond.

Discover more new hotels in France → | Explore the 2026 hotel openings →

Article published on August 25, 2026

Written by