Paris, a city that captures the hearts and imaginations of travelers worldwide, is renowned for its exquisite luxury hotels. From historic grand dames nestled in the heart of the city to chic boutique hotels sprinkled throughout its vibrant neighborhoods, Paris offers a captivating array of accommodations that promise an unforgettable stay.
Parisian Palaces: A Glimpse of History and Luxury
Le Meurice, a true Parisian icon, boasts a rich and illustrious history. Dating back over two centuries, this majestic hotel has played host to an impressive roster of luminaries, from the captivating Mata Hari to the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Le Meurice has long been a haven for artists and thinkers, a space where creativity blossomed. Salvador Dalí, the surrealist master, resided here for an entire month every year for three decades. Émile Zola, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan all graced its halls, and even Picasso held his wedding reception within its opulent walls.
The spirit of creativity that permeated Le Meurice in the past continues to resonate today. Playful and iconoclastic interiors, designed by the renowned Philippe Starck, create a captivating ambiance. From the surreal sculpture of two swirling columns in the lobby to the breathtaking painting that graces the ceiling of the central dining space, the hotel is a feast for the senses.
Le Meurice‘s 160 rooms and suites offer a delightful blend of classic Parisian elegance and modern comfort. The rooms are adorned in a soothing palette of creams and powder blues, with plush bedrooms and delicately marbled bathrooms. And for a truly exceptional culinary experience, indulge in the two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse. This culinary gem offers a whimsical approach to fine dining that perfectly complements the hotel’s unique atmosphere.
Chic Boutique Hotels: Modern Charm and Hidden Gems
La Fantaisie, a newly opened hotel nestled in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, is an enchanting escape. The phrase “Enchanté” – meaning “nice to meet you” – is etched into the pavement outside, and the hotel lives up to its name.
The lobby ceiling resembles a tree canopy, tables in the salon are adorned with petal-shaped legs, and the lush, foliage-themed wallpaper in the corridors could have been ripped straight from the pages of “Where The Wild Things Are.” The hotel’s interior design is a triumph of modern maximalism, curated by Martin Brudnizki, the mastermind behind iconic spaces like Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York.
La Fantaisie also boasts a restaurant by the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred chef, Dominique Crenn, and a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the city’s Haussmann facades.
A Place to Be Seen: Parisian Glamour and Hospitality
Hotel Costes, a five-star gem within walking distance of the Place Vendome, is a haven for the discerning traveler. It is a place where Parisian glamour and impeccable hospitality collide.
The hotel’s 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. Guests can choose between Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-inspired spaces and Liagre’s minimalist havens, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Parisian Fashion and Opulence: A Chic Escape
Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a true Parisian icon, nestled on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne. This hotel is synonymous with fashion and luxury, having long attracted the world’s most stylish individuals. Christian Dior, a regular patron, drew inspiration from the hotel’s cocktail bar for his iconic Bar jacket, and the hotel remains a favorite haunt for fashion editors and buyers during Paris Fashion Week.
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée offers an unrivaled blend of opulent elegance and modern comfort. The gilded all-day eatery, Le Relais Plaza, and the Space Age glamour of Alain Ducasse’s flagship restaurant provide unparalleled culinary experiences.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated in classic Gallic style, with eye-popping shades of gray and pink. The top floors feature sleek, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites, offering sprawling, loft-like spaces and breathtaking rooftop views.
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée‘s world-class spa, overseen by the Dior team, is a haven of serenity. With butter-soft Dior blankets and cushions, this luxurious sanctuary provides the ultimate escape.
Le Royal Monceau: A Haven of Creativity and Culinary Delights
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, located in the city’s 8th arrondissement, offers a unique blend of classic Parisian elegance and modern comfort. Its slightly removed location, tucked away on a boulevard radiating from the Arc de Triomphe, provides a haven of tranquility, while still being within walking distance of the city’s major sights.
Le Royal Monceau, designed by Philippe Starck, offers a sophisticated and subdued interpretation of the design legend’s signature maximalist style. The hotel is a celebration of creativity, with an art concierge offering private guided tours of the city’s finest museums and galleries. The hotel’s rooms are adorned with custom artwork and furniture, including desks inlaid with a custom map of Paris designed by Starck himself.
Le Royal Monceau boasts a remarkable array of culinary experiences. The first Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant in Paris, serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, is housed within a dramatic dining room lit by oversized studio lamps. The Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, created in partnership with the famed Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo, offers decadent riffs on Italian classics.
Parisian Chic and Cozy Comfort: The Chateau des Fleurs
Chateau des Fleurs, situated on a quiet side street off the Champs-Elysées, is a charming boutique hotel that exudes an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Named after a former nightlife venue that once animated the area, the hotel now offers a haven of tranquility.
This 1910 building is adorned with overflowing window boxes, and its interiors are characterized by cozy curves and warm, gentle colors. Pink, beige, and cream are complemented by touches of terracotta and rust, evoking the colors of an old-fashioned candy store.
Chateau des Fleurs offers a truly unique experience, with rooms designed to feel like private Parisian garrets. The hotel’s inviting bar and lobby area, with rattan screens, bobbin tables, and chairs with lengthy tassels, create a cozy and elegant ambiance. A small spa with two treatment rooms and a gym in the basement provide additional amenities for those seeking ultimate relaxation.
