Journal

As Seen In | Gubi X Hotel Lilou

In the historic heart of Hyères, close to France’s Mediterranean coast, the Haussmannian facade of Hotel Lilou conceals a chic and timeless interior that honours the hotel’s heyday in the early 20th century.

A harmony of design eras

Wooden chair with armrests on a white background

Modern kitchen with a round dining table and black chairs, featuring a pendant light and large windows.

Daumiller Armchair

$1499

A round mirror with a reflective surface and a brass edge.

Dining room with green walls, a round mirror, and a table set for four.

GUBI Wall Mirror Round

$3499

A polished brass wall lamp with a brass colored textile cord, designed by Paavo Tynell.

9464 Wall Lamp

$799

Seamlessly weaving together different design eras, Lilou pays homage to Hyères’ heritage as a classic Côte d’Azur retreat – an in-demand destination of the European glitterati from the late 1800s onwards, who flocked to its sparkling azure coast in search of indulgent escape.

Hyères History of Hospitality
First opened as a hotel in 1890, the building is now a vision of owner David Pirone and the Parisian design studio Haddou Dufourcq. Together, they transformed what was a blank canvas into a 37-bedroom celebration of Hyères’ hospitality story, combining graphic art deco designs with Palladian elements and touches of 1920s tropical bohemianism.

Three-seater outdoor sofa with white cushions and wooden frame on a white background

Wicker sofa in a room with plants and a textured wall.

Bohemian 72 Sofa

$10999

Chair with white cushioned backrest and seat on a wooden base

Modern chair with a textured white cushion in a room with curtains and outdoor view

Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair

$5499

Modern living room with a red sofa, white armchair, and marble coffee table.

Doric Coffee Table

$5799

9602 Floor Lamp Wicker

$1999

In the lounge and bar, Gabriella Crespi’s Bohemian 72 Sofas - originally designed on the terrace of her Milan home in 1972 – conjure the carefree, tropical style of the 1920s. The sofa’s curved-rattan form is complemented by the rattan stem and bamboo shade of Paavo Tynell’s 9602 Floor Lamp, and contrasted with the raw stone materiality of GamFratesi’s Doric Coffee Tables in electric grey limestone.

Hotel Lilou’s 200-square meter terrace and pool are infused with the spirit of the Riviera holiday, with a Palladian-style pergola, specially commissioned frescoes, and cabochon stones to evoke the grand mansions of Hyères in the 19th century. Featured pieces from GUBI comprise of Rainer Daumiller’s robust armchairs in golden pine, Mathieu Matégot’s Tropique Dining Chairs, and Grace Lounge Chairs. Graphic lines, geometric layers, and bold framing converge in an eclectic but cohesive design narrative.