The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Paris

Set away from the boulevard, Grands Boulevards Experimental was erected shortly before the French Revolution on the foundation of an old garden, now a secret garden reached via a long passageway into the building. Located in the heart of Paris, the property is a stone’s throw from the Opera and close to the Louvre, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the Grands Boulevards. Today Grands Boulevards Hotel Experimental features 50 bedrooms, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace all designed by Dorothée Meilichzon. Inspired by the building’s history without falling into the cliché Louis XVI style, the interiors bridge the gap between romanticism and aristocracy with a gentle nod to the mischievous.

Arguably the best boutique hotel in pairs, La Planque combines elegance with all the charm of a countryside family home. Comfort is the name of the game here, and you will find guests relaxing on the sofas in the lounge or on the outdoor patio, where you’ll be able to admire the view with a glass of wine. Just metres from the Avenue Parmentier, the hotel is well located especially if you want to experience authentic Paris life.

On the corner of Rue du Faubourg Montmartre and Rue Geoffroy-Marie, within the 9th arrondissement, the Panache Hotel goes above and beyond to make its guests comfortable, with an honesty bar next to the foyer, as well as a library and comfortable lounge, and a 24/7 reception. Within walking distance of Galeries Lafayette, the hotel is centrally located to explore Paris by foot. Rooms are filled with natural light and unique decor.

A luxury Paris boutique hotel in the Mouffetard district, Hotel Henriette Rive Gauche is cosy and intimate. There are 32 rooms, each individually designed and unique. In the summer enjoy breakfast on the patio and in winter enjoy breakfast in bed. The hotel has one aim, to make you feel at home, and it succeeds with flying colours – guests here will be sad to leave the warm surroundings, delicious food and friendly service. On a quiet cobblestone street, this tranquil hotel also has great travel connections to the city.

Situated on the corner of rues Victor-Massé and Henry Monnier, in the heart of the Pigalle district is Grand Pigalle Experimental, a boutique hotel set in a classically Haussmann-style building. The area – known as the ‘postcard district’ of Paris – is popular with night owls and Parisian lovers alike, offering a lively scene of cocktail bars, bistros and concept stores. The 37 rooms of Grand Pigalle Experimental embody the renaissance of this historic district, with stylish, modern interiors by Dorothée Meilichzon. Each room is inspired by the romantic spirit of Pigalle, incorporating large bathtubs, warming gold touches and private balconies overlooking the hotel’s courtyard or the nearby roofs of Paris and Montmartre.

With just 12 rooms and suites, Cour des Vosges is one of the most truly unique hotels in Paris. Paying homage to its 17th-century history, the architecture and decor has all been carefully selected to create a modern experience anchored in its Parisian past. Owned by a family who are lovers of art, the hotel is adorned with sculptures, tapestries and ceramics. Make sure to visit the tea room, which offers light and gourmet meals, as well as a selection of sweet treats concocted by pastry chef Yann Brys, Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

In the Saint-Martin district of the 10th arrondissement, Le Grand Quartier offers a vibrant atmosphere and a comfortable stay. With meeting rooms, shop and rooftop terrace on site, the hotel has everything you could need. For breakfast on the go, the cafe offers a Good Morning Bag, containing their delicious menu in a handy takeaway size.

With a peaceful atmosphere and a focus on a greener and healthier life, HOY Paris has wellness at its heart. Offering zero waste and natural options in their toiletries and utilities, the hotel also has reusable water bottles. Rooms all have an air purification system and through the use of Japanese binchotan charcoal you can mineralise tap water. Take part in a yoga class, or relax in a hammock in-between exploring Paris.

Five-star Maison Souquet combines Arabian style and Napoleon III-style decor to create an eclectic mix of eras. The wood-panelled bar-library adorned with paintings is infused with a magical and enchanting aura; quite simply, it feels like walking into another world. Tucked away off the Rue de Bruxelles, just a stone’s throw from the famed Moulin Rouge, the venue combines its prime location with an emphasis on luxury. There’s velvet-lined furniture, huge mirrors and chandeliers in abundance; it’s the perfect setting for a romantic date.

Every room in this sophisticated hotel in the 10th arrondissement is individually decorated, combining rich fabrics, distinctive patterns, and ornate vintage furniture. The comforts of 21st-century living – your very own iMac and custom-made cocktail bar – somehow fit seamlessly with the timeless Parisian charm. Though your sleeping quarters may have everything you need for the most amazing Parisian vacation, the Hôtel Providence also has a sumptuous lounge with a fireplace, a trendy restaurant and bar, and a terrace.

Le Roch Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous 37-room boutique hotel in the 1st arrondissement. The wellness centre is the highlight: its unique pool, made from black lava rock, is illuminated by natural light which floods the volcanic landscape with a surreal, heavenly feel. It only gets better with the hammam, fitness suite, and spa. The rest of the hotel, overseen by renowned designer Sarah Lavoine, doesn’t disappoint either. There’s a homely feel with open fireplaces and bookshelves, and a quirky love of craft felt in the bathrooms decorated with handmade clay tiles.

Hotel & Spa La Belle Juliette is located between Montparnasse and St-Germain-des-Prés, one of the most classically Parisian neighbourhoods, and takes its name from the celebrated 18th-century socialite Juliette Récamier. The bedrooms are adorned with antique prints in period frames, elegant furniture and references to literature, with the salvaged bergère chairs, repainted in vibrant pink colours.

Paris has many ‘palaces’ — broadly referring to any five-star establishment — but only one official château. The Saint James deviates from expectations of antiquated design while embracing its elegant splendour. Built in 1892 on the site of the first aerodrome in Paris, its 300sqm private terrace has balloon-shaped pergolas to commemorate the French air balloon fleet. Inside, the previous Thiers Foundation study has been converted into a library-bar which still holds 12,000 volumes. Bambi Sloan’s eccentric interior designs complement neoclassical elegance with eye-catching pieces such as zebra mounts or the ‘Chandelier Chaos.’