I stopped in for a coffee at the Hotel Le Meurice to take advantage of the Wifi and checkout the Philippe Starck “re-looking.” Starck was brought in to give the lobby and restaurants of the distinguished and très cher hotel a revamping in terms of furniture and colors. To reawaken “Sleeping Beauty.” The effect is a more dynamic mix of unique antiques and unexpected pieces like a three-legged table with elegant gold shoes on each foot, that work very well together.

One of the big changes is that Starck brought in his daughter Ara to paint a sort of draped ceiling canvas over what used to be called the Winter Garden. When the hotel reopened in 2000, they were proud to have found an original Gustave Eiffel glass ceiling over this space. Now they’ve re-baptized the room the “Dali” and brought in Starck junior to cover the same ceiling. Yes, it is dramatic and modern and yes, it makes sense to use Dali – a long time hotel resident – as inspiration (without going over board). Still one wonders how long the canvas will stay in place – I’d like to see how the old glass ceiling works with the new Philippe Starck furnishings. But that’s just me.

Don’t forget that Le Meurice is home to one of Paris’ best chefs – Yannick Alléno. Only 38 years old he already earned two Michelin stars. I’ve eaten in his restaurant for lunch, one dinner and even a special Fourth of July luncheon and every time was heaven.

Le Meurice. 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. Tel: (33) 1 44 58 10 10. www.lemeurice.com