Paris has a unique magic that captivates travelers. From the grand old dames of the 1st arrondissement to the stylish boutiques popping up in newer neighborhoods, the city offers a wealth of luxury hotels. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in the City of Light.
Here, we delve into some of the best hotels in Paris, each with its own distinct charm and appeal. They boast high-tech amenities, spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, and decor that will linger in your dreams.
Let’s embark on this journey through the Parisian hotel scene, discovering places that promise unforgettable experiences.
Timeless Elegance: Le Meurice
Imagine a hotel that has witnessed history unfold, hosting luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Mata Hari. This is Le Meurice, a grand dame that embodies timeless elegance.
Its legacy extends far beyond its location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens. Le Meurice has served as a meeting ground for some of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists and thinkers. Salvador Dalí spent a month every year here for three decades, while figures like Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan graced its halls. Picasso even held his wedding reception within its walls.
This artistic spirit is evident in Le Meurice’s playful and daring interiors. The lobby is dominated by a surreal sculpture of two entwined columns, while the central dining space is adorned with a breathtaking painting that spans the entire ceiling, a creation by Philippe Starck’s daughter, Ara. This work was commissioned when Starck oversaw a comprehensive redesign of the hotel in 2007.
The hotel’s 160 rooms and suites offer the classic Parisian grandeur you might expect, housed in a building believed to be France’s oldest palace. Expect plush bedrooms, delicately marbled bathrooms, and a color palette of creams and powder blues. But it’s the hotel’s culinary scene that truly shines.
Le Meurice boasts a two-Michelin-starred restaurant by the renowned Alain Ducasse. This flagship restaurant embodies the whimsical spirit of the hotel, offering fine dining with a playful touch.
Enchanting Dreamscapes: La Fantaisie
Step inside La Fantaisie, a new hotel in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, and you’ll be greeted by the phrase “Enchanté” etched into the pavement. This enchanting welcome sets the tone for the experience that awaits.
The lobby ceiling resembles a forest canopy, while the salon features tables with petal-shaped legs. The corridors are adorned with lush foliage-themed wallpaper that evokes the whimsical world of “Where The Wild Things Are.”
This enchanting atmosphere is the brainchild of Martin Brudnizki, a modern maximalist master known for projects like Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York.
Beyond its captivating decor, La Fantaisie offers a restaurant by the three-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn. A rooftop bar provides stunning views of Paris’s Haussmann facades, adding another dimension to this truly unique hotel experience.
Parisian Glamour: Hotel Costes
For those seeking a Parisian experience where you can “see and be seen,” look no further than Hotel Costes.
This five-star hotel sits within walking distance of Place Vendome, making it a popular spot for fashion week gatherings. Its courtyard restaurant is especially lively, attracting famous faces from the world of fashion and beyond.
Beyond its buzz, Hotel Costes is a testament to Parisian hospitality. The hotel’s owners, Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes, commissioned two of the world’s most renowned interior designers, Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre, to create its three guest wings.
Guests can choose between Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-like spaces and Liagre’s minimalist havens, each offering a distinct atmosphere.
Parisian Opulence: Hôtel Plaza Athénée
If you’re heading to Paris with shopping on your mind, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is the perfect place to stay. Located on Avenue Montaigne, it offers prime access to the city’s most prestigious boutiques.
The hotel itself is a haven of Parisian opulence, known for its close ties to the fashion world. Christian Dior, whose couture salon was just around the corner, was a frequent patron, and it’s said that the shape of the hotel’s cocktail bar inspired his iconic Bar jacket.
During fashion week, the hotel is a favorite among editors and buyers, making it a lively hub for the fashion set.
Indulge in the gilded splendor of the all-day eatery Le Relais Plaza or the futuristic glamour of Alain Ducasse’s flagship restaurant. But don’t forget to savor the people-watching opportunities that abound.
Each of the rooms and suites features classic Gallic interior design with a modern twist, featuring eye-catching shades of gray and pink. The top floors offer sleek, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites with sweeping rooftop views.
A world-class spa awaits in the basement, overseen by the team at Dior. This haven of relaxation features luxurious Dior blankets and cushions, and its hydrafacial treatment is considered the best in the city.
Artistic Haven: Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Paris’s main thoroughfares, while remaining within easy walking distance of all the major sights.
This haven of creativity is the product of a complete refurbishment by Philippe Starck in the late 2000s. Starck’s signature maximalist style is present, but with a more subdued touch, recalling the glamorous era of the hotel’s origins in the 1930s.
Creativity permeates every aspect of Le Royal Monceau. An art concierge provides personalized guided tours of the city’s best museums and galleries, while the rooms feature custom artwork and designs.
The hotel’s desks are even inlaid with a custom map of Paris, designed by Starck himself, highlighting some of his favorite spots in the city.
Le Royal Monceau boasts an impressive array of culinary options. Nobu Matsuhisa’s first restaurant in Paris, serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, is a highlight. The Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, a collaboration with the famous Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo, offers exquisite Italian classics.
The hotel’s popularity extends beyond international jet-setters, attracting local Parisians seeking a stylish escape.
A Parisian Garret: Chateau des Fleurs
Nestled on a quiet side street off the Champs Elysées, Chateau des Fleurs offers a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz.
This elegant boutique hotel, housed in a 1910 building, radiates a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
The hotel’s decor is a symphony of warm, gentle colors: pink, beige, cream, with touches of terracotta and rust. The rooms are designed to evoke the charm of an old-fashioned candy store, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
The rooms are meticulously appointed, with some offering a duplex layout featuring a bathtub positioned near the bed. Large skylights allow natural light to flood the rooms, creating a serene atmosphere.
Even during rainy days, the hotel’s clever window shades provide a sense of cozy seclusion.
Chateau des Fleurs is the perfect place to indulge in the Parisian experience, from the inviting bar and lobby area to the small spa and gym in the basement.
