Redefining the art of hospitality. Since the opening of the Experimental Cocktail Club in Paris in 2007, the Experimental Group has continuously reinvented the codes of high-end hospitality and dining. At the heart of this journey are three passionate mixology enthusiasts—Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée de Goriainoff—later joined by Xavier Padovani.
This collective of entrepreneurs has successfully built a strong identity, placing innovation and pleasure at the centre of each endeavour. Today, the group shines on the international stage with around twenty establishments across six countries, offering a bold and contemporary take on luxury—one that blends design, gastronomy, and genuine warmth.
Boutique Hotels with Soul
The Experimental Group has made its mark by redefining the boutique hotel concept. Their venues combine warmth, relaxed elegance, and refined taste to create living spaces where authenticity meets subtle modernity. Each property is conceived as a sophisticated setting, fusing local craftsmanship with a forward-thinking approach to hospitality.
The group’s signature destinations include three properties in Paris as well as iconic locations such as Menorca, Venice, Ibiza, New York, London, and Cowley Manor in England’s Cotswolds.
Reaching New Heights: Alpine Elegance Meets Festive Living
Following the success of the Experimental Chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, the group is expanding its alpine presence with a new hotel in the French Alps: the Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, set to open at the end of 2024. These properties embody the group’s DNA: reimagining alpine hospitality with a contemporary, festive twist.
Both the Verbier and Val d’Isère addresses reflect this ethos. In Verbier, Milanese designer Fabrizio Casiraghi offers a chic and bohemian reinterpretation of mountain living, combining raw wood, local stone, and cosy textiles with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the peaks. Wellness takes centre stage, with a Biologique Recherche spa, indoor pool, and sauna. In Val d’Isère, Dorothée Meilichzon brings a modern take on Savoyard style—using noble materials and playful accents—in a 113-room hotel complete with a Dr. Barbara Sturm spa, restaurants, and a 1970s-inspired cocktail bar.
On the culinary front, Frenchie in Verbier perfectly encapsulates the group’s philosophy: inventive, generous cuisine deeply rooted in local terroir. Led by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Grégory Marchand, the menu blends spontaneity with sincerity. For him, indulgence is not just encouraged—it’s a way of life, with every dish crafted as a celebration of conviviality.
Meanwhile, the Experimental Cocktail Clubs—pillars of the brand’s identity—extend the group’s festive spirit, offering signature creations such as the Génépi Fizz and the Fluffy Garibaldi. Found in both mountain resorts and major cities, these bars have become global ambassadors of a distinctly French art de vivre.
“Hospitality is not just about service—it’s about emotion. What we create at Experimental are memories. Places where people live, share, and return to.”
Culinary Excellence and Immersive Atmosphere at the Core
Born from a passion for mixology, the Experimental Group has elevated gastronomy to a cornerstone of its success. Each location pairs exceptional cuisine with an inventive cocktail menu, all within a thoughtfully designed environment that offers a truly immersive experience.
The Experimental Group has earned recognition for its distinctive approach to hospitality, going far beyond the traditional hotel stay. Each establishment is conceived as a complete lifestyle destination—seamlessly integrating hotels, restaurants, cocktail bars, and wellness spaces. Here, meticulous design, warm ambiance, and culinary excellence coexist in harmony.
A Growing Global Footprint
The Experimental Group appeals to a cosmopolitan clientele in search of unique, emotionally resonant experiences. The arrival of Christian Louboutin as a minority shareholder in July 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the group’s journey. His investment, far from anecdotal, reflects the increasing interest of luxury icons in experiential hospitality.
Louboutin is joined by other strategic investors, including Jean Moueix—heir to the renowned Pomerol wine dynasty—and Brookfield Asset Management, a global leader in real estate and investment. Together, this trio brings financial strength, influential networks, and a refined lifestyle vision.
By focusing on long-term partnerships, the Experimental Group is well-positioned to expand its brand into global capitals and exclusive resort destinations—while staying true to its core ethos: accessible, creative, and emotionally resonant luxury.
Rapid Growth and Proven Success
A clear sign of this dynamic momentum is the recent opening of Experimental Marais in Paris, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the capital. Nestled in a former private mansion in one of the city’s most vibrant, artistic districts, this latest property perfectly embodies the group’s DNA: an intimate yet lively atmosphere, inspired signature cuisine, boldly creative cocktails, and meticulous attention to detail verging on craftsmanship.
Far from resting on its laurels, the Experimental Group continues to deliver outstanding commercial results, boasting record occupancy rates and exceptional customer loyalty. The brand has become synonymous with a distinctive art of living—one that blends sophistication, conviviality, and daring originality.
And the adventure is just beginning. Following its Paris opening, the group will debut in Rome in summer 2025 with a hotel and cocktail bar housed in a historic palazzo. Further projects are already in the pipeline in Cadaqués, on the Catalan coast, and in Portugal—new frontiers for a brand clearly in full creative bloom.
The Future of Luxury Is Already Here
With steady growth, a bold creative spirit, and sharp entrepreneurial acumen, the Experimental Group exemplifies a new generation of luxury players—those who favour experience over ostentation, human connection over protocol, and authenticity over standardisation.
By bringing together talents from design, gastronomy, and investment, the group is building a cohesive ecosystem where each venue tells its own story. Whether it’s a cocktail in the heart of Paris or a high-altitude spa retreat, the guiding principle remains the same: to create lasting memories. And perhaps that, above all, is the ultimate definition of luxury.
