Paris, the City of Lights, is a place that ignites the imagination of travelers from all over the world. And when it comes to luxury hotels, Paris offers an abundance of options, from grand historic palaces to trendy boutique properties. Whether you seek opulent elegance, cutting-edge design, or a cozy hideaway, Paris has a hotel waiting to fulfill your every wish.
This guide will take you on a journey through some of the most memorable hotels in Paris, showcasing their unique character, design, and culinary delights. Get ready to be captivated by the Parisian charm and indulge in the city’s rich tapestry of culture and history.
Step Back in Time at Le Meurice
The Le Meurice is a true Parisian icon. This historic hotel, with its prime location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens, has witnessed over two centuries of history, hosting legendary figures like Elizabeth Taylor and Mata Hari. But its true allure lies in its status as a gathering place for some of the 20th century’s most influential artists and intellectuals. Imagine Salvador Dalí spending a month here each year for three decades, or Emile Zola and Andy Warhol roaming its corridors. Even Picasso hosted his wedding reception within its walls!
The Le Meurice’s spirit of creativity continues to thrive today, evident in its playful and eclectic interiors. The lobby features a surreal sculpture of two swirling columns, while the central dining room is adorned with a breathtaking painting that covers the entire ceiling, designed by Phillipe Starck’s daughter, Ara. Stepping into one of the 160 rooms and suites, you’ll be greeted by the classic elegance of a grand Parisian hotel, with plush bedrooms, delicately marbled bathrooms, and a serene palette of creams and powder blues. And don’t forget to indulge in the culinary delights, especially the two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse, which offers a whimsical approach to fine dining that reflects the hotel’s vibrant energy.
A Forest of Delight: La Fantaisie
Step into La Fantaisie, a brand new hotel nestled in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, and be captivated by its enchanting forest theme. The moment you arrive, you’ll notice a phrase etched into the pavement: “Enchanté,” meaning “nice to meet you.” But this greeting is more than just a polite welcome. It’s a promise of an experience that will truly enchant you.
The lobby ceiling is adorned with a tapestry that resembles a tree canopy, while tables in the salon are supported by petal-shaped legs. The foliage-themed wallpaper that adorns the corridors evokes the whimsical world of “Where the Wild Things Are.” This magical space is the creation of Martin Brudnizki, the renowned interior designer known for his maximalist style, who has also worked on iconic projects like Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York. La Fantaisie also features a restaurant by the three-Michelin-starred chef, Dominique Crenn, and a rooftop bar offering breathtaking views of the Haussmann facades of Paris.
Fashionable Glamour: Hotel Costes
During Paris Fashion Week, there’s no place more coveted than the courtyard restaurant at Hotel Costes. This five-star hotel, located within walking distance of the Place Vendôme, is a magnet for the city’s stylish elite. It’s not just the “see-and-be-seen” atmosphere that makes Hotel Costes a favorite among fashion insiders. The 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.
Whether you prefer Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-like rooms or Liaigre’s minimalist temples, Hotel Costes offers a range of choices for discerning travelers.
Fashion’s Favorite: Hôtel Plaza Athénée
For anyone planning a shopping spree along the Avenue Montaigne or Rue Saint-Honoré, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is the perfect base. The hotel sits in a prime location on the Avenue Montaigne, offering some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the city. Its close ties to the world of fashion, with Christian Dior as a frequent guest, are legendary. It is said that the inspiration for his iconic Bar jacket came from the shape of the hotel’s cocktail bar.
The hotel is a favorite among editors and buyers who flock to Paris during fashion weeks. The Hôtel Plaza Athénée offers a level of opulence that is hard to match. The Le Relais Plaza offers all-day dining with gilded elegance, while the Alain Ducasse flagship restaurant exudes space-age glamour. But the real draw for many is the people-watching.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated with classic Gallic style, reinterpreted in eye-popping shades of gray and pink. The rooms on the top two floors offer a sleek, Art Deco-inspired design, with sprawling loft-like spaces and breathtaking rooftop views. Don’t miss the world-class spa located deep within the basement, featuring Dior blankets and cushions and the best hydfacial in the city.
Artful Elegance: Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Located a few blocks away from the grand hotels of the 8th arrondissement, tucked away on a boulevard radiating out from the Arc de Triomphe, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris offers a unique escape from the city’s tourist hustle. This haven-like hotel boasts interiors designed by Phillipe Starck, who, in this case, opted for a more subdued approach to his signature maximalist style. The hotel’s design recalls the glamorous origins of its origins in the 1930s.
Le Royal Monceau is a true haven for creativity. The hotel boasts an art concierge offering private guided tours of the city’s most prestigious museums and galleries. The rooms are light, airy, and modern, with custom pieces adorning the walls and desks inlaid with a custom map of Paris designed by Starck himself.
The hotel also boasts a wide range of culinary options, from the first Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant in Paris, serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes in a dramatic dining room, to the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, offering decadent riffs on Italian classics. Le Royal Monceau is as popular with local Parisians as it is with jet-setting international clientele.
A Parisian Garret: Chateau des Fleurs
Nestled on a quiet side street off the Champs Elysées, the Chateau des Fleurs is a charming boutique hotel housed within a beautifully preserved 1910 building. The hotel’s name, which translates to “castle of flowers,” is fitting, as flower boxes overflow from the windows, adding a touch of elegance to this intimate and immaculate hotel.
The hotel’s interior is characterized by cozy curves and warm, gentle colors: pink, beige, cream, with pops of terracotta and rust. The rooms are meticulously designed, offering a sense of comfort and privacy. The hotel features a small spa, a gym, and a welcoming bar and lobby area where guests can enjoy cafe au lait or an aperitif.
The Chateau des Fleurs is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a cozy and stylish retreat in the heart of Paris.
