20 of the best… discreet luxury hotels in Paris
Posted on September 21, 2017 by VINGT Editorial
The impressive facade of Hôtel Banke in the 9th arrondissement
For the discerning traveller looking for style and substance over blow-the budget bling, there are plenty of options in Paris. From Haussmannian hotspots and private mansions to cutting-edge design, here’s a few of our favourites…
Hôtel d’Aubusson
33 rue Dauphine, 6th
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 29 43 43
Métro: Odéon
Found in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hôtel d’Aubusson is a genuine townhouse, the origins of which date back to the 17th century. Preserving all the best of its original features, here you will find original Versailles parquet, open beams and a stunning fireplace in Burgundy stone – not to mention Aubusson tapestries from which this five-star hotel takes its name. The decor is rich and beautiful, the vibe warm and welcoming and the heritage impressive; the hotel’s Café Laurent bar was home to the legendary Tabou Club in the 1940’s. There is also a beautiful interior courtyard.
Hôtel Bachaumont
18 rue Bachaumont, 2nd
Tel: + 33 (0)1 81 66 47 00
Métro: Sentier
Located on the site of the old Grand Hôtel de Bachaumont, which closed when the nearby Les Halles food market was demolished in 1971, architects and designers have endeavoured to revive the building’s history by restoring its facade and its glass and wrought-iron porch. Today, this four-hotel offers 49 rooms, including four suites, all beautifully designed in a style that could loosely be described as modern Art Deco. The restaurant aims to provide the finest French gastronomy and there’s a chic cocktail bar too.
Now that’s our kind of entrance lobby – found at Hôtel Banke in the 9th
Hôtel Banke
20 rue la Fayette, 9th
Tel: +33 (0)1 55 33 22 22
Métro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette
Occupying the premises of a former bank headquarters, this five-star hotel combines a magnificent classical facade and an avant-garde interior. The hotel lobby is seriously spectacular, crowned by a glass cupola, while the 91 rooms (including 15 suites in all) bring a 21st-century touch to the Haussmann-style building. With panoramic views from the top floor, over the Sacré Coeur and Montmartre, it all adds up to a heady combination.
La Belle Juliette Hotel & Spa
92 rue du Cherche Midi, 6th
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 22 97 40
Métro: Saint Placide
Named after the French socialite Juliette Récamier, whose salon attracted Parisians from the leading literary and political circles of the early 19th century, this four-star hotel and spa exudes style. Featuring design by Anne Gelbard, known for her home couture, only the finest fabrics from the biggest luxury brands are used throughout. With typically Parisian or garden views from the 45 rooms, there is also a gorgeous spa with dimmed lights, sweet little swimming pool and a Turkish steam bath.
Le Bellechasse
8 rue de Bellechasse, 7th
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 50 22 31
Métro: Rue du Bac
A four-star boutique hotel, handily located between the excellent Musée d’Orsay and the buzzy Saint-Germain des Prés area, Le Bellechasse was designed by celebrated fashion guru Christian Lacroix, no less. Behinds its classic façade, 33 rooms surprise and delight in their flamboyant design, which won’t be to the taste of all but certainly create a memorable setting. There’s also a nice bar, The Butterfly, and the added bonus of a terrace, though there is no restaurant.
Le Burgundy
6 rue Duphot, 1st
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 60 34 12
Métro: Concorde
If it’s classic Parisian chic you’re in search of then look no further than the five-star Le Burgandy – an exemplar of the fine tradition of hotels “à la française”. Offering 59 refined rooms and suites of up to more than 200m, there is also the lovely spa with sauna, hammam, fitness room and swimming pool with massage jets and fountain. Then there’s their Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Baudelaire, where they offer “a festival of taste sensations and exquisite flavours” created by the head chef Guillaume Goupil, complemented by a classy little cocktail bar.
L’Hotel
13 rue Des Beaux-Arts, 6th
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 41 99 00
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The smallest five-star hotel in Paris, L’Hotel has been a secret hideaway for those in the know for over two centuries. Nestled in the heart of the Left Bank, amidst the cultural riches, bohemian soul and high fashion of St Germain-des-Prés, its big claim to fame is that Oscar Wilde lived out his days here until his death in 1900 – and you can even stay in his very room. More recently, other guests reputed to have visited include Johnny Depp and even the Rolling Stones. Today, the hotel has been remodelled throughout by renowned designer Jacques Garcia. It is also home to the Michelin-starred Le Restaurant and chic Le Bar, as well as a beautiful underground hammam pool.
Nestling between the two branches of the Seine, the four-star Jeu de Paume is found in a great location
Hôtel du Jeu de Paume
54 rue St-Louis-en-l’Ile, 4th
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 26 14 18
Métro: Pont Marie
Nestling between the two branches of the Seine, this four-star family-run hotel has the honour of being located on the “jeu de paume” or “real tennis court” built in 1634 by Louis XIII no less. Today, this 300-year-old building, which is entered by a charming courtyard, is notable for its beautiful beams and striking stonework contrasted to great effect with the contemporary design. For the ultimate experience, go for the character-packed three-bedroom apartment.
If you’re a fan of The Louvre then Hôtel Lumen is the one for you
Hôtel Lumen Paris Louvre
15 rue des Pyramides, 1st
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 50 77 00
Métro: Pyramides
Located just steps away from the Louvre, home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, it’s perhaps no surprise that the emphasis is very much on design at this four-star boutique hotel. With an atmosphere of discreet luxury throughout, each of the 38 rooms are beautifully styled in a Neo-Baroque style with a touch of modernity. There are also lovely views over the Church of St Roch, the multi-lingual staff are always on hand to help and the creative cuisine in the restaurant is a delicious fusion of Japanese and Italian.
Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa
19 boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 7th
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 60 44 32
Métro: Invalides
Found at the heart of a historic neighbourhood, this five-star hotel was inspired by a muse who embodied the artistic Paris of the 1900’s: Cléo de Mérode. Dancer, actress and artist, she was a favourite of Klimt, Lautrec and Proust. Today, this hotel-spa offers classic Parisian elegance throughout its stylish surrounds. In the restaurant, Canadian chef Zachary Gavillet creates contemporary seasonal cuisine mostly from organic ingredients. Then there’s that spa. As well as a 13m pool (pretty good for Paris), where you can also swim counter-current, there is a jacuzzi, hammam/steam room, sauna and fitness room, plus tailor-made treatments by Carita.
Housed in a beautiful building, Hôtel Particulier Montmartre offers five luxurious suites
Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
23 avenue Junot, 18th
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 41 81 40
Métro: Lamarck Caulaincourt
Tucked away in a quiet corner at the top of Montmartre, this charming retreat is a true hidden gem, set back as it is in a wild, rambling garden where all you can hear is the rustle of the breeze in the tumbling foliage and the singing of the birds. Housed in a beautiful cream stone building once owned by the Hermés family, this exclusive hotel offers five luxurious suites, whilst the restaurant and bar have the feeling of a private members’ club. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, we’re hoping for our sake that it stays that way.
Le Pavillon de la Reine
28 place des Vosges, 3rd
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 29 19 19
Métro: Bastille
A romantic hideaway in the heart of Le Marais, this four-star hotel is located in a beautiful 17th century building just off the prestigious place des Vosges. Independently-owned and family-run, the historical setting is retained in the design, with original antique furnishings and oil paintings mixed with contemporary touches. As well as the 54 bedrooms and suites, there is also a wellbeing centre, with gymnasium, jacuzzi and steam bath, and a bar and terrace overlooking a private courtyard garden that is awash with greenery.
Hotel Recamier
3 bis place Saint-Sulpice
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 26 04 89
Métro: Saint-Sulpice
Nestled in one of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ most secluded spots, in a classic cream-stone building, this design-led hotel gets it spot on. The work of interiors guru Jean-Louis Deniot, geometric prints, starburst-style mirrors and a muted palette create the perfect ambience. It’s a shame there’s no restaurant, because we bet it would be brilliant, but in an area renowned for its great gourmet spots, you won’t go hungry. Plus, there are breakfast and teatime snacks available – and a great bar complete with a lovely courtyard garden.
Relais Christine
3 rue Christine, 6th
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 51 60 80
Métro: Odéon
Steeped in history, this vast mansion house was built on the remains of the Abbey of the Grands-Augustins, founded in 1231. Today, this luxurious boutique hotel has managed to preserve the intimacy of the private residence it once was with the quiet atmosphere of its lounge, its private flowered garden and its personalised service. Offering 48 rooms and suites, each one exudes a lux Left-Bank flair, some with original beams, some on two stories and some with private terraces. There is also a beautiful vaulted spa with mosaiced jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and fitness area.
Le Saint
3 rue du Pré aux Clercs, 7th
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 61 01 51
Métro: Rue du Bac
Opened in January 2016, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this charming establishment grew out of what was previously three hotels (the Lenox, the Saint Thomas d’Aquin and the Saint Vincent). Today, they bill themselves as neither a boutique hotel nor a Palace, instead describing themselves as a ‘discreet gem in an intimate Parisian location’. Behind the fine Haussmann facade, this four-star hotel certainly embodies the authentic Parisian spirit, combining class with comfort in the 54 rooms and suites. As well as a chic restaurant and cocktail bar, there’s also a hammam spa and fitness area.
Hotel De Sers, near the Champs Elysées, is a five-star design hotel with gastronomic restaurant, terrace and bar
Hotel de Sers
41 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 23 75 75
Métro: Alma-Marceau
A little haven of peace in the centre of Paris, Hotel De Sers is the epitome of discreet luxury. Located in a fine cream-stone building, a former private mansion, the feel at this five-star hotel is one very much of understated elegance. All the rooms and suites are nicely done with a modern touch, but we’re dreaming of the apartment that takes up the whole of the seventh floor. Popular with the fashion set, the organic de Sers Restaurant overlooks a magnificent patio, while among those rumoured to have stayed at the hotel are Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt and Justin Bieber.
Terrass Hotel
12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 18th
Tel: +33 (0)1 46 06 72 85
When it comes to spectacular views, you’d be hard-pushed to beat the one from the top floor of this four-star hotel on the edge of Montmartre. From their Terrass restaurant and bar, you overlook all of Paris. Ideally situated in a lively quarter that is steeped in history, it is also just a few cobbled streets away from the Sacré Cœur. What is more, the recent renovations at the hotel have been inspired by the artistic spirit of the neighbourhood – with each of the 92 bedrooms decorated in the style of performing artists’ ‘loge’ rooms. There’s also a library, play zone and relaxation centre.
Set in a typical 18th century building, Hôtel Therese is a discreet bonne addresse
Hôtel Therese
5 rue Thérèse, 1st
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 96 10 01
Metro: Pyramides
Set in a typical 18th century building, this four-star hotel is a discreet bonne addresse of well-heeled lawyers, art historians and the fashion crowd. The dècor is understated – the muted shades of the wood-panelled library encourage one to sink into a chair and enjoy a drink from the “help-yourself” bar – while the lounge area offers a great library of art books and Paris tomes. The 43 rooms are furnished soberly using dark wood and similar hues to the lounge with the odd zebra stripe for a little cha-cha-cha. No restaurant here but plenty in the local neighbourhood.
Hôtel de Vendôme
1 place de Vendôme, 1st
Tel: +33 (0)1 55 04 55 00
Métro: Tuileries
In a quiet corner of the grand courtyard that is Place Vendome, this discreet five-star hotel is somewhat of a surprise, neighbour to the imposing Ritz hotel just around the corner. Built in 1727, the beautiful building was once the ancestral home of the Vendome family and latterly the embassy of the Texas Republic. Today, the Italian marble flooring, crystal chandeliers and elegant rooms and suites, decorated with traditional French antiques and art, all add up to a classic Parisian luxury experience. The gastronomic restaurant also comes recommended.
Hôtel Villa Madame
44 rue Madame, 6th
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 48 02 81
Métro: Saint-Sulpice
Brimming with charm, La Villa Madame is nestled in a historic and quiet street on the Left Bank. Priding themselves on preserving the poetry of this private mansion, the building is part of the history of rue Madame, which was once offered by the future Louis XVIII to his wife, “Madame” Marie-Josèphe Louise of Savoy. Now a four-star hotel, the décor in the 28 rooms and suite is chic and contemporary, the friendly staff are multilingual and, best of all, there’s a secret garden with a pretty cobblestone courtyard.
