Paris, a city that captivates travelers’ imaginations like no other, offers a treasure trove of luxurious hotels. Whether you seek grand palaces in the heart of the 1st arrondissement or trendy boutique hotels in the city’s charming neighborhoods, you’re sure to find your perfect Parisian retreat. But with such a vast array of options, choosing the best hotel can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you and curated a list of hotels that will guarantee an unforgettable Parisian stay.
Parisian Palaces: A Glimpse into History and Luxury
Le Meurice: Where Art and History Intertwine
Le Meurice’s rich and illustrious history is truly awe-inspiring. This iconic hotel, with its prime location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens, has played host to a constellation of glamorous figures throughout its over two centuries of existence. From the legendary Elizabeth Taylor to the enigmatic Mata Hari, many historical figures have graced its halls. But perhaps Le Meurice’s most remarkable claim to fame is its status as a meeting place for some of the 20th century’s most influential artists and intellectuals.
Imagine Salvador Dalí, the surrealist extraordinaire, spending a month each year for three decades at Le Meurice. Or envision Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan strolling through its corridors. Even Picasso chose Le Meurice for his wedding reception. This artistic legacy still pulsates through the hotel’s very essence. Its playful, iconoclastic interiors, from the surreal sculpture of two swirling columns in the lobby to the breathtaking painting that adorns the ceiling of the central dining room, are a testament to its artistic heritage. Phillipe Starck’s daughter, Ara, created the stunning ceiling mural during the hotel’s comprehensive redesign in 2007.
Ascend to one of the hotel’s 160 rooms and suites, and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of a Parisian grand hotel. Nestled within what is believed to be the oldest palace in France, the hotel exudes a refined aura, with a palette of creams and powder blues adorning plush bedrooms and exquisitely marbled bathrooms.
And don’t overlook the culinary delights at Le Meurice. Alain Ducasse’s flagship two-Michelin-starred restaurant, a whimsical ode to fine dining, perfectly complements the hotel’s overall charm.
La Fantaisie: A Whimsical Escape into a World of Delight
Step into La Fantaisie, a newcomer in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, and be greeted by a charming inscription etched into the pavement: “Enchanté.” The phrase perfectly captures the hotel’s enchanting ambiance. As you enter the lobby, you’re enveloped by a magical forest of delights. The ceiling is adorned with a tapestry reminiscent of a leafy canopy, while tables in the salon are supported by petal-shaped legs. The dense foliage-themed wallpaper in the corridors seems as if it could have been plucked from the pages of “Where the Wild Things Are.”
The mastermind behind this whimsical masterpiece is none other than Martin Brudnizki, a modern maximalist maestro renowned for projects like Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York.
La Fantaisie also boasts a restaurant helmed by three-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn and a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Paris’s Haussmannian facades.
Parisian Chic: Where Fashion and Style Collide
Hotel Costes: A Hub for Style and Celebrity
During Paris Fashion Week, there’s perhaps no more “see-and-be-seen” spot than the courtyard restaurant at Hotel Costes. This five-star gem, a stone’s throw from the Place Vendome, draws a glamorous crowd. During my visit to the restaurant during couture week, I found myself seated next to several famous faces.
Hotel Costes’ appeal transcends its celebrity allure. Owners Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes commissioned two of the world’s top interior designers – Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre – to design its three guest wings. Whether you prefer the theatrical, cabaret-like dens designed by Garcia or the minimalist temples created by Liaigre, Hotel Costes offers a choice for every taste.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée: A Fashion Icon with Parisian Flair
For those seeking a shopping haven, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is the perfect destination. Situated on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, the hotel offers unparalleled views of the iconic Eiffel Tower. The hotel’s close ties to the world of fashion are legendary. Christian Dior, a regular patron whose couture salon was just a short distance away, is said to have drawn inspiration for his iconic Bar jacket from the shape of the hotel’s cocktail bar.
Today, the hotel remains a perennial favorite for fashion editors and buyers who flock to the city during the ready-to-wear and couture seasons. Indulge in the unabashed opulence of its gilded all-day eatery, Le Relais Plaza, or the Space Age glamour of its Alain Ducasse flagship restaurant. And don’t miss the people-watching opportunities.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are adorned with classic Parisian interiors, reinterpreted in eye-catching shades of gray and pink. But a special surprise awaits on the top two floors, where sleek, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites offer sprawling, loft-like spaces and breathtaking rooftop vistas.
Don’t miss the world-class spa nestled deep within the hotel’s basement. Newly refurbished and overseen by the Dior team, the spa’s soothing treatment rooms feature luxurious Dior blankets and cushions. Treat yourself to the best hydrafacial in the city and emerge with a radiant glow.
Parisian Charm: Boutique Hotels with Unforgettable Ambiance
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: A Blend of Modernity and History
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, situated a few blocks from the city’s grand hotels in the 8th arrondissement, offers a haven of tranquility. Tucked away on a boulevard radiating from the Arc de Triomphe, the hotel is within walking distance of major sights while retaining a sense of seclusion from the tourist crowds. Step inside its grand entryway, and you’ll be greeted by a haven of sophistication.
The hotel’s interiors, the product of a top-to-toe refurbishment by Phillipe Starck in the late 2000s, lean towards the subdued side of Starck’s famously maximalist style. They evoke the glamorous heyday of the hotel’s origins in the 1930s. Creativity is at the heart of the hotel’s experience, from its pioneering art concierge, offering private guided tours of the city’s leading museums and galleries, to the custom artwork that graces the walls of its airy and modern rooms.
The desks are even inlaid with a custom map of Paris created by Starck himself, highlighting some of his favorite spots in the city.
Le Royal Monceau’s culinary offerings are equally impressive. The first restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa in Paris serves Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes within a colossal dining room bathed in the dramatic glow of oversized studio lamps. For Italian delights, head to the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, created in partnership with the famed Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo. Don’t miss their signature paccheri dish, made with three types of tomatoes.
It’s no wonder the hotel is as popular with Parisian locals on a Friday evening as it is with its jet-setting international clientele.
Chateau des Fleurs: A Cozy Boutique Hotel with Parisian Charm
Nestled on a quiet side street off the Champs Elysées, Chateau des Fleurs, named after a nightlife venue that once animated the area, offers a tranquil escape. This elegant boutique hotel, housed in a 1910 building, exudes an intimate and impeccably refined atmosphere.
The hotel’s design is characterized by cozy curves and warm, gentle colors – pink, beige, cream, with touches of terracotta and rust – reminiscent of an old-fashioned candy store.
The exception to this harmonious color scheme is the odd violet-colored glass fixtures, a rare off-note in an otherwise aesthetically cohesive experience. My room was a duplex with a delightful bathtub positioned a few feet from the bed. Above it, a skylight opened to the gray Parisian sky. Despite the grim weather, the sound of rain falling on the rooftop created a soothing ambiance.
For those lucky enough to visit during more cheerful weather, the clever remote control window shade ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.
The entire experience felt like my own private Parisian garret, with every nook and cranny meticulously appointed. Downstairs, the inviting bar and lobby area was divided with rattan screens and furnished with bobbin tables and chairs whose lengthy tassels touched the floor. Always, someone stood sentinel at the bar, ready to serve a cafe au lait or an aperitif.
The hotel’s basement houses a small spa with two treatment rooms and a gym.
Chateau des Fleurs is a small, cozy hotel brimming with style.
