Paris, the iconic City of Lights, is a dream destination for travelers seeking luxury and design. It’s a city that knows how to cater to even the most discerning of tastes. From grand, palatial hotels in the heart of the 1st arrondissement to trendy boutique hotels nestled in charming neighborhoods, Paris has a hotel to match every personality and style.
Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Flair: A Stay at Le Meurice
Le Meurice, a historic gem in the heart of Paris, is more than just a hotel; it’s a living monument to history and artistry. Its location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens is prime, but it’s the hotel’s rich past that truly captivates. For over two centuries, Le Meurice has hosted legendary figures, from the glamorous Elizabeth Taylor to the enigmatic Mata Hari. The hotel has become a meeting place for some of the most influential artists and thinkers of the 20th century, including Salvador Dalí, Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan. Picasso even hosted his wedding reception within its hallowed halls. This legacy of creativity is evident in every detail of the hotel.
Step into the lobby and be greeted by a surreal sculpture of two intertwined columns, a playful nod to the hotel’s artistic heritage. The central dining space boasts a breathtaking ceiling painted by Ara Starck, daughter of the renowned designer Phillipe Starck, who oversaw the hotel’s comprehensive redesign in 2007. While the hotel’s public spaces radiate a vibrant, iconoclastic energy, the 160 rooms and suites offer a more traditional Parisian elegance. Housed within what’s believed to be the oldest palace in France, the rooms are adorned with a classic Parisian palette of creams and powder blues, and feature plush bedrooms and delicately marbled bathrooms. And don’t forget the culinary delights! Le Meurice boasts a two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse, which elevates fine dining to an art form, perfectly reflecting the hotel’s whimsical spirit.
Enchanted Forests & Rooftop Views: La Fantaisie and Hotel Costes
Two very different hotels, La Fantaisie and Hotel Costes, offer unique experiences for discerning travelers. La Fantaisie, a new hotel in the 9th arrondissement, embodies the phrase “Enchanté” etched into the pavement outside. The lobby ceiling resembles a lush tree canopy, petal-shaped legs support tables in the salon, and the foliage-themed wallpaper seems to have been lifted from the pages of a children’s fairytale. This enchanting ambiance is the creation of Martin Brudnizki, a master of modern maximalist design, also known for his work on London’s Annabel’s and New York’s Hotel Fouquet’s. Add a Michelin-starred restaurant by Dominique Crenn and a rooftop bar overlooking the Haussman facades of Paris, and you have an experience that’s truly magical.
Hotel Costes, on the other hand, is a five-star property located near the Place Vendome. The hotel is a favorite spot for those wanting to see and be seen, especially during Paris Fashion Week. But beyond its glamorous aura, Hotel Costes offers exceptional value to the Paris hospitality scene. Owners Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes commissioned two of the world’s top interior designers, Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre, to design its three guest wings. Guests can choose between Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-like dens or Liagre’s minimalist temples, each offering a unique aesthetic experience.
Parisian Glamour and Unforgettable Experiences: Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Le Royal Monceau
For those seeking the epitome of Parisian luxury and style, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a must-visit. Its location on the Avenue Montaigne is prime real estate, offering some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the city. The hotel has long been associated with the world of fashion. Christian Dior, whose couture salon was just across the street, was a regular patron, and it’s even said that the iconic Bar jacket was inspired by the shape of the hotel’s cocktail bar. During Paris’s fashion weeks, the hotel is a favorite among editors and buyers.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated in classic Parisian style, reimagined in eye-catching shades of grey and pink. The top two floors offer even more luxurious accommodations, with sleeker, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites featuring sprawling, loft-like spaces and breathtaking rooftop views. The hotel’s world-class spa, newly refurbished and overseen by Dior, is a haven of relaxation. With soothing treatment rooms featuring plush Dior blankets and cushions, and the best hydrafacial in the city, the spa will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore the city’s vibrant streets.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, located just a few blocks from the other grand hotels in the 8th arrondissement, offers a haven of tranquility away from the city’s bustling main thoroughfares. While its interiors were designed by Phillipe Starck in the late 2000s, the hotel leans towards the more subdued side of Starck’s signature maximalism, reflecting the glamorous era of its origins in the 1930s.
The hotel celebrates creativity in every detail, from its pioneering art concierge who offers private guided tours of the city’s museums and galleries to the custom pieces that adorn the rooms. The hotel’s modern and airy rooms are filled with light, and each desk features a custom map of Paris created by Starck himself, highlighting some of his favorite spots in the city. The hotel’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its design, with a Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes in a dramatic dining room and a Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, offering decadent riffs on Italian classics.
A Parisian Garret with Style: Chateau des Fleurs
Tucked away on a quiet street off the Champs Elysées, the Chateau des Fleurs is a charming boutique hotel that radiates an intimate and immaculate charm. This elegant 1910 building is awash in soft colors like pink, beige, and cream, accented by terracotta and rust-colored tiles, reminiscent of an old-fashioned candy store. The hotel’s rooms feature cozy curves and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The room offered by the writer Chloe Schama, a senior editor, was a delightful duplex with a bathtub positioned just a few feet from the bed. A skylight provided a view of the Parisian sky, making even a rainy day feel cozy and charming. The hotel’s inviting bar and lobby area is divided by rattan screens and filled with bobbin tables and chairs. The hotel’s small spa and gym in the basement offer a quiet space to unwind, but the true charm of the Chateau des Fleurs lies in its intimate atmosphere and carefully appointed details.
