An ultra romantic, food and fashion capitol – Paris is the home to the best there is to offer in food, wine, fashion, arts and architecture, and hospitality. If you have never been to Paris, finding a place to stay can feel overwhelming because there are so many options whether you are renting an apartment or staying at a hotel.
Paris has 20 arrondissements, each with its own character and charm. A few quick highlights: the 7th arrondissement is close to the Eiffel Tower, making it a great option if you want to prioritize close views of the Eiffel Tower from your accommodation or if you want to be in within walking distance or close proximity to many of the tourist attractions. Similarly, the 1st arrondissement is close to the Louvre and will allow you to do a lot of sight seeing without worrying a lot about public transportation. Le Marais, in the 4th arrondissement, is a personal favorite where there are plenty of restaurants and shopping. Wander around the smaller streets, pop into cafes while browsing thrift stores, or wander over to the Picasso museum. Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement, is very picturesque and artsy. This is a lot further from attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the famous jardins but you can visit the Sacre Coeur and wander the cobble stone streets.
Once you’ve decided which neighborhood you want to stay in, then comes the choice of where to stay in Paris.
WHAT ARE THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN PARIS?
There are an abundance of luxury hotels in Paris and rather than list every one of them, here are a few of the best luxury hotels worth the splurge. Note: for places like the Ritz, even if you don’t stay here, stop by for a drink at the iconic Bar Hemingway. And for those who have visited Paris many times before and are looking for something a bit more residential feeling while still on the luxury side, La Reserve is a great option.
Four Seasons Hotel George V
The iconic Hotel George V is a Four Seasons property nestled in the Golden Triangle of Paris that exudes luxury and fine hospitality. As soon as you walk into the lobby, you’ll be greeted by an ever-changing statement display of florals by Jeff Leatham. Within the Four Seasons are not one but three different Michelin starred restaurants. Le Cinq boasts three Michelin stars while Le George and L’Orangerie both have one star.
Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
Hotel de Crillon underwent a four year refurbishment and opened in 2017 under the Rosewood Hotel brand. Located by Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Crillon is one of Paris’ gems originally commissioned by King Louis XV and formerly serving as the residence of the Duke de Crillon. Here you will find a mix of antique furniture and décor to keep the spirit of the property alive along with modern touches of technology in the rooms. All rooms at the Hotel de Crillon treat guests to butler service, emphasizing luxury hospitality. With the history of the property and the attention to the guests, a stay at Hotel de Crillon (while a splurge) will not disappoint.
JK Place Paris
While most know JK Place for the luxury accommodations within Italy, there is one location in France and that is of course in Paris. Located in the 7th arrondissement near Musee D’Orsay and a short walk to the Eiffel Tower, the property feels more like a highly curated, upscale Parisian residence than a hotel which is true to the JK Place aesthetic. It’s a true mix of French and Italian. For dining, there is a Casa Tua in the hotel but with locations in both Miami and Aspen – skip Casa Tua and go dine out at one of the many delicious French brasseries or Michelin restaurants.
Le Bristol
Near the Champs Elysees, located in the 8th arrondissement on Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is the iconic Le Bristol Paris. In the heart of some of the chicest shopping to be done in Paris, the location is especially convenient for those looking to spend some time wandering in an out of designer stores. There’s a lovely courtyard and garden that feels like an escape from the city and of course, Le Bristol is home to four Michelin stars with Epicure and 114 Faubourg which holds one star.
Cheval Blanc Paris
The Cheval Blanc Paris hotel is located in a very convenient location for those who have been to Paris before and are looking for a mix of some sight-seeing and some leisurely discovering the city. Right near the Louvre, and across the Point Neuf, the hotel is close to one of the most famous museums in Paris as well as the Notre Dame all while being within distance of Le Marais. Head to Le Tout Paris on the seventh floor for an aperitif with the Seine and the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Under the LVMH umbrella, there is no doubt the décor and accommodations live up to the luxury name. There are only 72 rooms, most of which are suites, and almost all of them overlook the Seine. For dining, the hotel houses Langosteria which is the first outpost outside of Milan.
Airelles Château de Versailles
This is an experience in itself – the first hotel set within the grounds of the Chateau de Versailles. There are only 14 suites all adorned with antique furniture and opulent yet elegant design. Because it’s Chateau de Versailles, this is not close to Paris city limits and is a luxury take on experiencing all that is Versailles. This includes exclusive offers such as private tours of the Chateau, after-hours tours of the Hall of Mirrors, and a five-course meal by Alain Ducasse. If that wasn’t opulent enough, there is a Valmont spa on property and the moment you step foot on the grounds the white-glove service (you are assigned a butler upon arrival) guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Le Meurice
Located in the 1st arrondissement near Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens, Le Meurice offers the 18th century design and take of the Chateau de Versailles right in the heart of Paris. It is also home to the renowned two Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice of famed Alain Ducasse. There’s also a ton of history that has happened within the wall of Le Meurice. That paired with the opulent design, it takes you back to a golden age of style. The location is perfect for walks around the Tuileries Gardens or a visit to the Louvre.
Hotel Plaza Athenee
The Hotel Plaza Athenee can be easily recognized by the red awnings outside of the windows and has been immortalized in many movies/TV shows with Paris as a backdrop. It’s long been a staple to the fashion world. And for those who travel with a collection of outfits (or are looking to shop), Hotel Plaza Athenee offers packing and unpacking services from the house butler to all room categories. The courtyard is a lush atmosphere with the vividness of the iconic red awnings and umbrellas popping against the greenery. Because of its ties with fashion, specifically with the house of Dior, the hotel houses the only Dior Institute spa.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN PARIS?
For a more understated (and more approachably priced) yet still chic stay, look no further for some of the best boutique hotels in Paris. Note: Hotel Particulier Montmartre is a beautiful property but stop by for lunch or for drinks.
Le Roch Hotel & Spa
A member of Marriott Bonvoy, Le Roch Hotel & Spa is located near the Tuileries Gardens. The hotel is characterized by an art deco aesthetic with rich, bold colors that holds a well-designed but unassuming vibe. There are only 37 rooms at the hotel making it a more intimate stay than many of the other large hotel names in the city. The property is quietly tucked in between residential buildings but is between Place Vendome and Palais Royal, perfect to walk around some of the major sight-seeing. Also convenient is the 15 minute walk to Le Marais.
Hotel Bowmann
Hotel Bowmann is one of the newer additions to the Paris hotel scene, located in the 8th arrondissment right near Boulevard Haussmann where the city’s major designer and department stores are located. The rooms are clean ivory and blush accented interior with gold accents. The hotel is an intimate 53-room property that sits on a tree lined street that is still conveniently located near many of the main Parisian attractions.
Saint James
The Saint James is Paris’ only chateau-hotel in the 16th arrondissement, situated in a primarily residential neighborhood not far from the Arc de Triomphe. The Relais & Chateaux property is tucked away from the frenzy of the city and maintains the feeling of being at a private home. It feels like a true escape in a chateau setting, equipped with a Guerlain spa. From the hotel, Fondation Louis Vuitton is also close by.
Hotel Grand Powers
Located in the 1st arrondissment, Hotel Grand Powers is right down the street from the iconic Hotel George V Four Seasons. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels group, the boutique hotel offers rooms that are generally more spacious than what you would typically find in other boutique hotels in the city. The décor has mid-century modern touches with accents of jewel toned color to modernize the space. Book a room on the third floor or higher for partial views of the Eiffel Tower.
Le Pavillon de la Reine
Le Pavillon de la Reine can be found in Le Marais by the Place de Vosges, a beautiful square that sets a picturesque scene for the ivy-covered hotel. Because the hotel is located in Le Marais, it isn’t in the center of all of the major monuments and museums. This makes Le Pavillon de la Reine a great option for those who have been to Paris before and are looking for a more lowkey experience continuing to discover the city. When booking a room, be sure to specify whether you prefer a room with a more antique versus modern feel as each room has different styles. There is no restaurant on property, which encourages travelers to explore the surrounding area.
Brach
The Brach hotel is in the 16th arrondissement right across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. With interiors designed by Philippe Starck, you can expect an eclectic mix in the décor. It’s stylish with an air of cool. The standard rooms might be cozy in size but never lacking in décor. The suites have terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower and the restaurant scene at the Brach is lively so if you are looking for something a bit more lowkey, this may not be the place for you.
Relais Christine
Located across the Pont Neuf on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement, Relais Christine is tucked away on a quiet street and is a hidden gem. The hotel exudes an intimate vintage glamour – it was once a private mansion. While there is no restaurant on property, not far from the hotel is Notre Dame and Le Jardin du Luxembourg. Wander the quieter streets of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and get lost in bouncing in and out of boutiques, exploring art galleries, and stopping in bistros. The property has true French charm with a courtyard entrance, flowered garden, and a Guerlain spa.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RENTALS IN PARIS?
Looking for a more at-home experience abroad? Paris has endless apartment rental options to choose from. Here are a few of the best rental options in Paris.
ELEGANT TUILERIES GARDEN APARTMENT
A modern and elegant apartment rental located at the Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect property for a couples trip or a trip for a small group of friends. This two bedroom apartment is steps from the Musee du Louvre, putting it in a prime location. Though the average nightly rate runs higher than some other rental options at $1,375 per night, the accommodations are a cross between a hotel and an apartment rental. The booking comes with daily cleaning of the apartment, Aesop toiletries, SONOS audio system, and a private driver upon additional request.
Book the Elegant Tuileries Garden Apartment
SAINT GERMAIN LUXURY THREE BEDROOM
Excellently located in the Saint German des Pres neighborhood across from the Musee d’Orsay, this three bedroom apartment spans across nearly 1700 sq ft. The perfect property for a group trip or with a family, this apartment features an open kitchen and spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Nearby are popular cafes such as Café de Flore and a short walk takes you to Jardin du Luxembourg. Right across the Seine is Jardin des Tuileries and the Musee du Louvre. On average, this apartment has a nightly rate of $832 per night.
Book the Saint Germain Luxury Three Bedroom
LUXURIOUS CHAMP DE MARS APARTMENT
This three-bedroom apartment is nearly 1400 sq ft and is conveniently located on the Champ de Mars by the Eiffel Tower. The space was renovated in 2017 and features an art deco style. Open the windows and enjoy the fresh air or sit on the balcony, shielded by the trees of the quiet street. Being on the second floor, the tree tops provide greenery to the view but also privacy. The average nightly rate is around $540 per night making it a great deal, especially for families or a couples trip.
Book the Luxurious Champ de Mars Apartment
STYLISH SAINT GERMAIN ONE BEDROOM
The perfect apartment for a couple traveling to Paris on a budget. This recently renovated apartment is located in Saint Germain des Pres, on Rue Saint Sulplice across from the landmark church. There is a kitchenette area with a breakfast nook and the bedroom looks onto the building’s quiet courtyard. Averaging at $320 a night, the location and accommodation cannot be beat for that price tag in Paris. Located on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement, the apartment is conveniently located near Pont Neuf, Notre Dame, and Le Jardin du Luxembourg.