As a writer that’s focused on the hospitality industry, I’m constantly seeking the most opulent and best-designed hotels in the world. And in my daily research, I’ve noticed one name that frequently stands out – that name is Jacques Garcia.
Jacques Garcia is a world-renowned French architect and interior designer who holds an impressive portfolio of hotel designs. He’s an eclectic character who likes wearing dark navy Ralph Lauren suits and bright red Berluti socks, but more importantly, he’s achieved international fame as a leader in hotel design.
But before we start dabbling in his most recognized creations, let’s find out what the tasteful genius is all about.
Who is Jacques Garcia?
Born in 1947, Jacques Garcia grew up in the suburbs of Paris, France.
At the age of eight, he showed a penchant for design by creating structures and furnishing his grandmother’s house. Later on, his fascination with art became more obvious as he collected antiques, which grew to thousands and ended up in some of his work.
Jacques Garcia’s projects range from the Louvre’s 17th- and 18th-century decorative arts galleries to the Place Vendôme Parisian townhouse for the Sultan of Brunei. In a nutshell, he’s worked on some of the world’s most treasured buildings.
His career spans more than 30 years, making him one of the most sought-after designers of our time.
Le style Garcia
Maison Souquet – Paris, France
Recognized by TripAdvisor reviews as the most romantic hotel in the world, Maison Souquet is a 5-star hotel known for its sultry design. It’s bold. It’s lavish. And it’s distinguished for Jacques Garcia’s good taste. The hotel is a combination of Arabian and Napoleon III style with an eclectic collection of furniture, artwork, and paintings.
La Mamounia – Marrakech
Entirely renovated by Jacques Garcia in 2009, La Mamounia is a Moroccan palace in a mythical setting. It has an Arab-Moorish style with a comfortable touch of the totally modern. Back in the day, its location was once considered by Sir Winston Churchill as “the loveliest spot in the whole world”.
The Vagabond Club Singapore
With a design philosophy of “all things in excess”, The Vagabond Club Singapore exudes an edgy vibe and an eclectic atmosphere. The hip hotel is focused on art and is housed in a 1950s art deco building.
InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel – France
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic building was refurbished to preserve its 18th-century splendour. Le Grand Hotel reopened back in 2015 and now boasts of refined and sumptuous rooms, rich furnishings, chandeliers, and dashes of bright colour.
The NoMad Hotel – New York, USA
Located at the North of Madison Square Park, The Nomad Hotel oozes of modern European grandeur combined with a characteristic Downtown edge. It’s another Garcia-renovated piece that’s housed in a converted turn of the century Beaux-Arts building.
Hotel Costes – Paris, France
Designed by Jean Louis Costes & Jacques Garcia in 1995, the hotel is one of the most fashionable luxury hotels in Paris. It features an Italian Baroque-style décor with a laid-back yet chic ambience.
To this day, Jacques Garcia is an avid collector of furniture and royal art objects dispersed after the French Revolution. He likes rare and peculiar pieces with strong links to the past.
For his achievements, he was named commander of the Order of Arts and Letters and a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. These recognitions are for his significant contributions to the enrichment of the French cultural inheritance.
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