If you and your partner are planning a romantic trip to Paris, you’ll find no shortage of chic and romantic hotels to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious suite with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower or trendy designer accommodations, Paris has it all. In this article, Rowena Carr-Allinson highlights five of the best styles of hotels in the city. You can catch your first glimpse of the iconic Eiffel Tower from a sumptuous suite, experience the ultra-cool vibes of designer digs, or even stay in Johnny Depp’s preferred Parisian hideaway.
Here are five chic and stylish Paris hotels – any of which will help ensure the ultimate romantic stay in Paris.
L’Hotel
Best for… The Culture Vultures
Tucked away in Rue Des Beaux Arts, L’Hotel, in the Left Bank’s St Germain district is one of the city’s best kept secrets.The cosy, unassuming 20-room hotel is elegant, chic and has plenty of stories to tell. Originally a ‘Pavillon d’amour’ or love nest, the Palladian-style building’s trademark is its six-floor rounded dome.
Today it’s Johnny Depp’s home away from home in the City of Light, but in the past it was Oscar Wilde’s stomping ground. In fact, he never checked out. His room, a vision in shimmering greens, is all stunning peacock frescoes and memorabilia with a gorgeous little terrace. Book the Mistinguett bedroom to sleep in the queen of cabaret’s very own Art Deco mirrored bed. Each room has its own identity with antiques galore signed by design guru Jacques Garcia.
It’s hard to say what is the most amazing thing about L’Hotel. Could it be its elegant architecture or the gourmet Michelin- starred restaurant, or even its hidden hammam pool for two in the basement? Whichever, this is definitely one of Paris’ most charming and romantic hideaways. €285 per night.
Mama Shelter
Best for… The Budget Bargainistas
On the receiving end of a host of awards from everyone from hip magazine Wallpaper to Travel + Leisure and CNBC, Mama Shelter has been a roaring success thanks to its edgy interior design, great value for money and quirky side.
Created by the family behind Club Med and a French philosopher, the hotel’s look and feel was devised by French design guru Philippe Starck. Dubbed ‘Eclectic and electric’, it’s friendly, warm and casual yet utterly stylish.The rooms are contemporary and cool, but with a sense of humour.You’ve got to love the Star Wars and comic book inspired masks that double up as bedside lamps!
Although the colours are stark, monochromatic blacks and greys, the rooms still feel cosy despite a slightly ‘post industrial’ feel. Perhaps the mix of sleek dark wood finish and bare concrete walls? With five star touches like the 100% cotton satiny smooth sheets and the usual minibar, IMAC and even a microwave, it’s a nice mix of service and independence. Another perk of staying at Mama Shelter? The free in room movies on demand! Although, chances are you’d rather be exploring Paris. €70 per night.
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Shangri-La Hotel Paris
Best for … The Luxury Lovers
To stay in utmost Parisian luxury, check into the brand new Shangri-La Hotel in the very chic and brilliantly located 16th arrondissement, right near the Trocadero and across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. The one- time palace of Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s nephew, it was originally built in 1896 and comes with fantastic views, a chic East meets West vibe, impeccable staff and totally dreamy rooms. Sumptuous rooms with their antique style décor,all gilt edging and plush furnishings are all part of theVIP experience, as well as the welcome jasmine tea and the beautiful bathrooms with their Bulgari White Tea scented products.
The Duplex Terrace Suites are the perfect place to indulge and relax, or even propose! Not to mention, the best place in Paris to have an intimate breakfast, complete with silver service, and Eiffel Tower views! The hotel also has a gourmet restaurant: La Bauhinia.The circular room at the heart of the hotel sits under a giant glass dome with its own oversized Murano chandelier.The decor is Asian inspired with flattering tones of Vert D’Eau and deep reds, while the menu also mixes Oriental flavours with classic French.The perfect place to indulge before a nightcap in the fabulous cosy, dimly lit bar. €695 per night including American breakfast for two.
Hotel Plaza Athénée
Best for…The Old School Romantics
It’s impossible not to feel a little like Carrie from Sex & The City when sweeping through the Plaza Athénée’s revolving doors.
The legendary Parisian ‘palace’ on the very smart Avenue Montaigne, just off the Champs Élysees is a parallel universe where the wealthy and well dressed roam.The rooms are gloriously plush, with elegant furnishings, beautiful period details and Parisian views aplenty.The top floor Suite Eiffel, with its own roof terrace is jaw-droppingly beautiful: a pristine Art Deco apartment complete with Eiffel tower views from the bathtub. Bliss!
The famous Relais Plaza restaurant is one of the city’s institutions. In a world where hotels and restaurants are constantly trying to be the next big thing, it’s a real breath of fresh air to be transported back in time amidst the authentic Art Deco glamour. Oozing ‘Old World Old School’ chic, it’s no wonder Yves Saint Laurent lunched here every day in the 80s!
After a continuous stream of power brokers, ladies who lunch and well-heeled families in the Galerie des Gobelins, the hotel’s bar turns into one of Paris’ hippest nightspots where a young crowd of beautiful people congregate at night … just the place to be. €670 per night.
Heading to Paris? We’ve put together a comprehensive Paris Honeymoon & Holiday guide for you!
Le Murano Urban Resort
Best for … The Hip & Happening
To go trendy, stay at the ultra hip Murano Urban Resort. Situated on Boulevard du Temple, in the Marais area, the sleek hotel is all about cutting edge design. More than a hotel, it calls itself an Urban Resort offering super sexy rooms, but also a swanky restaurant, where Isabelle Adjani is a regular, and a glamorous spa.
Make your way past the white leather sofas, to the disco-like lift and past dark passages to the honeymoon suite: a swish room with huge round bed, funky candy colouring and a bathtub swathed in ethereal curtains.
Everything is high tech, from the changeable coloured-lighting for a pink, yellow or blue mood, to the finger-print room entry system – so very James Bond!
If budget isn’t a problem, book a suite on the upper floors. Some even have their own pools, and fantastic rooftops views to boot. Romantic and très chic!
After tasting a dish of roasted sea bass or a truffle risotto in the restaurant, you can sample one of the 150 types of vodkas in the bar or venture out for a stroll into the charming Marais neighbourhood. €350 per night.