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In the past, a visit to the French capital meant gawking at the Eiffel Tower and oignon soup in a tourist cafe next to the Champs-Elysées, but as travel habits change, visitors are increasingly looking for a more original experience, and Paris’ hotel scene has evolved to reflect that. Those looking for a stay with more character have plenty of options: from the naughty but elegant style of unique lodges in Pigalle, a hidden country-style hostel in Montmartre to the small former guesthouse (now luxury hotel) where Oscar Wilde spent his last night. Here are the best boutique hotels in Paris.
how we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted for free. They stay a minimum of one night, try at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
At a glance, the best boutique hotels in Paris
A jewel box of luxurious fabrics, unique objets d’art and superbly crafted custom details, this is a luxury lifestyle hotel that lives up to its promise. Every piece of art, light switch and fabric in the 1854 house, which neighbors the Italianate Théâtre de la Renaissance on Boulevard Saint-Martin, has been individually chosen with impeccable taste by Pierre Moussié, his wife Elodie and their friend Sophie Richard. The result is nothing short of magnificent. The 18 rooms are absolutely beautiful – think velvet armchairs, antique curios and House of Hackney velvet wallpaper adorned with Art Deco banana palms and other exotic foliage.
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One probably sees the intention to create a home away from home all too often, but in this elegant property, located between the Louvre and the Opera, the concept seems to work, with relaxed living spaces (designed by Sarah Lavoine) that showcase art and design books, great soft sofas and patterned rugs. Of the 37 rooms and suites, even the smallest Cozy rooms are a pretty good size for Paris, while the four Indulgence suites feature a beautifully tiled private hammam steam bath. Some rooms come in crisp white; others with dark blue or black walls, with large round mirrors or reliefs of ceramic rice grains above the bed. Rare in Paris, there is a small swimming pool.
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The simple facade of this modern hotel in the Marais district hides the true jewel box of elegant opulence that awaits inside. Bold colors and oriental design motifs are juxtaposed with neo-Gothic decor, combined with kitsch details by designer Jacques García, decorated with the Legion of Honor. The attention to detail extends to the rooms, which are decorated in bright colors and furnished with fine printed fabrics and retro lamps. The double bed is very large and very comfortable. Bathrooms are the centerpiece of each room, with deep, luxurious bathtubs and black granite floors.
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Named after the lively neighborhood in which it is located, Le Pigalle combines retro and modern to achingly cool effect, courtesy of design duo Charlotte De Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. Each of the 40 rooms is a little different: staying in them is like staying in the room of a modern Parisian friend with exceptional taste: a bar cabinet from the 1970s here, a velvet armchair from the 1960s there, but with completely modern comforts and services, such as television and USB sockets. Charmingly mixed paintings, photographs and prints (by local artists, naturally) decorate the walls and surfaces, plus a small selection of Paris-themed books.
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Le Grand Pigalle was one of the first creations of Parisian cocktail experts Experimental Group and set the tone for a group of trendy boutique hotels that followed. The property’s decor, housed in a corner Haussmann-style building, uses chic retro pieces (paneling, plush banquettes, patterned tiles) to create a stylish space, without being too avant-garde. The long bar/restaurant offers a lively atmosphere in the evenings with a mix of visitors and local creative types. Some rooms on the second and fifth floors have elegant wrought-iron balconies overlooking the surrounding narrow streets.
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Instagrammable satisfaction is guaranteed at The Hoxton, with period details from the original 18th-century hôtel particulier combined with stylish decor from the creatives at Soho House. The 18th-century building, once the residence of Etienne Rivié, advisor to Louis XV, adds a distinctly French flavor, with original spiral staircases and marble mosaic floors. Room categories are based solely on size: Shoebox (fairly small); Cozy; Spacious; Biggy (large and with high Parisian ceilings). Guests are greeted with music, courtesy of a vintage Roberts radio, and each room has a small selection of books curated by a ‘friend of Hoxton’ (creative types who live or work in the local area).
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This hotel has hosted many celebrities over the years, of which, of course, Oscar Wilde is the most famous. The writer rented a furnished apartment here, then the Hôtel D’Alsace, before his death in 1900. Throughout the 20th century, the address continued to attract illustrious figures such as Ava Gardener, Frank Sinatra and Aga Kahn. The rooms are arranged around an ornate gallery staircase, while Le Restaurant is located under a large glass roof. The property has been completely renovated by Jacques Garcia and is decorated in the sumptuous, eclectic style for which the designer is known: think elaborate wall moldings and large chandeliers contrasted by leopard-print rugs.
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Tucked away from the outside world, down a charming old-world alley in the legendary artists’ quarter of Montmartre, this hidden 19th-century mansion is the last word in Parisian elegance. Previously home to members of the Hermès and Rothschild families, the house has lost none of its bourgeois homely charm. The five suites are spacious and eclectic, and the modern cocktail bar and restaurant, with dream seating in summer, is in the little black book of every Parisian star. The real favorite of Parisian fashionistas is Le Très Particulier, the backdoor cocktail bar with delicious tapas, tropical Garden of Eden decor and a charming summer garden.
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This hotel is very much a celebration of French design, craftsmanship and culture. Its palette of blues and whites references France’s national colors, the suites pay homage to French cultural icons, and in the large open restaurant, topped by a huge glass terrace and lit with rows of naked light bulbs, it’s all about share the love of French wines. and gastronomy at common dining tables. Regular live music events play everything from 1920s French hits to Daft Punk and Sunday comedy nights, also in French, are clearly aimed at local audiences. Located on the edge of the trendy 9th arrondissement, you have easy access to many of Paris’ top attractions.
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The hotel consists of two identical properties, ‘Adele’ and ‘Jules’, separated by two doors, adding a touch of idiosyncratic character and a dose of Parisian architectural atypicality. The hotel has an understated contemporary look, with an emphasis on comfort and a homely atmosphere in the form of warm colours, comfortable furniture and soft lighting. The lobby/dining room (identical in both buildings) features a well-stocked bookshelf, a comfortable sofa, and contemporary Parisian-themed art. It feels homely and liveable, and even in the smaller standard double rooms, space is used wisely. Some rooms have terraces overlooking the courtyard, and there are nice balconies on the second and fifth floors.
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This simple but elegant hotel enjoys a central location, with easy access to the Louvre and the Palais de l’Opera Garnier. The decoration combines the French elements of the Haussmanian building with contemporary furniture. Standout features include dark Hungarian parquet in the lobby and an antique chrome stove in the breakfast area. There’s a subtle literary theme, with French novels decorating the attractive bookshelf in the lobby and a small selection in the rooms. The decor is crisp and contemporary, with touches of retro aesthetics – think copper lamps and Deco-style patterns on the fabrics. There are also some attractive period features, such as wall moldings and exposed wooden beams in some rooms.
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You won’t forget you’re in Paris at this innovative hotel aboard an elegant boat on the Seine River. The innovative Elegancia hotel group, behind Paris’s first boat hotel, has created a floating cocoon where guests can disconnect from city life. With its beachy lounge bar (which is quickly becoming a hotspot for trendy Parisians to sunbathe) and relaxed atmosphere, this is an address where guests kick off their shoes, dip their toes in water and relax in a gleaming gold Fatboy with ethereal views of the Seine. The beauty of waking up to a view of the water and Parisian péniches sailing by is also undeniable and is also great value for money per night.
Contributions from Natasha Edwards, Hannah Meltzer and Nicola Williams
