VIBRANT VIEW The Sofitel Luxembourg exudes a comfortable aesthetic, meant to enhance its view of the historic architecture of the surrounding city.

The old town of Luxembourg, rife with vintage buildings and streets that date back several centuries, opened its arms to Sofitel Luxury Hotels and the new age of hospitality. Perched above the Petrusse and Alzette valleys, the Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal serves as the city's modern centerpiece.

The hotel's designer, Philippe Capron, mixed several concepts into one vision, giving this contemporary Luxembourg hotel a slightly French touch.

"There is always something in each realization that is in perfect harmony with the general environment, an osmosis, like a music note that sounds right in a certain space, where you feel good," Capron says.

MODERN COMFORT The Sofitel's guestrooms are driven by bold pastels and clean lines that provide a contemporary comfort.

The Grand Ducal's view of Luxembourg's historic quarters was the music to Capron's ears and became his inspiration for the hotel's design. This is most apparent in the Top Floor restaurant and Coco Mango Bar, which provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

The restaurant and bar décor contrasts white and colored furniture with black floors and walls. The ceiling is stretched lacquered linen. Capron feels this "puts the stress on the magnificent view." A silver-lined fabric called a moquette subtly reflects the outside light, altering the room's mood throughout the day.

"At night, the intensity of light declines and plays with colors accompanying the 'house and funk' music rhythm," Capron says.

The guestrooms are open, with maximum transparency between the living room and bathroom.

The rest of the interior architecture combines a high level of comfort with an eye-pleasing aesthetic that is both simple and sophisticated. The 128 rooms and suites have a modern design, with a focus on light and transparency, captured by an open bath and shower area. Some guests can bathe facing a view of the city's landscape.

COMFORTABLE SETTING The Sofitel's Top Floor restaurant has three private dining rooms that revolve around the city's landscape.

The lobby is outfitted with white Carrare marble floor, a black slate and sanded-glass reception desk and walls set with a contemporary plastering and black mirrors.

The hotel's Tea Room, located on the first floor, has "beef blood" red carpet and a lacquered ceiling of the same color that combines with black lacquered and gilded cupboards and suspended lights to provide a cozy, Asian atmosphere.

—Chris Crowell

PROJECT SPECS

Project: Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal, Luxembourg
Project cost: 45,000,000€
Opened: February 14, 2008
Designer: Philippe Capron
Owner: Fonciere Rocade (SA)
Design Team: Inter art
Architect of Record: Marc Werner
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