Paris is a city that captivates the hearts of travelers from around the world. It’s a city that effortlessly blends luxury and design, from the grand, historic hotels in the heart of the city to the trendy, boutique properties popping up in newer neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking opulence or local charm, the City of Light has a hotel perfect for you.
The City’s Grand Dame Hotels: Luxury Meets History
Le Meurice isn’t just a hotel; it’s a living testament to Parisian history and artistry. This two-century-old palace has played host to iconic figures like Elizabeth Taylor and Mata Hari and served as a gathering place for some of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists and thinkers. Salvador Dalí called this hotel his temporary home for three decades, while the likes of Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan have all walked its halls. Even Picasso chose Le Meurice to host his wedding reception! The hotel’s spirit is alive and well today, with its playful, unconventional interiors. The surreal sculpture of entwined columns in the lobby and the breathtaking mural covering the dining room ceiling, created by Philippe Starck’s daughter, Ara, during his 2007 renovation, are just two examples of its artistic flair.
Le Meurice‘s 160 rooms and suites offer classic Parisian elegance with a touch of modern refinement. The interiors are a symphony of cream and powder blue hues, plush bedrooms, and delicate marble bathrooms. But the hotel’s charm extends beyond its accommodations. Alain Ducasse’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a whimsical approach to fine dining that perfectly complements the hotel’s unique personality.
Where Design and Cuisine Meet in Perfect Harmony
La Fantaisie, a new hotel in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, is a true enchantment. From the moment you step outside, the words “Enchanté” etched into the pavement welcome you with a promise of wonder. The lobby ceiling feels like a forest canopy, tables in the salon are supported by petal-shaped legs, and the lush foliage-themed wallpaper in the corridors evokes the pages of a children’s fairytale. The hotel’s design is a masterpiece created by Martin Brudnizki, a modern maximalist known for his work at Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York. La Fantaisie also boasts a restaurant by three-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city’s Haussmann facades.
Hotel Costes, a five-star property just a short walk from Place Vendome, is another Parisian gem. During Paris Fashion Week, the courtyard restaurant is a hotspot for celebrities and influencers. But the hotel’s appeal extends beyond its celebrity factor. Owners Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes enlisted the talents of Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre, two of the world’s leading interior designers, to create its three guest wings. Whether you prefer Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-inspired rooms or Liagre’s minimalist temples, Hotel Costes offers a stylish escape for every taste.
Fashionable Stays with Unforgettable Views
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, located on Avenue Montaigne in the heart of the city’s most fashionable district, is a paradise for shoppers and style enthusiasts. Christian Dior, a regular patron of the hotel, even drew inspiration for his iconic Bar jacket from its cocktail bar. During fashion week, the hotel is a favorite among editors and buyers. The gilded all-day eatery, Le Relais Plaza, and the Space Age-inspired Alain Ducasse flagship restaurant offer refined dining experiences, while the hotel’s unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower make it a perfect spot for people-watching.
The hotel’s classic Parisian interiors are reimagined in eye-catching shades of gray and pink. But the two top floors hold a special surprise: sleek, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites with sprawling, loft-like spaces and unbeatable rooftop views. Hôtel Plaza Athénée also features a world-class spa, overseen by Dior, with soothing treatment rooms and a renowned hydrafacial. After indulging in the spa’s luxurious treatments, you’ll be ready to hit the streets of Paris (for more shopping, of course!) with a radiant glow.
Artistic Haven in the Heart of the City
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris is a hidden gem nestled just a few blocks away from the city’s grandest hotels in the 8th arrondissement. Despite its slightly off-the-beaten-path location, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat while still being within walking distance of all of Paris’s major attractions.
The hotel’s grand entryway immediately transports you to a haven of elegance. Philippe Starck orchestrated a top-to-toe renovation in the late 2000s, giving the hotel a refined modern touch while remaining true to its glamorous 1930s origins. The hotel is known for its dedication to creativity. An art concierge offers private guided tours of the city’s most prestigious museums and galleries, while the hotel’s rooms are adorned with custom art pieces. Even the desks are inlaid with a custom map of Paris, created by Starck himself, highlighting his favorite spots in the city.
Le Royal Monceau is a culinary destination in its own right. Nobu Matsuhisa’s first restaurant in Paris offers Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes in a dramatic dining room bathed in the glow of oversized studio lamps. The hotel also features Il Carpaccio, a Michelin-starred restaurant created in partnership with the famous Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo, serving decadent interpretations of Italian classics. Their signature paccheri dish is a must-try, made with three types of tomatoes. It’s no wonder that the hotel is equally popular among local Parisians and international jet-setters.
A Parisian Oasis with Intimate Charm
The Chateau des Fleurs is a charming boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet street just off the Champs-Elysées. Named after the nightlife venue that once occupied the space, the hotel’s current incarnation is a calm, elegant retreat. The 1910 building is adorned with overflowing window boxes filled with flowers, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
The Chateau des Fleurs is all soft curves, warm colors, and impeccable attention to detail. Pink, beige, cream, terracotta, and rust hues create a sense of comfort and warmth. The hotel’s unique blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication is evident in every nook and cranny. My favorite feature? The duplex suite I stayed in included a bathtub positioned just steps from the bed, and a skylight that opened to the Parisian sky. The sound of rain falling on the rooftop created a soothing and atmospheric ambiance. Even the small spa and gym in the basement add to the hotel’s charm, offering a place to relax and rejuvenate during your stay.
