They Did What: Hôtel Costes

Hôtel Costes in Paris is celebrated for seamlessly integrating sound and music into its luxurious ambiance, crafted to enhance the guest experience.

Its sonic identity, shaped by DJ Stéphane Pompougnac, blends ambient, downtempo, and electronic sounds, becoming a hallmark of Parisian sophistication.

The curated soundscapes extend beyond the hotel, thanks to globally acclaimed music compilations that allow listeners to bring a touch of Hôtel Costes’ atmosphere into their own spaces.

Throughout the hotel, music is subtly woven into each space, creating an immersive experience without overwhelming the setting.

Each area—whether the lobby, bar, or guest rooms—is designed to evoke an air of elegance, with music flowing through the day and shifting to mirror the vibrancy of Parisian nightlife in the evening. This thoughtful curation ensures that the hotel’s ambiance remains refined and cohesive.

By establishing a unique sonic identity, Hôtel Costes has pioneered music as an essential component of luxury branding. Its iconic music compilations reinforce this influence, allowing the hotel’s sound to resonate worldwide and helping Hôtel Costes set a standard for how sound can define a space.

Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of music curation across spaces like the restaurant, bar, and outdoor areas, exploring how each setting’s ambiance is uniquely crafted.

Finally, we’ll examine Hôtel Costes’ iconic music albums and their lasting legacy, demonstrating how sound has become integral to the brand’s identity.

Curated Soundscapes for Different Spaces

At Hôtel Costes, music is strategically used to enhance the sophisticated, intimate ambiance that defines each space, providing a seamless blend of sound and design that immerses guests in the hotel’s signature atmosphere.

Here’s how music is curated across various areas within Hôtel Costes:


Lobby & Lounge

The lobby and lounge serve as the heart of Hôtel Costes’ sound experience, where curated music blends lounge, downtempo, and chill-out genres to create a laid-back yet elegant atmosphere that welcomes guests into a chic, cosmopolitan vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the curated music experience in these spaces:

1. Seamless Welcome

The lobby music sets the tone from the moment guests enter, transitioning them smoothly into the hotel’s refined ambiance. Soft downtempo and chill-out beats complement the warm lighting, creating an elegant yet unobtrusive background.

2. Playlist Curation

Led by Studio HC and Watch Your Music, the playlist reflects the hotel’s luxurious, cosmopolitan character, blending lounge, jazz, and deep house to balance timeless elegance with contemporary relevance. Both modern and vintage tracks are selected to keep the mix distinctive, with dayparting ensuring the sound adapts to the time of day.

3. Personalized Dayparting

The music evolves with the hotel’s energy throughout the day: light acoustic or jazz in the morning, modern lounge or bossa nova in the afternoon, and by evening, a more sultry, sophisticated vibe with deep house, jazz fusion, and downtempo electronic.

4. Non-Repetitive Playlists

Hôtel Costes offers fresh, varied playlists that avoid repetition, enhancing the sense of luxury and keeping the atmosphere dynamic yet comfortable.

5. Audio Zoning

Audio zoning creates distinct soundscapes for different areas, with the lobby setting a welcoming tone, and the lounge offering a more intimate and relaxed vibe. Each space provides a unique auditory experience, yet all reflect the hotel’s cohesive, luxurious sound.

6. Conversation-Friendly Volume and BPM Control

In the lounge, volume levels are carefully controlled to support conversation without disturbance. Tracks are chosen with a BPM range of 90-120, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

7. Signature Sound as Brand Identity

The music at Hôtel Costes has become an integral part of its brand identity, reflecting the hotel’s sophisticated, international, and modern style. This signature sound invites guests into an exclusive, stylish world, making music a core component of the Hôtel Costes experience.

Photo Credit: Hôtel Costes

Restaurant & Bar

The restaurant and bar at Hôtel Costes are where the curated music truly comes alive.

Stéphane Pompougnac’s playlists, blending electronic beats, bossa nova, jazz, and world music, create a sensual, immersive environment for guests to enjoy their meals and drinks.

Here’s how music shapes the experience in these spaces:

1. Curating an Upscale Dining Atmosphere

Music in the restaurant is crafted to provide a refined, relaxing dining experience that complements the culinary offerings. Smooth jazz, bossa nova, and mellow lounge music enhance the elegant ambiance without overpowering conversation. During quieter dining hours, softer acoustic tracks create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

2. Elevating the Evening Vibe for Dining

As evening sets in, the music transitions to a livelier, more upbeat selection, featuring lounge house, nu-jazz, and deep electronic beats. This shift aligns with the evening energy as guests arrive for dinner or socializing, subtly raising the tempo while preserving a chic, upscale feel.

3. Crafting a Vibrant Bar Experience

Known for its engaging, high-energy music, the bar’s playlists feature deep house, nu-disco, and eclectic lounge beats, setting a social, dynamic tone. This vibrant atmosphere encourages interaction, maintaining the sophisticated character of the venue.

4. Shifting Soundscapes for Different Times of Day

Music in both the restaurant and bar evolves with the day’s rhythm. Afternoons bring laid-back, casual tunes for lunch or quiet drinks, while evenings introduce a more dynamic, energetic vibe, transforming the spaces into upscale social hubs that attract a lively crowd.

5. Fusing Global and Local Sounds

Hôtel Costes weaves international influences into its playlists while retaining a distinctly Parisian essence. This fusion of global sounds with local flair creates a rich, cosmopolitan atmosphere that connects guests to the hotel’s Parisian roots.

Photo Credit: Hôtel Costes

Guest Rooms

The guest rooms at Hôtel Costes extend the hotel’s commitment to a seamless, immersive atmosphere, with sound systems and music selection designed to complement the luxurious, intimate experience.

Here’s how music enhances the ambiance in each room:

1. In-Room Audio Systems

Guest rooms feature high-quality, integrated audio systems that maintain the room’s aesthetic while delivering excellent sound quality. With options like smart speakers or sound bars, guests can enjoy pre-curated playlists or connect their own devices. This flexibility allows guests to control their auditory environment, though the default playlists reflect the same carefully crafted curation found throughout the hotel.

2. Curated Playlists

Much like the hotel’s public spaces, the music in guest rooms is tailored to suit different moods and times of day. Morning and evening playlists often feature slower, relaxing tracks for a peaceful atmosphere, while afternoons may have a more upbeat selection. These playlists align with the hotel’s main soundscape—lounge, jazz, downtempo, and chill-out—providing continuity between the guest’s experience in the lobby, bar, and their room.

3. Customizable Soundscapes

Guests can personalize their room’s ambiance by selecting from preloaded playlists or streaming their own music. This option adds a personal touch, enabling guests to set the tone for their stay, whether they prefer calming sounds for relaxation or energetic tracks for getting ready for an evening out.

4. BPM-Controlled Relaxation

The music in guest rooms is curated for relaxation, with tracks typically ranging between 60-90 BPM—perfect for unwinding after a day in the city. The slower tempos and soft beats create a sense of calm and luxury, reinforcing the hotel’s vision of a tranquil, stylish retreat.

5. Integrated Audio and Ambiance

At Hôtel Costes, music may be integrated with other ambiance controls, allowing guests to synchronize lighting, sound, and even scents for a fully immersive sensory experience. This approach ensures that every element of the room contributes to a consistent feeling of relaxation and comfort.

Photo Credit: Hôtel Costes

Terrace & Courtyard

At Hôtel Costes, the terrace and courtyard offer a peaceful yet elegant escape from the city, with ambient soundscapes enhancing the relaxing atmosphere without overshadowing the natural outdoor ambiance.

Here’s how music elevates the outdoor experience:

1. Subtle, Calming Music Selection

The outdoor music is quieter and more ambient than the lively sounds in the bar or lounge. Playlists feature soft, often instrumental tracks in genres like chill-out, downtempo, ambient, and light jazz. This creates a serene atmosphere where guests feel relaxed, with slow tempos and low volumes that allow for quiet conversations or simply enjoying the surroundings.

2. Blending with Natural Sounds

Outdoor spaces at Hôtel Costes blend urban and natural elements. The music complements the environment, enhancing sounds like soft street noise, rustling plants, and clinking glasses. Sometimes, subtle nature-inspired effects—like light rain, birdsong, or flowing water—are integrated to create an oasis-like feeling in the heart of Paris.

3. Integration with Design

The music aligns with the aesthetic of the terrace and courtyard, complementing the lush greenery, elegant seating, and ambient lighting. Discreetly placed speakers, often hidden among plants or architectural features, ensure that sound is evenly distributed, allowing guests to enjoy the ambiance without the music becoming intrusive.

4. Morning to Evening Transitions

The outdoor soundscapes shift throughout the day to reflect the time:

Morning and Afternoon: Lighter, softer music with acoustic elements like guitar or piano creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere for breakfast or lunch.

Evening: As day turns to night, the soundscape becomes more atmospheric and moody, with deeper beats and subtle electronic elements to suit a social, intimate setting for dinner or evening drinks.

5. Signature Hôtel Costes Sound Outdoors

The outdoor soundscapes reflect the hotel’s signature aesthetic with a relaxed, natural twist. The music flows continuously, with smooth transitions in tempo and style, ensuring a comfortable, cohesive experience that feels like a natural extension of the surroundings.

6. Customization for Events

For private events or functions, the soundscapes on the terrace can be tailored to match the occasion. Whether for a relaxed cocktail hour or a more lively gathering, the music adjusts to maintain the hotel’s sophisticated sound signature while enhancing the event’s unique atmosphere. Occasionally, live performers or DJs add an exclusive touch, offering guests a memorable yet understated experience.

Events

At Hôtel Costes, music plays a central role in setting the mood for events and private functions, just as it does throughout the hotel’s public spaces.

The music is carefully curated to match the nature of each occasion—whether a private party, corporate gathering, or intimate function.

Here’s how the hotel approaches music for events:

1. Event-Specific Playlists

For events, the hotel collaborates with Watch Your Music and other partners to create custom playlists that align with the event’s tone and goals. Whether for an upbeat cocktail party, formal dinner, or lively after-party, the music complements the ambiance and energy level. DJs like Stéphane Pompougnac may craft exclusive mixes or perform live, adding to the event’s exclusive feel and enhancing the atmosphere with the same attention to detail as the hotel’s daily soundscapes.

2. Flexible Sound Systems

Hôtel Costes’ event spaces are equipped with high-quality, adaptable sound systems, allowing for a customizable audio experience. Sound levels can be adjusted to suit the event layout, guest count, and type of gathering, ensuring that music enhances the setting without overpowering conversation or other activities.

3. Live DJ Performances

For exclusive or high-energy events, live DJs create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Hôtel Costes collaborates with some of Paris’s top DJs, known for curating sounds that embody the hotel’s chic brand. These performances often feature a mix of deep house, lounge, and electronic music, adding a sophisticated, exclusive touch to each event.

4. Thematic Music

Depending on the event’s theme, music may be tailored to reflect cultural or seasonal influences. A fashion event might include avant-garde or high-energy tracks, while a corporate gathering might use elegant, subdued music that aligns with the hosting brand. This thematic approach reinforces the event’s overall branding and message.

5. Adaptable for Different Event Types

Whether it’s an intimate private dinner, a wedding, or a large corporate launch, the music is adjusted to match the event’s scale and setting, from grand ballrooms to outdoor terraces. Each soundscape is tailored to suit the specific mood and space, ensuring that music enhances the event without dominating it.

Photo Credit: Hôtel Costes

Music Curation Process

The music at Hotel Costes, curated by Studio HC and Watch Your Music, is integral to the hotel’s brand. These teams craft an immersive audio experience that reflects the luxurious and sophisticated ambiance of the hotel.

Originally established by music director Stéphane Pompougnac, the hotel’s signature blend of electronic, lounge, and chill-out music continues to evolve under current curators.

Here’s how Hôtel Costes curates its music, designing soundscapes that are as meticulously crafted as its physical spaces:

Albums—The Costes Legacy

Music has become a cornerstone of Hôtel Costes’ brand identity. The hotel has released over a dozen compilation albums featuring lounge and downtempo tracks that mirror its atmosphere, solidifying its status as a pioneer in luxury music experiences.

Thematic and Local Influences

Hôtel Costes incorporates local culture into its music, blending global sounds with a Parisian flair. Playlists feature both established and emerging artists, providing guests with an authentic experience that connects to the region’s cultural landscape.

Dayparting and Dynamic Atmosphere

Playlists at Hôtel Costes are designed to shift throughout the day: mornings offer soft, acoustic tracks for a calm start, afternoons bring lively lounge music, and evenings transition to sultry jazz and deep house to match the intimate nighttime ambiance.

Volume & BPM Control

During dining hours, music is kept at 65-70 dB to allow for conversation. As the evening progresses, volume may increase slightly in the bar area, but remains controlled to preserve the ambiance. In the restaurant, slower tracks (80-110 BPM) create a relaxed feel, while the bar features faster-paced (110-125 BPM) house beats in the evening, adding energy while maintaining sophistication.

Creating Audio Zones

Different areas of the hotel are tailored with distinct soundscapes: the lounge and bar feature more energetic music, while the lobby remains soothing. This zoned approach creates a unique auditory experience as guests move through the hotel, all unified under a cohesive sonic brand.

Distributed Speaker System

Speakers at Hôtel Costes are strategically placed to deliver a balanced sound experience throughout the hotel. Smaller speakers are subtly integrated into the ceiling or walls to provide even, immersive audio without overwhelming guests, enhancing the ambiance while allowing for easy conversation.

Photo Credit: Hôtel Costes

Albums: The Costes Legacy

The Hôtel Costes albums, curated by DJ Stéphane Pompougnac, span 15 volumes that have become iconic in lounge and chill-out music. While each album has a unique selection, all volumes maintain the signature ambiance of the Hôtel Costes brand.

Here’s a closer look at what defines these influential compilations:

Volume 1 - Hôtel Costes (1999)

This debut album introduced the signature mix of downtempo, lounge, and electronic music, setting the tone for future releases.

Genre Blends for a Chic Atmosphere

The albums incorporate various genres to create a relaxed, sophisticated environment:

Lounge: Laid-back beats and smooth melodies form the foundation of most tracks.

Downtempo: Slow tempos lend a calm, chilled-out vibe.

Chill-out: Mellow rhythms enhance a laid-back ambiance.

Electronic: Light electronic beats and synthesizers add a contemporary touch.

Bossa Nova and Jazz: Warm bossa nova rhythms and smooth jazz bring richness to the soundscape.

World Music: Subtle influences from Middle Eastern and Latin sounds add diversity to the mix.

Curated Artists

DJ Stéphane Pompougnac blends tracks from well-known and obscure artists, creating a unique sonic experience. Notable artists include:

Thievery Corporation: Their fusion of electronic and world music aligns with the cosmopolitan vibe.

Gotan Project: Tango-infused electronic music adds a sultry, atmospheric feel.

Pink Martini: A blend of classical, jazz, and Latin influences adds sophistication.

Nouvelle Vague: Bossa nova covers of punk and new wave songs introduce a retro flair.

Charles Schillings: House music influences bring energy to the compilations.

The Dining Rooms: Cinematic lounge music that mixes jazz, electronica, and downtempo.

Llorca: A French DJ whose nu-jazz and house tracks add a smooth, modern edge.

Evolving Sound

The Hôtel Costes albums have evolved from classic lounge and jazz influences to incorporate modern electronic beats and global sounds. While retaining a sophisticated, Parisian feel, each album adapts to newer genres, ensuring relevance while maintaining timeless appeal.

Every volume offers a curated journey, from sultry downtempo tracks to upbeat lounge rhythms, designed to enrich the ambiance in a luxurious setting.

Hôtel Costes has redefined how music shapes and elevates the atmosphere of a luxury venue. From curated soundscapes in each space to the seamless integration of music into its identity, the hotel has transformed sound into an essential part of the guest experience, creating a sense of intimacy and exclusivity that enhances the ambiance beyond a mere backdrop.

Through careful music curation and its iconic album releases, Hôtel Costes has extended its signature sound worldwide, allowing people to experience a piece of Parisian luxury wherever they are.

By blending ambiance, design, and music, Hôtel Costes sets the standard for how sound can elevate a brand, securing its legacy in both the hotel and the world of luxury hospitality.