A great hotel is not just a place to sleep — it is a destination in itself. In Paris, the world’s most competitive luxury hotel market, the bar is set extraordinarily high. The finest hotels in Paris are palaces — literally, the French government designates the very best with the official “Palace” distinction — offering levels of service, design, and gastronomy that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. But beyond the famous Palace hotels, Paris is also home to a growing number of boutique luxury properties that offer a more intimate, design-forward alternative to the grand dames. For more details, check out our best hotels.
This curated guide presents the very best best luxury hotels in Paris in Paris, from the legendary to the contemporary, each chosen for its unique character, exceptional service, and ability to transform a Paris stay into an unforgettable experience.
The Palace Hotels: Paris’s Grand Dames
The Ritz Paris (1st Arrondissement): Perhaps the most famous hotel in the world, the Ritz reopened in 2016 after a four-year, €450 million renovation that restored it to its full glory. Located on the Place Vendôme, the Ritz is the embodiment of Parisian luxury — from the Chanel spa (the first Chanel spa in the world) to the L’Espadon restaurant (recently awarded two Michelin stars) to the legendary Bar Hemingway. Rooms start at €1,200 per night, and the suites (particularly the Coco Chanel Suite and the Suite Impériale) are among the most sought-after hotel rooms on earth. The Ritz is not just a hotel — it is a symbol of a certain idea of Paris that has captivated the world for over a century. For more, see our guide to 3 days in Paris.
Le Bristol (8th Arrondissement): If the Ritz is the most famous, Le Bristol is arguably the most beloved. This family-owned Palace hotel has been consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in the world, thanks to its impeccable service, its stunning rooftop pool (with Eiffel Tower views), its three-Michelin-star restaurant Epicure, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere that manages to be luxurious without being stuffy. The hotel is also known for its commitment to art, with a remarkable collection of contemporary French paintings and a dedicated art curator on staff. Rooms from €950 per night. For more, see our guide to best time to visit Paris.
Le Meurice (1st Arrondissement): Overlooking the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice is a masterpiece of 18th-century grandeur combined with contemporary design. The restaurant, Alain Ducasse au Meurice, holds three Michelin stars and offers one of the most refined dining experiences in Paris. The hotel’s Dalí-inspired interiors, its luxurious Dior Institute spa, and its prime location between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde make it one of the most desirable addresses in the city. Rooms from €850 per night.
Four Seasons Hotel George V (8th Arrondissement): Located just off the Champs-Élysées, the George V is famous for its spectacular flower displays (over 25,000 fresh flowers are arranged in the lobby each week), its Michelin-starred restaurants (Le Cinq has three stars), and its stunning Art Deco interiors. The hotel’s spa is one of the largest in Paris, and the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city. Rooms from €900 per night.
Inside Samaritaine: Cheval Blanc Paris
Cheval Blanc Paris is perhaps the most extraordinary hotel opening in Paris in a generation. Located within the Art Deco wing of the restored La Samaritaine department store, this 72-room palace hotel — operated by LVMH’s hotel group — offers an experience that is genuinely unlike anything else in Paris. The interiors, designed by architect Pierre Yovanovitch, blend 1920s Art Deco grandeur with contemporary French elegance, creating spaces that feel both opulent and deeply personal.
Every room is a work of art, with custom-designed furniture, Hermès amenities, and views that range from the Samaritaine’s internal courtyard to the Seine and the Pont Neuf. The hotel’s spa is operated by the Guerlain Institute and features a stunning indoor swimming pool beneath a glass ceiling, a hammam, and treatment rooms that are among the most beautiful in Paris. The Cheval Blanc Café on the ground floor serves exceptional French cuisine in an intimate setting, while the Comptoir offers more casual all-day dining.
What sets Cheval Blanc apart is its integration with Samaritaine itself. Hotel guests have private access to the department store, the rooftop terrace, and the Girafe restaurant, effectively giving you an entire luxury department store as your private lobby. Rooms start at approximately €1,500 per night, and the suites — particularly those with direct views of the Seine — are among the most sought-after in Paris. For a truly special occasion, the Apartment (a two-bedroom suite spanning over 200 square metres) is the ultimate Parisian luxury experience.
The Boutique Luxury Hotels
Hôtel Lutetia (6th Arrondissement): Originally built in 1910 and spectacularly restored in 2018, the Lutetia is a Left Bank landmark that blends Belle Époque grandeur with contemporary design. The hotel’s history is fascinating — it served as the headquarters of the Gestapo during WWII and was the reception centre for returning Holocaust survivors after the war. Today, it is a symbol of Parisian elegance, with beautiful rooms, an excellent restaurant, and one of the most stunning swimming pools in Paris. Rooms from €600 per night.
La Réserve Hotel and Spa (8th Arrondissement): A hidden gem behind the Champs-Élysées, La Réserve is a small, intimate hotel (only 40 rooms and suites) that feels like a private Parisian residence. The design is a mix of period antiques and contemporary art, the service is deeply personal, and the spa is one of the best in the city. This is the hotel for travellers who value discretion and exclusivity above all else. Rooms from €800 per night.
Hôtel de Crillon (8th Arrondissement): After a four-year renovation, this 1758-built palace hotel reopened as one of the most stunning properties in Paris. The Rosewood-managed hotel combines 18th-century grandeur with cutting-edge design by Karl Lagerfeld, and its Les Ambassadeurs restaurant is exceptional. The Crillon’s location on the Place de la Concorde is arguably the most spectacular of any hotel in Paris. Rooms from €1,100 per night.
How to Choose the Right Luxury Hotel in Paris
For classic Parisian glamour: The Ritz or Le Meurice. For warmth and service: Le Bristol or La Réserve. For Left Bank elegance: Hôtel Lutetia. For Art Deco splendour: The George V. For historic significance: Hôtel de Crillon. For design-forward luxury: The new Mandarin Oriental or Cheval Blanc Paris.
Whichever hotel you choose, remember that the finest luxury hotels in Paris offer more than just a bed — they offer an experience, a story, and a connection to the extraordinary history and culture of the City of Light. For more details, check out our guide to best boutique hotels in Paris.
Related: La Samaritaine
