Qatar's ruling family is preparing to sell one of its most prestigious and historic real estate holdings in Europe: the Hôtel du Louvre, located in the heart of Paris directly opposite the famed Louvre Museum.
According to reports in the French press, the Al Thani family, which rules Qatar, has decided to put the hotel up for sale after 13 years of ownership. Investment bank Lazard has been appointed to manage the sale process, though the asking price has not yet been disclosed.
The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1855, is considered one of Paris's earliest luxury hotels. It was purchased in 2013 through Constellation Hotels Holdings as part of a broader deal that included four luxury hotels in France, for approximately 800 million euros.
Today the hotel comprises 164 rooms, including 57 suites, and spans roughly 18,000 square meters. One of its most opulent suites, the Empire Suite, offers a direct view of the Louvre, two bedrooms, and balconies in classic Parisian style. A night there can run as high as $4,000.
But beyond the grandeur and impressive architecture, the hotel also holds an extraordinary piece of history: in November 1875, the original hotel hosted a fundraising event for the construction of the Statue of Liberty, which was later gifted to the United States by France.
The art world, too, has left its mark on the hotel. The renowned Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro stayed there in the late 19th century and painted 11 works from its windows, documenting the Parisian landscape. One of the hotel's suites is now named after him.
In recent years the building underwent extensive renovation, during which historic architectural details were preserved alongside the integration of modern design and luxury amenities.
Despite the reports of the sale, the identity of the future buyer remains unknown. Whoever acquires the property will receive not only a five-star hotel in the heart of one of the world's most sought-after districts, but also a building that has witnessed more than 170 years of French history.
