When in Paris, be a guest of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte

Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, better known as Josephine, was the wife of Napoléon Bonaparte and remained the love of his life until the day he died. Even after their very famous divorce due to their inability to produce an heir, their close relationship lasted until her death in 1814. Joséphine Bonaparte embodied what we would consider nowadays “fashion icon” status. Not only was she dressed in fashions resembling a Greek goddess, but her graceful and tiny figure and her sweet attitude were essential to the Emperor whose social life certainly became more successful thanks to her social graces and ability to entertain.

More than a classic homage, the recently opened Parisian 4-star Hôtel JOBO - short for Joséphine Bonaparte, a nickname, like many, that the modern day press has created for famous couples on social media – has quickly earned a reputation for being an establishment that combines the idea of a contemporary world amenities inspired by what is imagined to be the style of the empress and her exquisite taste.

Since Joséphine had a passion for flowers and a particular fondness for roses, interior designer Bambi Sloan used the blooms as a focal point in the décor all over the hotel. We should not forget that Joséphine’s given name was Marie Josèphe Rose and one of her greatest passions later in life was for her rose garden at her home in Malmaison.

As a leading theme, roses can therefore be found in almost every room of the hotel, be it in the specially designed carpets as well as on the wallpaper copied from ancient French manufacturers and reprinted by Maison Pierre Frey. It is a little known but very interesting fact that the leopard print can be attributed to Joséphine, a legendary style icon. The stylish patterns of the wildcat can be seen in the exclusive prints designed for Hôtel JOBO on carpets and upholstery.

The leading theme in this hotel, built on the remains of a 17th century convent by architects Didier and Francis Knoll, is a modern version of the flamboyant Directoire taste with a touch of romance and boudoir. The establishment which is small, with only 24 rooms, resumes the quintessential expression of what many consider the Parisian identity. The Hôtel JOBO is an elegant venue and a charming home to its visitors, be they tourists staying over a few days or locals come to enjoy afternoon tea or evening cocktail.

Surely enough, each of the guests at JOBO will feel very inspired by the stories that seem to abound all around the venue, mixing successfully modern comfort with one of the greatest love stories in French history.