Paris is often seen as the most glamorous city in the world, and with its gastronomic excellence and architectural grandeur, as well as the beautiful bars and cafés scattered across its boulevards, it’s easy to see why. The French capital is also home to an array of first-class hotels, including breathtaking palaces and bohemian hideaways.
Le Bellechasse is a quirky four-star hotel situated near the Musée d’Orsay. The 33 rooms, designed by fashion supremo Christian Lacroix, are bursting with colour and character. Wake up to vibrant orange-and-black pinstripe walls, a chequerboard ceiling or murals depicting ancient cityscapes, depending on the room. Wherever you stay here, you are bound to be charmed by the hotel’s bohemian creativity.
The Disneyland Hotel marks the majestic entrance to the Disneyland Park in Paris. The iconic facade draws inspiration from the Victorian era, while fairytale-themed rooms await inside. Disney characters can be found throughout the hotel, offering princess makeovers and hair-styling sessions for children. For the adults, there’s a steam bath, sauna and fitness centre, as well as a heated indoor pool, garden and terrace. To top it all off, Disneyland Paris has recently been officially named as the world’s favourite place to propose.
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s is the brainchild of a collaboration between architects Édouard François and Jacques Garcia | Courtesy of Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s / Expedia
Located on the corner of the Champs-Élysées, this lavish hotel is the brainchild of a collaboration between architects Édouard François and Jacques Garcia. The 81 sumptuous rooms and suites on offer are smothered in sumptuous fabrics that match the velvet-clad furniture. In the evening, let yourself be swept away by an aquatic circuit of jets, bubbles and a countercurrent lane, or sit back and relax in the hammam or the sauna.
Le Meurice is a five-star palatial hotel on Rue de Rivoli, overlooking the gorgeous Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre. With a history stretching back to 1771, this luxury hotel revels in the 18th-century grandeur of Versailles. Historically, it has always been a favourite with the aristocracy, as well as artistic legends, including Dalí, Zola, Warhol and Dylan. As well as immersing themselves in the opulent Louis XVI decor, guests can enjoy the 24-hour concierge service and world-class spa. Or, in the privacy of your own room, you can bathe in Italian marble splendour beneath the waterfall baths.
The Daniel Paris, situated between the Champs-Élysées and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is an alluring four-star hotel. The artistic design fuses Eastern and Western influences across 26 guest rooms. You can recline on rugs from Kazakhstan or the ancient city of Khotan, and marvel at the many decorative ornaments that will transport you to another world. The hand-drawn, made-to-measure de Gournay wallpaper with a bird and flower pattern adds to the serene vibe.
Hotel Le Bristol, located next door to the presidential Élysée Palace, has been impressing travellers with its exquisite facilities since 1925. The hotel boasts gastronomic excellence, with no fewer than four Michelin stars. There’s a private couples’ suite at the wellness centre, which opens onto a peaceful interior garden. From the resident Burmese cat to the stunning indoor rooftop swimming pool (the ultimate highlight, boasting views over Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower), there are plenty of surprises waiting for you at this hotel.
The Maison Souquet was voted the world’s top hotel for romance in 2018, and offers romantic surprises, such as a ‘rain of roses’. Located near the Moulin Rouge, with just 20 rooms in total (six being junior suites), this five-star hotel is the epitome of elegance and intimacy. The interiors at Maison Souquet fuse Arabic influences with Napoleon III-era fashions such as velvet furniture and flamboyant wallpaper. The open conservatory is a great place to relax, as guests can sprawl out across the swan-shape benches beneath ivy and jasmine.
The five-star Hôtel de Sers, near the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, is set in a glorious 19th-century mansion originally built by the Marquis de Sers. Every aspect of the 52-room hotel’s design has been carefully considered to pay tribute to this elegant past, with ornate gold-framed portraits on the walls and stylish furniture. Guests can also make use of the Turkish bath and hammam, plus a 24-hour fitness centre.
The four-star Hôtel des Académies et des Arts, in the Montparnasse district, is devoted to celebrating the power of creativity. The staircase is adorned with the ladder climbing sculptures of Sophie de Watrigant, while graffiti artist Jérôme Mesnager has added urban touches throughout the hotel. Music videos of these artists are also shown on repeat in the hotel’s video-art lounge. This modern and arty hotel is perfect for the hip, open-minded traveller.
