In the immortal words of Audrey Hepburn, "Paris is always a good idea." Whether you're planning a luxurious French escape, or you're simply looking to maximise a layover, the city of light and love doesn't have any shortage of beautiful hotels to rest your head at the end of a long day at the Louvre, or traipsing the gardens of Versaille. Below, we bring you 11 hotels in Paris to consider for your next stay, from contemporary-cool boutique lodgings, to palatial residences replete with all the Belle Epoque splendour and elegance of a city gone by.
1. Pavillon Faubourg
Where: Saint Germain
About the hotel: Located in a neighbourhood practically marinating in bohemian literary history, the Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain takes pride in its heritage. Originally built in the 17th century, the building has been called home by a myriad of notable writers, including the likes of T.S. Eliot and James Joyce.
2. Hotel Les Deux Gares
Where: 10th Arrondisment
About the hotel: Playful interiors melt together with the sounds and smells of vibrant Little India in the Hotel Les Deux Gare. The Haussmannian-style corner hotel is tucked away on a backstreet, but is still only a stones throw away from major train stations and landmarks. It's perfect for those looking for a more authentic, pared-back and contemporary stay.
3. Hôtel Madame Rêve
Where: Les Halles
About the hotel: Located in the beating heart of Paris in the heritage Louvre Post Office building is the stunning 5-star Hotel Madame Rêve. Think panoramic city views from your suite, coupled with a sunset cocktail in the building's uniquely stunning suspended rooftop garden of cherry trees. Très chic!
4. Saint James Paris
Where: Rive Droite
About the hotel: Romance was born at the Paris Saint James, a hotel that cultivates what they call the "quintessential Parisian art de vivre". Wander around the charming gardens or spend an afternoon at their dedicated in-house spa facility.
5. Ritz Paris
Where: 1st Arrondisment.
About the hotel: The Ritz is the epitome of classic luxury in Paris. Since opening in the late 1800s, the hotel has been a favourite amongst literary royalty, as well as actual royalty. Sprawling suites are dressed in decadence, from Louis XV furnishings, to oil paintings and chandeliers. A perfect stay for the French history buff.
6. Le Grand Contrôle hotel, Versailles
Where: Versailles
About the hotel: Live out your 18th century fairytale in this hotel set inside the historic gates of the palace of Versaille. Rooms at Le Grand Contrôle have been meticulously curated with genuine pre-French Revolution furniture - down to the last armchair.
7. Cheval Blanc Paris
Where: Les Halles
About the hotel: The Cheval Blanc occupies prime real estate, perched on the Left Bank overlooking the river Seine. It marries its heritage architecture with a contemporary spirit, and being part of the LVMH family only makes it all the more luxurious a stay.
8. The Hotel Rochechouart
Where: Montemarte
About the hotel: This boutique hotel offers a cooler, chicer alternative to pure unbridled opulence. Located at the foot of Montemarte with an Art Deco flair, the 8-storey maison looks out and over the Sacre Couer.
9. Les Bains Paris
Where: Marais
About the hotel: This sultry stay in Marais was once a popular Bohemian bathhouse, then a legendary 80s nightclub that hosted the likes of Grace Jones, Naomi Campbell, Andy Warhol and Françoise Sagan in its heyday. Now it's a 5-star boutique hotel, restaurant and cocktail bar that has revived and pays respect to its history.
10. Le Bristol
Where: Madeleine
About the hotel: Be charmed by your stay at Le Bristol, an icon of French elegance located along the iconic rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. For dinner, why not head down to one of their two Michelin-star restaurants?
11. Chateau Voltaire
Where: Place Vendôme
About the hotel: Château Voltaire sits at the intersection of elegance and modesty - despite its scandalous roots as a brothel bar. With just 32 rooms and suites, this boutique hotel is the perfect discrete hideaway with all the bells and whistles.
12. Maison Proust
Where: Le Marais
About the hotel: Voted one of the most romantic hotels in the world, the brand new Maison Proust, in the heart of Le Marais, is a gem of a stay. Officially opening in January of last year, the interiors and atmosphere were inspired by the writer Marcel Proust, and redolent of the Parisian salons of the Belle Epoque. With just 23 rooms and suites, the boutique nature of your stay entails customised care and attention to detail, including a spa, Hammam and swimming pool, with treatments led by Dr. Max Huber, and his legendary skincare brand, La Mer. If you're looking to kick off a big night, then head to the hotel's bar is currently hosting Colin Field, one of the world's best bartenders, who will be serving up 10 of his unique cocktails on Fridays.
13. S/O Paris
Where: Between Bastille and Marais
About the hotel: The newly opened S/O Hotel in Paris is a five-star stay with striking views over the Parisian rooftops, the Seine, and the capital’s landmarks. The hotel is equipped with all the usuals – a wellness spa centre, sports club and pool, and a restaurant, bar and club that span the top two floors of the hotel.
13. Hotel Lutetia
Where: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
About the hotel: The Hotel Lutetia dated back more than a century when it closed its doors in 2014 for a four-year renovation. and when it reopened in 2017, it was an Art Deco icon reimagined. The Romanesque frescoes of its Art Nouveau bar, Bar Josephine (named for Josephine Baker), were restored, and its 16,000 -book library a wink at their bohemian roots as the home base for Parisians like Picasso, Matisse, Gide and Joyce.
