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If your Parisian fantasy involves romantic evenings in a historic grand-dame or a chic boutique hotel that pampers you in high style, here’s some good news: you don't have to be wealthy to make your dreams come true. With more than 2,000 hotels, the City of Light gives visitors classy options in all price ranges, and a place with plenty of charm is practically a given.
In terms of location and price, there are more hotels on the Rive Droite (the Right Bank) offering formal luxury with premium service than on the Rive Gauche (the Left Bank), where the hotels are frequently smaller though richer in charm. The Rive Droite’s 1er, 8e, and 16e arrondissements are still the most exclusive, and the prices there reflect that. Paris's famed palace hotels—10 hotels in the city that are considered better than a five-star—charge more than €1,000 a night for a standard room, and the high-end competition is heating up. On both sides of the Seine, Paris is in the throes of a lodging renaissance in both established and up-and-coming neighborhoods, with everything from chic new boutique hotels to deluxe five-star dwellings. Major landmark luxury hotels are rising to the occasion with lavish renovations; two of the city's most legendary hotels, the Ritz and the Hôtel de Crillon underwent four-year refurbishments in recent years, and the legendary Lutetia reopened in 2018 after a five-year facelift. All this is good news for high rollers, especially when you factor in extraordinary newer lodgings like the Paris Peninsula and the small but exquisite La Réserve.
But those on a budget should fear not, because less expensive alternatives can be found in the fashionable Marais (the 3e and 4e arrondissements), as well as the Latin Quarter (5e arrondissement), along with a slew of newcomers that have laid their cornerstones in the newly chic 2e (Sentier). The Rive Gauche's 6e arrondissement (Saint Germain) is another hotbed for stylish hotels, and choices on all budgets can be found in the 5e and 7e. Everything from excellent budget deals to splendid designer spaces can also be found slightly off-the-beaten track in the 10e, 13e, and 20e arrondissements. Wherever possible, in the more expensive neighborhoods we’ve located budget hotels—check out the handful of budget-priced sleeps in the shadow of Notre-Dame, St-Germain-des-Prés, and the Louvre.
As for the environment inside your room, change is in the air—literally. Enforcement of the no-smoking law is taken very seriously, with few hotels risking the ire of guests well aware of the laws. Amenities have improved, with virtually every hotel now equipped with cable TV (meaning CNN and BBC news in English), high-definition screens, minibars, in-room safes, and free wireless Internet access. Another recent change is the increasing availability of air-conditioning in both hotels and restaurants—a godsend in the canicules (dog days) of July and August. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the lack of elbow room. Indoor spaces—from bed- and bathrooms to elevators—may feel cramped to those not used to life on a European scale. If you’re flush and looking for enough room to spread out multiple suitcases, be sure to book a suite; they can be found in virtually any hotel, from the most modest boutique to the palaces.
Montparnasse was the art capital of the world in the 1920s and '30s, and this hotel captures some of that spirit by naming its rooms after artists who lived in the neighborhood during that time while also providing excellent service at hard-to-beat prices. Pay a bit extra for one of the three deluxe corner rooms, which have windows facing the Eiffel Tower. All are soundproofed, but none completely drown out the traffic below.
This small hotel on a quiet cul-de-sac is perfect for travelers—especially those with children—who need a home base where they can kick back, make their own meals, and feel at home. The elegant rooms have molded ceilings, marble mantelpieces, and kitchenettes equipped with small stoves, dorm-size fridges, and sinks. Apartments have space for up to six guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Located steps from the Panthéon, Sorbonne, and Cluny Museum, the hotel is a tranquil and convenient retreat that offers a real Parisian experience. Book online well in advance for substantial savings.
This beautiful hotel located in a 1929 building at the foot of Montmartre has been returned to its roaring 1920s glory, with everything from the handsome Art Deco–inspired guest rooms (some with Sacré-Coeur–facing balconies) to the dreamy candlelit restaurant and jewel-like Mikado dance hall in the basement recalling a romantic, cosmopolitan Paris. Breathtaking panoramic views of nearby Sacré-Coeur and all of the city from the rooftop bar complete with a tempting list of Jazz-era cocktails (open April to October) only enhance the magic. Contemporary touches include state-of-the-art amenities and a focus on sustainability as well as an excellent oyster bar, Citron et Huitres, that serves fresh oysters and other noshes from the sea with excellent wine pairings.
"Quaint" is the word that springs to mind at this well-located hotel, bedecked with faux-marble trompe-l'oeil, Renoiresque murals on walls and ceilings, and all those cozy details that remind you of a classic Parisian living room. Wi-Fi is available in each room, about half of which have tiny step-out balconies that give a glimpse of Notre-Dame and the Panthéon. A Montmartre cabaret atmosphere enlivens the breakfast room.
The location on the exceptionally charming Île St-Louis is the real draw of this five-story hotel, which retains many of its original 17th-century stone walls and wooden beams. Tiny balconies on the upper levels have views of the Seine. Corner rooms are brighter and have more spacious bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the vaulted stone cellar. Satellite TV, free Internet, and air-conditioning are welcome amenities. A major plus is the hotel's reasonably priced airport shuttle service—book an airport pickup when you reserve your room.
The "seven" may refer to the level of heaven you'll find at this boutique hotel, but most likely it means the seven suites, where a team of designers and artists were let loose to riff on themes like Music Lovers, Cinephilia, and Spirituality. These suites break the rules with Plexiglas bathrooms and furnishings, "levitating" beds, and ceilings embedded with fiber-optic lights that make even the smallest rooms seem, well, heavenly. The wine bar has an interesting cocktail selection at night.
Set at one of the Haut Marais's trendiest crossroads, this vintage-theme and jazz-inspired newcomer (its name comes from a tune by guitarist Grant Green) fits perfectly into the beating heart of the neighborhood. You'll feel right at home in the warm and welcoming interiors—highlighting noble materials, plush designer furnishings, and original artworks—from the stylish common areas to the cozy guest quarters. Beautiful jewel colors and lively touches punctuate the spaces, but the overall feeling is a poised tranquillity that feels both relaxing and fun. The coffee shop downstairs has become a neighborhood favorite for its delicious, healthy all-day brunch menu and fine coffees.
Tucked away on a tiny one-way street between République and Canal St-Martin, Hôtel Taylor offers large rooms (by Parisian standards) at affordable prices in the edgy 10e arrondissement. Contemporary rooms painted in neutral tones are decorated with light-wood furnishings, vibrant wallpapers, and chic furniture. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and dressers to store belongings make your stay extra cozy. Although the views are somber, the location is great for those who want to stay off the beaten track but still be close to the Canal and Marais neighborhoods; the nearby métro keeps the city accessible.
A glamorous centenary update added 21st-century luxuries while remaining true to the beautiful bones of this boutique hotel, which first opened in the waning years of the Belle Époque.
The urban-chic trendsetting Hoxton brand has transformed an 18th-century mansion in Paris's up-and-coming Sentier district into this hip hostelry with a chic restaurant, three cocktail bars—including the charming Jacques Bar tucked away on the second floor—and a welcoming community vibe. The sleek and contemporary room decor favors moody tones with classic chevron-pattern wooden floors and leather accents. Some upper-floor rooms offer balconies; some on the lower level have garden terraces. The surrounding neighborhood, once the city's old textile center and historic Little Egypt, offers much to explore.
There's something just a bit playful in the air at this sumptuously beautiful boutique hotel, thanks to its history as an 18th-century pavillon d'amour (inn for trysts) and as the place where Oscar Wilde died in 1900 (Room 16, to be exact). Today, the intimate bar allows you to mingle with the Parisian beau monde, and an exposed stone grotto holds a countercurrent pool and steam room.
An atmospheric indoor pool, relaxing sauna, and around-the-clock concierge are some of the reasons this jewel-box hotel is such a popular choice—add 18th-century charm, reasonable rates, good service, and beautifully decorated rooms, and it's no wonder why this hotel, named after the founders of the Comic Opera, pleases those who demand discreet elegance and creature comforts. Look for complimentary tea and coffee, refined fabrics, and furnishings that are a modern interpretation of traditional Parisian style.
Just two blocks from the Canal St-Martin, and within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and both the Gare du Nord and the Gare du l'Est, lies this pretty, little hotel full of vintage charm that's also easy on the wallet. Classy touches such as plush velvet easy chairs, throw pillows, and headboards in romantic colors, plus trendy vintage touches, a charming skylit dining area, cozy library, a small garden terrace, and attentive service, lend a sophisticated air to what is essentially a semi-budget hotel.
Designer Jean-Philippe Nuel applied his sleek styling to Le Général, one of Paris's first affordable, high-design hotels. Daring splashes of fuchsia decorate the walls in the common areas, though the rooms are more subdued, in cream, chocolate, and chestnut. Clever decorative touches include clear-plastic desk chairs, ambient lighting, and silver rubber duckies in the bath. A small fitness center and a full-service bar are nice touches, and close proximity to métro stations is another convenience appreciated by guests.
The rooms here may not be huge, but they do give you the chance to have your very own Parisian lodging at the foot of Montmartre, packed with lovely touches like chic contemporary-vintage decor, provocative art prints and books, a record player with vinyl records, a fluffy bed, Le Labo toiletries, and quintessential Parisian views. With only 40 rooms, and food and drinks served from 7 am to 2 am in the in-hotel restaurant and bar (both specializing in locally sourced products), you get a clubby feeling perfect for this eclectic, lively, and très Parisian neighborhood.
The convenient location stands out at this warm and welcoming boutique hotel in the chic district between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. From the hotel, it is an easy walk to major monuments and the métro. Wood-floored rooms are cozy, filled with contemporary furnishings, oil-portrait headboards, and rich fabrics in chocolate and plum—some have smashing views of the Eiffel Tower. The small lobby opens onto a dining room and a bar overlooking a private courtyard where a delicious breakfast is served in summer.
A stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe, Maison Elle revolves around the three principles that guide the international magazine that is its namesake: "the French art of living" (seen in the crisp black, white, and chrome decor littered with Parisian fashion shots); "smiling beauty" (its wellness area, yoga classes, and organic Dr. Hauschka toiletries and beauty products); and a feminine-centric spirit, inspired by the nearby Parisian fashion addresses beloved by stylish women. They could've added "coziness," as the hotel's 25 rooms range from small to minuscule. Still, its style, friendliness, top-notch amenities, in-hotel shop, and undeniable charm make it a good choice in a neighborhood short on chic and (comparatively) affordable lodging.
In a prestigious neighborhood a few minutes from the Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Opéra Garnier, and the Louvre, the Meliá Vendôme has handsome and spacious rooms that exude understated elegance. Free Wi-Fi, minibar, and satellite TV are some of the premium perks included in the reasonable rates. Consistent service and an airport shuttle available on request make this Spanish-owned franchise a popular base for international travelers.
On a quiet side street a quick jaunt from the Champs-Élysées, this handsome newcomer channels a stylish mid-century aesthetic right out of Mad Men. Cozy into a plush sofa for a cocktail in the art-filled lobby-library before dinner at Thiou restaurant, where you'll dine on upscale Thai cuisine in a dining room right out of a shelter magazine. Sleek, earth-toned guest rooms offer designer furnishings in leather, nubby wool, and velvet, and chic original artworks provide jewel-toned accents. The hotel's intimate size, only 37 rooms, enhances a clubby atmosphere that’s most fitting in this posh-but-welcoming boutique hotel.
Hidden off regal Place des Vosges behind a stunning garden courtyard, this enchanting château has gigantic beams, chunky stone pillars, and a weathered fireplace that speaks to its 1612 origins. The large rooms and suites are decorated in either contemporary or 18th-century style. Many look out on the entry court or an interior, Japanese-inspired garden.
The crowd of chic locals and bank of fog rolling out over the bar are the first clues that you've stepped into one of the Marais's trendiest addresses. Designed around a make-believe theme of a naughty Knights Templar (denizens of the neighborhood in the 12th and 13th centuries) abbey, Sinner's friendly, provocative fun extends from the liveried doormen to the erotic prints in the guest rooms. The spacious art-filled lounge, sunken restaurant, lively bar, and cozy spa complete with a "Roman bath" hide dusky hidden nooks and corridors for stolen moments. In a welcome contrast to the shadowy hallways, the chic rooms are bright, colorful, and full of evocative details and vintage touches—vinyl records and players, fluffy mohair throws, mood lighting, heated Japanese toilets, giant showers—all inviting playful indulgence.
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