Staying in the former artist’s village of Montmartre means wandering the winding, cobbled streets once inhabited by Picasso, Dalí and Van Gogh, and being on the doorstep of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, for that all-important selfie. These seven hotels represent the pick of the bunch for a stay in this hilltop Parisian neighbourhood.
It’s no secret Paris has a reputation as a city for lovers, and Hotel Montmartre Mon Amour is passionate about preserving it. As the name suggests, this small but luxurious hotel cultivates amour à la française; lucky guests can begin the day by tucking into the Buffet of Love, which includes heart-shaped waffles drizzled with honey, and the theme extends to the stylish interiors by Sandrine Alouf. Guests can also add amorous messages to heart-shaped slates while tucking into a “lovebox” intimacy kit that includes items such as a “ring for a kiss” bell.
With one of Montmartre’s main attractions, the Moulin Rouge, on its doorstep, Hôtel Josephine by Happyculture pays tribute to the thrill of cabaret like nowhere else. From the black-and-white photos of dancers from the ’20s and ’30s to the vintage furniture and relics from that glorious era, it feels more like a theatre than a hotel, and you, the guest, are its star.
Just a stone’s throw from the legendary Moulin de la Galette, Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Marcel Aymé is perhaps the quirkiest hotels in Montmartre. This 39-room literary hotel flaunts retro 1950s decor inspired by the popular novels of Marcel Aymé, a well-loved French novelist, children’s writer, screenwriter and playwright. Literary sculptures adorn the walls alongside book extracts, offering pearls of wisdom at every turn. You can expect well-stocked bookcases and comfy chairs to curl up in with a page-turner, but if socialising is more your thing, you can also enjoy a drink in the cocktail lounge.
If you’re looking for intimate luxury and somewhere far removed from the bustle of the city, Montmartre Residence is the place for you. This Art Deco-style, four-star establishment offers stylish studios and private two- and three-bedroom apartments designed to make you feel like you’re at home. If you fancy treating yourself or a loved one, order a home massage, hairdressing or beauty treatments by Olivier Lecocq. There’s no better place than your own private living quarters to enjoy a rejuvenating moment of peace or, indeed, the chef à domicile experience.
Arriving at Hotel Carlton’s Montmartre, you’re greeted by a majestic Haussmann-style building that dates to the Roaring Twenties. The interior of this immense four-star hotel is no less spectacular, with 108 spacious guest rooms, one of the best rooftop terraces in Paris, as well as Charleston and Cha Cha inspiration throughout. Hotel Carlton’s Montmartre is a member of the Charter for Sustainable Accommodation in Paris and is committed to minimising its environmental impact.
Le Relais Montmartre is a secret address, tucked away off rue Constance, in the heart of Montmartre. The interior design of this upscale boutique hotel gestures to the simplicity of rustic French living; you can opt for an attic room or a vaulted suite with exposed stone walls and shabby-chic furnishings. The rural vibes ooze from the roaring open fire, private courtyard and patio, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a croissant, or cocktail, in the warmer months. There is plenty of sophistication here, too, with sumptuously draped floral fabrics, ornate mirrors and elegant furniture.
If you fancy a dose of high-class luxury, try the five-star Maison Souquet. Named the world’s top hotel for romance in 2018, and earning itself a golden reputation that extends beyond France, this might just pip the rest to the post for the title of Montmartre’s best place to escape for a romantic getaway. You can treat your special someone to a “rain of roses” in the morning and spend the evening sipping champagne in a cosy private spa, with five-star butler service on tap. Be sure to reserve early, as this highly coveted hotel books up fast.
