Planning a trip to the City of Lights? Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway or a family adventure, choosing the perfect Parisian neighborhood is crucial for making your trip truly unforgettable. We’ve curated a list of the best places to stay based on your travel style, so let’s get started!
For Families: The 8th Arrondissement
Imagine strolling down tree-lined boulevards, pushing a stroller with ease, and enjoying the convenience of a central location. The 8th arrondissement is a family-friendly haven. This regal neighborhood is home to Parisian families, offering wide streets and sidewalks perfect for leisurely walks. Plus, it’s easily accessible by public transportation, including Metro Line 1, which connects you to all corners of the city. You’ll find charming cafes, inviting parks like Parc Monceau, and even child-friendly museums.
Best Hotels in the 8th Arrondissement:
- The Royal Monceau: This five-star gem is a haven for families, with Michelin-starred dining, a world-class Clarins spa, an art gallery, a bookstore, and a private cinema. It’s the perfect blend of Parisian charm and artistic flair.
- Hotel Plaza Elysées: Traveling with teenagers? This sophisticated hotel offers stylish rooms inspired by Parisian apartments. Enjoy the luxury of separate rooms for you and your teens, giving everyone a taste of Parisian chic.
For Nightlife Enthusiasts: The 10th Arrondissement
If you’re ready to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, the 10th arrondissement is calling your name! Canal Saint-Martin, a bustling waterway, is the heart of this trendy neighborhood. Here, you’ll find locals picnicking on the canal banks, enjoying the lively atmosphere of cafes like Chez Prune, and dancing the night away at cool bars like Gravity Bar. And if you want even more options, the Bastille and Marais neighborhoods, known for their vibrant bar and club scenes, are just a short Metro ride away.
Best Hotels in the 10th Arrondissement:
- Hotel Providence: Want a cocktail before heading out? This eclectic hotel offers rooms with custom-made in-room bars, record players, and claw-foot tubs.
- Grand Amour: This stylish hotel is a sister property of the popular Hotel Amour in the 9th arrondissement. The colorful terrace is a hot spot for fashionistas, and each floor boasts unique décor, vibrant colors, and impressive art displays.
- Hotel du Nord Canal: This eco-friendly hotel boasts stunning views of the Canal Saint-Martin. The rooms are simple and cozy, and the small restaurant serving breakfast feels like you’re sitting on the canal itself.
For First-time Visitors: The 6th Arrondissement
First-timers in Paris will find a wealth of iconic landmarks and charming Parisian experiences in the 6th arrondissement. Just a short hop from the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe, this neighborhood is a perfect starting point for exploring the city’s most famous attractions. Saint-Germain, the heart of the 6th, is home to legendary cafes like Les Deux Magots and Flore, where you can soak up the Parisian atmosphere. The cobblestone alleys and boutique-lined boulevards are perfect for leisurely strolls. And don’t forget the Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful garden teeming with locals and tourists, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
Best Hotels in the 6th Arrondissement:
- Hotel de l’Abbaye: This cozy and posh hotel offers classic French touches, including canopy beds, fine antiques, and Toile de Jouy wallpaper. You’ll also find indoor and outdoor salons for socializing.
- Hotel Lancaster: As the last residence of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, this five-star hotel holds a special place in Parisians’ hearts. The glamorous rooms, restaurant, bar, and underground hammam pool and steam room will transport you to another era.
- Hotel Saint-Sulpice: This six-story hotel is a tranquil retreat in the shadow of the Saint-Sulpice Church. The rooms are united by their French neutral palette and decorative touches like orchids and glossy photographs.
For Romance: The 3rd Arrondissement
For a romantic getaway, there’s no better place than the 3rd arrondissement. The charming streets, hidden gardens, and historic landmarks create an atmosphere of romance. As night falls, streetlamps cast a seductive glow, while by day, the cul-de-sacs and hidden corners offer a perfect setting for exploring arm-in-arm.
Best Hotels in the 3rd Arrondissement:
- Hotel Le Petit Moulin: Overlooking the picturesque Place des Vosges, this family-owned hotel is a haven of discreet luxury. Rooms boast exposed beams, antique furniture, contemporary chandeliers, and velvet couches.
- Hotel National des Arts et Métiers: This modern hotel brings a contemporary twist to the historic neighborhood. Clean lines and stylish touches like terrazzo bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and black-and-white photos create a unique ambiance. The rooftop lounge offers breathtaking views across the Parisian rooftops.
For Fashionistas: The 1st Arrondissement
Paris is synonymous with fashion, and no neighborhood embodies this more than the 1st arrondissement. Rue Saint-Honoré is a paradise for fashion lovers, home to prestigious boutiques like Hermés and Goyard. Window shopping, indulging in high-end purchases, or simply observing the stylish Parisian crowd, this neighborhood is “très à la mode.”
Best Hotels in the 1st Arrondissement:
- Hotel Costes: This stylish hotel exudes glamour with its opulent baroque décor, legendary soundtracks, and celebrity clientele. The courtyard restaurant is a popular dining destination.
- Hotel du Louvre: Located in an 18th-century building just steps from the Palais Royal gardens, this elegant hotel feels like a home away from home. The contemporary rooms are peaceful and luxurious, and the top-floor suites offer balconies and stunning views of Sacré Coeur.
- Ritz Paris: If you’re looking for the ultimate Parisian experience, the Ritz is the epitome of luxury. The refined 19th-century décor, including gilded sconces, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows, showcases French timeless elegance.
For LGBTQ+ Travelers: The 4th Arrondissement
Known as the “gay Marais,” the 4th arrondissement is a welcoming and vibrant neighborhood for LGBTQ+ travelers. The streets are adorned with rainbow flags, and a lively LGBTQ+ community thrives in bars and clubs along Rue des Archives, like COX and Raidd. This pride extends throughout the neighborhood, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Best Hotels in the 4th Arrondissement:
- Hôtel du Jeu de Paume: This hotel seamlessly blends antique design features like stone walls and columns with contemporary elements like bold colors, eclectic patterns, and lush greenery.
- Villa Beaumarchais: This tranquil hotel is set on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of the Marais. The calming interior garden, with towering palms and a soothing fountain, provides a peaceful escape. The elegant, classic decor and garden views make this a truly relaxing experience.
- Hôtel de JoBo: This maximalist and flamboyant hotel is a feast for the senses. Bold patterns and textures adorn every surface, from the leopard-print furnishings to the floral-painted molding. Start your day with an espresso and end with a signature cocktail in the intimate bar.
For Travelers in Their 20s: The 5th Arrondissement
The 5th arrondissement, known as the Latin Quarter, is a haven for young, artistic, and bohemian souls. Dominated by university students and expats, the neighborhood is lively day and night, and budget-conscious travelers will find plenty of affordable accommodation options.
Best Hotels in the 5th Arrondissement:
- Hôtel College de France: Enjoy stunning Eiffel Tower views without breaking the bank at this hotel. The rooms may be basic in decoration but feature massive windows and balconies overlooking the bustling Parisian streets.
- Villa Panthéon: This affordable four-star property is one of the most popular in the Latin Quarter. The regular concerts, sleek cocktail bar, and cozy Scottish decor create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Monte Cristo: Indulge in luxury with this ultra-cool hotel. The impeccable modern décor includes an indoor pool, a light-filled rum bar, and 50 uniquely decorated rooms. Choose from basic rooms to the grand Alexandre Suite.
