Paris: a city that whispers dreams, a place where grey-slate rooftops and charming boulevards beckon you to lose yourself in its magic. But, while the city itself is enchanting, the hotel scene wasn’t always so dreamy. Gone are the days of cramped rooms and outdated décor! The Parisian hotel scene is undergoing a renaissance, with stylish boutique hotels and vibrant rooftop bars popping up everywhere, offering a fresh take on the classic Parisian experience.
Luxe & Chic: The Hôtel de la Bourse
Imagine stepping into an old post office, only to find yourself in a luxurious five-star haven. That’s the magic of the Hôtel de la Bourse. Opened less than two years ago, this hotel has already become a favorite among the city’s fashion elite. Rich cedar and rosewood scents waft through the corridors, while soft lighting and vibrant hues create an ambiance of refined elegance. Each of the 82 rooms boasts a unique blend of walnut woodwork, leather accents, and expertly curated artwork.
What sets the Hôtel de la Bourse apart is its unique vision: a ground-floor café that evokes a grand chateau hall, a sophisticated fine-dining restaurant called La Plume, and a breathtaking wraparound rooftop with a chic bar boasting panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur. Sustainability is also a priority, with solar panels powering 50% of the hotel’s hot water. While the spa is modest, the hotel’s pin-drop quiet rooms and its prime location near the Bourse de Commerce and Louvre make it an unforgettable Parisian experience.
Playful & Fun: Chouchou
The name Chouchou, a French term of endearment akin to “sweetie,” perfectly captures the spirit of this hotel. Located near the Grands Magasins in the 9th arrondissement, Chouchou welcomes you with a whimsical reception area featuring a mini-boutique selling cheeky gifts like “anti-asshole” candles and “send nudes” socks. The hotel’s glass-roofed bar/restaurant seamlessly transforms from a lively business lunch spot to a vibrant hub for comedy nights and DJ sets, where dancing on tables is encouraged!
The rooms at Chouchou offer a calming respite from the high jinks downstairs. Their contemporary palette of deep blue, white, and cream creates a serene ambiance. Instead of a spa, Chouchou boasts a series of private baths, each featuring a massive sunken whirlpool bath and a daybed decorated in a stylish 1970s theme. These private oases can be booked for romantic moments or even fun parties.
Modern & Efficient: CitizenM
CitizenM, known for its affordable luxury, continues its Parisian expansion with a new super-central outpost. Situated between Bourse and Grands Boulevards, this hotel is a stone’s throw from the bustling bars of Sentier and a short stroll to the Palais Royal and the Seine River. While the rooms are compact, they’re perfectly designed with the CitizenM signature: pod-like bathrooms, king-size beds, and customizable mood lighting.
This is not your typical romantic getaway spot, but rather a launchpad for embracing Parisian life. The hotel boasts cool, design-led communal spaces with comfy, brightly colored sofas perfect for curling up with a book and a bar where you can grab a cocktail to recharge.
Luxury Redefined: Cheval Blanc
A night at the Cheval Blanc is an experience that will redefine your understanding of luxury. This Seine-front residence, a part of the LVMH group, has been the talk of the town since its grand opening in autumn 2021. Housed within the meticulously renovated Samaritaine department store, a Parisian landmark dating back to 1869, the hotel boasts a unique facade blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco design elements.
Inside, you’ll discover 72 luxurious rooms and suites, some with balconies overlooking the Seine or offering stunning Eiffel Tower views. The hotel features four restaurants, including the three-Michelin-star Plénitude, led by renowned chef Arnaud Donckele. After a night on the town, unwind at the Dior Spa, and for a truly Parisian experience, take a dip in the hotel’s 100-foot, mosaic-lined indoor pool – a rare find in the city.
Artistic & Literary: Hôtel de l’Abbaye
This hotel is at the forefront of a new wave of openings aimed at re-establishing the Left Bank as the city’s artistic and literary hub. The hotel is sleek, with bronze accents and curved furniture contrasting against the straight lines of its Art Deco exterior. The hotel pays homage to the Rive Gauche’s heritage with books, sketches, and objets d’art scattered throughout. Even the gym, equipped with design-led equipment like NOHrD water rowers, exudes elegance.
The in-house restaurant offers a delectable Mexican-inspired menu created by chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda – don’t miss the mezcal selection. The expansive rooftop terrace boasts hands-down the best 360-degree panorama over Paris. While some rooms are compact, 31 offer charming balconies, many with breathtaking Eiffel Tower views.
Charming & Authentic: Sentier
Located above the Passage du Caire, the city’s oldest covered arcade, this charming hotel is a Parisian postcard come to life. Gorgeous double windows open onto a picturesque square, revealing bright and sunny rooms adorned with crisp white bedding, marble bathrooms, and a room-service menu featuring cocktails and spritzes.
Sentier is a true family-run hotel, offering a personalized and warm experience. The best rooms have private terraces, but all guests enjoy bespoke service. Highlights include the all-day breakfast menu available in the adjacent restaurant and private natural wine tastings in the hotel’s wine cellar.
Bohemian & Relaxing: La Fantaisie
Finding an oasis in the heart of Paris might seem impossible, but La Fantaisie’s tree-shaded garden proves otherwise. Set to open this June, La Fantaisie is easily the most anticipated new hotel in Paris this year. Located near the bohemian Pigalle area, the hotel was designed by Swedish architect Martin Brudnizki, who has skillfully blended floral frescoes with colors that evoke the gentle warmth of a summer’s day.
The restaurant will be led by Dominique Crenn, the only French chef to have been awarded three Michelin stars in the US, and will be committed to zero plastic and zero waste. Guests will also have access to a kitsch rooftop and a holistic spa developed in partnership with the Holidermie vegan cosmetics brand.
Quirky & Affordable: Mama Shelter
The outer reaches of the 15th arrondissement might not be the first place that comes to mind for a Parisian getaway, but Mama Shelter’s unique charm and affordability make it worth the trip. For less than £100 per night, if you book early, you can enjoy super-smooth service, quirky design (think Darth Vader light shades), luxurious beds, a pizzeria, and a rooftop bar.
While the only nearby attraction is the Vanves flea market, Mama Shelter’s location on the edge of a sleepy residential neighborhood allows you to immerse yourself in everyday Parisian life. The Metro, just a five-minute walk away, will whisk you to most major sights in about half an hour.
Stylish & Intimate: Maisons Pariente
After years of anticipation, Maisons Pariente’s first Paris property is set to open on September 4th, offering a fresh take on French classicism. Expect elegant touches like wall tapestries, leopard print upholstery, and Grand Siècle-style slipper chairs. With only 50 rooms and 11 suites, the hotel promises an intimate experience in the heart of the Marais.
Guests can enjoy an indoor pool and a restaurant helmed by Israeli chef Assaf Granit. If you’re looking for a contemporary Parisian experience with a touch of theatricality, this is the place to be.
Chic & Retro: Pley
The area around the Champs-Elysées might not be the trendiest place to stay in Paris, but it’s conveniently located for exploring the city’s major landmarks, and the Pley Hotel is a real gem. During the hotel’s top-to-toe refurbishment, the design team drew inspiration from the neighborhood’s famed radio stations. Each room features radios that softly chatter as you enter, and they’re styled with dusky pink crushed-velvet headboards and plenty of midnight blue accents.
The hotel’s ground floor boasts a lively bar, restaurant, and lounge, and there’s a fun rooftop cocktail bar for enjoying panoramic views of the city.
A New Era for Paris Hotels
From the sleek modernity of CitizenM to the bohemian charm of La Fantaisie, Paris’s hotel scene is flourishing with innovative and unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek luxurious indulgence, artistic inspiration, or a playful and fun escape, there’s a hotel in Paris waiting to make your dreams come true. So, pack your bags, embrace the city’s magic, and discover the perfect Parisian haven to call home.
