Take a look at the new hotel opening next to the Palace of Versailles

Just 200m from the historic Palace of Versailles, the Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château, MGallery by Sofitel opened its doors this month to offer guests a glimpse of French history in truly contemporary luxury. The hotel is set in a completely renovated 19th century building originally constructed for the War Ministry of King Louis-Napoléon III – better known as Napoléon Bonaparte.

The four-star hotel is the perfect starting point to explore the Gardens of Versailles, famously renovated by André Le Notre during the reign of Louis XIV in 1661, from the top of the Avenue de Paris. It is also close to Versailles’ other attractions, such as the Royal Opera, the Centre de Musique Baroque and the Théâtre Montansier.

The renovations of the boutique hotel, designed by architectural firm Sundukovy Sisters, plays on the most outstanding original features of the property such as the natural light provided by its central glass roof, and geometric Orangerie in the stylised château gardens. At a modest four floors, the hotel delivers one of the highest viewpoints in the Royal City, since properties were not permitted to be higher than the King’s bedrooms in the Palace nearby.

Instead, Le Louis boast seven suites and two junior suites among its 152-rooms, decorated in a Baroque-influenced style inspired by the palace and named for its most famous residents – including Louis XVI and Marie-Antionette. The décor continues into public spaces, including the L’Alcôve bar-restaurant. And for guests fascinated by the history of this royal city, no trip would be complete without a personalised tour of the palace, gardens and infamous names that lived among them.