Interview with : Nicole Spitz, General Manager of Le Negresco

How did the idea of completely restoring Le Negresco come about?

Nicole Spitz - Le Negresco will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. So this was a fantastic opportunity to bring it into the 21st century. We have undertaken a complete renovation in line with our eco-palace approach, with the agreement of Madame Augier, the famous owner, who decides on everything herself, with a real eye for detail. All in all, over €10 million will be invested in this palace, which remains the only one in France still owned by a family.

What will be the big news?

N. S. - Without a doubt, the executive floor on the fifth floor will be fully equipped with home automation systems, enabling guests to "interact with their room" as soon as they book. For example, the television will be switched on automatically to the channel they have chosen, and the temperature in their room will be the one they want... In short, the room will 'recognise' the customer and their tastes. This is a first in France.

Will Negresco remain the legendary palace-museum?

N. S. - Of course, but with a few changes. We'll no longer be talking about the Hotel Negresco, but about the Negresco, which will become our brand, and for which we'll be creating our own line of hospitality products. As for the "palace-museum", I prefer to say living museum. Here, everything has a story, every work of art and every room is unique, the place has a soul, a life.