Checking In

Most hotels are owned and run by men. And what do men know about hospitality and housekeeping? Considering that they usually stock their rooms with only five hangers, I'd say not much. So I'm happy to report that some chic ladies are throwing their hats, or maybe I should say hard hats, into the hotel business. First up is former model and now brand ambassador for Roger Vivier, Ines de la Fressange, who plans to open a chic hotel in Paris. Hopefully she'll be able to juggle both jobs since the 18th-century building that will house not only her hotel, but a restaurant and spa, is a stones throw away from Faubourg Saint-Honore. I'm wondering if it will look anything like her pink apartment or like the Roger Vivier boutiques, both pictured here. Furniture designer, Hervé van der Straeten is the partner of Bruno Frisoni, who helms the fashion house, so it will be interesting to see if his pieces make the cut. I, for one, would definitely take advantage of that friends and family discount!

Paris isn't the only city getting some hotel help. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has been asked by the venerable 5-star hotel Claridge’s in London to make over 20 of its rooms and suites. She collaborated on the project with interior designer Olivier Gelbsman and they plan to stay true to the historic look of the hotel. While you won't be able to check into Ines' hotel until next year, you should be able to stay with Diane, or at least in her rooms, this June. I bet there will definitely be more than five hangers in their closets and probably really good gift shops too!

Photos from The Selby