The Top Five Luxury Boutique Hotels in Paris
Paris, France seemingly has it all. This major world city is a central hub of fashion, art and architecture, and entertainment. Its food is unrivaled by any other location in the world, and all of these factors are why over 30 million people visit the City of Light each year.
The accommodation available to Paris’ visitors ranges from quaint country homes to opulent suites. The city’s boutique hotels are some of the best in the world and are the epitome of style, forward thinking, and modernity. Here are the top five boutique hotels in Paris.
1. Hotel Jules & Jim
Hotel Jules & Jim is located in Paris’ 3rd arrondissement just north of the Marais, and it gets its name from Francois Truffaut’s 1962 film. This 23 suite boutique hotel is the result of three townhouses being joined together and transformed into a fashionable retreat. Since opening in late 2011, Hotel Jules & Jim has delighted and impressed visitors and earned its place as one of the best boutique hotels in Paris. The exterior’s highlight is a courtyard that contains a cobbled fireplace and lush vertical garden along one of its walls.
Inside Hotel Jules & Jim is an impressive lobby that also serves as a library room, photo gallery, and bar area. The latter not only serves up delicious cocktails and bites but daily breakfast as well. The hotel’s soundproof rooms continue its contemporary theme. Hotel Jules & Jim’s combination of stone, glass, poured concrete, and roughed up wood throughout the suites lends it an artistic flair. Amenities include flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, and free WiFi. There’s one two level suite that has a pull-out sofa and living room, and some of the other suites at Hotel Jules & Jim have balconies that provide views of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. For a fun ride, guests can charter the hotel’s boat for a 90 minute river trip, which includes Champagne and costs about $592. Hotel Jules & Jim’s room rates start at $228 per night.
2. Hotel Crayon
“Hip”, “eccentric”, and “quirky” are three words that best describe the Hotel Crayon, which is in the 1st arrondissement just minutes away from Les Halles station, the Louvre, and Jardin Nelson Mandela park. This isn’t the hotel you go to for a restful color palette and serene decor, but if you’re seeking accommodation that’s bold, vibrant, and a bit brash you’re sure to enjoy its aesthetic.
The rooms range in size, but each is a good value and you literally won’t be able to find a similar interior anywhere else in Paris. The colorful walls are complimented by vintage furniture and custom art pieces. Amenities include spacious free standing tubs, flat screen TVs, and complimentary WiFi. Hotel Crayon’s guest lounge is a comfortable spot complete with a fireplace and beautiful hardwood flooring, and it’s a nice place to rest after a long day of touring the city. Nightly rates at Hotel Crayon start at $153.
3. Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais
Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais is named for 18th century writer Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, who lived just a few doors down in a nearby mansion. Situated in Paris’ 4th arrondissement, Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais is less than 10 minutes away from the Place des Vosges, Musée National Picasso, and Musée Carnavalet. It’s one of the most authentically French looking boutique hotels in Paris and each of its 19 rooms has a design that reflects Paris’ past. The look and feel of the suites is bolstered by Louis XVI style furniture, antique decorations, and romantic details. The hotel’s lobby is also a lounge and breakfast room that has lovely exposed stone walls and a cozy fireplace. Even the breakfast spread itself is comprised of French classics, including viennoiseries and croissants.
Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais’ bathrooms are generously sized, and though the decor is old world there are plenty of modern day amenities. The rooms have free Wifi, minibars, flat screen televisions, and some come with private balconies. Because Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais is one of the most popular boutique hotels in Paris, plan to reserve a room several months in advance — it’s very rare that one can book a last minute stay there. Nightly rates start at $148.
4. Hotel Amour
South of Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement is Hotel Amour, a bohemian establishment that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Erotic art work, flashy decor, and vibrant color are all part of what keeps visitors and residents alike talking about this hotel. Graffiti artist André Saraiva is the main visionary behind the building’s interior design. The walls of Hotel Amour’s corridors have their own flair, and each of the 24 rooms look different due to various designers contributing to each one. Alexandre de Betak’s room has black walls and hundreds of disco balls hanging from the ceiling, Pierre Le-Tan’s has shocking green walls with graffiti motifs, and the suite designed by Marc Newson is a haven for leather lovers.
Some of Hotel Amour’s suites have living areas, and internet access is complimentary in all rooms. The hotel’s courtyard terrace is the perfect place to kick back, and there’s also an on-site restaurant that serves modern French cuisine. Room rates at Hotel Amour start at $177 per night.
5. Le Citizen Hotel
Le Citizen Hotel overlooks Canal Saint-Martin and is less than 10 minutes from Gare de l’Est train station, Jacques Bonsergent metro station, and Le Centre Pompidou. This hotel takes its design cues from the neo-Scandinavian style and the rooms are full of high quality, modern Danish furniture and eco-friendly elements. Le Citizen Hotel is definitely one of the more on-trend boutique hotels in Paris, and if you lean towards minimalist design you’ll feel right at home there.
All 12 rooms have free WiFi, flat screen televisions, minibars, snacks, coffee and tea making equipment, luxury toiletries, and iPads. Le Citizen Hotel has suites with living rooms and loaner smartphones included in the rate, and the largest suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The suites feel comfortable and promote peace and calm. Because this hotel has a small number of rooms, guests enjoy more personalized service and attention from the staff. A complimentary breakfast is included with each reservation, and rates start at $277 per night.