I am taking my wife on a surprise trip to paris and want to stay at the very best hotel. Any suggestions?

Define "best?" Are you looking for luxury or charm? Is this based on price/amenities? Views? Access to upscale sites?

Thank You for the response. The key word here would be luxury over charm. This is a once in a lifetime surprise.

The amenities over price.

I know you say "amenitiesover price" - but it would still help a LOT if you gave us a budget - or at least a Ball Park . . . .

well, there are about a half dozen luxury palace hotels, and I don't think one could definitely be called the best by everyone. YOu can't go too wrong with the Plaza Athenee, Georges V or Crillon.

Some would tell you that the Georges V is "the best" hotel although somebody on TripAdvisor actually had the nerve to complain that their view of neon signs wasn't what they expected to get for more than $1000 a night.

I am assuming what you are really looking for is some sort of "wow factor" and that is understandable. I just hate to think that there might have been a "best" hotel elsewhere that not only wowed but also met a few other needs, too.

i would say the Ritz. Very luxurious, superb service

The price we would be looking at would be in the 1,200 USD range per night.

Many, many Thanks to all that took the time to reply.

Check out the Lancaster !

IMO the GEO V is an excellent hotel, but in many ways you could be anywhere, very little charm. IF you get a nice room, the Athenee is very Parisian, the Lancaster also, but not really "luxuious". The Ritz is super once again if you get a nice room, but in the scheme of things, awesome experiences.

Hi C,

Have you considered the Meurice?

A deluxe double with a view of the Tuileries would be within your budget.

The location of the Meurice is a big plus, IMO--walking distance to many main attractions, such as the Louvre.

Meurice - it is gorgeous

concher,

What a hubbie! I've got one like you; we women are spoiled rotten!!! And i am assuming you are going to shower her witt lots of goodies from all the stores!


In any event, what is considered the top list consists of:

The Ritz
George V
Meurice
Crillon
Bristol
Plaza Athenee

Everyone so far has given you excellent advice.

For service George V cannot be beat.

I agree about Meurice, great location, gorgeous. Ritz; super luxurious.

I have another idea for yet: in addition to staying in Paris and you don't indicate how long your trip is: stay in Paris and then I might venture to Reims and stay 1-2 nights in Boyer Les Crayeres, a wonderful chateaux in the heart of the champagne country. I know they went under soem managment changes, but friends who very recently came back from there said it was the ultimate in romance and the place was just heaven.

anyway, I hope your wife likes surprises and have a wonderful time: you're a keeper!!

tripgirl; Les Crayeres has lost the Boyer part, I believe he retired, or worse. But it is a great call. Compared to the Paris palace hotels it is almost free, or at least 1/2. Get a suite that overlooks the park, VERY NICE.

richard,

thanks for the correction! I was unaware!!!

My friends didn't say anything about the Boyer being dropped.

Do you know what happened?

I love Reims, such a romantic place( in addition to the champagne!)

I too would go with the Meurice Tuileries view. When I go to Paris I stay at Hotel Brighton which is just a couple of doors away from the Meurice and I always get a room with the Tuileries view. It can't be beat.

tripgirl, I just can't recall if he sold out or died! I hope it's not the latter. I think concher could be making a smart move if he takes your advice, first for the Hotel itself, second the price. as you know, it's not cheap to stay there. Of course if you dine there, your tab will go way up.

a little late to the post, but, Gerard Boyer retired a few years ago...

Les Crayers subsequently lost their third michelin star - it is currently a two star restaurant. still probably amazing (the single best dining experience i've ever had - the whole package - about a year before he retired)