Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a hub of fashion and art, of culture and food. The buildings are beautiful; the people are chic. No wonder it consistently tops the charts for tourist visits.
Such popularity of course results in a wealth of superb hotels. Whatever version of Paris you’re looking for, boho or bougie, and whichever arrondissement you prefer, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in the French capital for you to visit.
Mandarin Oriental Paris - Lutetia
45 Boulevard Raspail, Paris 6th
An art-nouveau masterpiece, the only hotel on the Left Bank awarded Palace status by the French government. Brasserie Lutetia is a polished version of the typical Paris neighbourhood eatery and has been central to the hotel’s success with the locals ever since it opened more than 100 years ago yet still feels fresh and relevant today.
In the evening, Bar Josephine buzzes with Parisians sharing champagne before heading for dinner and is a worthy choice for visitors to do the same, but those in search of more privacy and discretion would do well to sneak into the smaller Bar Aristide for cocktails instead. Upstairs, rooms are resplendent with marble bathrooms and views across the rooftops while signature suites are signed by luminaries like Francis Ford Coppola and retain the feeling of Saint-Germain apartments.
Altogether with the legendary Mandarin Oriental service, this is a simply astonishing place to stay.
Le Meurice
228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st
Salvador Dali once abandoned a motorcycle in a suite here. It’s never been clear how he got it up the stairs without anyone noticing, but it does underline what an important part of the fabric of Paris’ art history Le Meurice is, and for how long it has been so.
Today, the heritage is celebrated in many ways, not least with the frozen mirror in the lobby which greets guests and invites you to leave your own message in the frost, before it is wiped clean again by the icy temperature. Upstairs, rooms are far more cozy, with glorious silk wallpapers and all the Regency ruffles and embellishments you could ask for.
Dining is either at the grandeur of 3 Michelin star Alain Ducasse or the more surreal restaurant Le Dalí, before demure and delicious digestifs in the wood-panelled Bar 228. A spectacular place.
dorchestercollection.com. Read the full review here.
Nolinski Paris
16 Av. de l'Opéra, Paris 2nd
Having only 45 keys makes Nolinski Paris very much a boutique property, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in style. Furniture is all designed by Jean-Louis Deniot, who also created the steel blue colour scheme, and every other aspect of the hotel’s interior, with a deliberate lean towards 1970s style.
The result is a louche kind of comfort, best evidenced in the heavy curtains and thick carpets of the bar area, but continued throughout the property. The spa downstairs may well be as compact as the rest of the building, but the space has been used equally well too, with the 15-metre pool and various treatment and hammam rooms giving a sense of space which belies the typical Haussmannian limitations.
Chic, understated, and almost all yours.
nolinskiparis.com. Read the full review here.
Cheval Blanc Paris
8 Quai du Louvre, Paris 1st
Oliver Fly
Nicolas Ley
Vincent Leroux
Vincent Leroux
Nolwenn Pernin
Oliver Fly
Talk of this astonishing hotel often centres on the breathtaking penthouse, named The Apartment, and with good reason. The size borders on the ridiculous – seven bedrooms when the entirety is booked – and the private entrance hidden at street level essentially makes it your own home on the banks of the Seine.
For the majority of us, there’s still plenty to enjoy here: four restaurants, two of which have riverside terraces and three of which hold Michelin stars, a Dior Spa to ensure ultimate pampering, and gargantuan rooms resplendent in soft white furnishing and marble. Whether you prefer the al fresco brasserie feel of Le Tout-Paris (one Star) or the atmospheric dark wood and contemporary Japanese cuisine of Hakuba (2 Stars), there is luxury here for everyone.
From a brand backed by LVMH, expect no less.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
25 Avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th
The scarlet awnings and 1,900 red geraniums decorating the front of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée are probably the most recognisable feature of legendary fashion destination Avenue Montaigne. Dior showed his first collection here. Taylor Swift namechecked it. It is THE destination for the couture crowd.
When the rest of us are able to squeeze in it’s a magnificent place to stay. The pomp and grandeur of dining at La Grande Table is contrasted by the aching modernity of Le Bar, where icy-blue sits against wood panels and the young and cool of the city congregate. Rooms range from cosy to sprawling, with the framed 2-meter window view of the Eiffel Tower a highlight (if you can spring for the €14,000/night Haute Couture Suite).
The Dior Spa is a majestic haven of relaxation, perfect for soothing muscles which are stiff from carrying shopping bags. But perhaps most spectacular is the courtyard: in summer, an outdoor cinema and restaurant; in winter, a dreamy ice-rink and selfie spot. This is the place to be seen in Paris.
dorchestercollection.com. Read the full review here.
J.K. Place Paris
82 Rue de Lille, Paris 7th
The former abode of a Scandinavian ambassador is now possibly the cosiest hotel in Paris. The entrance to JK Place is barely marked, just a small brass plaque nodding to the fact that through this traditional sandstone archway is your opulent home in the city.
The communal lounges are set out like living rooms – no real lobby or bar, just lots of lush velvet seating and coffee tables, with staff appearing from the ether whenever it’s time to check in or order a drink. Upstairs the rooms are more of the same, with sumptuous furnishings and generous proportions which make them feel more like bachelor pads. Each has a large dressing area and a wonderfully old-fashioned key to open the door, adding to the historic glamour.
For dinner, Il Ristorante brings the cuisine from the brand’s birthplace of Italy and presents it with a relaxed twist, offering a pleasant alternative to the countless classic French options scattered around the surrounding streets. Small, but perfectly formed.
Le Bristol
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th
Somehow, the sight of a perfectly-groomed Birman cat scampering across the marble makes a hotel entrance even more special. It’s no ordinary welcome, but then Le Bristol is no ordinary hotel.
From the breathtaking top-floor pool, bathed in sunlight and boasting views of the iconic tiled rooftops around, to the pristine garden in the enormous central courtyard, filled with scent in the summer, this hotel exemplifies the best of Parisian hospitality. The rooms begin at ‘huge’ and move upward, with décor more period flamboyance than contemporary chic, and extremely comfortable.
Flagship restaurant Epicure holds 3 Michelin stars; Le Bar begins the evening in elegance before descending into hedonism when night falls. There’s even an épicerie to pick up little tastes of each when the time to (reluctantly) leave finally comes.
oetkercollection.com Read the full review here.
Four Seasons Hotel George V
31 Avenue George V, Paris 8th
The first thing which hits you at Le George V is not the glistening marble of the lobby, it’s the scent. Artistic Director Jeff Leatham is a florist by trade, and the splendid display of blooms he ensures is always waiting for you as the door opens is as pungent as it is eye-catching. The flamboyance does not end there.
Three sides of the interior courtyard are taken up by Michelin star restaurants: three for Le Cinq, two for l’Orangerie, and 1 for Le George. Rooms are bright and lavishly appointed, boasting huge amounts of space even at the entry level and with impressive views down the avenue outside. The dark wood and intimate atmosphere of Le Bar, tucked just off the palatial main corridors, is a refreshing change of pace from the glitz and light of the rest of the hotel.
The whole place seems to simultaneously take itself extremely seriously and not seriously at all, which makes for a perfect balance of whimsy and efficiency.
fourseasons.com. Read the full review here.
Bulgari Hôtel Paris
30 Avenue George V, Paris 8th
Bulgari Paris is a sleek, contemporary form of luxury which provides a welcome alternative to the ruffles and lace found elsewhere in the city.
Polished mahogany and sharp black tiling make up the majority of the décor, with rooms all having the feel of a stylish city apartment. Perhaps we should expect no less from a fashion house-turned hospitality leader. The relaxing lounge and bar area which lead onto the restaurant are less formal than many of their neighbours, with sweetie jars and snacks open to graze upon and pastries to go with your coffee.
Downstairs, the pool is spectacular. Long and deep and beautifully lined with mosaics, it could arguably be a reason to book here in itself. One for those who care more about style than fashion.
bulgarihotels.com. Read the full review here.
Brach Paris
1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, Paris 16th
Guillaume de Laubier
Guillaume de Laubier
Guillaume de Laubier
Guillaume de Laubier
Only 59 keys make this technically a boutique hotel, but it feels so much more.
Room sizes are generous from the off, with each dressed in golden rosewood and sumptuous cream leather by legendary designer Philippe Starck, and top suites boasting terraces with Eiffel Tower views and Norwegian wood hot tubs. The blend of wood and leather continues in the ground floor restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine, while the seasonal first floor terrace and sixth floor rooftop use wicker and tile to bring a touch of the Riviera to Paris.
Where the hotel really stands out is the Sports Club: a mammoth set up including two pools and a boxing gym which would be the envy of any stand-alone fitness centre. Your private pied-a-terre in Paris’ most exclusive neighbourhood.
The Peninsula Paris
19 Avenue Kléber, Paris 16th
An imposing period building on an avenue just off the Arc de Triomphe is now home to the Paris edition of Asia’s most opulent hotel brand.
All the hallmarks of the Peninsula experience are here, from the fleet of ‘Pen Green’ vintage vehicles to ferry guests around the city in style to a rooftop fine dining restaurant with an aviation theme.
Rooms here are some of the largest in town, but the public areas are the real star: speak to the concierge about access to the cigar library for an afternoon meeting or post-dining brandy to experience one of the most exclusive spaces in Paris.
The address is set back a little from the main action in the capital – not so far you’ll miss out, but far enough for the terraces to be relative havens amidst the bustle. For the lovers of grandeur.
SO/ Paris
10 Rue Agrippa d'Aubigné, Paris 4th
Thibaut Voisin
Romain Ricard
Gaelle Le Boulicaut
Romain Ricard
The neighbourhoods of Le Marais and Bastille are known in Paris for being young and funky, achingly cool. SO/ Paris is the luxury hotel they need.
The ground floor lobby and café are bright and airy, contemporary art dressing the walls and relaxed, friendly staff everywhere to welcome you. The rooftop bar, restaurant, and club are buzzy and full of the city’s fashionistas, more the street-style crowd than the ‘classic’ couture lovers of the western districts. And the views. Buildings of this height are not generally permitted in central Paris, so the aspects here are extremely rare but worth a booking on their own.
In between, the best rooms face the river and are designed to make walking in from the hallway a cinematic experience, so arresting is the panorama of the Left Bank. Dine at Bonnie and dance until the wee hours at the adjacent Club, both with uninterrupted sight lines to the twinkling Tower in the distance, then retire to awake to the river view in the morning.
Should be seen to be believed.
Maison Bréguet
8 Rue Bréguet, Paris 11th
An old laundry factory just a few minutes north of Place de la Bastille now plays host to a bright, airy five-star hotel which is the perfect starting point for an exploration of Paris’ eastern quarter.
Maison Bréguet (named for the street, sadly nothing to do with the watches) is a warm and friendly boutique hotel with a gorgeous sunlit restaurant at the rear and a gorgeous spa hidden in the basement.
This part of town is perfect if you’re a fan of Hoxton and Shoreditch, and the hotel’s comfortable rooms and relaxed, friendly service will make you feel right at home.
The expansive glass roof over that restaurant makes it the ideal place to catch your breath of an afternoon or even catch up on emails if your trip blends business and pleasure, before heading out at night to explore the vibrancy of the area.
La Fantaisie
24 Rue Cadet, Paris 9th
Rue Cadet was once home to a sprawling public garden, and the theme of La Fantaisie – decorated by Martin Brudnizki – is to celebrate that heritage.
Floral motifs abound, from the café in the lobby to the wellness area downstairs, but the real star is the garden created in the courtyard.
Lush greenery makes the space feel much more disconnected from the city than it actually is, and tables of two hidden in corners as opposed to all grouped together ensure it is perfect for date nights.
The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike, the rooftop Bar Sur Le Toit is a great space to people-watch with a cocktail and view of the garden, and the rooms have a brightness to them which will help you keep your energy levels up throughout a packed Parisian itinerary.
Hotel Rochechouart
55 Boulevard de Rochechouart, Paris 9th
A revamped art-deco icon which harks back to the glory days of its first inception, Hotel Rochechouart was once a hub for fashionable Parisians to quaff champagne and dance long into the night, and today that heritage is revived.
The aesthetic of the property is rooted in the original 1920s glamour, and the many of the cosy rooms have exceptional views of Sacré-Cœur, but the best of to be found at the huge rooftop terrace and bar.
The in-house restaurant is a classic Parisian bistro, then after dinner you can burn off those calories at the speakeasy-style nightclub in the basement – reminiscent of the opium clubs which littered the area 100-odd years ago, it’s a place for late-night decadence and flowing cocktails.
Bus Palladium
6 Rue Pierre Fontaine, Paris 9th
Matthieu Salvaing
Matthieu Salvaing
The legend of Bus Palladium is woven into the memories of generations of Parisian night owls, and today’s hotel pays due homage to that legacy.
Rooms are designed in a myriad of contrasts – cork walls and concrete ceilings; crisp tiled accents against plush velvet furniture and thick, bright carpeting – and with a fond eye back to the heyday of the venue in the 60s and 70s. They’re comfortable, but cool.
Elsewhere the restaurant and bar are just as popular as they were back then: the latter serves cocktails and spins vinyl until the early hours, catering to the new wave of clubbers now flocking to Pigalle, while the former plates up in a velvet-lined room surrounding a massive terrarium.
Decadence and hedonism with just the right amount of sleaze thrown in.
La Réserve Paris
42 Avenue Gabriel, Paris 8th
On a surprisingly discreet street for one of the most showy areas of town can be found a hotel which blends understatement with extravagance in a wonderful, bizarre way.
La Réserve is not necessarily a place to be seen, rather this is a sanctuary should you wish your time in Paris to be a little under-the-radar.
The spa is extensive, the bars and restaurants are full of hidden corners (and another secret cigar lounge) for discreet rendez-vous – this is a hotel for moments which the world need not know about, whether they be for business or pleasure.
When you do decide to join in with the rest of the city you’ll find the location to be wonderfully convenient, but if you just want to hide away for a day or two with Paris as a mere optional extra outside this is the perfect hotel for you. It’s like a hidden estate in the heart of the capital.
Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel
10 Place de la Concorde, Paris 8th
Lauren Luxenberg
Lauren Luxenberg
Lauren Luxenberg
Lauren Luxenberg
Lauren Luxenberg
Lauren Luxenberg
The grandeur of the address of Rosewood’s Paris edition is easily matched by the sheer scale of the hotel’s façade.
The magnificent columns to the front fit perfectly with the vast, extravagant expanse of Place de la Concorde, and the magnificence only continues once you step through the enormous doors.
Immediately to your right upon entering is Bar Les Ambassadeurs, to my mind the most beautiful in the city, and so located to encourage Parisians as well as visitors to use Hôtel de Crillon’s facilities.
Warm hospitality beckons you even deeper into the corridors, which run deceptively far back from the entrance and play host to some incredible suites, a wonderfully luxurious spa, and dining which ranges from Michelin-star gastronomy to a simple, traditional steak sandwich.
A simply stunning place to spend a few days.
Mandarin Oriental Paris
251 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 1st
Niall Clutton
George Apostolidis
George Apostilidis
135 crystal butterflies float above the lobby of MO Paris, representing the 135 rooms and suites upstairs. They’re also a fine introduction to the kind of gentle luxury which fills every other inch of the hotel.
The ground floor is taken up by various dining options, from indulgent cakes at the in-house patisserie to discrete and elegant cocktails at Bar 8, with the glorious interior courtyard providing an airy alternative to the indoor tables at Brasserie Camélia.
Rooms are sharp and contemporary, with plenty of dark polished wood to offset the soft linens and gleaming marble bathrooms, while the subterranean spa feels a million miles away from the bustling fashion district above, thanks to gorgeous natural light flooding the reception and soothing natural tones to the décor. Sublime.
www.mandarinoriental.com/paris
Prince de Galles
33 Avenue George V, Paris 8th
Almost 100 years have passed since this art-deco monument was built to host (the future) Edward VII, and it’s still going strong.
Its position on a street jam-packed with luxury hotels means competition is fierce, but the attraction of the wonderfully-maintained period features and the first-class local amenities keep guests coming back.
Celebrated chef Akira Back chose it for his first European restaurant and there’s also classic ‘bistronomy’ on offer in a dining room which perfectly fits the roaring 1920s vibes of the hotel.
Avenue George V is so well-positioned for all of Paris’ main attractions you’ll be tempted outside a lot, but when you return make sure to take advantage of the serenity of the courtyard garden to rest your legs and enjoy a refreshing cocktail.
A thoroughly enjoyable taste of Golden Age Parisian glamour.
