Paris is a city steeped in history and romance, but in recent times, visitors are seeking something more than just the usual tourist traps. They want experiences that are authentic and unique, just like the city itself. This desire for something different has led to a surge in boutique hotels across the French capital, each one offering a distinct personality and charm.
Let’s explore some of the most exceptional boutique hotels in Paris, each providing a glimpse into the city’s diverse character and spirit.
The Quintessential Parisian Experience
You often hear about hotels aiming to provide a “home away from home” feel, but at this stylish property near the Louvre and Opéra, it truly feels like a reality. With art and design books, plush sofas, and eye-catching patterned rugs, the living spaces designed by Sarah Lavoine create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
The hotel offers 37 rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed. Even the “Cosy” rooms are surprisingly spacious for Paris, while the “Indulgence” suites feature luxurious private hammam steam baths. The décor varies from crisp white to dark blue or black walls, accented by large round mirrors and ceramic rice-grain reliefs. And for a rare treat in Paris, there’s a small swimming pool to enjoy.
Where History Meets Luxury
This hotel boasts a rich history, having welcomed many famous faces throughout the years. The most renowned of these is, of course, Oscar Wilde, who resided in a furnished apartment here, then known as the Hôtel D’Alsace, before his death in 1900. The 20th century saw the hotel continue to attract famous guests, including Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, and the Aga Kahn.
The hotel’s grandeur is evident in its ornate galleried staircase, leading to rooms that surround it. The Le Restaurant is housed under a spectacular glass roof. The entire property has been meticulously renovated by Jacques Garcia, known for his sumptuous and eclectic style, featuring elaborate wall mouldings, grand chandeliers, and leopard print carpets, creating a truly opulent ambiance.
A Hidden Gem in Montmartre
Tucked away in a charming old-world alley in the heart of Montmartre, this 19th-century mansion is a hidden gem. Previously home to members of the Hermès and Rothschild families, the house retains its bourgeois charm, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
The five spacious and eclectic suites offer a unique experience, while the fashionable cocktail bar and restaurant are popular among Parisian A-listers. For a truly intimate experience, head to Le Très Particulier, the back-door cocktail bar with its tropical Garden of Eden décor and enchanting summer garden.
Celebrating French Culture and Design
This hotel is a true ode to French design, craftsmanship, and culture. The blue and white palette, referencing France’s national colours, adds a touch of elegance. The suites pay homage to French cultural icons, showcasing the country’s rich heritage.
The large open restaurant, adorned with a huge glass verrerie and strings of bare bulbs, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing a love of French wines and gastronomy with fellow guests at the communal dining tables. Regular live music events featuring everything from 1920s French hits to Daft Punk and Sunday comedy nights in French create a lively and local ambiance. The hotel’s location on the edge of the hip 9th Arrondissement provides easy access to many of Paris’s main sights.
Parisian Charm with a Touch of Homeliness
This hotel comprises two identical properties, “Adele” and “Jules,” located just two doors apart, adding a unique touch of idiosyncratic character and a dose of Parisian architectural atypicality. The hotel boasts a low-key contemporary look, focusing on comfort and homeliness through warm colours, comfortable furnishings, and soft lighting.
The lobby/dining area, identical in both buildings, features a well-stocked bookshelf, comfortable sofas, and Paris-themed contemporary artwork. The hotel feels homely and livable, even in the smaller standard doubles, where space is used judiciously. Some rooms offer terraces overlooking the courtyard, while others boast pretty balconies on the second and fifth floors.
A Parisian Hideaway with Literary Charm
This stylish and low-key hotel enjoys a central location, offering easy access to the Louvre and Palais Garnier opera. The décor blends French features of the Haussmanian building with contemporary furnishings. The dark Hungarian parquet in the lobby and vintage chrome stove in the breakfast area add unique touches.
The hotel also features a subtle literary theme, with French novels decorating the attractive bookshelf in the lobby and a small selection in the rooms. The crisp and contemporary décor is accented with touches of a retro aesthetic, like copper lamps and Deco-style patterns on the fabrics. Some rooms boast attractive period features like wall mouldings and exposed wood beams.
Floating on the Seine: An Unforgettable Experience
This groundbreaking hotel, located on a stylish boat on the River Seine, is unlike any other. The innovative Elegancia hotel group, behind Paris’s first boat hotel, has created a floating cocoon where guests can disconnect from urban life.
The beachy lounge bar, fast becoming a hot spot for sundowners among trendy Parisians, offers a laid-back vibe, encouraging guests to kick off their shoes, dip their toes in the water, and relax on shimmering golden Fatboy chairs while enjoying ethereal Seine views. The beauty of waking up to a water view and Parisian péniches sailing by is truly unforgettable, especially considering the excellent value per night.
Conclusion
From opulent historic properties to hidden gems in Montmartre and stylish floating hotels, Paris’s boutique hotel scene offers a diverse range of experiences beyond the typical tourist route. Each hotel provides a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant character, culture, and design, promising a memorable and authentic Parisian adventure.
