Hotel Costes: Where Sound Became Identity

Paris, mid-90s. On Rue Saint-Honoré, Hôtel Costes opened its doors—not just as a boutique hotel, but as a stage for a new kind of cultural experience. Designed by Jacques Garcia, the interiors oozed Parisian chic. But it was the sound that made Costes legendary.

The Costes brothers knew that music could define a space as much as design. They brought in Stéphane Pompougnac, a waiter-turned-DJ, to create a soundtrack for their lobby and restaurant. In 1999, he released the first Hôtel Costes compilation CD.

It wasn’t just another mix. It was a blend of downtempo beats, French Touch, electro, pop, acoustic warmth, and sultry world influences. A sound both sophisticated and approachable—something new, yet timelessly Parisian.

The compilations quickly became a global phenomenon. By the mid-2000s, millions of albums had sold worldwide. For many, “Costes” became shorthand for chic lounge culture—even before “lounge” was a marketing term. The hotel didn’t follow a genre; it helped create one.

Over the years, the music evolved under new curators, but the DNA remained: eclectic, refined, sensual, always in sync with the Costes identity. Guests came for the cocktails and the atmosphere—but they left talking about the music. It wasn’t just background; it was part of the story.

The genius of Costes was showing that music can become a signature of place. A brand, made audible.

That’s the lesson for any business. You may not release iconic CDs, but you can still use music as a branding tool—just like lighting, design, or service. The right soundtrack creates emotional bonds, sparks recognition, and keeps people coming back.

At Moodworx, we help you do just that. Not the way Costes did—but in a way that fits your story, your brand, your space. Because when music is curated with intention, it doesn’t just play—it defines you.