The Best Hotels to Book in the 1st Arrondissement, Paris

The clue is in the name: this stay is moments from the must-see Louvre, just off main artery Rue de Rivoli. And as you’d expect from a hotel in such a coveted location, it channels pure Parisian elegance. Expect classically styled bedrooms with opulent drapes, wooden furniture and, in some cases, postcard-perfect views of the Eiffel Tower. The cosy English Bar is a dreamy spot to sink a glass of champagne before setting out for dinner out in one of the many restaurants nearby.

With its creamy, classic Haussmann-era facade, you’ll be snapping pics of Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal before you get through the door. You’ll want to keep your finger on the shutter inside, too: from the bright and airy rooms with touches of sage green, to the rooftop terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower, there are Kodak moments at every turn. Sign up for a facial in the spa, then head for the cafe to feast on fruit-topped pain perdu.

If you’re visiting Paris as a family, La Clef will tick all the boxes. This stay by Palais-Royal has babysitting services and 24-hour reception to assist with anything your brood needs, day or night. It also has serviced apartments, complete with kitchenettes (and, on request, cribs) so you can whip up a snack or meal without having to head out. For the same reasons, the luxurious rooms – dressed in cream and gold hues – work well for long-stay visitors to the city.

Prepared to blow the budget? One of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Paris, Le Meurice doesn’t come cheap – but it’s worth it. Besides the opulent rooms, styled like a contemporary Versailles, you’ll discover small balconies overlooking the Tuileries Garden, and a magnificent Valmont spa offering skin-softening facials. And the food? It could hardly get more indulgent. Dine on crafted plates by Alain Ducasse – think wild turbot with nut butter or roasted Lacaune lamb – in an OTT gilded dining room dripping with chandeliers.

This historic quarter of Paris is dotted with a number of old-school stays. When you’re looking for something that breaks the mould, try Hôtel Thérèse, where the lobby is decked out in plush-but-contemporary style, with velvety bowl chairs, and the bedrooms are swathed in speckled carpeting. In the late afternoons, head for the bar to enjoy free snacks. Afterwards, head out for dinner at a restaurant in the nearby Opéra neighbourhood, just a few minutes’ walk away.

The spa here is reason enough to book in: between the flickering candles, sink-in sofas and moodily lit treatment rooms, you’ll never want to leave. But when you do, you’ll be welcomed by elegant and dramatic bedrooms, mixing contemporary metallics and geometric prints with original panel detailing. An innovative restaurant serves up the likes of decadent black truffle croque-monsieur and fried chicken with paprika and lime. From head to toe this place feels stylish, down to the bar serving champagne cocktails.

Within view of the landmark Pont au Change bridge, and steps from the best-connected metro station in the city, Hôtel Victoria Châtelet has a fresh, funky vibe. Each room has a completely different feel – ranging from crisp and fresh whites to a dramatic red-and-black opera theme – but all are doubles, making this hotel a natural choice for couples. Request the one that suits your style best, then ask the friendly staff for their tips on exploring the local area.