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The Best Hotels in Paris of 2024

Plan your trip with these editor-loved and T+L award-winning hotels.

Rooftop at Peninsula Paris
Photo:

Peninsula Paris

Paris is a city of dreams, and as highlighted in Assouline’s book, “Paris Chic,” it’s a place that “has inspired the entire world.” Parisians “have that extra touch of style, refinement, [and] mystery,” explains the book’s author, Alexandra Senes. And after many trips to the French capital, I can personally attest that its hotels are similarly enchanting, exuding that unique je ne sais quoi that is so universally revered – an authentic elegance.

There are historic Grande Dames with Palace distinction, Michelin-starred restaurants, and cinematic views of the Eiffel Tower. Wander around the Left Bank and you’ll find a new wave of boutique hotels with quaint bistros and boulangeries. And amid the ongoing tourism boom leading into the 2024 Olympics, a variety of modern hotels have opened in lesser-known arrondissements, providing affordable alternatives to the more storied establishments.

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down where to stay in the City of Light. Luckily, we’ve rounded up this list of the best hotels to book in Paris based on a combination of editor-loved properties, T+L World’s Best Awards, and It List winners with exceptional service, notable amenities, excellent dining options, and more to make choosing the right one a little easier. Whether you’re looking for dazzling opulence or a hip hangout to experience life as a local, this city has something for everyone.

Le Bristol

Grand Hall in Le Bristol

Le Bristol

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like
  • Oetker Collection hotels are renowned for their impeccable standards and Le Bristol lives up to the legend, with opulent décor, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a beautiful courtyard filled with roses.

What to Consider
  • It has an air of old-world formality that may not appeal to those looking for something more casual.

Located on the prestigious Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, Le Bristol has been a haven of French luxury since it opened in 1925. It underwent a full renovation in 2018, but the authentic style remains: classic with original art, antiques, and Louis XVI-style furnishings so grand they could live in Versailles. There are 190 spacious rooms and suites, many of which have private balconies or terraces, and each with sprawling marble bathrooms and Hermes amenities.

Well-heeled guests enjoy croque monsieurs and espressos in the garden courtyard, framed with rose vines and orange trees. And the lavish La Prairie Spa, complete with a rooftop pool, provides a tranquil place to rejuvenate. Foodies will appreciate the indulgent culinary offerings on site, which range from the hotel’s own chocolate factory to the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants, Epicure and 114 Faubourg. Le Bristol was included in our World’s Best Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and, unsurprisingly, it was the first hotel in Paris to be designated a “Palace” (a step above the usual five-star standard).

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 17 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Palais Garnier, Place de la Concorde, Élysée Palace, Champs-Élysées
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities are available
  • Rates: Starting at $2,142 per night

Hotel Dame Des Arts

Guest room in Hotel Dame des arts

Hotel Dame Des Arts

Also available to book at Booking.com

What We Like
  • The stylish rooftop bar, which has 360-degree views of the city.

What to Consider
  • Given that the rooms are small, it is best suited for couples and solo travelers.

If you’re into modern hotels with sleek interiors, Hotel Dame des Arts (featured on our It List for 2023) is an excellent option. It could be compared to the likes of Soho House or Edition Hotels – there’s always a fun vibe and it’s a popular hangout for international crowds and hip locals who flock to the rooftop bar for the panoramic views. Located in the artsy Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, many attractions are within walking distance, such as the Notre-Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg, and the Pont Neuf bridge crossing the river Seine. It’s also close to the iconic Café de Flore – a lovely lunch spot to visit after wandering around Saint Germain’s gorgeous old bookstores and boutiques.

In contrast to the classic French bistros that prevail in the neighborhood, the restaurant on site is Mexican with pan-Asian influences – a point of difference that’s also been popular with locals. Another highlight that discerning travelers will appreciate are the Diptyque bath products in each of the rooms and the calming color palettes – not a single old-world floral fabric in sight.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Sixth
  • Distance From Airport: 21 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Notre-Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg, Pont Neuf bridge, the Seine
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities are available
  • Rates: Starting at $337 per night

 “To say a hotel has one of the best locations in Paris usually implies it’s in the first arrondissement, a few steps from the Louvre, in a corner of the City of Light where English prevails. Conversely, when I say the brand-new Hotel Dame des Arts just opened in Paris’s most desirable location, I mean it’s in the sixth arrondissement on the Left Bank, across the Seine from the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, in the city’s Latin Quarter.” 

—Maya Kachroo-Levine, Senior Editor

Shangri-La, Paris

Guest room in Shangri-La Paris

Shangri-La

What We Like
  • It is one of the few five-star hotels with close-up views of the Eiffel Tower.

What to Consider
  • In true Shangri-La style, it has an East-meets-West vibe, with Asian restaurants, spa treatments, and oriental design features – a consideration if you’re looking for the full Francophile experience.

Located in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La is indeed fit for royalty, with front row views of the Eiffel Tower you won’t find anywhere else. The prime location is one of the reasons it earned a spot on our World’s Best Awards for 2023 and the It List awards in 2022.

But beyond the spectacular views, there are many stand-out features that make it worthwhile, namely, the dining options, including Shang Palace – the first Chinese restaurant in France to receive a Michelin star – and La Bauhinia, which serves elevated pan-Asian dishes and French classics. There’s also Le Bar Botaniste, where you can order tapas, dim-sum, and caviar with expertly crafted cocktails. But the best place to imbibe is on the terrace, where you can marvel at the Iron Lady sparkling in the moonlight; order a glass of French Champagne and park up for a bucket-list moment.

Almost half of the rooms have private balconies with views of the hotel’s gardens and the Eiffel Tower, and all feature large marble bathrooms with heated flooring and televisions built into the mirrors – lovely for an evening of relaxation. And if you really want to rejuvenate, head to Chi Spa, where you can enjoy an extensive menu of eastern treatments. Beyond the proximity to the city’s star attraction, the Shangri-La is close to major museums and monuments, including the Palais de Tokyo, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Trocadero Gardens.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: 16th
  • Distance From Airport: 20.5 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Palais de Tokyo, National Museum of Modern Art, Trocadero Gardens
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $1,800 per night

“I highly recommend popping into the Shangri-La for afternoon tea or a drink at the bar; it's an impressively grand setting, with very warm service.”

– Skye Senterfeit, Deputy Photo Editor

Cheval Blanc Paris

Lounge with a view of Paris

Cheval Blanc Paris

What We Like
  • This LVMH-owned hotel is a prime example of modern luxury, and in keeping with the group’s caliber, it features an elegant spa by Dior, and it is home to the longest pool in Paris.

What to Consider
  • With only 72 rooms, this is a smaller property than others on our list, which is a consideration for those hoping for something larger with a more anonymous feel.

Certain hotel groups are in another class altogether – think Aman, Belmond, and, more recently, Cheval Blanc, which opened in Paris’s first arrondissement in 2021. Every feature is meticulously considered, from the elegant Dior spa to the state-of-the-art rooms complete with fridges reserved for cosmetics. But although it’s the epitome of sophistication, nothing seems stuffy or contrived – it has a cool, contemporary atmosphere that blends the crème de la crème of fashion, beauty, food, and design.

Guests with the intention of shopping will appreciate the convenience of being located within La Samaritaine – one of the city’s most iconic department stores where many LVMH brands have storefronts. And fine dining enthusiasts will be thrilled with the hotel’s restaurant, Plenitude, helmed by chef Arnaud Donckele – a culinary tour de force that received three Michelin stars within a year of opening. But, perhaps most importantly, the rooms are supremely luxurious, designed by Peter Marino (the go-to designer for Chanel’s boutiques), with calming décor that feels luxurious and considered, like the private apartment of someone with exceptional taste. Most of the rooms have views of the Seine river and the sprawling marble bathrooms feature showers that double as hammams.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: First
  • Distance From Airport: 20 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: The Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, La Samaritaine, Le Centre Pompidou
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $2,368 per night

Booking Tip

Some people find the sixth floor to be quite loud given it’s right below the restaurant – if you’re sensitive to noise, it may be best to request a room on level five or below.

Esprit Saint Germain

Guest room in Esprit Saint Germain Paris

Esprit Saint Germain

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • Any drinks at the bar are complimentary for guests from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. and the in-room minibars are also free of charge.

What to Consider
  • While breakfast is served in the library lounge each morning, there is no actual restaurant on site for lunch or dinner.

Seeking accommodation that feels more like a pied-à-terre rather than a hotel with 100 other guests? Featured in our World’s Best Awards in 2021, this intimate 28-room boutique hotel is perfect for travelers who prefer an authentic, low-key vibe, but don’t want to compromise on luxury (or roll the dice with Airbnb or Vrbo). Located in the heart of Saint Germain, the design honors the neighborhood with lithographs, antiques, and art sourced from local stores. There are plush jewel-hued furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and elegant ornaments lining the bookcases – it all looks very lived-in but modern.

While there is no actual restaurant on site, guests are well-catered-to with breakfast buffets supplied in the library each morning, plus complimentary minibars and drinks between certain hours. Those inclined to incorporate workouts into their schedule can use the fitness room with TechnoGym equipment, a sauna, and a steam room (though we would advise sightseeing as your primary source of cardio). And if you’re interested in an extended stay, or living more like a local where you can cook at home, Esprit offers two apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Sixth
  • Distance From Airport: 20 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Notre-Dame, the Seine, Jardin du Luxembourg, Pantheon
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $532 per night

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Chair facing a nook with a view of the eiffel tower

Four Seasons Resorts

Also available to book at TripAdvisor.com

What We Like
  • There are many things to love about this landmark hotel, but the biggest highlight is the friendly and attentive staff, whose joie de vivre creates an even more magical atmosphere.

What to Consider
  • The maximum stay is nine nights – a consideration if you’re planning an extended trip for the Olympics or another longer-term event.

In the land of Palace hotels, standing out is no easy feat, but the Four Seasons remains a step ahead whether it’s at the French Riviera’s Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat or the iconic Hotel George V (featured in our World’s Best Awards for 2023, 2022, and 2021). The distinction lies in the exceptional service – even the youngest guests are made to feel like VIPs. I visited with my family last summer, and after a transatlantic red-eye flight, we were able to check into our suite at 6:00am. Much to my toddlers’ delight, a mini breakfast buffet had been arranged with fresh fruit, croissants, and macarons, along with toys and children’s bath products. Courtesies like these set a positive tone for your trip from the outset, and throughout the stay, the staff were dedicated to making the experience just as magical for the children as for the adults.

But beyond the unparalleled hospitality, there are various highlights that guarantee a memorable stay, beginning the moment you step into the gallery-style entrance, adorned with spectacularly photogenic floral installations. There are Michelin-starred restaurants that are brilliant but unstuffy; a tranquil subterranean spa, which has masterful therapists and a large heated pool; and luxurious rooms – which are spacious by Parisian standards – with gorgeous balconies overlooking the Art Deco architecture.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 20 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Champs- Elysées, the Seine, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Palais Galliera
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $2,100 per night

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

Bar in Hotel de Crillon

Adrian Houston

What We Like
  • This iconic hotel blends old-world glamor with modern sophistication. Plus, all the rooms have butler service.

What to Consider
  • This hotel is certainly a place to see and be seen – a consideration if you're looking for a more low-key stay.

Rosewood has mastered the art of taking one-of-a-kind properties and catapulting them to superstar status, which is exactly what it did with Hotel de Crillon. The original building was commissioned by King Louis XVI in 1754, and after a mega renovation, it reopened in 2017 to much fanfare (subsequently earning a spot on our It List in 2018 and the World’s Best Awards 2022 and 2023).

While some of the stately 18th-century features were preserved, it exudes a glossy grandeur that is tailored to the jet-set of today, with stylish suites designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld, a holistic wellness center with a supremely photogenic pool area, and multiple dining options that utilize seasonal, local produce. Models, designers, and celebrities can almost always be found here during Paris Fashion Week, and in any season, well-heeled denizens occupy the elegant Les Ambassadeurs lounge, which has over 100 champagnes on offer.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 19 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Petit Palais, Jardin des Tuileries
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting from $2,131 per night

Booking Tip

The hotel’s gastronomic Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Ecrin only has 22 seats, so you’ll need to book in advance if you intend on dining there.

Hotel Lutetia

Bar inside Hotel Lutetia

Hotel Lutetia

Also available to book at Kayak.com

What We Like
  • Hotel Lutetia is a favorite for stylish jetsetters and is the only five-star hotel on the Left Bank with Palace distinction.

What to Consider
  • This hotel is constantly filled with famous faces and immaculately dressed denizens – you may feel uneasy emerging in athleisure or anything too casual.

You might recognize Hotel Lutetia from Instagram, geotagged in some of the most beautifully curated posts from Paris. It’s not surprising that so many content creators gravitate toward the photogenic Art Nouveau landmark, with a whimsical façade that looks like it’s straight out of a Wes Anderson film. After a long renovation led by renowned architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Hotel Lutetia reopened in 2018, unveiling the meticulous restoration of notable original features, including Romanesque frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and painterly stained-glass elements.

The hotel has 184 rooms in total, including 49 suites, with chic minimalist décor and intuitive touch screens that make everything easy to navigate, from the lighting to the curtains. Dining is a buzzy affair, whether you’re ordering caviar-topped oysters at Bar Josephine or a decadent vanilla millefeuille at Brasserie Lutetia. And in keeping with the hotel’s focus on appealing to modern travelers, it has a holistic wellness center with a Jacuzzi and a 55-foot pool. Hotel Lutetia was featured on our World’s Best Awards in 2022 and 2021, and the It List in 2019.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Sixth
  • Distance From Airport: 20 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: The Louvre, Notre-Dame, Musee d’Orsay, Le Bon Marche, Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $1,900 per night

Hotel Madame Reve

Lobby of hotel-madame-reve

Hotel Madame Reve

What We Like
  • It’s a trendy establishment with a 10,000-square foot rooftop terrace featuring an excellent Franco-Japanese restaurant, La Plume.

What to Consider
  • The rooms have a vastly different style to most Parisian hotels with a lot of wood and a retro 1970s-style aesthetic that feels like it’s been cast in a sepia filter. While we love it, it may not be to everyone’s tastes.

Hotel Madame Reve is the sort of place you would expect to find up-and-coming musicians, photographers, and creative crowds in search of a lively scene – a contrast to the well-coiffed regulars who frequent the Palace hotels on the Right Bank.

Located in a former post office, Madame Reve opened as an 82-room hotel in 2022 (making it onto the It List that year and the World’s Best Awards in 2023), and it features a wellness area, a rooftop terrace with 180-degree views, and two different restaurants, one offering contemporary French, and one with Japanese. The rooms are sleek with midcentury furniture and a distinctly vintage theme with warm woody tones. Step out into the neighborhood – referred to as the “new Golden Triangle” – and you’ll find key attractions within walking distance, including the Louvre, the Jardin du Palais-Royal, and the Palace des Victoires.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: First
  • Distance From Airport: 17 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Louvre, Jardin de Palais Royal, Le Centre Pompidou
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $450 per night

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Suite at Hotel Plaza athenee

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Also available to book at Booking.com

What We Like
  • Remember the supremely opulent hotel where the Sex and the City finale was filmed? It was at Plaza Athénée, which remains one of the most exquisite hotels in Paris 20 years on.

What to Consider
  • As you might expect, it is very expensive.

No place embodies the spirit of haute couture quite like the Plaza Athénée. It remains one of the most culturally relevant hotels in the world 110 years after opening, making appearances in "The Devil Wears Prada" and Sex and the City. It famously inspired a Christian Dior collection, and more recently, became the first hotel to have a dedicated coffee table book as part of Assouline’s travel series.

The Dorchester Collection landmark is simply that fabulous, with unabashed grandeur flowing through every polished corner, from its opulently decorated suites to its fine dining restaurants and the indulgent wellness sanctuary, comprising Europe’s first Dior spa. If you’re looking to experience the absolute pinnacle of luxury, Plaza Athénée takes it to another level. It’s no wonder it featured on our World’s Best Awards for 2023, 2022, and 2021.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 19.5 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Palais de Tokyo, Petit Palais, the Seine
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $2,260 per night

Hôtel Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hotel Prince de Galles

Hôtel Prince de Galles

Also available to book at TripAdvisor.com

What We Like
  • It’s located in the Golden Triangle, right next to the Four Seasons, and is a great base for exploring key Parisian landmarks.

What to Consider
  • With 116 rooms and 43 suites, it's a larger hotel, which may not appeal to those looking for something more intimate.

This Luxury Collection Hotel takes its design inspiration from the 1920s, with Art Deco mosaics, jewel-hued furnishings, and vintage Vogue photography. It has 159 rooms and suites, some with Eiffel Tower views on the higher levels, but its crown jewel is the two-level Suite Lalique designed by Patrick Hellman. The extravagant suite was unveiled in 2019 to mark the hotel’s 90th anniversary, and it resembles a private residence, with an office, a dining room, a sprawling marble bathroom, a spacious bedroom, and a 1,076-square foot terrace overlooking the sights of Paris. Another stand-out feature at Hôtel Prince de Galles is the modern Japanese restaurant by Michelin-star chef, Akira Back. It was featured in our World’s Best Awards in 2021.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 20 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, the Seine, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Palais Galliera
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting from $1,160 per night

La Réserve Paris – Hotel & Spa

La Reserve Paris Library

La Reserve Paris 

What We Like
  • It is supremely sophisticated and has thoughtful details that create a memorable stay, including linens monogrammed with guests’ initials and wine cellars in each room.

What to Consider
  • It has the vibe of a private mansion and communal spaces that encourage socializing with other guests, which may not be desirable for those who prefer to keep to themselves.

La Reserve feels like the home of someone who is immersed in Parisian society, with fastidious taste and extensive knowledge of the best wine, books, art, and décor. It’s all on display throughout the elegant, dimly lit space designed by Jacques Garcia. The intimate hotel has only 25 suites and 15 rooms, each featuring Carrara marble bathrooms with double basins, plush furnishings, and functional iPads allowing for effortless navigation.

Like La Reserve’s sister properties in Ramatuelle and Geneva, it boasts the features that its clientele have come to expect: Michelin-star dining, 24-hour access to the sleek indoor pool, hammam, and gym, and unique features like a 3,000-book library and a selection of 400 cigars. It featured on our World’s Best Awards for 2023 and 2022 and continues to be a coveted address for refined global travelers.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 18 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: The Grand Palais, The Louvre, Avenue Montaigne, The Alexandre III Bridge
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities. The concierge also has wheelchairs available for guests.
  • Rates: Starting at $1,022 per night

Le Meurice

Guest suite in Le Meurice

Le Meurice

What We Like
  • It has Palace distinction and stunning views of the Tuileries Gardens.

What to Consider
  • The device-charging facilities in the rooms could do with an upgrade.

With a grand Haussmann façade overlooking the Tuileries Gardens, Le Meurice has been a bastion of luxury since it opened in 1835. The Palace hotel has undergone various incarnations over the centuries, but today it is part of Dorchester Collection’s haute hotel portfolio, and the group’s high standards are evident in everything from the ornately decorated rooms to the decadent restaurants helmed by Alain Ducasse (attributes that earned it a spot in our World’s Best Awards in 2022).

There are 121 rooms and 39 suites, some of which were redecorated in 2019 with beautiful hand-drawn de Gournay wallpaper and luxurious silk drapery. But the hotel’s crowning jewel is the four-bedroom Belle Etoile Penthouse suite, featuring a sprawling rooftop terrace that has 360-degree views of Paris.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Eighth
  • Distance From Airport: 18.7 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Palais Garnier
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities
  • Rates: Starting at $1,910 per night

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Guest room in Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Also available to book at TripAdvisor.com

What We Like
  • There is nothing “sceney” about this five-star hotel, making it an ideal option for business travelers and guests who prefer discretion.

What to Consider
  • For a hotel at this price, it doesn’t have many distinctive “wow” factors to set it apart.

It’s easy to see why corporate travelers choose the Park Hyatt: it has reliable service, up-to-date technology and conference facilities, and you won’t be hustling for a table with crowds wanting to see and be seen. It’s also a solid option if you’re traveling for leisure, due to its convenient location and its clean, minimalist rooms providing all the necessary comforts you could need.

While it’s currently under renovation, the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant, Pur’ is a lovely place for dinner, serving elegant renditions of French cuisine (the menu features caviar Oscietra, Brittany langoustines, and Pyrenees lamb with poivrade artichokes). Breakfast is served at the smart casual Café Jeanne, as well as lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Other features at this 156-room hotel include an on-site hair salon, fitness center, spa, hammam, and 24-hour in-room dining, which is certainly useful if you’re arriving late or departing early.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Second
  • Distance From Airport: 18.7 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Palais Garnier
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $1,614 per night

Relais Christine

Entrance at Relais Christine

Relais Christine

What We Like
  • It has the charm of a true boutique hotel, with friendly staff and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.

What to Consider
  • There is no restaurant on site.

Nestled in a quiet street in Saint Germain, Relais Christine is a low-key yet luxurious hotel. It has only 48 rooms and suites, a Guerlain Spa, and a fitness center with a sauna and a whirlpool. What it doesn’t have is a proper restaurant on site; however, breakfast is provided from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. each morning, and menus from local restaurants are available and able to be served in the lounges, the courtyard, or in-room.

Bicycles are complimentary and a convertible Fiat 500 can be rented from the hotel for guests who want to get out and explore the city in true Parisian style. There are certainly some boutique hotels that can be hit or miss, but Relais Christine is a lovely option, and given it’s part of the Relais & Chateaux network, you can rest assured that the quality control is up to snuff. Plus, it was named in our World’s Best Awards in 2023 and 2021.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: Sixth
  • Distance From Airport: 20 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Notre-Dame, the Seine, Sainte-Chapelle
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $565 per night

Ritz Paris

Dining room at Ritz Paris

Ritz Paris

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • It’s one of the most iconic hotels in the world and is a place for travelers seeking not just a destination, but an experience.

What to Consider
  • Coffee machines aren’t included in the rooms but are available on request.

Coco Chanel lived here for 30 years; Ernest Hemingway famously equated it to heaven; and a swirl of luminary guests from the 20th century graced its gilded hallways. Today, the Ritz remains one of the most revered hotels in Paris, and its heritage has only been enriched over time. It reopened in 2016 following a four-year renovation, revealing a version with all the five-star comforts required by modern travelers, refreshed amenities, and carefully concealed technological advances.

But the haute décor remains; there are dazzling chandeliers, tapestries, and Louis XVI-style furnishings featured throughout, proving that certain styles will never date. Rooms are designed in an opulent fashion (there’s even a suite with a rendition of Marie Antoinette’s boudoir), and the dining scene is a lively affair, from the breakfast served in Bar Vendome’s courtyard to elegant dinners at Espadon in the evening. French savoir-faire is alive and well at The Ritz, with service as impeccable as its surroundings, and it was featured in our World’s Best Awards 2023, 2022, and 2021.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: First
  • Distance From Airport: 18.7 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Tuileries Gardens, Palais Garnier, Colonne Vendome
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $2,367 per night

Peninsula Paris

Rooftop at Peninsula Paris

Peninsula Paris

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • The aviation-themed, two Michelin-star rooftop restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, has lovely views of the Eiffel Tower and is not to be missed.

What to Consider
  • There are 200 rooms, which is on the larger side by Parisian standards.

My husband and I had lunch at L’Oiseau Blanc the day we got engaged 10 years ago, so it’s a destination that holds a special place in my heart. But personal affiliations aside, I would recommend The Peninsula to anyone visiting Paris, whether it’s your first or fifth trip.

Centrally located right by the Arc de Triomphe, the hotel is ultra-luxurious and is free of any stuffiness that can run rife at establishments of this caliber. Everything is designed to sparkle, from the show-stopping crystal sculpture in the entrance to the state-of-the-art rooms with mini-bars stocked according to guest preferences, and convenient amenities like nail dryers in the dressing rooms. It was featured on our World’s Best Awards in 2022.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: 16th
  • Distance From Airport: 19.4 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Palais Galliera, Palais de Tokyo
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $1,450 per night

Saint James Paris

Exterior of Saint James Paris

Saint James Paris

What We Like
  • The Saint James is Paris’s only chateau hotel, with a private club where sophisticated locals take meetings and go to socialize.

What to Consider
  • It is tucked away in a quieter part of the 16th arrondissement surrounded by 50,000-square feet of gardens, so it’s not a place where you can roll out onto the street and be right in the action.

Unlike many Parisian hotels that are flanked by designer boutiques and top-hatted doormen, arriving at the Saint James feels like you’re entering “Saltburn” or some extravagant estate. Grand gates lead down a pebble pathway past statues and a water fountain to the historic main building that was redesigned and unveiled in the spring of 2022 (where it swiftly gained a spot on our World’s Best Awards that year and subsequently, the It List for 2023).

Since then, the reasons to visit have multiplied: the hotel’s main restaurant, Bellefeuille, was awarded a Michelin star, it unveiled a new villa that is perfect for families and larger groups, and a new terrace restaurant that is lovely for al fresco dining in the summer. The 50-room hotel and private club also has an exceptional subterranean Guerlain Spa, and a 50-foot indoor pool.

The Details: 

  • Arrondissement: 16th
  • Distance From Airport: 19 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Arc de Triomphe, Avenue Foch, Park du Bois
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $757 per night

Mandarin Oriental

Guest room at Mandarin Oriental Paris

Mandarin Oriental Paris

Also available to book at Booking.com

What We Like
  • It is one of the city’s more contemporary Palace hotels, with state-of-the art technology and thoughtful features including a robust pillow menu.

What to Consider
  • It doesn’t have a distinctly Parisian atmosphere – you could easily imagine that you’re in Dubai or Tokyo.

Housed in an Art Deco building, the Mandarin Oriental is an antidote to the majority of Paris’s hotels, where history reigns supreme. Here you’ll find bold pops of magenta, outer space-inspired silver ornaments, and Asian design influences that echo the hotel group’s Hong Kong origins. There are 135 spacious rooms, a lush indoor garden with a sleek black marble fountain, and an award-winning spa with a 46-foot lap pool.

Renowned chef, Thierry Marx, oversees the three restaurants, including the all-day French bistro Camelia, the Michelin-star Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx, and Bar 8, which offers beautifully crafted cocktails, tapas, and a selection of crowd-pleasing classics (Caesar salad, croque monsieurs, and panko-crusted tiger prawns to have with your lime pisco sour). Another culinary highlight is the decadent Cake Shop, offering an assortment of lacquered pastries and other sweet delicacies. The Mandarin Oriental featured on our World’s Best Awards in 2023, 2022, and 2021.

The Details:

  • Arrondissement: First
  • Distance From Airport: 18.5 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Nearby Attractions: Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Gardens, Musée de l’Orangerie, Palais Garnier
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities available
  • Rates: Starting at $1,883 per night

“I’ve stayed at the Mandarin Oriental several times. It’s great if you're in town for business; the staff is polished, the rooms are big and plush, and the location is great (just around the corner from Place Vendôme).”

– Denny Lee, Articles Editor

Know Before You Go

Learn a bit of French

Despite the impression you may have from Emily in Paris, the French appreciate travelers attempting to speak their language, and even just learning a few words will go a long way and show locals that you have a genuine interest in their culture.

Understand the different arrondissements

Paris is split up into 20 arrondissements, or districts, each with their own distinct vibe and attractions. For example, the Eiffel Tower is located in the seventh arrondissement, while the Louvre is located in the first. Choose a hotel in the arrondissement that suits your travel plans and interests and is best positioned for what you plan to do and the experience you hope to have. However, it’s easy to walk, taxi, or take the metro between the different arrondissements as well.

Book tickets in advance

It’s recommended to book tickets for popular tourist attractions like the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Palace of Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower in advance, especially during high season (June to August and late December), as things tend to sell out quickly. Additionally, purchasing your tickets in advance can also help you skip the line for major attractions – and who wants to spend all day waiting in line in a city as magical as Paris?

Wear comfortable shoes

Paris is an extremely walkable city (though the metro is also an easy and inexpensive method for getting around), so you’ll likely be spending significant amounts of time on your feet. Be sure to add a great pair of walking shoes to your Paris packing list, preferably a pair that’s as stylish as it is comfortable – your feet will thank you.

How We Chose These Hotels

Amy Louise Bailey has traveled to Paris multiple times for both leisure and business travel, and has extensive knowledge of the city and its luxury hospitality scene. And while there is a vast array of hotels to choose from in The City of Light, many of the properties on our list were also featured on our coveted World’s Best Awards list and It Lists, in which Travel + Leisure readers vote on their favorite hotels and T+L editors select the best new hotels in the world. Furthermore, the key attributes we consider when recommending hotels are aligned with our core values, which can be viewed here.

Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.

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