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 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.
2. Hotel Les Deux Gares
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
