The 26 finest motels in Paris

Like many great cities, there are so many sides to Paris. Luxury shoppers can do damage on their credit cards browsing the flagship stores of globe-spanning fashion brands along the rue Saint-Honore. Art aficionados can contemplate masterpieces at the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay, among other world-renowned museums. Meanwhile, visitors with more bohemian budgets and tastes can spend hours simply strolling along the Seine or picnicking in one of the city’s popular parks.

Just as there are activities in Paris for every type of traveler, there are also fantastic hotels in the City of Light for every style and price range.

From stately so-called “palace hotels” where your every whim is attended to by white-gloved staff to one-of-a-kind boutique hotels in Paris and more offbeat accommodations that offer a glimpse of day-to-day French life, these are the best hotels in Paris (many of which are available using points).

Shangri-La Paris

16th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who want to be near the Champs-Elysees.

Why stay here: With some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and the Left Bank in all of Paris, the Shangri-La is also home to a French-Asian fusion restaurant under a dramatic glass dome called La Bauhinia and an outpost of the chain’s wellness-focused Chi, The Spa.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.

Although Paris has other hotels with a Palace designation (reserved for only the finest establishments in France), this one is in an actual former palace — specifically, the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s great-nephew. That history (which earned the edifice France’s Monument Historique status) is on full display in the exquisitely restored public areas, which include meeting rooms and ballrooms illuminated by twinkling crystal chandeliers and decorated with original gilt filigree, wood paneling, fireplaces and wall and ceiling frescoes.

The 100 rooms and suites, which were designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, underplay the grandeur with Empire-style furnishings and simple palettes of cream, gold and robin’s-egg blue. Some also feature jaw-dropping Eiffel Tower views.

Guests can start their evening with a drink in Le Bar Botaniste, with decor inspired by the interior of Napoleon’s war tent and a creative cocktail list that pays homage to Roland Bonaparte’s love of horticulture. Shangri-La’s signature Shang Palace plates up extravagant Chinese feasts, while the greenhouse-like La Bauhinia serves more refined fare inflected with both French and Asian accents.

Need a break from metros and museums? The hotel also has a location of Shangri-La’s Chi, The Spa, where treatments are custom-tailored to each guest’s needs and are aimed at rebalancing the mind and body from everyday stresses.

Rates at the Shangri-La Paris start at $1,812 per night.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Fans of luxury hotels who want to be near the city’s top shops and museums.

Why stay here: Come for the fabulous location and ultra-luxe service, plus winning view of the city.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates. If you have access to bookings through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, you can score extras like complimentary daily breakfast for two and space-available upgrades.

Art deco features abound at this luxurious hotel located in a former 1930s office building that claims pride of place next to some of Paris’ highest-end fashion boutiques along the tony rue Saint-Honore and within walking distance of the Louvre. Those with sharp eyes can find a butterfly motif repeated in the decor, from eye-catching sculptures to carpeting and cushions. You’ll also find them flitting across the walls of the tranquil subterranean spa, where facials incorporate exclusive 111Skin products.

Unlike at some of the more ostentatious palace hotels, the 135 rooms and suites here lean more toward make-yourself-at-home than over-the-top-aristocrat … if your home were decorated by star designer Sybille de Margerie, that is. Orchid-like overtones of fuchsia, purple and ivory grace various textiles that supplement the dark wood paneling found in the bedrooms and the mix of white marble and iridescent shades of gold and mother of pearl featured in the bathrooms.

Paris’ many restaurants might beckon, but guests would be remiss to miss out on a multicourse, multihour dinner at chef Thierry Marx’s two-Michelin-starred Sur Mesure, where travel-inspired menus are perfectly complemented by the spaceship-like white-on-white decor.

Of course, breakfast out in the leafy courtyard at Camelia or grab-and-go gourmandises from Cake Shop (hopefully reopening soon) are also an option.

Rates at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris start at 1,648 euros ($1,740) per night.

Ritz Paris

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who want a fashionable place to stay.

Why stay here: After a major renovation, this hotel has regained the glamour and glitz that made it a Paris classic in the first place.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates. Enjoy extras like complimentary breakfast and on-property credits by booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts. Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club members might prefer booking through there to earn points toward future stays as well as exclusive room rates and elite benefits.

Since its original opening in 1898 along one side of the tony Place Vendome, the Ritz has been inextricably linked to Paris’ literary and fashion history.

Marcel Proust found the hotel to be a respite from the city’s bustling streets, frequently coming to dine in a private room. Ernest Hemingway came to drink at the bar, and F. Scott Fitzgerald drank here as well. Coco Chanel took a suite in 1937 and stayed for 34 years, eventually passing away in her room.

The hotel underwent a complete 200-million-euro ($197 million) transformation for four years and reopened in 2016 with a new joie de vivre but with the same features and ambience generations of travelers have come to love.

Decor in the sunlight-drenched rooms might have impressed the Sun King (Louis XIV) himself, with gilt-bordered moldings, gem-toned upholstery, floral prints and half-canopied beds, not to mention marble bathrooms. As would the Ritz Club & Spa, which has an indoor pool under a painted sky that was immortalized in Adam Gopnik’s book “Paris to the Moon” (the Biologique Recherche facials are also worthy of mention).

No respectable Parisian bar hop would be complete without a stop at the clubby, 25-seat Bar Hemingway, but those in the mood for tea or Champagne should plan a visit to the belle epoque-style Salon Proust instead (order the madeleines for a walk down memory lane). If you’d rather savor a plate of sumptuous seafood, set up shop on a red-velvet banquette at Bar Vendome and order a few oysters from Ile d’Oleron or a blue lobster club sandwich.

Rates at the Ritz Paris start at 2,000 euros ($2,110) per night.

Hotel Lutetia

6th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who prefer the less-touristy side of the Left Bank.

Why stay here: This Left Bank luxury legend is looking fine and fresh after a complete renovation that restored many of its original elements.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates. You have your pick of other portals, too – depending on what credit cards you have, you might want to make your reservation through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection or the new Capital One Premier Collection.

The Left Bank’s Hotel Lutetia, which opened in 1910, quickly became a magnet for artists and authors like Hemingway, Albert Camus, Henri Matisse and James Joyce, who wrote part of “Ulysses” while in residence.

After decades of declining grandeur, the hotel underwent a massive four-year, 200-million-euro ($197 million) renovation under the auspices of French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte (who also designed the Mandarin Oriental Paris) and reopened in 2018.

There are now just 137 rooms and 47 suites, six of which are individually designed signature accommodations, including the Suite L’Atelier for would-be artists (presumably with wealthy patrons) and the Suite Amour, meant to evoke the grandeur and romance of a golden-age oceanliner, complete with a terrace and sweeping views of the Paris skyline. Even the standard Grand Superior rooms have deluxe touches like luminescent Carrara marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and Murano glass fixtures created just for the hotel (what, Lalique wasn’t available?).

It’s not all about the rooms, though. Snag a table for tea courtesy of chef Nicolas Guercio under the stained-glass ceiling at Le Saint-Germain, or stop for a creative cocktail at Bar Josephine — the bar styled after the Baker of the same name, who used to be a frequent guest — before dinner at Brasserie Lutetia, where chef Patrick Charvet’s menu is a veritable culinary tour of the best of France. Don’t forget to take a little “you” time at the Akasha Spa and its marble-lined pool.

Rates at Hotel Lutetia start at 1,472 euros ($1,555) per night.

Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who appreciate a more avant-garde design.

Why stay here: A short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe, this venerable hotel is Paris’ best blend of classic grandeur and contemporary style.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates. If you have access to bookings through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, you can score extras like complimentary daily breakfast for two and space-available upgrades. It also participates in Accor Live Limitless, so members can enjoy special rates as well as earn points toward future stays.

Although it dates to 1928, this imposing old hotel down the street from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees got a new lease on life about a decade ago thanks to a tête-to-toe refurbishment by star designer Philippe Starck. His instantly recognizable touches include a bordello-red glass overhang welcoming guests to the lobby and decor in the public spaces and the accommodations that mix and match eras (and forms of geometry).

The 149 light-filled rooms and suites are spacious — and not just by Paris standards. Their highlights include ostentatious marble-and-mirror bathrooms along with playful touches like acoustic guitars standing ready in the corner, should you feel the urge to strum a romantic ditty.

Among the other reasons to book a stay here, specifically, are a Paris outpost of chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Peruvian-Japanese mainstay, Matsuhisa, and the Michelin-starred Italian eatery Il Carpaccio. Part of the fun of ordering a cocktail at Le Bar Long is getting to choose your own glass.

Don’t overindulge, though, because you wouldn’t want to miss a wellness session at the underground Clarins and myBlend Spa downstairs, where guests can create custom treatments based on their individual skincare needs. The heavenly pool isn’t too bad a place to unwind, either.

Rates at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris start at 890 euros ($940) per night.

Le Dokhan’s

16th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers who want to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at a boutique hotel.

Why stay here: Skip the cookie-cutter Marriotts for this one-of-a-kind property (that still participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program) in a leafy, vibrant arrondissement.

Best way to book: Book your room via Marriott so you can earn or redeem points for your stay.

There are bigger hotels in Paris, and there are fancier hotels in Paris. However, this tiny gem just blocks from Trocadero in Paris’ sleepy but refined 16th arrondissement has a couple of attractions none of them can boast.

The first is an elevator made from a vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk, where stepping into it feels like stepping back in time as well. The other is one of Paris’ oldest and finest Champagne bars in a private salon styled after an 18th-century maison particuliere paneled in boiserie painted a striking shade of eau de nil with a hint of gilding around the edges. That’s not to mention the 240 Champagne selections available, including some rare vintages and hard-to-find small producers, as well as Petrossian caviar, among other delicacies on offer.

Rooms are genteelly decorated with an eye toward the Empire style, with canopy-crown beds and slim-profile wooden chairs and desks. They are, in a word, small, but you don’t come to Paris to stay in your hotel room — that is, unless you book the (surprisingly reasonably priced) Eiffel Suite, which is accessed by its own private staircase and offers picture-perfect views of the city’s most famous landmark.

Rates at Le Dokhan’s start at 342 euros ($361), or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hotel de Crillon

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who want to be near the Champs-Elysees and the Tuileries Garden.

Why stay here: Pick this sophisticated haunt for one of Paris’ best locations and a phenomenal bar scene.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits. Portals like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection confer extra perks with your stay, too.

Much like the most fascinating characters, the most interesting hotels tend to come with checkered pasts — and that rule is proven by this neoclassical landmark that sits along one side of the Place de la Concorde.

Originally built as an aristocratic residence in 1758, it housed Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette before their executions and was eventually turned into a hotel in 1909. Fast forward over a century and it emerged from a four-year renovation in 2017 with a new look and a new identity as part of the fast-growing luxury chain Rosewood.

Though the Karl Lagerfeld-designed suites might be out of reach for most, even the deluxe rooms have more than a soupcon of sophistication thanks to gold- and platinum-toned upholstery, dark wood furnishings and enormous windows letting in that famous Paris light.

For others, the main attraction might be the bustling Bar Les Ambassadeurs, where guests sip along to live music in the evenings; the ornate Jardin D’Hiver for decadent pastries and tea; or L’Ecrin, with contemporary French fine-dining menus.

The hotel also houses a Rosewood Sense Spa, complete with a dreamy indoor pool with tiling resembling shimmering fish scales and treatments that incorporate aromatic, plant-based Sisley products.

Rates at Hotel de Crillon start at 1,835 euros ($1,940) per night.

Prince de Galles

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want to redeem points for a luxury hotel stay.

Why stay here: Found at one of Paris’ most fashionable addresses, this high-end property lets you earn and redeem Marriott points. What’s not to love?

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates while still earning Marriott Bonvoy points and elite credits for your stay.

This hotel is art deco-dent, which makes sense considering it originally premiered in 1929 along Paris’ fashionable Avenue George V.

From the instantly recognizable Antiga font in which the hotel’s name is emblazoned across its awning and alongside the doors to the subtly rippled facade and the glossy black marble floors and fluted chandelier overhanging the lobby, everything about the Prince de Galles will make you feel like a bright young thing.

The rooms and suites range from small to opulent (including a Lalique suite with bespoke art), but all are impeccably decorated with polished, wide-grain wooden furniture pieces and plush beds perfect for sleeping off that jet lag. The bathrooms, while compact, have fun features like showers tiled with black-and-gold mosaics.

The hotel now boasts Michelin-acclaimed chef Akira Back’s first European restaurant with a familiar menu of creative Korean-Japanese fusion. Le Patio is an ideal spot to enjoy a cool drink on a warm afternoon under leafy palm trees, while Bar 19.20 remains a fabulous spot for a post-work drink (the venue specializes in Champagne and cognac) with colleagues or a nightcap after an evening out on the town.

Rates at the Prince de Galles start at 1,074 euros ($1,134) or 79,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Peninsula Paris

16th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers looking to be near the Champs-Elysees.

Why stay here: Asian luxury meets French glamour at this grandiose hideaway near the Champs-Elysees.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates. Or reserve your room through either American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to enjoy extra perks during your stay.

The first feature (of many) likely to wow you upon entering The Peninsula Paris — which occupies a once-derelict 1908 building steps from the Arc de Triomphe that has been, at times, a hotel, a government office and a field hospital — is the hanging glass sculpture called “Dancing Leaves” designed by Luděk Hroch and created by lighting installation studio Lasvit. Walking past it feels like you’ve been swept inside this hushed but grandiose space in a swirl of magical Parisian sycamore leaves, setting the stage for a special stay.

This hotel has many special spaces, though. The sixth-floor restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which has earned two Michelin stars, takes its theme from the early days of aviation, complete with a suspended, full-size replica of the plane in which pilots Charles Nungesser and François Coli attempted to cross the Atlantic. It competes with unmatched views of the Eiffel Tower through the restaurant’s domed glass walls (no wonder many folks come here for engagements and celebrations). Down on the ground floor, the ornate moldings, cushy leather chairs and strong cocktails at Le Bar Kleber make it feel like a turn-of-the-century gentlemen’s club where you could debate the merits of the Treaty of Versailles.

The 200 guest rooms, including 93 suites, with high ceilings and huge windows, feel like cocoons to which you can retreat after a hectic day out in the city, with enormous beds backed by recessed headboards of pressed leather that practically invite you to sink in … after a leisurely bath in your black-marble tub, of course.

If relaxation is your aim, the hotel also has an outpost of The Peninsula Spa, the largest at a luxury hotel in Paris. The skincare treatments use France’s own high-end Biologique Recherche line of products.

Rates at The Peninsula Paris start at 1,572 euros ($1,660) per night.

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome

2nd Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: World of Hyatt members looking to earn or redeem points on a luxury hotel stay.

Why stay here: One of the best points hotels (and values) not just in Paris, but in the entire world, this Hyatt outpost is a TPG staff favorite.

Best way to book: Reserve through our partner Expedia for the best rates.

The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome is a cult favorite among points and miles enthusiasts because of the ability to redeem moderate numbers (35,000 to 45,000) of World of Hyatt points per night for rooms that would otherwise cost upwards of $1,000.

Though some say the hotel is getting past its prime and is due for a refresh, the elegant but spare rooms still feel positively palatial, as do the limestone-tile bathrooms with their brushed-brass fixtures. What’s more, World of Hyatt elites can get even more value from their cash or points with the possibility of an upgrade to even bigger digs, not to mention the sumptuous daily breakfast for two served at Cafe Jeanne, where you can start your day alfresco when the weather’s nice.

For dinner, there’s the Michelin-starred Pur’ from chef Jean-François Rouquette, whose menu features creative takes on French classics. Meanwhile, the eye-catching, gold-mirrored backsplash at Le Bar can set the tone for pretty much any kind of evening you envision.

There are no spa or other major amenities to speak of, but since the location near the rue Saint-Honore and the Place Vendome practically puts all of Paris at your fingertips, you’ll have no trouble finding whatever you need nearby.

Rates at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome start at 1,360 euros ($1,440) or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Relais Christine

6th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers who prefer a boutique hotel experience to a big brand.

Why stay here: Tucked way off a tiny Latin Quarter street, Relais Christine feels like your own little Paris secret.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates.

Walking through the leafy passage that brings you from picturesque rue Christine into the inner court of Relais Christine feels like stepping through a portal into your own private Paris pied-a-terre. No wonder, since this charming little boutique lodge is in a converted 17th-century mansion (which, in turn, was built over a 13th-century abbey).

The keyword here is intimate. By your second day, every member of the cheerful staff will know you by name — after all, there are just 48 rooms and suites total (see if you can snag one of the garden suites to feel like you have your own Parisian parklet). Be sure to ask for restaurant, cafe and gallery suggestions since the hotel’s team will be all too ready to share their nearby favorites.

Designer Laura Gonzalez’s decor mixes whimsy and elegance with touches like mixed-and-matched wallpaper (think: eye-trickling whorls, sylvan scenes and more) in the individually designed rooms and public spaces. Also expect twinkling crystal-and-gilt chandeliers and Carrara marble bathrooms.

Though there’s no restaurant, guests can tuck into breakfast in one of the former abbey vaults (others house the hotel’s Guerlain-branded spa) or order a cappuccino among other options to enjoy in the lavish living room just past reception where, on cold days, the purple couches flanking a roaring fireplace are the spot to be. If it’s nice out, borrow one of the property’s bikes for a self-guided tour along the nearby Seine.

Rates at Relais Christine start at 495 euros ($523) per night.

La Reserve Paris — Hotel and Spa

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who value high style and exclusivity.

Why stay here: This cozy but refined redoubt is a favorite of fashionistas and gallerists visiting the city for various events and festivities.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits. Or reserve through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for value-added benefits. Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club members might prefer booking through there to earn points toward future stays as well as exclusive room rates and elite benefits.

When it comes to pedigrees, few hotels in Paris have a better one than La Reserve. Its building was designed as a private home in 1854 by Baron Haussmann, the architect behind much of modern Paris as we know it today.

Far from stuffy or drab, the hotel welcomes guests with a profusion of colors and textures thanks to hotel designer extraordinaire Jacques Garcia’s typically exuberant vision. Cushy sofas and armchairs upholstered in jewel-toned velvet and finely patterned silk wallpaper are the norm, as are antique wooden bureaus and armoires decorated with delicate marquetry. Suites include butler service, and some even have working fireplaces for that homey touch.

Though the ambience at Le Gabriel, the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant helmed by chef Jerome Banctel, is somewhat staid, the menus are anything but and include, notably, prix-fixe options for vegetarians. La Pagode de Cos serves breakfast and less-formal meals with more international flair in its bright dining room or out on the sunny terrace, while the wood-paneled and velvet-draped Duc de Morny Library bar is a premier power lunch spot.

The Spa at La Reserve, meanwhile, offers everything from manicures, pedicures and massages to facials with Swiss anti-aging Nescens products and longer “rituals” that include healthy nonalcoholic cocktails created specially by chef Banctel.

Rates at La Reserve Paris — Hotel and Spa start at 1,700 euros ($1,795) per night.

Le Bristol Paris

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who appreciate traditional decor and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Why stay here: Some of Paris’ most beautiful rooms and one of the city’s best addresses (on the fashionable Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore)? Mais oui!

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits. American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection are two other great ways to go.

Le Bristol has been a favorite among Paris’ fashionable set and visiting Hollywood stars since it opened in 1925, but it’s looking better than ever thanks to a multiyear renovation at the hands of German-based luxury hotel company, the Oetker Collection, that was completed a few years ago.

Still the place to see and be seen, the central garden was completely reconceived by landscape designer Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd, who selected flora indigenous to the Paris region, including native grasses and those famous beech trees, for her geometrically laid-out vision, along with colorful blooms like tulips, narcissus and white bougainvillea.

The 190 distinct rooms and suites are all about letting in the light, with pale palettes of pink and blue, classic Louis XVI-style chairs and benches, and tinkling crystal chandeliers overhead. Some have garden views, while others have balconies overlooking the central garden and are shaded by unmistakable candy cane-striped awnings.

Afternoon tea in Cafe Antonia is a finely orchestrated, not-to-miss affair, and drinks in the moody Le Bar du Bristol, with a dramatically lit moonscape overlooking the curio-stuffed space, is a perfect start to the evening before a memorable dinner at chef Eric Frechon’s three-Michelin-starred Epicure. Menu highlights include specialties like wild-caught sole stuffed with chanterelles and cooked with lemon, thyme and mussel jus before a cream glaze to finish.

Work off those calories in the sixth-floor indoor rooftop pool, which has been decorated to resemble a jolly yachting party. Then, enjoy a treatment at Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie (where all-natural Tata Harper products are used).

Rates at Le Bristol Paris start at 2,332 euros ($2,463) per night.

J.K. Place Paris

7th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers who prefer homey, intimate hotels to big, flashy ones.

Why stay here: For a more bohemian but still upscale feel, book this 29-room stunner set amid the bookstores and boutiques of the Latin Quarter not far from the Musee d’Orsay.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates.

Following successful J.K. installations in Rome, Milan, Capri and Florence, Italy (the latter of which is currently being transformed into a new concept), this burgeoning boutique chain opened its first non-Italian property in Paris in 2020 — and in poured the rave reviews.

Housed in three connected buildings, the hotel has just 29 rooms and suites for a truly intimate ambience that feels like visiting the Paris home of an eccentric relative thanks to designer Michele Bönan’s eclectic mix of flea market finds, vintage prints, 20th-century paintings, statuary from around the globe and sleek, midcentury furniture pieces. (Hopefully, that relative left you a room in the will.)

Speaking of rooms, sashay up the dramatic curved staircase to find yours, most likely an oasis all in white with spotless walls and linens, though perhaps with silver-gray, purple or patterned carpets and a work desk or breakfast table in light-grain wood with colorful chairs to match. Bathrooms with light and dark stone tiling and chrome fixtures are the final word.

Stay active at the small but well-equipped gym or by doing a few laps at the indoor pool, then book a Dr. Barbara Sturm beauty treatment at the spa to restore that je ne sais quoi to your skin after a long flight. No visit would be complete without inviting friends over for the hearty northern Italian fare served under the peaked glass ceiling at Casa Tua.

Rates at J.K. Place Paris start at 850 euros ($898) per night.

Hotel Plaza Athenee

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers who want to get a full Parisian experience without leaving the hotel.

Why stay here: Come for the fashion-focused location on Avenue Montaigne and stay for the luxe accommodations and Michelin-starred dining.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates. You can also book via either Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

You might recognize the undulating stone facade and distinctive red awnings of Hotel Plaza Athenee from “The Devil Wears Prada.” No wonder fashionistas flock here, as its location on Avenue Montaigne means it’s flanked by the flagship stores of luxury labels like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior.

So, what better place to refresh after a shopping spree than with a light lunch at the leafy La Cour Jardin, where many dishes are plant-based, or with a snack and a cocktail at La Terrasse Montaigne as you people-watch? Le Bar pulls drinking into the space age with a translucent resin bar counter and a spectacular ceiling installation of swirling fabric in Yves Klein blue (not to mention an unmatched collection of Dom Perignon releases). A meal at Michelin-starred Jean Imbert au Plaza Athenee feels like dining at Versailles thanks to the classic decor and menus that showcase the most gourmet ingredients from around France.

Like the public spaces, rooms come in a mix of updated styles ranging from classical French to modernized art deco (so tell the hotel if you have a preference), though you’ll find similarities no matter which accommodation you book, including high-end Beltrami linens and marble-lined bathrooms stocked with Guerlain toiletries.

If you don’t get your steps in exploring the city, there’s also a fitness center to aid in maintaining your fitness regimen. Save time for a visit to the Dior Spa, too, to get those sore muscles massaged.

Rates at Hotel Plaza Athenee start at 2,050 euros ($2,165) per night.

Le Meurice

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who appreciate a fine art collection.

Why stay here: It may be one of the first modern luxury hotels to have opened in Paris, but it still gets just about everything right.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits. You can also book via either American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Le Meurice has been welcoming international travelers since it opened — albeit in a different location than its current one on the rue de Rivoli across from the Tuileries Garden — in 1815, so it’s often considered one of the first luxury hotels in Paris. Whereas that long history might lead some to languish, Le Meurice still sets the standard for French luxury, hitting all the right notes.

Part of what sets Le Meurice apart from the pack is that it attracted some of the brightest luminaries of the 20th-century art world, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. That heritage is evident throughout thanks to the hotel’s excellent art collection (should you not get your fill of art browsing Paris’ museums, that is) and playful allusions to various artists in the decor that Philippe Starck and daughter Ara unveiled after the hotel’s last refurbishment in 2016 (they’d also done the previous version in 2007).

Even the smallest rooms measure up at more than 320 square feet, which is more than generous by Paris standards. They feature Italian marble bathrooms you might not want to leave, as they’re outfitted with powerful rainfall showers and Maison Francis Kurkidjian toiletries.

Of course, after you clean up, you can always traipse down to Restaurant Le Dali for a refined repast of French classics (95% of the ingredients are sourced locally), La Patisserie du Meurice par Cedric Grolet for a handmade gourmandise or two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse for a full-on feast at master chef Alain Ducasse’s rococo-styled eatery.

Renowned Swiss skincare brand Valmont also has a spa here. Treatments feature names like “Purity of the Alps” and “Reflections on a Frozen Lake” and are guaranteed to make your skin look like you’ve just had a refreshing sojourn in the mountains.

Rates at Le Meurice start at 1,780 euros ($1,880) per night.

Cheval Blanc Paris

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Luxury travelers who like to stay in the newest hotels.

Why stay here: One of Paris’ splashiest hotel openings in years has brought new life to one of Paris’ most iconic buildings.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Part of luxury conglomerate LVMH’s nearly billion-dollar restoration of La Samaritaine, a massive art nouveau gem on the banks of the Seine that was once one of the world’s most famous department stores, this 72-key hotel took up residence in an adjacent art deco beauty and has been wowing well-heeled crowds ever since its 2021 opening.

Nearly all the rooms overlook Paris’ timeless river, though some boast Louvre views as well. All have a pared-down yet cozy aesthetic that pairs soft-touch fabrics with high-gloss stone and wood finishes. The bathrooms, tiled in striated marble with deep soaking tubs and walk-in hammam showers, have custom “Parisian Chic” toiletries, as well as 24-hour “Majordome,” or butler, service.

Many of the most interesting places in Paris are underground, and the Dior Spa here (which was the first in the world) is no exception, with just six treatment rooms and a panoply of salubrious experiences on offer. There are also a Rossano Ferretti Salon to help you look your best for any red-carpet commitments and a stunning 98-foot curved infinity pool with a digital wall artistically depicting life passing by along the Seine outside.

The hotel’s four food and beverage outlets include the seafood-focused Italian fine-dining hot spot Langosteria Restaurant and the art deco Le Tout-Paris Restaurant, where casual French bistro fare and phenomenal cocktails are served alongside sublime skyline views. For exceptional cuisine, secure a reservation at the hotel’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant Plenitude, where chef Arnaud Donckele serves several fancifully titled tasting menus like “Sail away together,” where dishes focus on the changing seasons … with multiple wine pairings available, of course.

Rates at Cheval Blanc Paris start at 1,748 euros ($1,846) per night.

Le Roch Hotel & Spa

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want to redeem their points for a luxury boutique stay.

Why stay here: A tiny boutique hotel where your Marriott points will still come in handy? Oui, merci!

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits while still earning Marriott Bonvoy points and elite credits for your stay.

Le Roch Hotel & Spa (pronounced “rock,” if you were wondering) is situated just off chi-chi Place Vendome and a stone’s throw away from the Tuileries Garden, yet it couldn’t feel less stuck-up or touristy. Sure, there’s high design, but there’s also a cozy feel to its 37 rooms and tucked-away spaces, including a cushy library, that seem to say “welcome home.”

The hotel is the brainchild of Parisian designer Sarah Lavoine and reflects her sensibilities of individually designed spaces with telltale signatures, such as the Moroccan-style zellige tiles (in which no two are glazed or fired exactly the same) in the accommodations’ bathrooms, many of which feature hammam-style shower-bath suites. Rooms also come in five different color schemes to suit your mood, so choose carefully, though you’ll find some similar elements of white and sailor blue throughout.

There is a fitness center and a spa, the latter of which houses a relaxation pool and offers treatments by French beauty brand Codage. Guests can order bespoke products for their personal skincare needs to be delivered within a day or two.

Chef Serge Jouanin proposes daily changing specials accompanied by paired wines or cocktails in the bar and traditional French cuisine in intriguing contemporary arrangements in the hotel’s Le Roch Restaurant & Bar.

Rates at Le Roch Hotel & Spa start at 460 euros ($486) or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa

3rd Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers who want to experience one of Paris’ most quaint historic quarters.

Why stay here: What’s better than stay in one of Paris’ most romantic hotels with views of the historic Place des Vosges?

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

The Place des Vosges is one of Paris’ most historic and picturesque squares, as it features carefully manicured lawns and geometrically arranged paths bordered by imposing but warm red-brick buildings. One of those edifices houses the gorgeous Pavillon de la Reine & Spa like a treasure hidden in plain sight … past a tunnel, heavy iron gates and a private garden, that is.

Each of the 56 rooms and suites is individually decorated, with anything from colorful Missoni-style throws and wallpaper reminiscent of tree bark to half-timbered suites with amber-colored velvet vignettes.

The convivial Michelin-starred restaurant Anne, with a library-like interior and a sun-drenched patio, serves a small selection of upscale eats, such as Brittany blue lobster with foie gras tortellini and flash-fried prawns.

As for wellness, there’s a small gym, a hammam and a Jacuzzi area, plus the Spa de la Reine by Codage, which has just two treatment rooms. Guests can create their own skincare regimen with French brand Codage.

Rates at Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa start at 582 euros ($622) or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Kimpton St Honore Paris

2nd Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: IHG One Rewards members who want to earn or redeem points for a unique stay in Paris.

Why stay here: Take advantage of Kimpton’s quick European expansion to book this luxury-adjacent property near many of Paris’ most exciting sights.

Best way to book: IHG loyalists should book through IHG One Rewards to earn and redeem points, though those who can reserve via Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection can enjoy elite-style benefits like space-available room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

IHG’s Kimpton brand is fast expanding its European footprint, as evidenced by the addition of properties like the spectacular Kimpton St Honore in Paris’ 2nd Arrondissement. Situated just around the corner from the ornate Opera Garnier, this stunning hotel features a colorful belle epoque facade (it used to be a luxury department store) that offers a hint at the whimsy in store for guests in the public spaces and accommodations dreamed up by Paris-based interior designer Charles Zana.

Taking inspiration from the historic building’s bones and art deco design, the 123 rooms and 26 suites showcase simple but eye-catching palettes of white and taupe on the walls and linens, plus pops of color from various furniture pieces and throw pillows. A modicum of brushed brass helps keep the spaces light and airy while drawing the eye outside.

Like Kimptons the world over, this one is pet-friendly, and there’s a slight focus on fitness, so you’ll find the chain’s signature yoga mats in the rooms in addition to a decent fitness center that includes workout equipment and a small spa area.

Come at sunset for phenomenal views at the rooftop Sequoia bar during spring and summer. Otherwise, grab a California-inspired meal at Montecito, where the menu includes dishes like langoustine tostadas and Oaxacan-style carne asada.

Rates at the Kimpton St Honore Paris start at 347 euros ($367) or 77,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

8th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers who appreciate traditional luxury and want to shop at famous fashion boutiques.

Why stay here: Classic French luxury and hands-on hospitality make this one of the most beloved hotels in the French capital.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits. Or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for value-added benefits.

Anchoring Paris’ so-called “Golden Triangle” (the neighborhood was so named because of its upper-crust inhabitants and the luxury boutiques that line its streets), the George V is a much-loved Paris landmark, as notable for its famous guests as for its appearances in film and popular culture.

The hotel’s three restaurants can claim five Michelin stars among them, including three-Michelin-starred Le Cinq, where over-the-top menus are served under a massive chandelier and delivered with a smile and a perfectly scripted recitation of the quality and provenance of each and every ingredient; and the one-star L’Orangerie, where patrons can enjoy a leisurely lunch over specialties like langoustine seared in its own juices and adorned with citrus and olive oil foam.

Notable designer Pierre-Yves Rochon recently restyled the 159 spacious guest rooms and 59 suites, drawing inspiration from the extravagant style of Louis XVI’s court. Expect trompe l’oeil ceilings, crystal chandeliers and silk and damask furnishings for an effect that feels opulent yet understated.

Also recently renewed, the spa features an expanded fitness studio complete with a digital wall displaying nature scenes. Available treatments include massages, skincare rituals and facials using Dr. Burgener products.

Rates at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris start at 1,885 euros ($1,990) per night.

Hotel Madame Reve

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Romance seekers on a whirlwind sojourn in the City of Light.

Why stay here: This hotel oozes atmosphere thanks to its location in a landmark former 19th-century post office and one of Paris’s most scenic rooftop bars.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Hotel Madame Reve’s self-styling as an “unedited experience” feels more than a little ironic on two counts. First, it’s housed in a landmark Haussmanian former post office building where one can imagine anguished-over epistles making their way between doomed lovers. The second is that every space, amenity and artwork (of which there are over 800) at the hotel seems to have been carefully thought out.

Whether it’s the 82 rooms and suites with their mix of tan leather furniture and black-onyx desks, postal-themed area rugs, burnished wooden floors and panorama windows; or a wellness center that’s a paragon of pared-down Nordic simplicity proffering not-to-miss treatments like a Mauritian sugar body scrub with honey, vanilla and hazelnut accents … this feels like anything but a first draft.

Although Paris is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, you might still want to plan an evening in to sample the contemporary Japanese-French fare at the garden-like, top-floor La Plume (the Canadian lobster hot pot is a hit). There’s no wrong time to dine at the all-day ground-floor Kitchen, where chef Stephanie Le Quelle (whose other restaurant La Scene, has two Michelin stars) serves a mix of French classics and healthy fare in bustling high-ceilinged space reminiscent of Paris’ opulent but earthy bouillons.

Rates at Hotel Madame Reve start at 570 euros ($603) per night.

SO/ Paris

4th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Travelers looking for a riverfront location without the tourist throngs.

Why stay here: Spectacular art-filled, contemporary public spaces plus light and airy rooms with glorious Seine views add up to a winning formula. 

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

For a city whose beating heart is the Seine, few hotels are actually located right along the river. But that’s exactly what makes the SO/ Paris so alluring. The hotel was redeveloped from a striking 1950s office building by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning David Chipperfield at the edge of the trendy 4th Arrondissement, drawing inspiration from the city itself (the front door’s concentric metal rings are meant to evoke ripples on the surface of the Seine as well as the ornate metalwork on some of Paris’s Belle Epoque edifices) and the world of fashion, including uniforms designed by Guillaume Henry.

The lobby appears like a dramatically lit forest of curviform pillars framing avant-garde works of art by Neil Beiloufa. The 140 rooms and 22 suites, meanwhile, are minimalist mod-chic courtesy of design by RDAI, with simple wooden screens, colorful Scandic furniture pieces and bathrooms tiled in glossy pink marble stocked with Codage bath products (there’s also a Codage spa downstairs).

There’s a cozy lobby cafe for espressos and snacks during the day, and aperitifs in the evening, but the real action is up on the top floor at 60s- and 70s-inspired Bonnie, which includes a restaurant, terrace and bar, not to mention a dramatic, whorling mirrored ceiling installation by Olafur Eliasson and a menu of French classics like sole meuniere that perfectly complement the postcard-worthy views.

Rates at SO/ Paris start at 348 euros ($367) per night.

Chouchou Hotel

9th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Visitors who want something flashier than your average Paris pied-a-terre.

Why stay here: Expect anything but a snoozefest at this boutique redoubt thanks to a jovial, market-style restaurant and a 70s-inspired bathhouse.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.

“Chouchou” is a term of endearment in French, and this little boutique hideaway in the shadow of the Opera Garnier certainly is endearing. It has just 63 rooms divided into seven categories that range from space-conscious, 140-square-foot singles up to the L’arrache suite, which has opera views, a small library of books and a turntable with records in case you want to pretend you’re throwing a party back in the city’s 1960s countercultural heyday. All have distinctly French touches like parquet floors, biostase beauty products and bathrooms clad in glazed tiles reminiscent of a Metro station.

Bar Guignette is a lively spot for congenial cocktails with live performances by local artists Thursday-Sunday, while Food Market serves casual seasonal fare for lunch and dinner that might include favorites like Basque small bites and Camembert croquettes.

The hotel’s standout feature, however, has to be its three lavish, private baths, which are kitted out in various takes on a 70s resort-chic with wicker peacock chairs and luminaria-style lanterns as well as drinks service. After all, why should you have to get dressed to get a drink?

Rates at Chouchou Hotel start at 225 euros ($238) per night.

Maison Souquet

9th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: A sumptuous stay intriguingly close to Paris’s former red-light district.

Why stay here: Opulent decor reminiscent of a 19th-century pleasure palace set the tone for an over-the-top stay in Paris.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.

Designer Jacques Garcia’s signature style is instantly recognizable thanks to sumptuous textiles, jewel tones and busy but not overwrought patterns, so those in the know will easily spot his work at this respectably risque Montmartre bolthole, which was once a Belle Epoque brothel.

Today, the ambience in its 20 rooms and suites is decidedly more refined, though no less hedonistic. Each is named after a famous courtesan and decorated in unique styles ranging from Japanese and Chinese to the rarefied salons of Napoleon III’s era. Cheeky touches include heart-framed, fringed bedside lamps and sculptural Baroque headboards, as well as silk wallpapering depicting various sylvan scenes and lavish black-tiled baths.

Make time for small bites and cocktails (which are also named after famous ladies of the night) at the boudoir-like bar, with its neo-classical wood-paneled walls and garnet-hued velvet chairs and poufs. Then wind down with a steam in the spa’s hammam or a dip in its swimming pool, which glistens beneath a ceiling painted in cobalt blue with sparkling golden stars.

Rates at Maison Souquet start at 450 euros ($475) per night.

Hôtel Dame des Arts

6th Arrondissement, Paris, France

Best for: Left Bank lovers looking for just the right mix of historic charm and contemporary comfort.

Why stay here: Two words: Rooftop bar. The 360-degree panoramas of Paris’s skyline simply can’t be beat.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.

Latin Quarter luxury hotels are few and far between, but this unique upstart manages to walk the line between the area’s artsy heritage and upscale present, all while staying relatively tucked away from the tourists thronging nearby streets.

Designer Raphael Nadot transformed a once-drab 1950s building (its somewhat Brutalist facade is now dramatically lit to somehow feel both imposing and welcoming) into an effortlessly chic accommodation. The 109 rooms and suites, which range from 132-320 square feet, lean into natural colors and textures like cream, taupe and bamboo, and contoured bath tiling reminiscent of photo film canisters that you can ponder while soaping up with the provided Diptyque products.

Guests can stay fit in the small wellness center or borrow electric bikes to explore the city. At the midcentury modern restaurant, chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda blends Mexican flavors with high-end French products to create innovative dishes like Brittany oysters with yuzukosho, fig and guajillo chili oil.

The showstopper, however, is the seasonal rooftop bar, where it seems all of Paris comes to play while the weather is fine, downing drinks like the Uno Mas with tequila, lime, agave, cardamom, salt and sage as the city’s lights illuminate each evening.

Rates at Hotel Dame des Arts start at 340 euros ($360) per night.

There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you’re loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.

Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.

Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits, are:

• Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).*
• Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
• Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.*
• Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select.*
• Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December).*
• Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership.*
• A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up-to-$85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, limited to six annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025).*

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earning rates: Earn an unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

Benefits: Cardholders get $300 back in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage, among other policies.

Annual fee: $95.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Related:

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.