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Our expert writers are usually hosted for free to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review.
In the past, a visit to the French capital meant a look at the Eiffel Tower and a... soup à l'oignon in a touristy café just off the Champs-Elysées, but as travel habits change, visitors are increasingly looking for a more original experience - and the Parisian hotel scene has evolved to reflect that. Those looking for a more characterful stay have plenty of options - from the cheeky yet chic style of one-off hideaways in Pigalle, a hidden country-style lodge in Montmartre to the dinky former guest house (now luxury hotel) where Oscar Wilde spent his time last night. These are the best boutique hotels in Paris.
How we assess
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, usually hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have to offer.
The best boutique hotels in Paris at a glance
Bejeweled with opulent fabrics, unique artefacts and beautifully crafted, bespoke details, this is a luxury lifestyle hotel that delivers on its promise. Every last piece of art, light switch and fabric in the 1854 mansion, which borders Italy's 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 excellent. All 18 rooms are utterly gorgeous - think velvet armchairs, vintage curios and velvet wallpaper from House of Hackney, adorned with art deco banana palms and other exotic foliage.
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You probably see the intention to create a home from home far too often, but in this stylish property, located between the Louvre and the Opéra, the concept seems to be working, with relaxed living spaces (designed by Sarah Lavoine), sporty art and design books, great soft sofas and patterned carpets. Of the 37 rooms and suites, even the smallest Cozy bedrooms are quite large for Paris, while the four Indulgence suites each boast a beautifully tiled private hammam steam room. Some rooms are bright white; others with dark blue or black walls, with large round mirrors or ceramic rice grain reliefs above the bed. Rare for Paris, there is a small swimming pool.
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The sober facade of this fashionable hotel in the Marais district conceals the true jewel box of tasteful opulence that awaits inside. Bold colors and oriental design motifs alternate with neo-Gothic furnishings, combined with kitschy details by the Légion d'honneur decorated designer Jacques Garcia. The attention to detail extends to the rooms, which are decorated in rich colors and furnished with finely patterned fabrics and retro lighting fixtures. The double bed is wonderfully large and extremely comfortable. The bathrooms are the pièce de résistance of each room, with deep luxurious bathtubs and black granite floors.
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Named after the vibrant 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 these rooms is like staying in the room of a hip Parisian friend with exceptionally good taste: a 70s drinks cabinet here, a 60s velvet armchair there, but with thoroughly modern comforts and amenities, such as such as television and USB connections. Charming amalgamation of paintings, photographs and prints (by local artists, of course) adorn 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 masters Experimental Group and set the tone for a series of hip boutique hotels to follow. The décor of the property, located in a Haussmannian-style building on the corner, uses chic retro pieces (panelling, soft banquet, patterned tiles) to create a space that is stylish, without being too edgy. to be. The long bar/restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere in the evenings with a mix of local creatives and visitors. Some rooms on the second and fifth floors have elegant wrought-iron balconies with views over the surrounding narrow streets.
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Instagram satisfaction is guaranteed at The Hoxton, with historic details from the original 18th century hôtel private, combined with sleek décor from the creatives at Soho House. An 18th-century building - once the residence of Etienne Rivié, advisor to Louis XV - the building adds a distinctly French touch, with original spiral staircases and mosaic marble floors. Room categories are based purely on size: Shoebox (pretty dinky); Cozy; Roomy; 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 "Hoxton Friend" (creative types who live or work in the area).
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This hotel has welcomed many famous guests over the years, of which Oscar Wilde is of course the best known. The writer rented a furnished apartment here before his death in 1900 and then the Hôtel D'Alsace. Throughout the 20th century, the address continued to attract famous figures, including Ava Gardener, Frank Sinatra and the Aga Kahn. The rooms are arranged around a graceful gallery staircase, while Le Restaurant is housed under a large glass roof. Completely renovated by Jacques Garcia, the property is decorated in the opulent and eclectic style for which the designer is known: think elaborate wall moldings and grand chandeliers contrasting with leopard print carpets.
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Hidden from the outside world, down an enchanting old-fashioned alley in the legendary artists' district of Montmartre, this hidden 19th-century mansion is the last word in Parisian chic. Formerly home to members of the Hermès and Rothschild families, the house has lost none of its bourgeois charm. The five suites are spacious and eclectic, and the fashionable cocktail bar and restaurant, with dreamy summer seating, is in the black book of every Parisian A-list. The real darling among Parisian fashionistas is Le Très Particulier, the backdoor cocktail bar with tasty tapas, tropical Garden of Eden decor and an enchanting summer garden.
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This hotel is a celebration of French design, craftsmanship and culture. The blue and white palette nods to France's national colors, the suites pay tribute to French cultural icons, and in the large open-plan restaurant, topped by a huge glass foutre and lit with strings of bare bulbs, it's all about the sharing the love for French wines and gastronomy at communal dining tables. It hosts regular live music events, from 1920s French hits to Daft Punk, and the Sunday comedy nights, also in French, are clearly aimed at a local audience. Located on the edge of the trendy 9th arrondissement, you have easy access to many of Paris's main attractions.
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The hotel consists of two identical properties, 'Adele' and 'Jules', two doors apart, adding a touch of quirky character and a dose of atypical Parisian architectural features. The hotel has a subdued, contemporary appearance, with an emphasis on comfort and homeliness in the form of warm colors, comfortable furniture and soft lighting. The lobby/dining room (identical in both buildings) features a well-stocked bookshelf, a comfortable sofa and contemporary Paris-themed artwork. It feels homely and livable, and even in the smaller standard double rooms, space is used judiciously. Some rooms have a terrace opening onto the courtyard, and there are lovely balconies on the second and fifth floors.
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This quiet yet stylish hotel enjoys a central location, with easy access to the Louvre and the Palais Garnier opera house. The décor combines the French features of the Haussman building with modern furnishings. Notable features include the dark Hungarian parquet in the lobby and a vintage chrome stove in the breakfast room. There is a subtle literary theme, with French novels adorning the attractive bookshelf in the lobby, and a small selection in the rooms. The décor is bright and contemporary, with a touch of retro aesthetic - think copper lamps and deco 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 in this groundbreaking hotel, floating on a stylish boat on the River Seine. The innovative hotel group Elegancia behind Paris's first boat hotel has created a floating cocoon where guests can disconnect from city life. With its beach lounge bar - fast becoming a hot spot for sundowners among trendy Parisians - and laid-back atmosphere, this is an address where guests kick off their shoes, dip their toes in the water and relax on a glittering gold Fatboy with ethereal views on the Seine. The beauty of waking up with a view of the water and the Parisian péniches passing by is also undeniable and it is also an affordable price per night.
Contributions by Natasha Edwards, Hannah Meltzer and Nicola Williams
