The Most Famous Hotels to Book in Paris, France

Enjoy dazzling Eiffel Tower views with your breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
Enjoy dazzling Eiffel Tower views with your breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris | Courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel, Paris / Expedia
Christine Wilson

While the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe draw many visitors to Paris, its hotels are points of interest in their own right. For more than a hundred years, the hotels in the capital of France have played host to many noteworthy guests and historically significant events, each cementing the city’s place as a cultural and artistic hub. Stay in the suite where the Beatles wrote a top hit or sip martinis in Ernest Hemingway’s old haunt at these famous hotels in Paris.

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

Hotel

A regal white room with chairs and a grey sofa
Courtesy of Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris / Expedia
Le Royal Monceau opened its grand doors in 1928, just down the road from the Arc de Triomphe. It provided an appropriately austere setting for David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir in 1948 when they signed the declaration that would create the State of Israel. Chic 1940s- and ’50s-inspired rooms and suites by Philippe Starck (the designer commissioned to refurbish the French president’s residence in 1983) feature artwork from the hotel’s private collection and acoustic guitars, in a nod to the hotel’s popularity among artists throughout the decades.

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Chain Hotel, Luxury

A grand, empty dining room with chairs at circular tables
Courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel, Paris / Expedia

Live like a royal at the gilded Shangri-La, formerly the residence of French prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s grandnephew. Relax in a spa occupying the former stables, or enjoy unbroken views of the Eiffel Tower from rooms and suites blending French and Asian designs (Roland’s one-time pad opened as a Shangri-La in 2010). You can even stay in the prince’s former private residence; on the second floor, L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte features 5m (16ft) high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, velvet curtains and Versailles-style parquet flooring.

The Ritz Paris

Spa Hotel, Hotel

A white, empty dining room with a Renaissance painting hanging on the back wall
Courtesy of The Ritz Paris / Expedia
The Ritz Paris was a favourite haunt of American authors F Scott Fitzgerald, who had a dedicated seat at the bar, and Ernest Hemingway, who would come here to imbibe dry martinis (rumour has it that he once ran up a tab for 51 of them – in one day). Notable French icons revelled in the hotel’s timeless sophistication, too, such as Coco Chanel and Marcel Proust, whose spirits have been immortalised in their designated suites.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Luxury

A grand hotel lobby with maroon furniture. The Eiffel Tower is in the background
Courtesy of Hôtel Plaza Athénée / Hotels.com

There are a few reasons why the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous hotels in Paris. For starters, there’s that view – the hotel’s Eiffel Tower suites are some of the most coveted hotel rooms in the City of Lights. They offer an unobscured glimpse of the tower, perfectly positioned in a rectangular window that serves as a frame. Then, there’s its role in two critical French industries: fashion and food. Inspired by the hotel, Christian Dior established his fashion house next door in 1946, and the hotel’s five restaurants see legendary chef Alain Ducasse at their helm.

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Hotel

A white living room with a chandelier and painting
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel George V / Expedia

The art deco façade of the Four Seasons Hotel George V is a landmark on the avenue of the same name. Built in 1928, this luxury five-star hotel has long been known for its elite guests, who have included the Beatles (they wrote their hit song I Feel Fine in their suite), alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton during their honeymoon in 1950. Equally important as its refined accommodations are its culinary endeavours. The hotel’s Le Cinq restaurant boasts three Michelin stars, while two more restaurants boast one Michelin star apiece.

Le Bristol Paris

Luxury

A white hallway with paintings and white and green furniture
Courtesy of Le Bristol Paris / Hotels.com

Le Bristol Paris is often lauded as one of the best hotels in the city, making it one of the most famous, too. Its accolades are many, complete with a three-Michelin-star restaurant, Epicure, and the prestigious “Palace” designation by the French Ministry of Tourism. The hotel was used for the 2011 film Midnight in Paris and is also known for its adorable mascot, Fa-Raon, a Burmese cat who will greet you at the door.

Hôtel Lutetia

Luxury

A living room with dark furniture
Courtesy of Hôtel Lutetia / Expedia

In Saint-Germain-des-Prés – one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods – Hôtel Lutetia is an art nouveau dream with hints of art deco. You can’t miss its striking exterior, with an almost Gaudí-esque undertone yet awash with classic Parisian white stone. The owners of Le Bon Marché, the famous Parisian department store, built the hotel in 1910. While it has hosted many household names over the years, such as Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and James Joyce, perhaps its most remarkable moment came in 1944 when Charles de Gaulle ordered the hotel to take in victims of the Nazi regime after the liberation of France.

L’Hotel

Hotel

A hotel terrace overlooking the Paris skyline
Courtesy of L’Hotel / Expedia

L’Hotel was the last home (at the time known as Hotel d’Alsace) of Oscar Wilde; he was tragically found dead in his hotel room on 30 November 1900, aged 46. However, it’s not all sad news at this bohemian-chic property – it lays claim to being the first-ever boutique hotel in the world. Its exclusive location in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the intimate atmosphere also made it a top choice for artists and musicians such as Serge Gainsbourg, Salvador Dalí and Jim Morrison.

Le Meurice

Suite Hotel

A grand dining room at Le Meurice with period art on the back wall and a huge chandelier.
Courtesy of Le Meurice / Expedia

One of the oldest hotels on this list, Le Meurice first opened its doors in 1815 on rue Saint-Honoré before relocating in 1835 to rue de Rivoli, where it sits today. Here, Pablo Picasso and Olga Khokhlova had their wedding lunch, and Salvador Dalí took up residency for one month each year for almost 30 years. Le Meurice’s most chilling moment arrived when it heard a phone call between Adolf Hitler and a German soldier headquartered at the hotel during the Nazi occupation. Hitler was said to have uttered the chilling words, “Is Paris burning?”

The Peninsula Paris

Hotel, Luxury

A regal hotel lobby with black furniture and a check-in desk
Courtesy of The Peninsula Paris / Expedia

The Peninsula Paris has been the site of many critical moments. Not only was the Paris Peace Accords signed here, putting an end to the Vietnam War, but it was also at one time a Unesco headquarters. Its walls watched a plan being hatched to assassinate Hitler, too. For a lighter – yet still noteworthy – moment, in 1928, American composer George Gershwin wrote An American in Paris in his hotel room, which inspired the 1951 movie of the same name.

Hôtel de Crillon

Luxury

The courtyard of a tall, pale hotel, filled with white furniture
Courtesy of Hôtel de Crillon / Expedia

Overlooking the Place de la Concorde – a site that’s had a front-row seat to many memorable moments – Hôtel de Crillon has seen its fair share. The building dates back to 1758, living through the French Revolution, two French kings and the Napoleonic Empire. It was first conceived as the official accommodation for global ambassadors and was the venue where the United States signed its first treaties with France. Today, de Crillon is listed as a historic hotel by the French Ministry of Culture, and like Le Bristol, it bears the exclusive “Palace” designation by the French Ministry of Tourism.

These hotels aren’t quite as famous but still promise beauty and luxury; book the best boutique hotels in Paris now through Culture Trip. Alternatively, guarantee a gorgeous view by staying in one of the best hotels with a balcony in Paris, or enjoy a holiday in rural France with a sparkling drink in hand by trying one of the best hotels in the Champagne region. For more incredible hotel options, check out our guide to the best hotels near the Place de la Bastille, bookable on Culture Trip.

Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article