Vive la relaxation: The best hotels in Paris


Your guide to which Parisian arrondissement is best for you and the luxury hotels worth checking into.

These are some of best areas to stay at in Paris. Image credit: Orbon Alija/iStock
These are some of best areas to stay at in Paris. Image credit: Orbon Alija/iStock

Each of Paris’ sprawling 20 arrondissements (districts) have something to offer, which makes picking which one to stay in even harder. Whether you’re looking for classic cobblestoned cul-de-sacs, a neighborhood with chic bistros and pastry-filled bakeries, or streets lined with designer boutiques and vintage stores, there’s an arrondissement, and luxury hotel within it, for you.

We’ve rounded up five of our favorites to help make your choice easier. Each one features a mix of old-school Parisian charm, lively cafes, restaurants and bars, and, of course, luxury hotels worth making your homebase while visiting Paris.

3rd arrondissement – art, parks, and shopping

Paris’ 3rd arrondissement is found in the heart of the city with manicured parks, art galleries, and designer boutiques filling the streets. Also known as the Haut Marais, this arrondissement is for art lovers, foodies, and history buffs, all of who can enjoy the many museums, markets, and architecture. The cutting-edge Centre Pompidou museum and picturesque Place des Vosges are nearby, while top sights such as the Louvre and Notre Dame are just a short walk away.

La Chambre du Marais

The La Chambre du Marais townhouse in the heart of the Haut Marais features 19 rooms, each elegantly decorated by interior designer Philippe Jégou. There’s a chic cocktail bar on site and French-inspired breakfast of breads and jams can be brought to your room. Step outside and you’re in the center of Paris with the 3rd Arrondissement shops, squares, and cafes a few moments away and Paris’s top sights a short walk or drive.

Hôtel du Petit Moulin

In the location of Paris’ first bakery, with the original facade to prove it, this 19th-century boutique hotel captures the history of the City of Lights. Hôtel du Petit Moulin has 16 rooms and one suite, all of which have modern amenities and are individually designed by Christian Lacroix with bright and playful decor. At the end of a long day, relax at the on-site bar which serves up champagne, wine, and cocktails, or indulge in an in-room massage.

1k Paris

A Latin-American escape in the heart of the French capital. Inside 1K Paris you’ll find a tropical-themed terrace as well as South American-inspired Pisco and Mezcaleria bars, and Restaurant INKA, which serves up Nikkei, a combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. There are 48 chic and minimally designed rooms and suites including the Pool Suite which features a private terrace and heated pool overlooking the Parisian skyline.

6th arrondissement – river views on the Left Bank

A favorite among Hemingway, Monet, and Picasso, the 6th arrondissement is home to the ornate Jardin du Luxembourg, grand churches, palaces, and theaters. Wander the streets for charming cafes and tea houses, duck into vintage stores selling everything from antique books to designer clothes to unique furniture, and soak in the old-world Parisian charm. Located on the Left Bank, this arrondissement borders the Seine and is also close to the Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, and the Sorbonne University so there’s culture right on your doorstep.

Jardin du Luxembourg. Image credit: vkovalcik/iStock
Jardin du Luxembourg. Image credit: vkovalcik/iStock

Hotel Espirit Saint-Germaine

This five-star hotel pairs modern amenities with rustic French design. Some of  Hotel Esprit Saint-Germain suites feature the original 18th-century beams and each of the 28 rooms are elegantly designed with space and style in mind. Relax in one of the two cozy lounges with complimentary drinks throughout your stay or make use of the on-site fitness room complete with rooftop views.

Citadines Saint-Germaine-des-Prés

Part of the Citadines network, this 6th arrondissement location offers unrivaled views of the Seine from select room’s bay windows. Each room in Citadines Saint-Germaine-des-Prés features a fully equipped kitchen and, if you need a home away from home, book into one of the 1-bedroom apartments for a separate living room. Visit the Business Corner for workspaces and meeting rooms if you are in Paris for work, or simply step outside to walk the banks of the Seine.   

Hotel Bel Ami

Hotel Bel Ami offers a number of rooms and suites each with a unique design. Some are modern and minimal with pops of color and others have an elegant and regal style. Book into a room that overlooks the 11th-century Église de Saint Germain des Prés, or a room inspired by the traditional bookshops in the surrounding streets. All feature high-quality bedding, large bathrooms, and are an oasis in the heart of the 6th arrondissement.

18th arrondissement – modern hotels in a historic neighborhood

Famous for its artists and bohemians, the 18th arrondissement has centuries of Parisian charm. There  are the cobbled streets and winding alleys of Montmartre, the theaters, live music, and bars of Pigalle, and Canal St-Martin is a short stroll away. Take in a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, climb into the imposing white domes of the Sacre-Cœur, or watch artists at work in the Place du Tertre.

Montmartre sits on the top of a small hill in the 18th Arrondissement. Image credit: KavalenkavaVolha/iStock
Montmartre sits on the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement. Image credit: KavalenkavaVolha/iStock

Kube Paris

In the historic Montmartre neighborhood, Kube Paris l is at the cutting edge of design and technology. This hotel features a glass cube entrance and open-plan modern rooms with a Scandinavian-inspired décor, some of which overlook a central courtyard. The hotel is home to the only ice bar in the city as well as a retro-style cocktail bar.

Montmartre Residence

Feel at home with the choice of studio, two, or three-bedroom apartments at Montmartre Residence. Each space comes with an art-deco style interior and a fully equipped kitchen. Want to make the most of the kitchen but don’t want to cook? Book a personal chef who does the hard work for you, right in your apartment. Outside, catch a show at the Théâtre des Abbesses, just across the street from the hotel, or snap photos of Le Mur des Je T’Aime, just around the corner.

Hotel Môm’Art Hotel & SPA

At the foot of Montmartre, the traditional facade of Môm’Art Hotel & SPA gives way to a sleek and modern interior. There are 24 rooms and one suite available, each with colorful art and furnishings throughout. Dine at the on-site restaurant in a covered courtyard or visit the hotel’s bar. Those looking to keep up their fitness can get a workout at the fitness center before unwinding at the on-site spa. On your doorstep, there are theaters and the must-see Sacre Cœeur Basilica.

8th arrondissement – on the doorstep of Paris’ main attractions

The 8th arrondissement sits in central Paris and is home to many of the city’s famous sights including the Champs-Élysées, the Place de la Concorde, and the Arc de Triomphe. Suave and sophisticated, this neighborhood is all about luxury. From the flagship designer stores on the world’s most famous shopping street to the fine art exhibitions in the Petit Palais art museum, the 8th is for the traveler seeking style.

Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe. Image credit: Orbon Alija/iStock
Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe. Image credit: Orbon Alija/iStock

Hotel Lancaster

Just off the Champs-Élysées, you’ll find Hotel Lancaster, an 1889 mansion with 45 rooms and 11 suites. Rooms at this hotel have a 1930s-inspired decor with plush furnishings and sparkling chandeliers. There’s an ornate grand piano in the Marlène Dietrich Suite where the German-American actress stayed, which is painted her favorite color: parma.

Paintings by Russian painter Boris Pastoukhoff, who was also a guest at the hotel, adorn the walls. The restaurant serves food from the French countryside and you can relax in the bar, patio, or one of the lounges.

Royal Hotel

This 19th-century building houses the Royal Hotel, a luxury hotel moments from the Arc de Triomphe. Rooms are spacious and modern and range from those designed with business travelers in mind to those with facilities for families. Each room has a great view, with some overlooking the inner courtyard, some the charming street, while the Executive rooms  offer views of the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a continental breakfast either in the restaurant or in your room.

16th Arrondissement – luxury life on the outskirts of the city

In western Paris, the 16th Arrondissement is dominated by the Bois de Boulogne, which is a large park with lakes, cycling paths, and a horse-racing track. Outside the park, high-end restaurants and swanky bars serve some of the city’s wealthiest residents while contemporary art can be found in museums Fondation Louis Vuitton and Palais de Tokyo.

Rowboats on the Lower Lake at Bois De Boulogne. Image credit: olrat/iStock
Rowboats on the Lower Lake in the Bois De Boulogne. Image credit: olrat/iStock

La Villa Maillot

Bordering the Bois de Boulogne, La Villa Maillot features contemporary luxury rooms with colorful designs and views out to the Parisian rooftops. Unwind in the Le V bar lounge or the well-being center with its Hammam, spa treatments, and gym. If needed, there’s a meeting room available, complete with views of a lush Japanese garden.

Maison FL

Interior architect François Champsaur designed Maison FL, which features art deco rooms with modern amenities and luxury finishes, such as a statement oval mirror. 

Most of the rooms have terraces that overlook Parisian rooftops. The penthouse offers two bathrooms, a living room, and a terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower.

The hotel offers a complimentary smartphone for international calls and internet roaming while exploring the city. After a long day, take advantage of the on-site wellness center with massages, yoga classes, a hairdresser, and a personal trainer.

Whichever arrondissement you choose, book a convenient Blacklane car service in Paris to get there in style.