Paris, the City of Lights, has a magic that draws travelers from all corners of the globe. And among its numerous charms are its exquisite hotels, offering a spectrum of experiences, from grand historical palaces to chic boutiques. Whether you’re seeking a lavish experience or a cozy escape, Paris has a hotel that will steal your heart.
This guide will introduce you to some of the best hotels in Paris, each with its unique personality and charm. We’ve curated a selection of properties that offer unparalleled luxury, world-class dining, and unforgettable moments. Let’s embark on this journey and uncover the hidden gems that await!
A Legacy of Glamour: Le Meurice
Le Meurice stands as a testament to Parisian elegance, a hotel with a history as rich as its interiors. Nestled in a prime location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens, this landmark hotel has played host to a captivating cast of characters, from Elizabeth Taylor to Mata Hari. But its true allure lies in its legacy as a haven for artistic brilliance. The likes of Salvador Dalí, Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, and even Pablo Picasso, who held his wedding reception here, have graced its hallowed halls.
This storied past continues to inspire the hotel’s atmosphere, with playful yet iconic design elements woven throughout. From the mesmerizing sculpture of entwined columns that dominates the lobby to the breathtaking ceiling mural by Phillipe Starck’s daughter, Ara, Le Meurice’s artistic spirit is palpable.
Step into one of the hotel’s 160 rooms and suites, each a haven of Parisian charm. While the interior design embraces classic elegance, with a palette of creams and powder blues, it’s executed with a modern touch, making it feel light and airy. This sense of timeless sophistication extends to the bathrooms, which are adorned with delicate marble.
And don’t forget to indulge in the culinary delights offered by Alain Ducasse’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, fine dining takes on a whimsical edge, perfectly mirroring the hotel’s playful spirit.
Enchanting Escapes: La Fantaisie and Hotel Costes
La Fantaisie, a newcomer to Paris’s 9th arrondissement, is a whimsical haven where enchantment reigns supreme. The very first thing you’ll notice is a phrase etched into the pavement outside: “Enchanté,” meaning “nice to meet you.” And indeed, this hotel truly lives up to its name.
From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into a world of enchantment. The lobby ceiling is a tapestry that resembles a lush tree canopy, while tables in the salon are supported by delicate petal-shaped legs. The corridors are adorned with foliage-themed wallpaper that seems plucked from the pages of a beloved children’s book. This fantastical world is the brainchild of Martin Brudnizki, a celebrated interior designer known for his modern maximalist style, who also designed iconic venues like Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York.
La Fantaisie’s allure extends beyond its stunning interiors. A restaurant by the three-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn offers culinary delights, and a rooftop bar provides breathtaking views of Paris’s Haussmann facades.
Another Parisian jewel, Hotel Costes, is a haven for the chic and stylish, known for its “see-and-be-seen” courtyard restaurant. During Paris Fashion Week, the hotel is a hot spot for the fashion elite, attracting a constellation of famous faces.
Beyond its social buzz, Hotel Costes stands out for its impeccable design. The owners, Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes, commissioned two of the world’s leading interior designers – Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre – to create its three guest wings. Garcia’s wing offers a theatrical, cabaret-like ambiance, while Liagre’s wing exudes a minimalist elegance.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a Parisian icon, is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Its location on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, with its breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, makes it a prime destination for fashion enthusiasts.
This hotel boasts a long-standing connection with the world of fashion. Christian Dior, whose couture salon was just a stone’s throw away, was a frequent patron, and it’s said that the shape of the hotel’s cocktail bar inspired his iconic Bar jacket. It’s no surprise that Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a favorite among the fashion editors and buyers who descend upon Paris during fashion week.
The hotel offers a multitude of experiences, from the opulent Le Relais Plaza with its all-day dining to the futuristic elegance of Alain Ducasse’s flagship restaurant. But the real treat lies in the rooms and suites, which are a symphony of Parisian elegance, with classic Gallic design elements reinterpreted in captivating shades of gray and pink. The top floors offer a unique experience with sleek, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites, featuring panoramic rooftop views.
Don’t miss the world-class spa, tucked away in the building’s basement. Newly renovated under the guidance of Dior, it offers a sanctuary of relaxation, with its soothing treatment rooms, butter-soft Dior blankets and cushions, and a renowned hydrafacial. This oasis will leave you feeling refreshed and radiant, ready to explore Paris in style.
A Haven of Artistic Inspiration: Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, while situated a few blocks away from its fellow grande dame hotels, offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tucked away on one of the boulevards that radiate from the Arc de Triomphe, it’s within walking distance of major sights yet feels like a secluded sanctuary.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a haven of timeless elegance. The interiors, the product of a complete renovation by Phillipe Starck in the late 2000s, embrace a more subdued side of his signature maximalist style, evoking the glamour of the hotel’s 1930s origins.
The hotel’s commitment to creativity is evident throughout, from its pioneering art concierge, offering private guided tours of the city’s finest museums and galleries, to the custom art pieces that adorn its light-filled rooms. Even the desks are inlaid with a custom map of Paris designed by Starck himself, highlighting some of his favorite Parisian spots.
Le Royal Monceau also boasts a culinary landscape as impressive as its artistic offerings. Nobu Matsuhisa’s first restaurant in Paris serves Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes in a dramatic dining room illuminated by oversized studio lamps, while the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, created in partnership with the renowned Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo, offers exquisite Italian cuisine. Don’t miss their signature paccheri dish, a symphony of tomato flavors.
A Parisian Hideaway: Chateau des Fleurs
Chateau des Fleurs, a charming boutique hotel nestled on a quiet side street off the Champs Elysées, exudes an air of intimate elegance. Named after a once-vibrant nightlife venue, the hotel now offers a peaceful escape. The building, dating back to 1910, is adorned with overflowing flower boxes, adding a touch of Parisian romance.
The hotel’s interiors are a haven of warm, gentle colors: pink, beige, cream, with accents of terracotta and rust, evoking the comforting hues of an old-fashioned candy store. The one exception is the use of violet-colored glass fixtures, a striking contrast to the otherwise harmonious design.
Chateau des Fleurs offers a personalized experience, with each room meticulously appointed. The duplex room features a bathtub positioned near the bed, and a skylight that opens up to the Parisian sky. The hotel’s design creates a sense of a private Parisian garret, a cozy retreat from the city’s bustle.
Downstairs, the inviting bar and lobby area is a haven of comfort, with rattan screens creating intimate spaces and seating areas adorned with bobbin tables and tassel-trimmed chairs. The friendly staff is always ready to serve a cafe au lait or an aperitif, adding to the hotel’s warm atmosphere.
The hotel also offers a small spa with two treatment rooms and a gym in the basement. But Chateau des Fleurs isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about experiencing the authentic charm of Paris, one cozy corner at a time.
