Paris, the City of Lights, captivates travelers from all corners of the globe. It’s a city rich in history, culture, and, of course, breathtaking beauty. And while Paris is known for its iconic landmarks and charming streets, there’s another facet of the city that deserves equal attention: its luxurious hotels. From grand palaces to trendy boutiques, Paris offers an unparalleled selection of accommodations that will elevate your experience to new heights.
This article takes you on a journey through the best hotels in Paris, revealing hidden gems and classic favorites. We’ll explore their unique charms, unveil their captivating stories, and offer a glimpse into the world of comfort and indulgence that awaits you. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the allure of Parisian hospitality at its finest.
A Palace of Art and History: Le Meurice
Imagine a hotel that has witnessed history unfold before its very eyes, a place where legendary figures like Elizabeth Taylor and Mata Hari have graced its halls. This is Le Meurice, a grand dame of Parisian hotels with a lineage dating back over two centuries. Its central location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens adds to its allure, offering panoramic views of the city’s heart.
But Le Meurice’s charm goes beyond its illustrious past. The hotel has been a hub for artistic expression and intellectual discourse, attracting some of the 20th century’s most renowned artists and thinkers. Salvador Dalí, the surrealist master, spent a month at Le Meurice every year for three decades, finding inspiration within its walls. Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan, among many others, have also graced its corridors. Even Picasso hosted his wedding reception here, solidifying Le Meurice’s status as a cultural touchstone.
The spirit of these legendary guests lingers in the hotel’s playful and iconoclastic interiors. The lobby is dominated by a captivating sculpture of two swirling columns, a testament to the hotel’s embrace of artistic expression. The central dining space is adorned with a breathtaking painting that spans the entire ceiling, created by Phillipe Starck’s daughter, Ara, during a comprehensive design refresh in 2007.
The hotel’s 160 rooms and suites offer a haven of classic Parisian elegance, housed within what is believed to be the oldest palace in France. Creamy hues and powder blues adorn plush bedrooms, while delicately marbled bathrooms provide a touch of refined luxury. But the experience extends beyond the rooms. Le Meurice boasts a flagship two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse, offering a whimsical and exquisite approach to fine dining that perfectly complements the hotel’s artistic soul.
Enchanting Encounters: La Fantaisie and Hotel Costes
Stepping into La Fantaisie, a contemporary gem in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, is akin to entering an enchanting forest. The lobby ceiling, resembling a tree canopy, invites you into a world of whimsical delights. Petal-shaped table legs and lush foliage-themed wallpaper transport you to a realm where imagination reigns supreme. The hotel’s interior designer, Martin Brudnizki, a master of modern maximalism, has crafted a haven for the senses.
La Fantaisie’s allure extends beyond its enchanting interiors. It boasts a restaurant by the three-Michelin-starred chef, Dominique Crenn, promising a culinary journey of extraordinary flavors. And for a breathtaking view of Paris’s Haussmann facades, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, where you can sip cocktails under the stars.
For those seeking the pulse of Parisian nightlife, Hotel Costes is the place to be. Situated within walking distance of the Place Vendome, this five-star property is a haven for the city’s elite. The hotel’s courtyard restaurant is a prime spot for “see-and-be-seen” dining, attracting a constellation of famous faces.
Hotel Costes’s appeal goes beyond its celebrity draw. Owners Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes commissioned two of the world’s top interior designers, Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre, to create its three guest wings. You can choose to stay in one of Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-like dens, or perhaps a more minimalist haven designed by Liagre. Whichever you choose, Hotel Costes offers a taste of Parisian luxury and style.
Fashionable Retreats: Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
For those who appreciate the world of fashion, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a must-visit. This iconic hotel sits on the Avenue Montaigne, offering breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and prime access to the city’s most prestigious boutiques. It has been a haven for fashion enthusiasts, with Christian Dior, a regular patron, drawing inspiration for his iconic Bar jacket from the hotel’s very own cocktail bar.
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée embodies Parisian opulence. Le Relais Plaza, its gilded all-day eatery, offers an unparalleled culinary experience. The Space Age glamour of its Alain Ducasse flagship restaurant adds to its allure. The hotel is also a hub for the fashion world, drawing a steady stream of editors and buyers during the city’s fashion weeks.
Each room and suite exudes classic Gallic style, reinterpreted in vibrant hues of gray and pink. But a special surprise awaits on the top floors, where sleek Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites offer unparalleled rooftop views and spacious loft-like spaces. And don’t miss the world-class spa, tucked away in the building’s basement. Overseen by the team at Dior, the spa features soothing treatment rooms adorned with luxurious Dior blankets and cushions, offering a sanctuary of relaxation.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, a haven of elegance and creativity, is situated just a few blocks away from the city’s grandest hotels. Tucked away on a boulevard radiating from the Arc de Triomphe, it offers a peaceful retreat, close enough to the major sights but far removed from the bustling tourist crowds.
The hotel’s grand entryway sets the tone for a haven of refined luxury. The interiors, meticulously refurbished by Phillipe Starck, are a blend of modern sophistication and classic charm, echoing the hotel’s glamorous origins in the 1930s. Le Royal Monceau embraces creativity, offering a pioneering art concierge that provides private guided visits to the city’s finest museums and galleries. The hotel’s light and airy rooms are adorned with custom pieces that reflect the spirit of artistic exploration. Even the desks are inlaid with a custom map of Paris designed by Starck himself, showcasing some of his favorite hidden gems.
The hotel also boasts an exceptional array of culinary options, from the first restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa in Paris, offering a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors in a dramatic dining room lit by oversized studio lamps, to the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, a collaboration with the renowned Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo, serving decadent Italian classics.
Charming Escapes: Chateau des Fleurs
Just off the Champs Elysées, tucked away on a quiet side street, lies Chateau des Fleurs, a charming boutique hotel steeped in history. The hotel, named after a former nightlife venue, is now a haven of tranquility and refined elegance. Its façade, a beautiful 1910 building adorned with overflowing window boxes, is a testament to the hotel’s intimate charm.
Step inside and be greeted by a world of cozy curves and warm, gentle colors. Pink, beige, and cream dominate the palette, punctuated by splashes of terracotta and rust, reminiscent of an old-fashioned candy store. The hotel’s rooms offer a haven of comfort and Parisian charm. In my stay, I discovered a delightful duplex room with a bathtub strategically positioned near the bed, offering a unique sense of intimacy. A skylight opened up to the Parisian skies, providing a connection to the city’s spirit, even on a rainy day.
Chateau des Fleurs offers a sense of private Parisian retreat, with every nook and cranny thoughtfully appointed. Downstairs, the inviting bar and lobby area, divided by rattan screens, create a cozy atmosphere, inviting guests to relax and unwind. The hotel’s intimate spa, with its two treatment rooms and a gym, is a perfect spot for a moment of self-care. Chateau des Fleurs is a small hotel with big style, offering a charming escape in the heart of Paris.
