Forget the Eiffel Tower selfies and tourist-trap cafes. There’s a whole new side to Paris waiting to be discovered, and it’s all about experiencing the city like a local. This is where boutique hotels step in, offering unique and characterful stays that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Think: stylish hideaways in vibrant Pigalle, charming country-style retreats nestled in Montmartre, and even a luxurious hotel where Oscar Wilde spent his final moments. We’ve curated a list of the best boutique hotels in Paris, each offering a distinct charm and unique experience. Let’s dive in!
A Home Away From Home: The Hotel de France
This stylish hotel, perfectly located between the Louvre and Opéra, truly embraces the concept of a home away from home. Designed by the talented Sarah Lavoine, the hotel features relaxing living spaces adorned with art and design books, plush sofas, and patterned rugs, instantly making you feel at ease.
The hotel offers 37 rooms and suites, even the smallest “Cosy” bedrooms are surprisingly spacious for Paris, while the “Indulgence” suites boast private hammams, adding a touch of luxury to your stay. Each room has its own personality, with some boasting crisp white walls while others offer a touch of drama with dark blue or black walls.
A rare find in Paris, the hotel also features a small pool, adding to its unique charm and offering a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
A Step Back in Time: The Hôtel D’Alsace
This hotel has welcomed a constellation of celebrities throughout history, most notably the legendary Oscar Wilde, who spent his last days in a furnished apartment within its walls.
From Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra to the Aga Khan, this hotel has witnessed a parade of iconic figures throughout the 20th century. The hotel’s ornate galleried staircase and grand glass-roofed restaurant add to its timeless elegance.
The hotel has undergone a meticulous renovation by Jacques Garcia, resulting in a sumptuous and eclectic interior. Think elaborate wall mouldings, grand chandeliers, and leopard print carpets, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.
Parisian Chic at Its Finest: Le Petit Montmartre
Hidden away from the city’s hustle and bustle, tucked down an enchanting alley in the artistic haven of Montmartre, this 19th-century mansion embodies Parisian chic. Once home to members of the prestigious Hermès and Rothschild families, the house retains its bourgeois charm, offering a truly unique and intimate experience.
The five spacious and eclectic suites provide a haven of luxury, while the fashionable cocktail bar and restaurant are beloved by Parisian A-listers.
Le Très Particulier, the hotel’s hidden gem, is a back-door cocktail bar offering tasty tapas, a tropical Garden of Eden décor, and a bewitching summer garden.
French Design and Culture: The Hôtel de la Gare
This hotel is a celebration of French design, craftsmanship, and culture. Its blue and white palette, a nod to the French national colors, creates a sense of sophistication and charm. Suites pay homage to French cultural icons, while the large open restaurant, crowned by a huge glass verrerie and lit with bare bulbs, is a communal space perfect for sharing a love of French wines and gastronomy.
Regular live music events featuring 1920s French hits to Daft Punk and Sunday’s comedy nights, all in French, cater to a local crowd.
The hotel’s location on the edge of the vibrant 9th Arrondissement offers easy access to Paris’s iconic landmarks.
Parisian Charm and Comfort: The Adele & Jules
These two identical properties, located just two doors apart, offer a unique touch of Parisian architectural flair. The hotel’s low-key contemporary design, with an emphasis on comfort and homeliness, is immediately apparent in the use of warm colors, comfortable furnishings, and soft lighting.
The identical lobbies and dining areas in both buildings feature well-stocked bookshelves, comfortable sofas, and Paris-themed artwork, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Even the standard doubles are spacious and thoughtfully designed, while some rooms offer terraces overlooking the courtyard or charming balconies on the second and fifth floors.
A Taste of History: The Hôtel du Louvre
This stylish hotel boasts a central location, making it easy to explore iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Palais Garnier opera. The décor seamlessly blends French features of the Haussmanian building with contemporary furnishings, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The lobby’s dark Hungarian parquet and the breakfast area’s vintage chrome stove are just two examples of the hotel’s unique details. A subtle literary theme is woven throughout the hotel, with French novels gracing the attractive bookshelf in the lobby and a selection in the rooms. Crisp contemporary décor with retro touches, like copper lamps and Deco-style patterns, adds a touch of sophistication, while period features like wall mouldings and exposed wood beams enhance the hotel’s character.
A Floating Oasis: The Hôtel Elegancia
This groundbreaking hotel redefines the Parisian experience by being located on a stylish boat on the River Seine. The Elegancia hotel group, pioneers of Paris’s first boat hotel, has created a floating cocoon where guests can escape the city’s energy.
The beachy lounge bar, quickly becoming a hot spot for sundowners among trendy Parisians, and the hotel’s laid-back vibe create an atmosphere where guests can kick off their shoes, dip their toes in the water, and relax on a golden Fatboy with breathtaking views of the Seine.
Waking up to water views and Parisian péniches sailing by is a truly magical experience. And let’s not forget the value for money – this floating haven is a steal!
Ready to Explore the Real Paris?
These boutique hotels offer a unique glimpse into the heart of the city, allowing you to experience Paris beyond the tourist traps. Whether you’re looking for a home away from home, a taste of history, or a stylish retreat, there’s a boutique hotel in Paris that’s perfect for you. So ditch the typical tourist itinerary and embrace the charm of a truly authentic Parisian experience.
