In the immortal words of Audrey Hepburn, "Paris is always a good idea."
Whether you're planning a luxurious French escape, looking to emulate the (upcoming) fourth season of The White Lotus, 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 our pick of the best 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. Mandarin Oriental Lutetia
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Where: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
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.
2. Maison Proust
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Where: Le Marais
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.
3. Four Seasons Hotel George V
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Where: 8th arrondissement
Located in Paris' Golden Triangle (known for its luxury shopping, high-end dining, and proximity to major landmarks like the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe), the George V is a landmark Art Deco icon, with Michelin-starred dining, 17-meter indoor pool, stunning floral arrangements, opulent rooms and marble courtyard.
4. Pavillon Faubourg
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Where: Saint Germain
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.
5. Hotel Les Deux Gares
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Where: 10th Arrondisment
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.
6. Hôtel Madame Rêve
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Where: Les Halles
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!
7. Saint James Paris
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Where: Rive Droite
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.
8. Ritz Paris
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Where: 1st Arrondisment.
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.
9. Le Grand Contrôle hotel, Versailles
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Where: Versailles
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.
10. Cheval Blanc Paris
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Where: Les Halles
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.
11. Hôtel Rochechouart
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Where: Montemarte
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.
12. Les Bains Paris
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Where: Marais
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.
13. Le Bristol Paris
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Where: 8th arrondissement
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?
14. Chateau Voltaire
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Where: Place Vendôme
About: 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.
15. S/O Paris
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Where: Between Bastille and Marais
The 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.
16. Les Suites Cinabre
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Where: 9th arrondissement
Comprised of two spacious, private suites in the heart of Paris, Cinabre is all about design sense. Located through a hidden door in a gentleman's store, Each room is kitted out with Pierre Frey for upholstery, Hästens handmade bedding, Céline Escand skincare, and Cristal de Paris tableware. (Plaq chocolate is also served for breakfasts in-suite.) Each suite also has its own cocktail and champagne bar, with all the bells and whistles you'll need to fashion yourself something light or lethal. You can also enjoy you breakfast or morning coffee in the garden atrium.
