Print Logo

Press releases

Find press releases about our latest products, innovations and technologies from the sanitary industry as well as TOTO, Japan's leading manufacturer of sanitary ware with a global presence.
25.10.2022

A legendary hotel starts a new life

Ava Gardner and Ernest Hemingway used to stay at Hotel Imperator in the southern French city of Nimes. TOTO WASHLET delivers the ultimate comfort and hygiene in the wellness-inspired bathrooms in this completely renovated five-star hotel.
  • The picture is a collage of two rooms: on the left is part of a bedroom with a blue seating area and a round side table next to a window, while on the right is a modern bathroom with two washbasins, a large round mirror and an illuminated shelf. The rooms are kept in an elegant, contemporary style, with neutral colors and accents in blue and gold.
  • The picture shows the interior of an elegant and spacious hotel lobby with a mixture of classic and modern furnishings. In the center is a large, yellow, semi-circular sofa flanked by two gray armchairs, while a curved staircase with a blue carpet and wrought-iron railing can be seen in the background.
  • The photo shows a view through a round, wall-mounted mirror of a stylish suite with a modern interior. A woman in an elegant dress is visible through the mirror, sitting in an armchair on the balcony and reading a book, while a free-standing bathtub can be seen in the foreground of the mirror.
  • The picture shows a luxurious bathroom with neutral tones and modern fittings. A free-standing bathtub is located in an alcove with a vaulted ceiling, while a long washbasin with two washbasins, large mirrors and gold-colored fittings can be seen opposite.
  • The photo shows a simple and clean toilet cubicle with modern elements. Tiled beige tones on the wall surround a white WASHLET, next to it is a toilet roll holder, a small waste garbage can and a brush, while a dispenser for hygiene products is mounted above it.
  • The picture shows the top of a bed in a brightly decorated room, with a dark blue, tufted headboard furnished with several cushions in gray and white. A framed work of art hangs above the bed, flanked by two modern, oval wall lamps that emit a warm light.
French-Argentinian architect Marcelo Joulia redesigned “Hotel L'Imperator” in collaboration with the Paris-based architecture and design firm Atelier COS. Photo: ©STEFAN KRAUS The luxurious five-star hotel was built in the Art Déco style of the 1920s. Today, it is home to three restaurants run by Michelin-star chef Pierre Gagnaire, a spa, and indoor and outdoor pools. Photo: ©STEFAN KRAUS Located in the heart of Nîmes, the hotel is a quiet refuge that offers guests complete privacy – down to the exclusive bathrooms. Photo: ©STEFAN KRAUS Architect Marcelo Joulia designed the bathrooms in beige natural stone, brass and elegant marble. Photo: ©STEFAN KRAUS The bathrooms at Hotel Imperator all feature one of TOTO’s top products: WASHLET. The shower toilet from the Japanese bathroom manufacturer is a perfect fit in these high-end bathrooms. Photo: TOTO Like many luxury hotel owners, the Albar familiy decided to work with TOTO. The Japanese bathroom manufacturer is synonymous with design, hygiene and outstanding comfort all around the world. Photo: ©STEFAN KRAUS

The Centaurus Group and their boutique hotel brand, Maison Albar Hotels, have brought “Hotel L'Imperator” in Nîmes back to life. After around 20 months of renovations, the legendary hotel once again offers its discerning guests extraordinary comfort – just a few steps away from the tourist highlights of the Southern French city. The famed Roman Arena, Maison Carrée and Jardin de la Fontaine are just around the corner.

 

Nîmes is known as the “Rome of France” for its many well-maintained structures from Roman times. Guests will find Imperator a comfortable oasis ideally situated in the heart of this fascinating city. When they walk through the doors of the city’s most famous hotel, they will find a world of effortless luxury: 53 rooms, eight private homes and a splendid garden spanning over 1,000 m2 . The hotel was built in the Art Déco style of the 1920s. Today, it is home to three restaurants run by Michelin-star chef Pierre Gagnaire, a spa, and indoor and outdoor pools.

 

French-Argentinian architect Marcelo Joulia redesigned “Hotel L'Imperator” in collaboration with the Paris-based architecture and design firm Atelier COS. Today, Imperator is an exquisite five-star hotel that promises guests an extraordinary stay with the charm of Southern France. Marcelo Joulia used contemporary materials to bring the glorious past of this hotel back to life – once housing names such as Ava Gardner, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí and Picasso.

 

TOTO provides comfort and hygiene in the bathroom

Located in the heart of Nîmes, the hotel is a quiet refuge that offers guests complete privacy – down to the bathrooms, which all feature one of TOTO’s top products: WASHLET. The shower toilet from the Japanese bathroom supplier looks amazing in the elegant hotel bathrooms designed by architect Marcelo Joulia, which feature beige natural stone, brass and elegant marble. Like many luxury hotel owners, the Albar family decided to work with TOTO. Exclusive design, hygiene, comfort and Japanese bathing culture – TOTO WASHLET is synonymous with all of these. It’s no wonder that over 50 million of them have been sold around the world so far.

 

The most important WASHLET hygiene and comfort features at a glance.

  • Adjustable warm water cleansing – temperature, spray type and pressure
  • Odour absorption · Heated seat
  • EWATER+ cleans the ceramic and wand jet with electrolysed water, which has antibacterial properties
  • PREMIST coats the toilet bowl in a fine mist of water prior to use – it’s more difficult for dirt and waste to stick to the ceramic when it’s wet
  • The powerful TORNADO FLUSH thoroughly cleans the entire toilet bowl
  • The long-lasting CEFIONTECT glaze keeps the surface looking shiny and new for years while preventing bacteria or dirt from accumulating
  • Elegant, easy-to-use remote control (the features may vary based on the model)

 

WASHLET provides enhanced comfort in the bathrooms at Hotel Imperator – for the well-being of all guests.

 

Facts + figures

Project: Maison Albar Hotel L'Imperator in Nîmes, France

Category: 5-star hotel

Number of rooms: 53 rooms and 8 private houses

Architect: Marcelo Joulia in collaboration with Atelier COS

Website: www.maison-albar-hotels-l-imperator.com

 

Results
Releasedate

Your press contacts

INDUSTRY PUBLICITY
Press office UK
TOTO Europe GmbH
Press office Europe
Anja Giersiepen

Always up-to-date

Are you an editor or journalist? Sign up for our press distribution list to get the latest news from TOTO.

*mandatory
Register

Try WASHLET® for yourself

Our WASHLET® Finder will help you find a location where you can try WASHLET® for yourself. Experience the benefits, features and unique design of WASHLET®, the original shower toilet from Japan.

Find WASHLET® in your area