W Hotel-Paris Opéra, a 91-bedroom property designed by W Global Brand Design and the Rockwell Group, is to launch in the heart of the French capital on 14 February 2012.

The new hotel will be owned by Barcelona, Spain-based Meridia Capital and is to be housed in an 1870s Haussman-era building. It will be the brand's first property to open in France.

Meridia Capital was advised in the project by GCA Architects, with the hotel to incorporate a SWEAT Fitness Centre. Two Extreme WOW Suites will also be on offer at the property.

Eva Ziegler, global brand leader for W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien, said: "Taking the W brand into Paris, a global fashion capital, will mark a true milestone in W's global expansion.

"Unique lifestyle programming within a cutting-edge designed environment will bring a new and distinctive experience to Paris and the Parisians alike."

Diego Gronda of Rockwell Group Europe added: "We wanted to provide guests with an unforgettable experience of the light and sophistication present all over this amazing city."

Details: www.starwoodhotels.com