Paris, the City of Lights, is a place where love blossoms in every corner. Imagine strolling along the Seine, its surface shimmering under the moonlight, the arched bridges standing tall, and the charming restaurants glowing with candlelight. This city truly makes romance effortless. But if you want to make your Parisian escape even more special, there are hotels that elevate romance to an art form – perfect for honeymoons or a weekend getaway with your beloved.
These hotels are not just places to lay your head; they are enchanted sanctuaries where every detail speaks of luxury and passion. Whether you’re searching for a grand mansion with a sumptuous spa, a hotel with breathtaking views, or a more intimate hideaway, Paris has a romantic haven waiting for you.
Parisian Palaces of Love: Where Dreams Come True
The Shangri-La Hotel is a true Parisian gem, housed in the former mansion of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s great nephew. It boasts breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and an air of grandeur that will take your breath away. Step inside and be captivated by the wedding-cake façade, the original function rooms fit for a king, and a grand staircase that seems straight out of Versailles.
The bedrooms are a symphony of serenity, adorned with classic elegance. Soft blue, cream, and gold hues create a tranquil atmosphere. Each room is unique, featuring marquetry desks, subtly embossed wallpaper, and the fragrant beauty of orchids. For an unforgettable experience, choose a room with a balcony overlooking the serene garden or one of the top suites with panoramic terraces.
Maison Souquet, a haven for lovers, transports you to a magical era. It’s a delightful blend of Belle Epoque glamour, five-star luxury, and artistic exuberance. This grand hotel has a fascinating history, once serving as a maison close – a high-class bordello – for wealthy gentlemen in the early 20th century.
Today, the legendary French designer Jacques Garcia has transformed this historic address into a captivating haven, infusing the interiors with enchanting touches of red, gold, and Venetian glass. The attention to detail is exquisite, with carefully curated 19th-century furniture, original chinoiserie, and flickering scented candles that fill the air with a delightful blend of rose, tobacco, and jasmine.
Contemporary Chic Meets Parisian Charm
Le Royal Monceau Raffles is a stunning testament to modern luxury, seamlessly blending contemporary design with Parisian charm. The renowned Philippe Starck has lent his artistic touch to the décor, creating a captivating world of playful angles and unexpected details.
The hotel’s Art Deco awning echoes its rich history, dating back to the 1930s. Inside, you’ll find a thoroughly modern ambiance inspired by the whimsical world of “Alice in Wonderland.” Starck’s signature style is evident in the striped optical-illusion wallpaper in the corridors and the maze-like mirrored spa.
Public spaces on the ground level open onto a chic courtyard, where summery tables and chairs invite you to relax around a porthole overlooking a large turquoise pool.
Bourg Tibourg is a retro retreat in the fashionable Marais district, a true gem of Parisian indulgence. The hotel’s unassuming exterior belies the opulent treasure trove waiting inside. Bold colours, oriental motifs, and neo-gothic décor create a captivating blend of styles.
Jacques Garcia, the renowned designer, has meticulously curated each detail, showcasing rich, luxurious fabrics, kitsch details, and exquisite antique furniture. A touch of whimsy adds to the experience: guests can select a film from the hotel’s library – filled with stylish French cinema classics – and enjoy a private screening in their room with popcorn.
Legends and Luxurious Memories
The Hôtel D’Alsace is steeped in history and whispers of past glories. It has played host to a constellation of celebrities, including the enigmatic Oscar Wilde, who rented a furnished apartment here before his death in 1900. Throughout the 20th century, it continued to attract famous figures such as Ava Gardener, Frank Sinatra, and the Aga Khan.
The hotel’s 20 rooms are a blend of Empire and Baroque styles, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and sophisticated. Imagine wood paneling, elaborate carved wood features, grand bedheads, exquisite patterned wallpaper, and antique embellishments – a captivating fusion of styles.
The Hotel de Crillon was originally built for the half-brother of Napoleon III, and its striking stone façade is an impressive sight. The hotel underwent a meticulous renovation in 2015, a collaboration between the owner and the celebrated Parisian designer Jacques Garcia. While the look is pared down, the playful blending of styles remains a signature.
Expect elements of the Second Empire, with its intricate wall mouldings and Versailles parquet, Deco pillars in the Gabriel restaurant, and contemporary art pieces. The hotel’s 14 rooms and 26 suites offer a luxurious experience, each larger than a standard Parisian apartment. You can choose from views of the Jardin des Champs-Élysées or the hotel’s charming inner courtyard.
Parisian Escapes: Intimate and Enchanting
The Hotel Le Petit Moulin is a hidden gem, a secret Parisian pied à terre that feels like a dream come true. The ground-floor lounges exude an air of exclusivity, with dim lighting, heavy red-velvet drapes, and opulent drawing-room furnishings. If you’re not a fan of hunting trophies, skip the Petit Salon.
The 1871 mansion was once home to members of the Hermès and Rothschild families, and the house has retained its bourgeois charm. The five spacious suites offer diverse moods and décor. A lush walled garden and a nearby pétanque court provide an intimate space for relaxing beneath the trees.
The Hotel de Sers is a stunning hotel housed in a grand 18th-century building on the picturesque Place Valois. The interiors, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon (also responsible for the Four Seasons George V and the Shangri-La), showcase the building’s original features, creating a sophisticated and contemporary ambiance.
The use of high-quality materials, such as fabrics and wallpaper from Parisian designers Pierre Frey, Rubelli, and Manuel Canovas, and furnishings from Philippe Lurel, enhances the elegance. Contemporary artworks on display in the lobby, along with busts of Voltaire and Rousseau from the Louvre’s sculpture academy, add a touch of intellectual charm.
Modern Glamour: Where History Meets Innovation
The Evok group, known for their unique vision, commissioned renowned Parisian architect Jean-Louis Denoit to transform the Avenue de l’Opéra hotel, creating the Nolinski, a hotel that feels like the luxurious home of a fictional globetrotter.
The hotel’s design is a captivating blend of Belle Epoque Paris – think marble surfaces and suites named after Hemingway and Josephine Baker – and contemporary touches, including abstract art, jagged geometric lines, and dazzling mirrored surfaces. The hotel’s signature scent, lobby music, and the use of blue and green hues create a soothing cocoon, a refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle.
These romantic hotels, each a unique expression of Parisian elegance and luxury, offer a truly unforgettable experience. They transform a simple getaway into a love story waiting to be written. From grand palaces to intimate hideaways, Paris offers a romantic haven for every couple, ensuring a memory that will last a lifetime.
