As one of the world’s most recognizable cities, Paris is beloved for its famous museums, vibrant café and dining culture, historic districts and much more. Its hotel scene in particular is ever evolving, with grand dame properties being refreshed and buzzy new boutiques opening seemingly every month. We’ve rounded up the best hotels in Paris, based on numerous visits by our travel team to the French capital.
There are options for every type of traveler, whether you’re seeking one of the city’s more renowned properties, like the Ritz Paris or Le Meurice, or looking to stay at a buzzy boutique hotel like Maison Proust or Hôtel Dame Des Arts. Below, we’ve narrowed down our top picks, based on multiple trips and stays by myself and deputy editor Jane Sung. Read on for the can’t-miss properties for your next trip to the City of Light.
Who Will Love It: Couples; families; travelers who want to be based near the Champs-Élysées
All-Star Amenities: A trio of Michelin-starred restaurants; Le Spa with hammams and indoor swimming pool
What Not To Miss: Aperitifs at Le Bar followed by dining at Le Cinq; “Precious Little Moments” package for families that includes afternoon tea
Location: 8th arrondissement (Élysée)
With its impeccable service and grand entryway, it’s no surprise that Four Seasons Hotel George V is widely considered one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Aside from its terrace—which features views of the Eiffel Tower—and its opulent Louis XV-style furnishings, it holds the distinction of being the first European hotel to have five Michelin stars under one roof. Tables at its three restaurants, including fine dining favorite Le Cinq, are constantly in demand by locals and visitors alike. Even with its accolades, this grand dame of the Champs-Élysées is refreshingly down to earth, and rolls the red carpet out for even the youngest travelers. The hotel’s thoughtful “Precious Little Moments” package provides families with a completely personalized stay from check-in, including an afternoon tea, Tartine et Chocolat bed linens and a plush toy of the hotel’s mascot, Little George.
Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for “quiet luxury” in a high-end but understated setting
All-Star Amenities: “Breakfast with Picasso” served in-suite facing one of the artist’s masterpieces Maison à Juan-Les-Pins; on-site pasta laboratory, Il Pastificio; kids’ club Les Amis d'Hippolyte; babysitting services
What Not To Miss: Dinner at three-Michelin starred restaurant Epicure; a spa treatment featuring La Prairie products
Location: 8th arrondissement (Faubourg Saint-Honore)
A landmark of Parisian hospitality, Le Bristol has been a must-visit for discerning travelers since opening its doors in 1925. Decked out with crystal chandeliers, marble floors, Versailles-style furniture and 17th-century antique tapestries, guests who stay in one of the 190 rooms at Le Bristol should prepare for a taste of true French grandeur. Some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants can be found at the hotel, including Chef Eric Frechon's Epicure, which has three Michelin stars, and the more casual 114 Faubourg, with one Michelin star. If your taste buds need more, there’s also an on-site mill and bakery, a chocolate factory, a cheese cave, a wine cellar and the recently introduced pasta laboratory, Il Pastificio, where handmade pasta is made each day in eight traditional sizes and shapes. Make sure to wind down at the recently redesigned spa, Le Spa Le Bristol—which features facials and massages using luxury beauty brands La Prairie, Tata Harper and Bonpoint (for unique parent-child treatments). Families won’t want to miss the toy- and game-stocked playroom Les Amis d’Hippolyte, conveniently located in the same space.
Who Will Love It: Art lovers; couples and families seeking a prime location
All-Star Amenities: Penhaligon’s toiletries; spa featuring Valmont products; Italian marble bathrooms; location facing the Tuileries Garden and right near the Louvre
What Not To Miss: Hammam and sauna; breakfast in the Versailles room; cocktails at Bar 228
Location: 1st arrondissement (Tuileries)
Everyone comes to Paris to experience beauty, but even the most discerning traveler is sure to be pleased by a stay at Le Meurice. Pablo Picasso famously hosted his wedding banquet here, while Salvador Dalí was a frequent guest (hence the main restaurant’s theme); modern-day famous visitors include Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. Sitting right off the Tuileries Garden and just steps from the Louvre, this iconic property offers a prime location near one of the world’s most beautiful museums while also being a must-see destination for art and design lovers itself.
Designed by Philippe and Ara Starck, public spaces feature copper-rimmed mirrors, original Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs and sumptuous silks and velvets. Garnier Thiebaut linens can be found on each bed, while bathrooms include Italian marble flooring and, in suites, deep soaking tubs. In the evenings, snag a table at Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse (or enjoy breakfast in its Versailles-inspired dining space), then kick back in a deep leather armchair with a cocktail and live jazz at the legendary Bar 228. (Read more in our in-depth Le Meurice review.)
Who Will Love It: Couples, friend groups and families who are looking for a well-situated, cozy yet stylish hotel on the Left Bank
All-Star Amenities: Diptyque toiletries; in-room Nespresso and tea bar; complimentary minibar in suites stocked with locally sourced craft beverages and snacks
What Not To Miss: The breakfast buffet in the brasserie; a cocktail at the speakeasy Poppy
Location: 6th arrondissement (Saint-Placide)
Fairly new to the Left Bank, Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs channels the refined glamour of transatlantic ocean liners and luxury express trains in its public spaces as well as its 138 rooms and suites. Designed by the acclaimed Fabrizio Casiraghi, the interior features a timeless, mid-century aesthetic, with mahogany paneling, plush furnishings and ambient lighting to create a moody, intimate atmosphere. Located in the tranquil Saint-Placide neighborhood, the hotel serves as a quiet and well-positioned home base, only a short stroll from the shops of Le Bon Marché and the manicured paths of the Luxembourg Gardens.
The hotel’s focus on refined comfort is evident in the rooms, which feature streamlined design, with high-quality cotton sateen sheets, leather-clad bedside tables and Diptyque products. Adding to the retro charm, guests in some rooms are treated to a unique and delightful amenity: an in-room record player complete with a selection of vinyl, setting the perfect soundtrack for a Parisian getaway. Socializing centers around the brasserie, which offers a contemporary internationally-inspired menu, and the stylish lobby bar. Sung has stayed here repeatedly and appreciates the warm and accommodating staff and understatedly chic design (detailed in her review of the hotel).
Who Will Love It: Travelers who want to unplug; spa enthusiasts
All-Star Amenities: On-site rotunda library filled with antique books; literary-themed bar featuring Marcel Proust-inspired cocktails made with French spirits
What Not To Miss: The underground Moroccan-inspired hammam spa, one of the most opulent in Paris
Location: 3rd arrondissement (Le Marais)
Located in Le Marais, a neighborhood sprinkled with cobblestone streets and cozy cafés, this intimate 23-room boutique gives a taste of la vie Bohème in a district known for its literary history. Rooms and suites sit across six themed floors, all of which are inspired by Claude Monet, Émile Zola and other famous authors and artists of the Gilded Age. The lampshades in each room are, quite literally, open books, designed to shine light out of passages from the hotel’s namesake author Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. No detail is left out, from the bold patterned wallpaper to velvet banquettes and plush bedrooms highlighted with polished wood. After a day of exploration, the private bar in the ground floor salon slings up cocktails named after Proust’s most famous works.
While the hotel itself may transport you to the days of the Belle Époque, the real star of the show is downstairs: a Moorish spa complete with a marble hammam, sapphire blue pool and three treatment suites. Majestic columns covered in traditional geometric tiles will greet you as you walk down a colorful pathway crowned by ornate lanterns, with Orient-inspired fragrances wafting through the space. As if the lavish decoration wasn’t opulent enough, the Salon d’Eau features products from La Mer—and for true indulgence, guests can privatize the entire spa.
Who Will Love It: History buffs; vacationers looking for a bucket list luxury experience
All-Star Amenities: Marble fireplaces; a recently renovated Club & Spa; Michelin-starred dining at L'Espadon
What Not To Miss: A cocktail at the legendary Bar Hemingway
Location: 1st arrondissement (Le Premier)
One of the most renowned names on the Parisian hotel scene, Ritz Paris has been the crown jewel of city hotels since it opened its doors in 1898. The grande dame has hosted numerous bold names throughout history, from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Audrey Hepburn, and was once the residence of Coco Chanel, who lived in Suite No. 307 for over 30 years. Those who check in to the Ritz are treated to palatial grandeur right in one of the city’s most famous squares, Place Vendôme.
With décor spanning the Baroque to the Belle Époque, every floor of this property feels like stepping back in time, and each room is decorated with sumptuous touches, from velvet curtains to marble bathrooms and gilded frames. But the tony interiors and storied guest list aren’t the only thing that makes the Ritz a must-stay for history buffs: a cocktail at the iconic, on-site Bar Hemingway, named after the writer who used to frequent it, is non-negotiable.
Who Will Love It: Shoppers; nightlife seekers; Art Deco enthusiasts
All-Star Amenities: Onsite skating rink in the winter; Beltrami linens; in-house Dior Institute spa
What Not To Miss: Meals at the acclaimed on-site Alain Ducasse restaurant and at Le Renais Plaza
Location: 8th arrondissement (Élysée)
Fashion lovers will want to check in to Hotel Plaza Athénée, located on one of the best shopping addresses in Paris: Avenue Montaigne, home to the Galleries Lafayette as well as several major haute-couture brands, including the flagship Dior, a partner of the hotel. Fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City will feel right at home here: the hotel was featured in the popular 2006 film and the infamous HBO show’s sixth season.
After a day of shopping top French designers, relax in one of the property’s Louis XVI and Art Deco-style rooms (don’t miss an opportunity to decompress in the impressively deep tubs), then savor a meal at the on-site three Michelin-starred restaurant, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. And for a special treat book a facial at the hotel’s on-site Dior Institute spa; upon arrival, guests are asked to choose a Dior scent to be diffused into their treatment room, making you feel like you’re living in a perfume commercial.
Who Will Love It: The stylish, creative crowd; those seeking an authentic Parisian experience without breaking the bank
All-Star Amenities: Restored Art Deco architecture, including aged mirrors, a glass elevator and blue mosaic floors in the brasserie; views of the Sacré Coeur form the rooftop bar
What Not To Miss: A meal at the ground floor brasserie, a true locals’ spot
Location: 9th arrondissement (Pigalle)
Just steps from the iconic Moulin Rouge, Pigalle was once a neighborhood best known for its late night debauchery. Today, that same cheerful mischief and merriment is alive and well at Hotel Rochechouart, the hip reincarnation of a hotel that was one of the most popular neighborhood haunts of the Roaring Twenties. The 106 rooms highlight this property’s storied Art Deco past, with suspension lamps and tiled bathrooms. Some northern-facing rooms even have views of the Sacré Coeur (which you can also get from the rooftop bar).
There’s always action happening here, which makes it a great choice for younger travelers who don’t mind a little late night noise. The hotel’s ground floor brasserie is not to be missed, with locals crowding it every night to order Parisian classics like chicken liver pâté and the beloved crêpe cake for dessert. The property is also walking distance from plenty of cafés and shops, as well as performance venues like La Cigale and Le Trianon. And with room rates coming in at under $200 a night during the off-season, it offers great value for a true Parisian experience.
Who Will Love It: Couples; honeymooners
All-Star Amenities: Marble bathrooms stocked with Hermès toiletries; personalized butler service; private access to the pool, hammam and treatment room
What Not To Miss: A cocktail at the on-site Mille et Une Nuits lounge
Location: 9th arrondissement (Pigalle)
Paris may have a reputation for romance, and this hotel stands above the rest when it comes to setting the scene for l’amour. The sultry Maison Souquet is bound to seduce any pair of lovers with its luscious velvet interiors, palette of mauve and plum, and intoxicating aromas of rose, jasmine and tobacco. Drawing inspiration from its former life as a maison close (upscale brothel), the property—just a short walk from the iconic Moulin Rouge—has been reincarnated as one of the city’s most sensual hideaways. Its Arabian and Napoleonic design features Moorish tiling, turquoise mosaics and, yes, plenty of nude portraiture.
Comprised of just 20 rooms, your experience here will be hushed and intimate, leaving you time to unwind in your room, complete with soft bedding, French windows, moody lighting and walls embossed in imported silk. Ultimate relaxation calls for an indulgent bath in your marble bathroom, using top-of-the-line Hermès products.
Who Will Love It: Travelers who prioritize picturesque views; museum lovers
All-Star Amenities: Marble bathrooms with Guerlain bath products; 24-hour room service; Shang Palace, the Michelin-starred Chinese fine dining establishment
What Not To Miss: A stay in the Eiffel View Room or Terrace Eiffel View Room, both of which feature the city’s best views of the tower
Location: 16th arrondissement (Quartier de Passy)
This luxe mansion perched near the Seine was once the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon, hosting many gatherings of artists, academics and other friends of the French royal. Today it stands as one of the finest hotels in Paris, with a superb location just a few blocks from the Place du Trocadero, Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Élysées, not to mention a position directly across the river from the Eiffel Tower. If views of the iconic tower are what you’re here for, it doesn’t get more prime than this: almost half of the rooms and more than half of the suites at the property showcase views of The Iron Lady, with many of the 36 suites featuring a private balcony that allows you to wake up to a picture-perfect Parisian panorama.
Throughout the hotel, ornate décor is subtly blended with the hotel group’s Asian influence. The lobby’s grand staircase makes a weighty first impression, and the building’s facade, crafted by the same sculptors who modeled the Louvre, is designed in the Louis XIV style, bringing the palatial theme full circle. Kick back at Chi, the hotel’s luxe spa offering Asian-inspired holistic treatments, and don’t miss out on dining at the on-site Shang Palace, a haute cuisine institution that has the distinction of being the first Michelin-starred Chinese fine dining restaurant in France.
Who Will Love It: Young creatives; groups of friends
All-Star Amenities: Diptyque toiletries; electric bikes available for rent; fitness studio; sauna; Pimpan restaurant serving Mexican-Japanese cuisine
What Not To Miss: A night at the rooftop bar, which features 360-degree panorama views of the city
Location: 6th arrondissement (Latin Quarter)
Located in the heart of the city’s Latin Quarter and the former stomping grounds of the likes of Pablo Picasso and Henry Miller, Hôtel Dame des Arts incorporates the area’s artistic energy into its 109 rooms. Spaces feature original pieces from local artists, not to mention a bespoke typeface used across all menus and merchandise and named after beloved filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, a native of the Left Bank.
Upon check-in, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a film from the celebrated French New Wave. Earth-toned fabrics, eye-popping prints and shelves stuffed with film books provide a hip but welcoming atmosphere. Rooms are compact, which is to be expected in such a central location, but still offer natural light, plush bedding and a window-shaped desk in case you feel inspired to write the next great novel. Don’t miss an evening sipping cocktails on the hotel’s popular rooftop, which has bragging rights to panoramic views of the Sacré Coeur and La Défense in the distance; lines can get long, but hotel guests are prioritized.
Paris is known for its cultural landmarks and beautiful sights, and booking a tour or hiring a guide can be a useful way to take in your itinerary musts. From pastry-making classes to a classic cruise along the Seine, here are some top recommendations.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.
Our list was assembled based on extensive research, testimonials and personal stays.