Paris, the city of lights, love, and croissants, has always been a magnet for travelers. But while the Eiffel Tower and a classic Parisian cafe on the Champs-Élysées hold their charm, many visitors are seeking a more authentic Parisian experience. Thankfully, the hotel scene in Paris has evolved to cater to these desires, offering a diverse array of boutique hotels with unique personalities. Join us as we uncover some of the most charming and characterful boutiques that capture the essence of Parisian life.
Home Away from Home: Luxury and Comfort in the City
The Hôtel de France, nestled between the Louvre and the Opera, embodies the “home away from home” concept with a stylish twist. The living spaces, meticulously designed by Sarah Lavoine, exude a sense of relaxed luxury. Art and design books, plush sofas, and patterned rugs create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel’s 37 rooms and suites, even the smallest “Cosy” bedrooms, are surprisingly spacious for Paris. The “Indulgence” suites feature a unique touch – a beautifully tiled private hammam steam bath. With rooms decorated in crisp white, dark blue, or black, featuring large round mirrors or ceramic rice-grain reliefs, each room offers a distinct aesthetic. And, a rarity for Paris, the hotel boasts a small pool, providing an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
A Legacy of Elegance: Oscar Wilde’s Last Hotel
Step back in time at the Hôtel D’Alsace, a Parisian icon with a rich history. This hotel, where Oscar Wilde spent his last night, has hosted a constellation of celebrities throughout the 20th century, including Ava Gardener, Frank Sinatra, and the Aga Kahn. The rooms, arranged around an ornate galleried staircase, lead to Le Restaurant, housed under a grand glass roof. The hotel, entirely renovated by Jacques Garcia, exudes a sumptuous and eclectic style synonymous with the designer: elaborate wall mouldings, grand chandeliers, and leopard print carpets create a captivating blend of grandeur and whimsy.
Montmartre’s Hidden Gem: A Bohemian Oasis
Escape to the charming and bohemian Montmartre neighborhood and discover a hidden gem: a 19th-century mansion, previously home to members of the Hermès and Rothschild families. This enchanting property, known as Le Petit Moulin, retains its bourgeois-home charm, offering five spacious and eclectic suites. The hotel’s fashionable cocktail bar and restaurant, with its dreamy summer seating, is a haven for Parisian A-listers. Le Très Particulier, the back-door cocktail bar, is a favorite among Parisian fashionistas, offering tasty tapas, tropical Garden of Eden décor, and a bewitching summer garden.
French Flair: A Celebration of Culture and Craft
The Hôtel du Nord, a celebration of French design, craftsmanship, and culture, exudes a uniquely Parisian ambiance. The hotel’s blue and white palette pays homage to France’s national colors, while suites are dedicated to French cultural icons. The large open restaurant, crowned by a huge glass verrerie and illuminated by strings of bare bulbs, is a space for sharing the love of French wines and gastronomy, inviting guests to gather at communal dining tables. The hotel also hosts regular live music events, featuring everything from 1920s French hits to Daft Punk, and Sunday’s comedy nights in French, attracting a local crowd. Situated on the edge of the hip 9th Arrondissement, the hotel offers easy access to many of Paris’s iconic landmarks.
Parisian Chic: An Unconventional Experience
The Hôtel Adele & Jules offers a unique Parisian experience with its two identical properties, ‘Adele’ and ‘Jules’, located two doors apart. This unconventional approach adds a touch of idiosyncratic character and a dose of Parisian architectural atypicality. The hotel’s low-key contemporary look, with an emphasis on comfort and homeliness, is reflected in its warm colors, comfortable furnishings, and soft lighting. The lobby/dining area, identical in both buildings, features a well-stocked bookshelf, comfortable sofas, and Paris-themed contemporary artwork, creating a homely and livable atmosphere. Even the dinkier standard doubles maximize space, and some rooms boast terraces overlooking the courtyard or pretty balconies on the second and fifth floors.
Parisian Elegance with a Modern Twist: Art and Literature
The Hôtel de l’Opéra, a low-key but stylish hotel, enjoys a central location, offering easy access to the Louvre and Palais Garnier opera. The hotel’s décor blends French features of the Haussmanian building with contemporary furnishings. Dark Hungarian parquet in the lobby and a vintage chrome stove in the breakfast area add a touch of vintage charm. The hotel subtly embraces a literary theme, with French novels decorating the attractive bookshelf in the lobby and a small selection in the rooms. The crisp and contemporary décor is enhanced by touches of a retro aesthetic, including copper lamps and Deco-style patterns on the fabrics. Period features, such as wall mouldings and exposed wood beams, add a touch of historical elegance to some rooms.
A Floating Oasis: Relaxation on the Seine
For a truly unique Parisian experience, consider The Hôtel du Seine, a groundbreaking hotel afloat a stylish boat on the River Seine. The innovative Elegancia hotel group, creators of Paris’s first boat hotel, has created a floating cocoon where guests can disconnect from urban life. The hotel’s beachy lounge bar, a hot spot for trendy Parisians seeking sundowners, and its laidback vibe create an inviting atmosphere where guests can kick off their shoes, dip their toes in the water, and relax on a shimmering golden Fatboy with ethereal Seine views. The beauty of waking up to a water view and Parisian péniches sailing by is undeniable, making for an unforgettable Parisian experience.
