![Luxury hotels and the Olympic Games, a common story](/media/k2/items/cache/7ae73efe4c50580e061849ef2d5b5ea4_XL.jpg)
Luxury hotels and the Olympic Games, a common story
Thursday, 04 July 2024Paris, known as the City of Light, has always been a destination of choice for travelers in search of unforgettable experiences. As the capital prepares to host the 2024 summer Olympic Games, it's interesting to look back at the fascinating history of luxury hotels in Paris, a story that intertwines with the Olympic Games.
In the 19th century, the modern Olympic Games were relaunched in Athens, but their origins go back to Greek antiquity. In 776 BC, the first Olympic Games were celebrated in Olympia, Greece, as a tribute to the gods and a celebration of athletic competition. At the time, participants and spectators had the choice of staying with local people or in temporary guesthouses, the rudimentary ancestors of hotels, or camping in the open air. These practices reflected the traditions of the time, as well as the needs and resources available to travelers in ancient times.
It was in 1900, with the Universal Exhibition, that Paris became the stage for the Olympic Games for the very first time. This international event showcased the city as a world leader in innovation, culture and, of course, French elegance. As a result, wealthy travelers flocked to Paris, looking for luxurious accommodation to take full advantage of the city's vibrant atmosphere. And the luxury hotel industry, which was expanding rapidly at the time, became the ideal place for this selective clientele in search of impeccable service and incomparable comfort.
While the spectators were able to take advantage of this French-style luxury for accommodation, this was not the case for the athletes, who had no accommodation infrastructure at their disposal. So, it was at the 1924 Games in Paris that a major advance was made for the first time with the creation of the first Olympic Village dedicated to athletes.
Ideally located right in the center of the City of Light, the Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin must certainly have welcomed the refined visitors of these first Paris Olympic Games, in its building dating back to 1620 and still does continue the tradition of the art of hospitality, offering an unforgettable experience in the capital of fashion, gastronomy and culture for the upcoming Olympic Games.
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