The best hotels in Paris for 2024
Paris is many things: it is the capital of culture and a hub of history; it is the city of light, of romance, of un-ending possibility. It is also a haven of hotels, not all created equally. Whether you're a first-timer or a connoisseur of the city, we've rounded up the best in Paris, from luxury suites to adorable lodgings beneath 19th-century rafters.
Which is the best area to stay in Paris?
There are no wrong areas to stay in Paris. The urban layout of Paris is similar to that of a snail, with each neighbourhood (or arrondissement) wrapping around the next counterclockwise. The 1er arrondissement, home to the Louvre, the rue Saint-Honoré and Palais Royal, sits at the centre of the city; the arrondissements in the teens (i.e. 10e to 20e) unfurl to the outer edges of the city (called la Périphique, or, colloquially, ‘la Periph’ in French).
Those who wish to be at the centre of the action would do well to stay in single-digit arrondissements, whereas those up for something different may choose to stay in the further-out neighbourhoods. That being said, Paris is very walkable and has easy-to-navigate public transportation options (in fact, you can get from the northern tip of Paris to its southernmost point in just one afternoon) so if you find yourself staying away from the centre, fear not!
Each arrondissement in Paris is a teeny village unto itself, full of individual charms and quirks.
Those who'd like to remain in the centre of the action, first-timers to Paris and families each may prefer to stay in the 1er or 2e arrondissement, as both neighbourhoods are well-connected and are home to some of Paris' best museums, shopping and food. Those seeking out luxury, too, may want to also stay in the 1er, the neighbourhood with the most five-star accommodations in the city; however, there are plenty of equally lavish hotels throughout the city, including the rather chi-chi 7e arrondissement, on the Left Bank.
Those seeking a romantic, quintessential ‘Parisian’ experience à la the film Midnight in Paris will want to stay in the magical Saint-Germain-des-Près neighbourhood, the 6e arrondissement, full of lovely art galleries, antique shops and quaint bakeries. The neighbourhood is a wonderland for lovers of philosophy and art history, as well as Walter Mitty types, too.
Hipsters and those looking to party Paris-style will immediately feel at home in the cooler 9e or 4e arrondissements, both close to the city's trendiest bars, restaurants, markets and shops. The 4e, or the Marais, is Paris' former Jewish quarter and is now home to a wonderful array of great restaurants, boutiques and bars. The 9e, or Pigalle, is Paris' former red light district; today, it is the watering hole for the city's most ‘bobo’ (French for hipster) residents.
How many days should I spend in Paris?
Any amount of time in Paris is wonderful. However, the duration of your stay will wholly depend on what you'd like to do in the city. If you're a first-timer, we'd advise setting aside a few days, ideally a week! This will give you plenty of time to get to know the city by strolling its grandest boulevards, sipping wine in its loveliest cafés and visit its most historic monuments.
However, if you're unable to give up a week, we'd recommend staying the duration of a long weekend, about four days. This will give you plenty of time to get to know your new neighbourhood, enjoy a few mornings – croissant in hand – and hit up the essential Paris pitstops from museums to markets to shops.