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Nestled in the vibrant Amphithéâtre district of Metz, Maison Heler Metz, a Stark hotel and part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, redefines contemporary hospitality with its visionary blend of art, storytelling, and architecture. Designed by the iconic Philippe Starck, this hotel is not merely a place to stay but an immersive, surreal experience that captures the imagination from the moment you arrive.
LOCATION >
Maison Heler’s architectural statement is striking—a monolithic nine-story concrete and metal base crowned by a perfectly preserved 19th-century Lorraine mansion seemingly suspended in mid-air. This rooftop house, inspired by a fictional narrative crafted by Starck himself, tells the tale of Manfred Heler, an eccentric inventor whose ancestral home is mysteriously elevated above the cityscape. This blend of brutalist modernity and historic charm creates a fascinating dialogue between past and present, giving the hotel its unique identity and commanding presence beside the Centre Pompidou-Metz.
THE STORY >
Philippe Starck gives birth to a wonderful tale: “The Meticulous Life of Manfred Heler”, a novel imagined by the creator and published by Allary Éditions. This poetic project tells the adventures of Manfred Heler, a man with a contemplative and meticulous mood, devoted to new inventions, perpetually marveling, and seeking to charm his fantasized beloved, Rose. Everything in the hotel is built around the story and the story comes to life in the architecture and design of the hotel.
SLEEP >
Inside, the hotel opens into a world where design is a form of literary art. Each of the 104 guest rooms and suites echoes a refined minimalism marked by expansive marble panels, sliding mirrors, plush carpeting, and exposed concrete ceilings. The décor strikes an “almost Spartan” elegance that’s free of superfluity but rich in texture—soft cotton whites, sleek greys, and warm leather touches. Thoughtful details unfold throughout, including intriguing artistic installations and subtle puzzles that invite guests to explore and engage with the story of Manfred Heler.
EAT >
Maison Heler offers not just a stay but a sensory narrative. The two restaurants are extensions of the hotel’s imaginative ethos. La Cuisine de Rose, the ground-floor brasserie, bathes in soft pink hues and surrealist accents, embodying Manfred’s romantic muse Rose in both design and menu—an inviting setting for all-day casual dining. Meanwhile, perched at the top floor within the rooftop mansion, La Maison de Manfred serves as a serene family restaurant. It’s a place where textured leather columns, rough-hewn wood, and natural terracotta tiles create warm intimacy, and Ara Starck’s stained glass windows flood the space with an ethereal kaleidoscope of color, casting a cathedral-like ambiance over diners.
DRINK >
Beyond dining, the hotel includes cozy bars, flexible event spaces, and a rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of Metz’s cityscape. The overall design philosophy encourages reflection and creativity, inviting guests to feel both at home and transported—part of a poetic narrative where history, fantasy, and everyday life intertwine seamlessly.
CONCLUSION >
Maison Heler is much more than a hotel—it is a living work of art and architecture, a surreal home away from home that invites travelers to lose themselves in a storybook setting. It elevates the city of Metz by echoing its diverse architectural heritage while boldly staking out new ground in experiential hospitality. For those seeking a stay that’s as intellectually engaging as it is visually stunning, Maison Heler stands apart as a masterpiece of design and narrative, promising an unforgettable journey into a world of imagination and refined comfort.
This hotel resonates deeply with those drawn to the art of storytelling through space and design—every corner beckons curiosity, every stay offers a chapter in a dreamlike tale crafted by one of the world’s most renowned creators.
Perfectly suited for travelers who appreciate surreal beauty and innovative concepts, Maison Heler Metz is an essential destination for 2025, setting a sublime benchmark for creative hotels reinventing the experience of stay in Europe.
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Image Credit | Maison Heler Metz and Stark
