Forget the Eiffel Tower and tourist traps! Parisian travel is evolving, and savvy visitors are seeking something more authentic. Boutique hotels are leading the charge, offering a unique experience that reflects the city’s vibrant personality. From chic hideaways in Pigalle to hidden country-style havens in Montmartre, these hotels are a haven for travelers looking for something special. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the best boutique hotels in Paris.
A Home Away from Home
Imagine a stylish retreat nestled between the Louvre and the Opéra. This is Le Petit Parisien, a hotel that embodies the concept of “home-from-home” with its relaxed living spaces. Designed by Sarah Lavoine, these spaces are filled with art and design books, cozy sofas, and patterned rugs that create an inviting ambiance. Even the smallest rooms are surprisingly spacious for Paris, with the Indulgence Suites offering a luxurious touch with their private hammam steam baths. This haven offers a palette of styles from crisp white to dark blue and black, each room boasting unique details like round mirrors and ceramic reliefs. And wait, there’s more! Le Petit Parisien is one of the few Paris hotels with a small pool, a rare treat in the city.
Oscar Wilde’s Last Night & Parisian Glamour
Step back in time to the Hôtel D’Alsace, where literary legend Oscar Wilde spent his final night. This historically rich hotel has witnessed countless famous faces throughout its existence, including Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, and the Aga Khan. The opulent ambiance is undeniable, with an ornate galleried staircase and a grand glass-roofed restaurant. The entire hotel has been meticulously renovated by Jacques Garcia, showcasing his signature sumptuous and eclectic style. Imagine elaborate wall moldings, grand chandeliers, and leopard-print carpets – a true Parisian masterpiece!
Hidden Parisian Chic
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Montmartre, a 19th-century mansion tucked away down a charming old-world alley. This is the Hôtel de la Ville, a haven of Parisian chic, previously home to members of the Hermès and Rothschild families. Its bourgeois-home charm is evident in the five spacious and eclectic suites. The hotel’s fashionable cocktail bar and restaurant is a favorite amongst Parisian A-listers, boasting dreamy summer seating. And for those in the know, Le Très Particulier, the back-door cocktail bar, offers tasty tapas, tropical décor and a mesmerizing summer garden – a secret oasis in the heart of Paris.
French Design & Culture
Step into a celebration of French design, craftsmanship, and culture at Le Grand Français. The hotel’s blue and white palette pays homage to the French national colors, while suites honor French cultural icons. The large open restaurant, adorned with a huge glass verrerie and lit with strings of bare bulbs, invites guests to indulge in French wines and gastronomy at communal dining tables. Live music events ranging from 1920s French hits to Daft Punk, and Sunday comedy nights in French, cater to a local crowd creating a vibrant and authentic atmosphere. Conveniently located on the edge of the hip 9th arrondissement, Le Grand Français offers easy access to Paris’s main attractions.
Cozy & Contemporary Parisian Charm
Explore the unique charm of the Hôtel Adele & Jules, two identical properties, two doors apart, that embody Parisian architectural atypicality. The hotel’s low-key contemporary style emphasizes comfort and homeliness with warm colors, comfortable furnishings, and soft lighting. The lobby/dining area, identical in both buildings, features a well-stocked bookshelf, cozy sofas, and Paris-themed contemporary artwork, creating a welcoming and livable space. Even the smaller rooms are intelligently designed to maximize space. Enjoy the tranquility of the courtyard, accessible from some rooms, or soak up the Parisian sunshine on the pretty balconies on the second and fifth floors.
A Literary Retreat in the City of Lights
Experience a blend of French elegance and contemporary style at Le Petit Parisien. Located in a central location with easy access to the Louvre and Palais Garnier Opera, this stylish hotel features French details of the Haussmannian building alongside contemporary furnishings. The dark Hungarian parquet in the lobby and a vintage chrome stove in the breakfast area add a touch of vintage charm. A subtle literary theme is woven throughout the hotel, with French novels adorning the attractive bookshelf in the lobby and a selection available in the rooms. Crisp and contemporary décor is accented with retro touches like copper lamps and Deco-style patterns, while period features such as wall moldings and exposed wood beams in some rooms add to the unique character of this literary retreat.
Float Away on the Seine
Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the Seine River. At Hôtel Elegancia, Paris’s first boat hotel, this dream becomes a reality. The innovative Elegancia hotel group has created a floating cocoon where guests can disconnect from urban life and embrace the tranquility of the river. The beachy lounge bar is a popular spot for sundowners among trendy Parisians, while the laidback vibe encourages guests to kick off their shoes, dip their toes in the water, and relax on a shimmering golden Fatboy with mesmerizing Seine views. The beauty of waking up to a water view and Parisian péniches sailing by is a magical experience, and the value for money is undeniable.
From historical charm to contemporary design, Paris’s boutique hotels offer a unique and unforgettable experience. So ditch the tourist traps, embrace the authentic spirit of Paris, and book your stay at one of these exceptional hotels.
