Paris, the City of Lights, isn’t just famous for its iconic landmarks and charming streets, it’s also a haven for lovebirds seeking the perfect romantic escape. From the twinkling lights of the Seine to the candlelit restaurants, the city sets the stage for unforgettable moments. And when it comes to finding the ideal hotel for your romantic getaway, Paris doesn’t disappoint.
The city offers a diverse range of lodgings, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you dream of opulent mansions with sumptuous spas, hotels with breathtaking views, or intimate hideaways brimming with character, Paris has a love nest waiting for you. This curated list showcases some of the most romantic hotels in the city, each offering a unique experience that will make your hearts skip a beat.
Palatial Splendor: Shangri-La Hotel
Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower from your luxurious suite. That’s the promise of the Shangri-La Hotel, a Parisian palace with a rich history. Once the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s great nephew, this grand hotel boasts an impressive façade, reminiscent of a wedding cake, and elegant interiors that transport you back in time.
Step inside and marvel at the immaculately restored grand staircase, adorned with intricate details. Explore the original function rooms, echoing the splendor of Versailles. Each bedroom is a masterpiece, individually designed with marquetry desks, subtle embossed wallpaper, and delicate orchids.
The hotel’s calming color palette, dominated by duck-egg blue, cream, and soft gold, adds to the sense of tranquility and elegance. Some rooms offer private balconies overlooking the lush garden, while the top suites boast expansive panoramic terraces, perfect for enjoying a romantic evening under the Parisian sky.
Belle Époque Glamour: Maison Souquet
Prepare to be enchanted by Maison Souquet, a hotel that blends the charm of the Belle Époque era with five-star luxury and an air of creative exuberance. This magical address has a fascinating past, having been a “maison close,” a posh bordello for wealthy gentlemen, in the early 1900s. Today, renowned French designer Jacques Garcia has transformed this historic building into a haven of romance, with bewitching interiors that captivate the senses.
The hotel’s décor is a symphony of rich colors, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite craftsmanship. Think blood-red silk, gold gilt, Venetian glass, and sculpted wood, all meticulously curated to create a truly immersive experience. The attention to detail is astounding, from the carefully chosen 19th-century furniture to the original chinoiserie and flickering scented candles infused with rose, tobacco, and jasmine. Every element is a testament to the designer’s artistry and passion.
Contemporary Chic: Le Royal Monceau Raffles
If you’re looking for a contemporary take on the ultra-luxe palace hotel, look no further than Le Royal Monceau Raffles. This iconic address has undergone a stunning transformation, featuring a stylish décor designed by the renowned Philippe Starck. The hotel’s grand Art Deco awning pays homage to its historical roots, but inside, the atmosphere is distinctly modern and playful.
Inspired by the whimsical world of “Alice in Wonderland,” Starck incorporates unexpected angles and bold design elements, like striped optical-illusion wallpaper in the corridors and a maze-like mirrored spa. Public spaces on the ground level open onto a smart courtyard, where guests can relax under the summer sun, sipping cocktails around a turquoise pool.
The hotel’s unique blend of contemporary design and sophisticated charm offers a fresh perspective on the Parisian hotel experience.
Retro Retreat: Bourg Tibourg
Escape to the heart of the fashionable Marais district and discover the delights of Bourg Tibourg, a hotel that embodies the essence of retro elegance. This stylish retreat boasts a plain exterior that belies the hidden treasure trove of tasteful opulence awaiting inside.
Step into a world of bold colors, oriental design motifs, and neo-gothic décor, all masterfully combined with meticulously chosen antique furniture. Designer Jacques Garcia’s signature style is evident in the luxurious fabrics, kitsch details, and opulent ambiance. Bourg Tibourg offers a unique and captivating experience, transporting guests to a bygone era of Parisian glamour.
Guests can choose from the hotel’s extensive film library, filled with stylish French cinema classics, to enjoy a private screening in their rooms with popcorn.
Parisian History: Hôtel D’Alsace
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Hôtel D’Alsace, a hotel that has played host to numerous celebrities and literary giants. This historic address has welcomed renowned figures throughout the years, including the exiled Oscar Wilde, who famously said, “I am dying beyond my means” before his death in 1900.
The hotel’s elegant rooms blend Empire and Baroque styles, creating a sophisticated ambiance with intricate wood paneling, elaborate carved wood features, grand bed heads, exquisite patterned wallpaper, and antique embellishments. This unique blend of styles creates a sense of timeless elegance and grandeur, transporting guests to a bygone era of Parisian sophistication.
Classic Elegance: Hôtel de Crillon
Originally built for the half-brother of Napoleon III, the Hôtel de Crillon is a stunning example of Parisian architectural grandeur. This landmark hotel, with its striking stone façade, underwent a meticulous renovation in 2015, guided by a collaboration between the owner and the renowned designer Jacques Garcia.
The hotel’s design blends elements of the Second Empire, Deco, and contemporary styles, creating a harmonious and elegant ambiance. Intricate wall mouldings, Versailles parquet, Deco pillars in the Gabriel restaurant, and contemporary art pieces create a captivating experience. Each room and suite, even the smallest, is the size of a standard Parisian apartment, offering spacious comfort and breathtaking views of the Jardin des Champs-Élysées or the hotel’s attractive interior courtyard.
Intimate Hideaway: Le Petit Moulin
Escape to the intimate and clandestine world of Le Petit Moulin, a secret pied à terre in the heart of Paris. This enchanting hotel, housed in an 1871 mansion, exudes a sense of exclusive charm and sophistication.
The ground-floor lounges, with their dim lighting, heavy red-velvet drapes, and opulent drawing-room furnishings, create an ambiance reminiscent of a gentlemen’s club. The hotel’s five spacious suites, each with a unique personality and décor, offer a haven of privacy and tranquility. One of the most alluring features of Le Petit Moulin is its lush walled garden, providing ample space for lounging beneath the trees and enjoying the tranquility of the Parisian garden. The neighboring pétanque court offers another charming outdoor activity.
Sophisticated Style: Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Located on the corner of the picturesque Place Valois, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a grand 18th-century building with an air of refined elegance. The hotel’s interiors are the work of Pierre-Yves Rochon, a renowned designer also responsible for the Four Seasons George V and Shangri-La, who has seamlessly incorporated the building’s original features, like the imposing spiral stairwell, to create a sophisticated and contemporary look.
The hotel’s commitment to quality is evident in the use of exquisite materials, from luxurious fabrics and wallpaper by Parisian designers like Pierre Frey, Rubelli, and Manuel Canovas, to furnishings by Philippe Lurel. Contemporary artworks and busts of Voltaire and Rousseau, made at the Louvre’s sculpture academy, add a touch of Parisian history and culture to the hotel’s ambiance.
Modern Elegance: Nolinski
The Nolinski, a jewel nestled on the Avenue de l’Opéra, combines the charm of Belle Epoque Paris with contemporary touches, creating a sophisticated and stylish experience. The hotel’s design, overseen by highly esteemed Parisian architect Jean-Louis Denoit, draws inspiration from the luxurious lifestyle of a fictional traveler, creating a unique and captivating ambiance.
The hotel’s blend of classic and modern elements is evident in its suites, named after literary and artistic icons like Hemingway and Josephine Baker, which feature marble surfaces, abstract art, jagged geometric lines, and dazzling mirrored surfaces. The Nolinski’s signature scent, lobby music, and the use of blue and green hues create a sense of tranquility and exclusivity, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a luxurious stay, or a historical adventure, Paris has a hotel waiting to make your dreams come true. From grand palaces to intimate hideaways, these captivating hotels offer a unique blend of history, elegance, and charm, making Paris the ultimate destination for lovers.
