From Rudyard Kipling to François Mauriac, from Arletty to Florence Gould, since its creation Hotel Le Meurice has continuously nurtured intimate links with artists. But of all the guests that have stayed at the hotel, Salvador Dalí, legendary Spanish surrealist painter, was certainly the most loyal. For more than three decades, he spent one month a year at the hotel, leaving behind wonderful stories, all witness to his legendary extravagance and innumerable sources of inspiration.

Drawing inspiration from Dalí, designer Philippe Starck and his team envisioned the restoration of Le Meurice keeping Dalí’s spirit alive in almost every object created for the hotel. From the chairs, tables and sofas to the lamps, the piano and the fireplace, simple objects are exquisitely designed to represent facets of his artistic repertoire and his eccentric persona. One such unique chair standing on three shapely legs dressed in elegant shoes is based on an original drawing by Dalí; it stands out as the most noticeable piece among the furniture.

Throughout his life and work, Dalí maintained an intimate relationship with the polymorphous world of fashion and shoes featured constantly in his paintings, photographs, installations and, in this case, furniture in the 1930s. But most of all, Dalí’s presence looms large at Le Dalí, a restaurant where the tantalising combination of delicious cuisine and Dalí’s mystical aura merge to create an irresistible combination. “No one more than Dalí will have spent a lifetime cultivating his own legend, writing his own story. Orchestrator of his fantasies, artist of his eccentricities, for 30 years Salvador Dalí took up residence at Le Meurice each December. He trans-formed his suite into the theatre of his exploits and exhibitions. With Dalí, an air of madness descended on the hotel. With Starck, an aura of freedom,” says Franka Holtmann, General Manager, Le Meurice.