The City of Lights is a magnet for travelers, drawing them in with its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and, of course, its unparalleled luxury hotels. Whether you’re drawn to grand, historic palaces in the heart of the city or charming, boutique hotels nestled in hidden corners, Paris has an accommodation to match your every desire.
Here’s a glimpse into the world of Paris’s most exquisite hotels, curated by Vogue, offering a unique blend of luxury, history, and personality:
Historic Glamour: A Stay at Le Meurice
Le Meurice’s history is truly mind-boggling, a tapestry woven with the threads of artistic brilliance and glamour. This hotel, boasting a prime location overlooking the Tuileries Gardens, has witnessed over two centuries of history.
Its past is a vibrant tapestry, featuring luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Mata Hari, who graced its hallways. However, Le Meurice’s true claim to fame lies in its enduring legacy as a meeting place for artistic giants.
Salvador Dalí found his creative haven here, spending a month annually for three decades. From Émile Zola to Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan, legendary figures have roamed its corridors. Picasso even hosted his wedding reception within its opulent walls.
This rich heritage continues to infuse the hotel’s energy, evident in its playful, iconoclastic interiors.
The lobby is a sight to behold, dominated by a surreal sculpture of swirling columns locked in an embrace. The central dining space is adorned with a breathtaking painting that spans the entire ceiling, a masterpiece created by Phillipe Starck’s daughter, Ara, during his 2007 design refresh.
The 160 rooms and suites offer a classic Parisian experience, a blend of traditional grandeur and effortless elegance. Creams and powder blues dominate the plush bedrooms, while the bathrooms boast delicately marbled finishes. Le Meurice, housed within what is believed to be the oldest palace in France, exudes a timeless charm.
Don’t miss the culinary experience at Le Meurice. The flagship two-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Alain Ducasse, offers a whimsical approach to fine dining, perfectly reflecting the hotel’s vibrant spirit.
Modern Magic: La Fantaisie and Hotel Costes
La Fantaisie, a newcomer in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, welcomes you with a charming phrase etched into the pavement: “Enchanté,” a heartfelt “nice to meet you.”
As you step inside, you’re enveloped in a magical world of delights. The lobby ceiling resembles a tree canopy, tables in the salon are adorned with petal-shaped legs, and the foliage-themed wallpaper evokes a whimsical charm, reminiscent of “Where The Wild Things Are.”
The mastermind behind this enchanting setting is Martin Brudnizki, a master of modern maximalism, renowned for his work on projects like Annabel’s in London and Hotel Fouquet’s in New York.
La Fantaisie also boasts a restaurant by the three-Michelin-starred chef, Dominique Crenn, and a rooftop bar offering stunning views of Paris’s Haussman facades.
Hotel Costes, a five-star gem within walking distance of the Place Vendome, is the epitome of Parisian chic. During Paris Fashion Week, its courtyard restaurant becomes a hub for the “see-and-be-seen” crowd.
The hotel’s impeccable value to the Parisian hospitality scene goes beyond its buzzing atmosphere. Its owners, Jean-Louis and Gilbert Costes, commissioned two of the world’s top interior designers, Jacques Garcia and Christian Liagre, to create three distinct guest wings.
Choose between Garcia’s theatrical, cabaret-like dens or Liaigre’s minimalist havens, each offering a unique escape within the heart of Paris.
Fashionable Elegance: The Hôtel Plaza Athénée
For those who crave a luxurious Parisian experience, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a true gem. Its prime location on the Avenue Montaigne, with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, places it at the epicenter of Parisian fashion.
The hotel boasts a deep connection to the world of fashion. Christian Dior, a regular patron, found inspiration for his iconic Bar jacket in the shape of the hotel’s cocktail bar. The Hôtel Plaza Athénée remains a favorite among the fashion elite, attracting editors and buyers during the city’s fashion weeks.
Indulge in the opulence of Le Relais Plaza, a gilded all-day eatery, or the Space Age glamour of Alain Ducasse’s flagship restaurant. The hotel also offers exceptional people-watching opportunities.
The rooms and suites are adorned with classic Gallic interiors, reinterpreted in stunning shades of gray and pink. The top floors feature sleek, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites with expansive, loft-like spaces and unparalleled rooftop views.
The world-class spa, located in the basement, is a sanctuary of indulgence. Newly refurbished by the team at Dior, the spa features butter-soft Dior blankets and cushions, and the best hydrafacial in the city. Leave the spa feeling rejuvenated and ready to explore the city’s vibrant streets.
Artistic Haven: Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, tucked away in the city’s 8th arrondissement, offers a tranquil retreat just steps away from iconic landmarks. Its location, slightly removed from the bustling tourist areas, provides a peaceful haven in the heart of the city.
The hotel’s grand entryway leads you into a world of sophisticated elegance.
The interiors, a product of a top-to-toe refurbishment by Phillipe Starck, showcase a more subdued side of his renowned maximalist style, recalling the glamorous heyday of the 1930s.
Le Royal Monceau is a haven for creativity. Its art concierge offers private guided tours of the city’s museums and galleries, while the rooms are adorned with custom pieces, adding a touch of artistic flair. The desks even feature a custom map of Paris created by Starck, highlighting his favorite Parisian spots.
The culinary scene at Le Royal Monceau is equally impressive, offering an array of choices.
Enjoy the first restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa in Paris, serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in a dramatic dining room illuminated by oversized studio lamps. Indulge in the decadent Italian classics at the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, created in partnership with the renowned Da Vittorio restaurant in Bergamo. Don’t miss their signature paccheri dish, a culinary masterpiece.
Le Royal Monceau is a favorite among both Parisian locals and international jet-setters, a testament to its unique blend of luxury and artistic charm.
Parisian Gem: Chateau des Fleurs
Nestled on a quiet side street off the Champs Elysées, the Chateau des Fleurs is a haven of understated elegance. Named after a former nightlife venue, the hotel now exudes a calm, intimate atmosphere.
Its facade, dating back to 1910, is adorned with overflowing flower boxes, adding a touch of floral charm. Inside, the hotel is a symphony of cozy curves and warm, gentle colors.
Pink, beige, cream, terracotta, and rust-colored tiles create a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The hotel’s aesthetic is reminiscent of a charming candy store, with a touch of unexpected whimsy in the violet-colored glass fixtures.
The rooms, like the one I stayed in, are often designed as duplexes. Ascending the staircase, you’ll discover a bathtub positioned near the bed, adding a touch of luxury. A skylight above allows glimpses of the Parisian sky, a magical experience even on a rainy day.
The Chateau des Fleurs offers a private Parisian garret experience, with every detail meticulously considered. The bar and lobby areas are separated by rattan screens, and the seating areas are filled with charming bobbin tables and chairs with long tassels.
The hotel also boasts a small spa with two treatment rooms and a gym in the basement.
Chateau des Fleurs is a small, cozy hotel with a lot of style, a charming escape in the heart of Paris.
