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EXPERIMENTAL GROUP
Discover the story behind the Experimental Group hotel brand, its concept, and all the hotels in its collection.
The rise of Experimental Group: A new era of hospitality
Since its inception, Experimental Group has established itself as a key player in the luxury hospitality sector. Founded in 2007, the group has successfully combined refined design with a unique customer experience, creating a true niche in the market. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of this hotel brand.
The origins of Experimental Group
Experimental Group was founded in Paris by Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée De Goriainoff, three childhood friends passionate about gastronomy, hospitality, and the art of living. Their vision was to create places that transcend the usual expectations of guests, offering not just accommodation but also an immersive experience. Their first project, the Experimental Cocktail Club, opened its doors in 2007 on a small street in the Montorgueil district of Paris and quickly gained popularity, attracting a clientele eager for new experiences. In 2010, Xavier Padovani joined them, reinforcing the group’s common vision: to provide contemporary hospitality experiences to discerning guests around the world. The collection now includes 11 hotels in Paris, London, the Cotswolds, Ibiza, Menorca, Venice, and Biarritz.
The expansion of the brand
Following the success of their first bar, the group began to extend its operations. In 2014, they launched their first hotel, Grand Pigalle Experimental, located in the vibrant Pigalle district of Paris. This iconic venue combines bold design, a warm atmosphere, and exceptional service. The uniqueness of the establishment lies in its relaxed yet elegant ambiance, attracting both locals and travelers from around the world. Two years later, in 2017, Experimental Group opened the Henrietta Experimental hotel in Covent Garden, London. In 2018, they opened the Grands Boulevards Experimental hotel on Boulevard Poissonnière in Paris. The following winter, Experimental Group opened Experimental Chalet in Verbier, Switzerland. In 2019, they inaugurated Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice, located in the Dorsoduro district. Also in 2019, Menorca Experimental opened in Menorca, Balearic Islands. Le Garage and Le Régina Experimental opened successively in Biarritz in 2022, followed by Montesol Experimental in 2023 in the old town of Ibiza, and Cowley Manor Experimental in the Cotswolds, also in 2023. Their new address, Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, is set to open for the winter season of 2024-2025. This new hotel will feature 113 rooms, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, a spa, and a kids’ club. Experimental Roma (provisional name) is expected to open soon just steps from the famous Piazza di Spagna. Over the years, Experimental Group has continued to expand its portfolio by opening several luxury hotels in sought-after destinations. Each of these establishments reflects the group’s DNA, emphasizing style, quality, and customer experience.
The style of Experimental Group
Dorothée Michelzon, a French interior designer, has contributed to the decoration of Experimental Group hotels with a unique style that blends Parisian chic with bohemian influences. Her personalized approach aims to capture the essence of each hotel, creating spaces that tell a story while integrating local cultural elements. She utilizes carefully chosen color palettes and a variety of materials, characterizing her work with rich textiles, colorful walls, and architectural details that add depth and character. Her talent for mixing traditional and modern styles creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Dorothée also pays special attention to detail, meticulously selecting each decorative element to ensure visual coherence. Dorothée Michelzon brings a distinctive touch to the decoration of Experimental Group hotels, combining elegance, comfort, and innovation while remaining true to the unique identity of each establishment. The Experimental Verbier hotel was designed by interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghi and the Experimental Rome hotel will be designed by Rodolphe Parente.
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Grands Boulevards Experimental
17 Blvd Poissonnière, 75002 Paris – France
In the heart of Paris, just steps away from the Opéra and close to the Louvre, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the Grands Boulevards.
50 rooms and suites
Many rooms feature a balcony or an intimate terrace.
Grands Boulevards restaurant
Bar The Shell
Rooftop The Shed
Grand Pigalle Experimental
29 rue Victor Massé 75009 Paris – France
In a typically Haussmannian building, at the corner of Victor Massé and Henry Monnier streets, in the heart of the Pigalle district.
37 rooms and suites
The suites offer romantic views of the rooftops of Paris and Montmartre.
Frenchie Pigalle restaurant
Henrietta Experimental
14-15 Henrietta street, London – UK
In the heart of charming Covent Garden, within walking distance of the best theatres and museums.
40 rooms
Rooms inspired by Covent Garden’s rich history with a nod to Italian design.
Henri restaurant
Il Palazzo Experimental
Fondamenta Zattere Dorsoduro ve, Veninse – Italy
Nestled in the heart of Venice’s Dorsoduro district.
32 rooms and suites
Elegant design, delicate touch of Italian design.
Spacious interior garden overlooking a private canal
Adriatica restaurant
Bar Experimental Cocktail Club Venise
Menorca Experimental
Sant Llorenç, Menorca, Balearic Islands – Spain
Between turquoise cove and scrubland, a unique Mediterranean setting.
43 rooms and villas
Renaissance of a 19th century finca surrounded by 30 hectares of farmland.
Menorca Experimental restaurant
Menorca Experimental bar
Menorca Experimental spa
Menorca Experimental boutique
Montesol Experimental
Paseo de Vara de Rey, Ibiza, Balearic Islands – Spain
A true icon in the heart of Ibiza, set at the foot of the majestic Dalt Vila.
33 rooms
Each room offers a window open onto Ibiza, offering views that extend from the splendid city of Dalt Vila to the lively coming and going of the marina.
Café Montesol restaurant
Rooftop cocktail bar
Le Garage
50 av de l’Impératrice, Biarritz – France
A timeless private mansion located next to the ocean.
27 rooms and suites
Comfortable and intimate, the rooms are decorated in a style that is both raw and refined: neo-retro.
Néo bistrot restaurant
Swimming-pool
Regina Experimental Biarritz
52 av de l’Impératrice, Biarritz – France
Standing on a cliff facing the ocean, the grandiose Belle Époque building overlooking the Bay of Biarritz is transformed to welcome you again.
72 rooms and suites
Spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned, the rooms enjoy an ideal location with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Biarritz.
Frenchie Biarritz restaurant
Swimming-pool
Spa by Regina Experimental
Regina Experimental Biarritz boutique
Experimental Chalet
Route de Verbier Station 55, Bagnes – Switzerland
Perched on the snow-capped peaks of Verbier, the Experimental Chalet offers panoramic views of the Alps and Mont Combin.
39 rooms and suites
Minimalist and comfortable design. Some rooms have a terrace or jacuzzi.
Frenchie Verbier restaurant
Experimental Cocktail Club Verbier bar
Spa by Biologique Recherche in the heart of Verbier
Cowley Manor Experimental
Cowley Cheltenham, Gloucestershire – UK
Nestled in the enchanting Cotswolds, Cowley Manor is a haven of luxury that captures the essence of historic grandeur.
36 rooms and suites
Meticulously designed, each offering an oasis of comfort and charm.
Cowley Manor restaurant
Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds
C-Side Spa
Cowley Manor Expérimental boutique
Images courtesy Grands Boulevards Experimental, Grand Pigalle Experimental, Henrietta Experimental, Il Palazzo Experimental, Menorca Experimental, Montesol Experimental, Le Garage, Regina Experimental Biarritz, Experimental Chalet, Cowley Manor Experimental, Stay Some Days.
Article updated on October 2, 2024
