REOPENING SEPTEMBER 25th
THE JEWEL OF THE OPAL COAST SHINES AGAIN
After several months of renovation, we are pleased to welcome you back in the fall. You will soon get to live a unique experience in a sublimated decor.
The Westminster’s 115 rooms, bar and two restaurants have been entirely redesigned and refreshed by French interior designer Bruno Borrione, who was keen to enhance and preserve its Art Deco spirit.
While waiting to write a new chapter of The Westminster's story with us, get an exclusive glance at the bedrooms' new decor and delve into the stories of the key figures who have made or are making the hotel shine.
Véronique Sabatier, the radiant one
At Le Westminster Spa, Véronique Sabatier is in charge of your wellness. Serenity maestro, zen virtuoso and bubbly manager of the Spa where she loves pampering her guests and colleagues! Whether it’s arriving at the Westminster in a torrential downpour and then diving into the pool to change the light bulbs prior to an Iggy Pop video, or doing the make-up of the all the Hotel’s departments for themed evenings, Véronique Sabatier always does everything with passion and enthusiasm, and reigns over her kingdom of the senses radiating her energy to all those around her!
Ladislas Boehm, globe trotting dad
Much loved by families, Le Westminster wanted to make sure it offered them the very best. And this is where Ladislas Boehm comes in. He’s an expert when it comes to creating concepts for children and teenagers. As a boy, Ladislas travelled the world with his parents. As an adult, he came up with a five-star concept for children, and developed the Petit VIP label of excellence for families. In a sophisticated, safe and eco-friendly universe, children learn while having fun and sharing memories with friends for life. For parents, Petit VIP is an exclusive service offering peace of mind and occasions to re-connect with their children. At Studio by Petit VIP at Le Westminster, children discover new skills in sport and the ten major art forms. This inspired entrepreneur has just one motto: “Come back when you’re grown up!” Le Westminster resounds with the laughter and dreams of its young artists!
Camille Baras : the romantic
Camille Baras joined Le Westminster 15 years ago, and is now Executive Assistant for marketing and events. She embodies the image of the hotel, both inside and out. She advises couples who choose Le Westminster for their wedding, is a calming presence to brides and has even been known to lend her pumps to one who was suffering from her uncomfortable shoes. She has put just as much effort into organising seminars and supervising the opening of the children's club, Le Studio by Petit VIP. An inventive member of our team, she loves nothing more than to forge bonds: those of marriage and happiness, the bond between Le Westminster and its guests, and even the bonds that go beyond these walls.
Hervé Dufrenoy, the icon
Since 1989, he has become an essential feature and is almost part of the furniture. From server to Head Waiter, Hervé Dufrenoy, now COO, has grown with Le Westminster for over 30 years. Since his arrival on 23 March 1989, he has collected plenty of anecdotes and wonderful stories. Like the two strangers who fell in love at a wedding and return, each year, to their room with a 100 cm bed: No. 216. Or the dog whose masters always book him a room... Hervé Dufrenoy has contributed so much to Westminster, and she gives plenty in return!
Bruno Borrione, the creative
Reinventing Le Westminster is a real challenge. Inspired, French architect Bruno Borrione works with passion and talent. Do not forget the past. Keep true to your soul without sacrificing your creativity. Renovating the icon that is Le Westminster is no small task. Bruno Borrione draws on the Art Deco style so characteristic of the hotel to enhance the rooms and communal spaces. Regulars will rediscover modernised sophistication at their West.
John Banizette : the intrepid
From the elegance of Paris’ Golden Triangle to the delicacy of the Opal Coast, John Banizette has left Paris to lead the refurbishment of Le Westminster. While he made his mark at Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées, it is Le Touquet’s flagship hotel that now has his full attention. Director General of Le Westminster since March, John Banizette arrived in the middle of a huge construction site. Sharp, meticulous and lively, he is ensuring that the new West will live up to the memories of its most loyal regulars, the expectations of aspiring guests and the mythical status of Le Touquet’s star establishment.
Barbara Hutton, unlucky lady luck
The wealthy Woolworth heiress was known for her glittering social life, and it was at Le Westminster that the "poor little rich girl" came to rest. In 1950 in the aftermath of a media frenzy in which she had had the public hooked with stories of her romantic misfortunes, her many marriages and her staggering wealth, Barbara Hutton sought shelter at Le Westminster. She was dumbstruck upon realising that the porter recognised her without ever having laid eyes on her before. But word travels fast between the United States and Le Touquet...
Ian Fleming, the player
Although the creator of James Bond was inspired by the Casino Barrière at Le Touquet, the actors responsible for bringing the world's most famous secret agent to life would flock to Le Westminster. In the early 1950s, Ian Fleming and other British expats would gather at the Casino in Le Touquet. Inspired by the scenes unfurling before his eyes, it was here that the writer came up with the very first story for his world-renowned spy. Casino Royale is none other than Le Touquet. And 'James Bond' in all his many guises loved the place, too: Sean Connery signed his first 007 contract at Le Westminster, and Roger Moore used to stay here "with pleasure" !
The Duchess of Westminster, dashing style.
A skilled embroiderer, enthusiastic gardener, scintillating hostess and dazzling editor - Le Westminster was named after a fascinating character. The woman behind the name. Née Constance Edwina Cornwallis, Loelia Lindsay became Duchess of Westminster as a result of her unhappy marriage to Arthur Hugh Grosvenor second Duke of Westminster. This elegant, vivacious patron of the military hospital that was moved into the casino during World War I continues to watch over Le Westminster today.
Raoul Jourde, lavish opulence.
1925. Over to Raoul Jourde to continue the adventure! Under his management, Le Westminster was extended and expanded, and treated to a more sumptuous and somewhat playful feel. Barely a year after its grand opening, the time had come for Le Westminster to scale up. Art Deco golden boy Raoul Jourde kitted the hotel out with 250 luxurious rooms and a majestic sweeping hall. An elegant landmark on the local landscape, or a hideaway for visiting dandies staying at nearby hotels with their wives? The rumour mill was in full swing, and Le Westminster fully booked.
Auguste Bluysen, insightful efficiency
Inspiration, expertise and creativity were needed to bring Le Westminster to life, and Auguste Bluysen more than fit the brief. In 1924, eight months was all it took architect Auguste Bluysen to gift the Le Touquet forest “yet another crown jewel”. 110 rooms, an elegant Art Deco façade and oozes of royal flourishes, from Queen Anne-style touches to Louis XIII and Louis XVI furniture: regal inspiration reigned supreme here, and Le Westminster was born.
