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OUR PICKS, IN BRIEF
Best Value: Hotel Massé, Hôtel Château d'Eau Paris, Hôtel Rochechouart Best Design: Hotel Hana, Hôtel Balzac, Chateau Voltaire Best in the Marais: Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin, Experimental Marais, Cour des Vosges Best on the Left Bank: Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, Villa-des-Pres Best for a Cool Apartment: Les Suites Cinabre Best Splurge: 1, Place Vendôme
Hôtel Château d'Eau Paris · Paris
Hôtel Château d'Eau Paris
Tucked in the 10th, this affordable but well-designed property from the Touriste group is a great option for those who want to be near the cool Canal Saint-Martin area, which has a young, creative vibe and is home to some of Paris’ best restaurants. There are few amenities except a stylish lobby lounge, and the rooms are on the small side, so opt for a higher category on a top floor (we loved room 602!).
WHO SHOULD STAY: Price-conscious travelers who want an affordable design hotel. This is our favorite spot to stay if you want to be walking distance to the trendy restaurants of the 10th and 11th arrondissements.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: The immediate area around the hotel is not Paris’ most charming, but you’re a short walk to the heart of the vibrant Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood.
NEARBY RECS: Urfa Durum for epic Kurdish kebabs; Galerie Paradis for interior design; Mamiche Traiteur for sandwiches; Early June for small plates and natural wine; Kolam for trendy Sri Lankan.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “We loved our stay here, the location is great as you can easily walk across to the canal and down to le marais. It's a great value for Paris. Opt for a larger room on the top floor if possible as it’s quieter and you get a little more space." -@roselangbein
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $175 USD/night.
Hôtel Rochechouart · Paris
Hôtel Rochechouart
This beloved Art Deco hotel in Pigalle is one of the most affordable yet cool spots to stay in the city. Most exceptional is its fabulous rooftop, which boasts 360-degree views of the city and landmarks including the Sacré-Cœur and Eiffel Tower (it's worth visiting for sunset views whether or not you are staying at the hotel). The rooms are simple but well done (and on the larger side for Paris!), and the onsite bistro serves great French fare in cool surrounds.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Young, trendy travelers who want bang for their buck, a cool scene, and to be in Pigalle.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: Pigalle is one of Paris’ liveliest, trendiest arrondissements, great for dining and bar hopping. It’s also near the culture-rich Montmartre.
NEARBY RECS: Irregular for excellent vintage; Mamiche for flaky croissants; Le Bon Georges for a classic French bistro; Sushi Shunei for sushi in a beautifully designed space; Aurore Capucine for pastries.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “Great hotel in Pigalle for a fair price. Beautifully decorated with maximalist Art Deco vibes. The rooms are small, but what you really stay here for is the chance to skip the line to enjoy the rooftop, which has direct views of the Sacré-Cœur and Eiffel Tower in the distance.” -@annaraebilodeau
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $215 USD/night.
Hôtel Massé · Paris
Hotel Massé
A very stylish stay in Pigalle, this 40-room boutique hotel is family-run and designed by Gasparetto Parenti (run by two designers who formerly worked at Festen Architecture, who did Château Voltaire). It's well-priced, design-forward (no two rooms are alike, but all are filled with vintage furniture), and one of the city's coolest places to stay.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Design-minded travelers who want a seriously cool place to stay that offers a pretty elevated experience for a really good price. Also, to be in the fun (but not very central) Pigalle neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: Set in the vibrant Pigalle (like the aforementioned Hôtel Rochechouart), Massé his a nice location for those who want a buzzy nighttime scene and some cool restaurants.
NEARBY RECS: Irregular for excellent vintage; Mamiche for flaky croissants; Le Bon Georges for a classic French bistro; Sushi Shunei for sushi in a beautifully designed space.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “A new favorite stay. Well-priced, chic, in the buzzy Pigalle neighborhood.” -@emma
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $225 USD/night.
Miiro Le Grand Hôtel Cayré · Paris
Le Grand Hôtel Cayré
Le Grand Hôtel Cayré is a unique offering on the Left Bank. It has a prime location in the historic, elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, but cool, Soho House–esque interiors that appeal to a younger crowd. With a range of hotel rooms for all budgets, this is a great option for those who like stylish design and a base on the Left Bank. We don’t typically eat at hotel restaurants (especially in a restaurant-laden city like Paris), but the one here—Annette—is better than it needs to be (it’s overseen by the former head chef for Alain Ducasse.)
WHO SHOULD STAY: Those who want a location on the Left Bank, and an affordable but very pretty property.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: The hotel has a prime location in the heart of the historic, elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Left Bank and city center, but a bit far from the cool wine bars and restaurants of the Marais, 10th, and 11th arrondissements.
NEARBY RECS: Ojii for sushi with sexy interiors; Sabbia Rosa for delicate, high-quality lingerie; Wani for matcha and delicious Japanese pastries and bites; La Table d’Akihiro for a very memorable dinner; Les Archives Vintage for a curated collection of vintage.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “Excellent location and decently priced rooms with great interiors. The restaurant is quite good, too!” -@emma
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $350 USD/night.
Hotel Hana · Paris
Hotel Hana
One of our favorite hotels from French hotel group Chapitre Six (who also owns Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel and St. Tropez's Hôtel La Ponche), Hotel Hana is a Japanese-influenced, 26-room boutique hotel in the 2nd arrondissement. It’s perfect for those who want thoughtfully designed rooms (shoutout to interior designer Laura Gonzalez) and a few well-done amenities—the restaurant, Hanabi, is delicious, and there is a gym and pool that are lovely but on the very small side. The rates are pretty reasonable, too, depending on the time of year. Very much worth noting is the breakfast service—each morning you can enjoy a full, in-room Japanese breakfast.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Stylish couples who want a boutique hotel with moderate pricing and inspiring interior design, and who don’t need a ton of amenities.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: Hotel Hana is very central but the immediate surrounding area isn’t that exciting. However, both the Pigalle neighborhood and the Tuileries are just a 15-minute walk away (in opposite directions), and the Marais can be reached on foot in 25 minutes.
NEARBY RECS: Télescope Cafe for coffee (and a delicious banana bread); Chez Miki for casual but perfect Japanese food; Aux Lyonnais for traditional French cuisine; Chez Georges for a classic bistro and stylish, cool crowd.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “A Japanese sanctuary. The interiors are so beautiful, the staff are so kind and the food is delicious - you won’t want to leave. Have the Japanese breakfast in the morning.” -@saraloura
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $375 USD/night.
Experimental Marais · Paris
Experimental Marais
This property from the cool Experimental group is one of their best, primarily due to its phenomenal location in one of the best areas of the Marais, near some great restaurants and shopping. The hotel itself is also noteworthy, attracting a stylish crowd with its mix of Parisian style and old-school New York glamour (case in point: the NYC-inspired bar). The 43 rooms are outfitted with mid-century furniture, record players, canopy beds, and bright pops of color. One of the property’s best features is its sleek spa, complete with a Roman bath.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Young couples or those who want a scene and to be surrounded by some of the best dining and shopping in the Marais.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: In our opinion, this is one of the city’s most well-located hotels. It’s set in the Haut Marais (the upper part of the popular neighborhood), which is trendier and a bit quieter than the lower part. It’s ground zero for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
NEARBY RECS: Parcelles for date night; Pretty Box for excellent vintage; Les Enfants du Marche for the best lunch; Caractère de Cochon for incredible sandwiches (jambon beurre!); Grave for coffee and soft-serve.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “best best best location in the marais. spacious rooms, great design, lovely staff.” -@Charlotte_Antonia
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $425 USD/night.
Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin · Paris
Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin
This eclectic boutique hotel is set in the heart of the Marais and designed by the famed Martin Brudnizki—so it's filled with color and whimsy (just take a look at the muraled ceiling on the indoor pool, you'll see what we mean). Colorful patterns abound in the lobby and rooms, which are beautifully appointed (particularly the Parisian Junior Suites, reached by a staircase). The restaurant and bar are lively, and while we wouldn't typically call out a hotel gym, the one here is surprisingly nice for a boutique hotel, with an array of great equipment.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Design-minded couples who want to be in a five-star boutique hotel in the Marais with a roster of luxe amenities. It’s also great for a girls trip, as the interiors lean whimsical.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: It’s right in the Marais, but on a slightly random, busy street. But walk around the block and you’re in the heart of the historic Marais, with centuries-old architecture, buzzing restaurants, and cute boutiques. Also, it’s just a five-minute walk from the Seine, great for running or afternoon strolls.
NEARBY RECS: Azzedine Alaïa Foundation for fashion exhibits and a cute cafe; Pluto for coffee and a pastry or a quick lunch; Mélodies Graphiques for beautiful stationery; Skat Vintage for excellently curated vintage; Bar Nouveau for Art Nouveau interiors and a killer dirty martini.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “If you want to be in the Marais (which you should) but also enjoy a luxury hotel experience, this is your new Paris home. Bonus - it has one of the few pools in Paris.” -@jesslaily
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $550 USD/night.
Hôtel Balzac Paris & Spa Ikoï · Paris
Hôtel Balzac Paris & Spa Ikoï
Set in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs Elysées and designed by Festen Architecture (the same team behind the interiors at Château Voltaire, next on this list), Hôtel Balzac is one of the most beautiful design-forward stays in the city. The boutique property has chic, minimalist interiors, a gorgeous bar, and a really special Japanese spa with a sauna, plunge pool, and tatami mat treatment rooms. It is a fashion crowd favorite, but not the most well located if you’re looking for a cool neighborhood.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Stylish, design-forward couples who appreciate a location in the 8th and an excellent spa.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: Paris’s elegant 8th arrondissement is much more classic than cool. Hôtel Balzac is set just off the Champs Elysées and very close to the Arc de Triomphe, which means the area can attract a lot of tourists. You’ll also find many international luxury stores here, and some museums like the Grand Palais.
NEARBY RECS: Musée Jacquemart-André for a bit of art and culture; Maison Caillau for beautiful hair accessories; Le Mermoz for a cool neo-bistro with natural wines; ReSee for high-end vintage; Le Restaurant OKUDA for an omakase experience.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “Beds are amazing, as are the pillows. Concierge is A+ and was able to secure us hard to secure reservations as well as a private tour of Notre Dame.” -@Finley_Shaw
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $580 USD/night.
Château Voltaire · Paris
Chateau Voltaire
An instant hit upon opening in 2021, Chateau Voltaire has become a tried-and-true classic on the boutique hotel scene, beloved for its central location and elegant but still cool atmosphere. Owned by the Zadig & Voltaire founder, it’s a fashion crowd favorite, and its location in the 1st makes it convenient for all types of travelers. The minimalist-chic design was done by Festen Architecture, and the brasserie L’Emil is popular even with locals.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Chic couples or first-time visitors to Paris who want a city-center location, refined atmosphere, and boutique feel.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: Smack in the center of the 1st, the hotel is in a classic-feeling neighborhood and convenient to pretty much everything in Paris. It’s a five-minute walk from the Tuileries and Seine, and under 30 minutes to walk to the Marais, Pigalle, and the Left Bank.
NEARBY RECS: Télescope Cafe for coffee (and a delicious banana bread); Charvet for slippers and custom-made shirts; 19 SAINT ROCH for seasonal small plates; Takara for a local favorite sushi spot; Gabrielle Geppert for splurge-worthy vintage.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “Great vibe, decor, charming rooms, gracious staff and a solid restaurant. Don’t skip the omelette at breakfast. It’s perfection!” -@Rebecca Bullen
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $600 USD/night.
Villa-des-Prés · Paris
Villa-des-Pres
More under-the-radar than it should be, this discreet boutique hotel has a prime location in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The lobby is simple, but the extras and amenities here really shine, from the staircase (which features stained glass from the same company that does the glass for the Notre-Dame) to the basement-level wellness area, which has a pool, beautiful sauna, lounge area, and gym. The 34 rooms are pretty spacious (for the Left Bank) with contemporary decor and pretty tiled bathrooms.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Anyone looking for chic rooms and truly luxe amenities on the Left Bank. It’s not particularly cool, it's just a wonderful hotel that offers a five-star experience and really good value for your money. Great for both couples and families.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: In a more bustling area of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, near some great galleries and close to the Seine. It’s a pretty central Left Bank option, only 25 minutes on foot from the lower part of the Marais.
NEARBY RECS: Takuto for sushi; Cafe du Clown for coffee; Xanadou for unique home decor items; Lou Woolworth for antique jewelry; Localino for incredible Italian.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “Great hotel in St. Germain. Loved the pool and the sauna!!” -@aoliviar
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $600 USD/night.
COUR DES VOSGES · Paris
Cour des Vosges
A chic respite on the stunning Place des Vosges in the Marais, this intimate, 12-room hotel blends 17th-century architecture with elegant 1970s design and impressive art. It's perfect for an elevated, hushed stay.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Sophisticated couples who want an absolute perfect location in the Marais and an intimate, discrete atmosphere (who are willing to spend a bit more).
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: Cour des Vosges sits right on the iconic Place des Vosges in the heart of the Marais. The immediate area can get a bit busy (simply because it is so beautiful), but the surrounding streets are charming and easy to get lost in. It’s a perfect location for shoppers or those who want to bounce between the many fantastic restaurants in Paris’ most famous neighborhood.
NEARBY RECS: Odetta Vintage for elegant vintage fashion; Bistrot des Tournelles for a cool but classic French bistro; Maison Suisen for incredible Japanese massages; Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin for contemporary art exhibits; Le Sentiment des Choses for Japanese ceramics.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: "Fantastic location - great service and view to Place Des Vosges.” -@SophiaRoe
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $750 USD/night.
Les Suites Cinabre · Paris
Les Suites Cinabre
If you want to feel like an extremely stylish local on your next Paris trip, book one of the two stunning suites at Les Suites Cinabre. Sitting on the floors above the Cinabre brand’s boutique in the 9th are two spacious apartments designed by Necchi Architecture and filled with archival patterns from Maison Pierre Frey. Whimsical and retro, the suites are absolute design marvels, complete with plush Hästens beds, well-stocked cocktail bars, built-in vintage record players, and luxe furnishings.
WHO SHOULD STAY: If design is your number one priority, staying in one of these suites will feel very special, but they are a bit of a splurge. They were also made for entertaining (record player, stocked bar), so if you have friends in Paris and want to host late-night cocktails, this is an incredible place to do just that.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: The immediate area surrounding the Suites isn’t the most charming, but you’re a short walk from Pigalle and the Marais, and the 10th and 11th arrondissements are also close by.
NEARBY RECS: Bob de Tunis for grab-and-go Tunisian fricassées; Racines for a romantic Italian spot; Abri Soba for exceptional soba noodles and Japanese fare; Crémerie for Paris’ best cheese; Lolo cave à manger for a cool wine bar.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “Such a unique hotel option... The apartment was even bigger and better than expected and the oversized tub and the Hästens bed was perfect after a long day of exploring.” -@Haley.Loewenthal
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $1,000 USD/night. But, sign up to AmiGo Premium and you’ll unlock an exclusive discount at Les Suites (& more perks and discounts at other brands!).
Hotel 1, Place Vendôme · Paris
1, Place Vendôme
We’ll cut straight to it: this hotel is expensive. But, if we were in Paris for a very special occasion and looking to splurge, this is where we’d stay. 1, Place Vendôme is owned by the Chopard family and occupies one of the most prestigious addresses in Paris. The high-end hotel is discreet and exclusive, with a hushed ambiance and a hardly recognizable entrance. Set in an 18th-century mansion, the 15-room boutique hotel is meant to feel like a home (albeit a very luxurious one), and the guest experience is the focus here (want breakfast at 4pm? You got it). The property spans six floors, with a wellness area, butler service, library, bar, and glass-roofed Winter Garden.
WHO SHOULD STAY: Anyone looking for discreet luxury and who has the cash to afford it.
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL: The hotel is in the heart of the city, right on Place Vendôme and a one-minute walk from the Tuileries. This is a posh, elegant area, near luxe shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré and many of Paris’ most famous palace hotels. It’s not somewhere you’ll find a cool, laid-back neighborhood vibe.
NEARBY RECS: Charvet for slippers and custom-made shirts; Jeu de Paume for interesting photography exhibitions; Marie Akaneya for a high-end wagyu steak dinner; Brigitte Tanaka for beautifully embroidered bags; 19 SAINT ROCH for seasonal small plates.
WHAT OUR USERS SAY: “No 👏 words 👏” -@tanya
PRICE POINT: Rates start from $1,400 USD/night.
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