Monumental squares, centuries-old churches, famous boulevards, romantic bridges, magnificent palaces, and Montmartre’s cobblestone streets make Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The City of Light has not only inspired painters, sculptors, writers, poets and composers but also practically every major world capital, with every city claiming its own Champs-Elysèes. Cruise on the Seine or watch the world pass by from a café terrace or and it’s easy to understand why so many people fall in love with Paris. But what hotel do you need to book for a luxurious break in Paris? Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in the French Capital.

10. PARK HYATT PARIS VENDOME

Park Hyatt’s coveted location brings the city to your doorstep, overlooking the fashionable Rue de la Paix and within walking distance of Place Vendôme and Opéra Garnier. Accepted into the prestigious Palace Hotels Group, the hotel is one of the most visually stunning luxury hotels Paris has to offer. Its striking blend of contemporary architecture and classic design was conceived by renowned designer Ed Tuttle, lending the hotel a sensual, understated elegance that extends throughout – from the lavish Parisian hotel suites to the captivating social areas and impressive meeting venues. The hotel boasts beautiful bars and some of the finest restaurants in Paris, including Le Pur’, holder of a Michelin star.

• Hotel website: Park Hyatt Paris Vendome
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g.room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, and complimentary one-way private airport or train station transfers for all stays of 3 nights or above on Park Deluxe category or higher).

9. LE BRISTOL PARIS

Le Bristol Paris – member of the Oetker Collection – is located on the prestigious rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré at the heart of Paris’ fashion and arts district, where it has been welcoming its esteemed guests since 1925. Its 188 rooms and suites have undergone extensive refurbishment, and are spacious and bright, decorated in classic eighteenth-century style. Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie stretches over three floors and is equipped with eight treatment rooms, including two twin rooms, a gym, a hair salon and the children’s play area, ‘Les Amis d’Hippolyte’. Epicure, the hotel’s 3 Michelin star-rated gastronomic restaurant, welcomes guests in its newly decorated setting with bay windows which open out onto the magnificent French-style hotel garden.

• Hotel website: Le Bristol
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g. guaranteed room upgrade at the time of booking, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, and one-way transfer upon arrival with VIP meet & greet when booking Deluxe Suite or above).

8. MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

Situated on rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most fashionable streets in the world, Mandarin Oriental lies in the heart of Paris. Surrounded by haute couture and only steps from the Louvre, the hotel exudes a timeless elegance with gorgeous, contemporary interiors. Beautifully designed and luxuriously appointed, the 138 rooms and 39 suites are among the most stylish and spacious in the city. Offering cutting-edge cuisine, deliciously light dishes and tantalizing cocktails in sophisticated surroundings, the Mandarin Oriental’s bar and restaurants are among the best in Paris. An oasis of Oriental wellbeing, the tranquil spa offers expert treatments, world-class therapists and restorative facilities.

• Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Paris
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, and one-way transfer upon arrival when booking Junior Suite or above).

7. HOTEL PLAZA ATHENEE

Since 1913, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, part of The Dorchester Collection, has been welcoming guests delighted to stay on avenue Montaigne, the heart of haute couture. Today the hotel is still perfectly positioned for those wanting to explore the city’s designer fashion boutiques. Guests here stay in luxurious comfort overlooking either the Eiffel Tower or the charming courtyard with its signature red awnings, perfect for al fresco summer dining and in winter features its own ice rink. Alain Ducasse, world-renowned multiple Michelin-starred chef, oversees all the hotel kitchens. To indulge in total serenity, Europe’s only Dior Institute is another hotel highlight, offering exclusive spa treatments in a stylish setting including a specialist manicure and pedicure area.

• Hotel website: Hotel  Plaza Athenée
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage or spa credit).

Just steps from the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris is the epitome of Parisian vibrancy and elegance. This contemporary masterpiece designed by Philippe Starck features 149 spacious rooms and suites, a 99-seat cinema, and an exclusive private art collection. With the longest swimming pool in a Paris hotel, the ethereal white spa offers the ultimate urban escape for complete relaxation and indulgence. From the modern Japanese cuisine of Matsuhisa to the celebration of Italian regional food in the Michelin-star restaurant Il Carpaccio, dining at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris’ restaurants is a truly memorable experience. The desserts, all created by pastry superstar Pierre Hermé, are the perfect finale to any meal.

5. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V

There’s no shortage of luxury palace hotels in Paris but the Four Seasons Hotel George V may be the most entertaining one. Why? The world renowned artistic director Jeff Leatham spreads his floral arrangements throughout the hotel and in the magnificent marble courtyard. Just steps from the Champs-Elysées, in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle of Paris, this grand luxury hotel sits in an original 1928 landmark Art Deco building offering an exquisite Art collection. The 244 redecorated rooms and suites create the unique atmosphere of luxurious Parisian apartments, including stunning views from numerous terraces. The hotel has earned five Michelin stars across its three restaurants, it offers a unique culinary journey to in-house guests and local Parisians.

3. THE PENINSULA PARIS

In August 2014, Hong Kong-grade luxury moved into the City of Light with the opening of the Peninsula Paris (albeit two years behind schedule). Six years in the making, some of France’s finest artisans were hand-picked to undertake the restoration of this late 19th century classic Haussmanian building and to turn it into a luxury hotel. The property is situated in the heart of Paris at 19 Avenue Kléber, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe and within walking distance of some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts. The 200 rooms and suites are designed for maximum comfort, with a good night’s rest virtually guaranteed. Each room exudes a sense of tranquility and modernity with crisp bed linens, marble bathrooms with special mood lighting and signature Peninsula technology, including complimentary high-speed wireless internet for all guests.

• Hotel website: The Peninsula Paris
• Other accolades: The Peninsula Paris also features in my lists of the best new luxury hotels of 2014 and the top 10 most amazing city hotels in Europe.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g.room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, and two-way private airport transfer with VIP meet & greet at the airport on arrival).

2. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS

Built in 1896 as the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte (grand nephew of Napoleon), the Shangri-La Paris is an icon of style and elegance. Restored by the renowned architect Richard Martinet and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel combines a sense of history and grandeur with sophisticated comfort and service to provide a uniquely Parisian experience. Breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower confirm the hotel’s status as one of Paris’ finest hotels while its central location in the 16th arrondissement ensures that the city’s most famous attraction are all within easy reach. The old-world elegance of the 101 rooms, lovingly adorned with the fine work of craftsmen, is mirrored in the city that lies just below. Weary eyes and feet can refresh in the hotel’s pool, one of the largest in Paris. Don’t forget a culinary voyage at Shang Palace, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in France.

• Hotel website: Shangri-La Paris
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, $100 USD hotel credit, early check-in, late check-out and one-way transfer upon arrival when booking Deluxe Suite or above).
• Review: read my review of Shangri-La Paris here.

1. HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, PARIS

Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivaled position overlooking Place de la Concorde. The property reopened in 2018 as a Rosewood Hotel after undergoing an extensive four-year restoration, its past providing a rich backdrop for its modern-day story. During the hotel’s closure, master craftsmen, artisans and designers worked tirelessly to strike a deliberate and delicate balance between conservation and transformation. The hotel’s 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites embody a residential style that is equally warm and refined. The renowned late designer Karl Lagerfeld has decorated two exceptional suites called “Les Grands Appartements”, which convey his personal and artistic vision of French chic and modernity. Hôtel de Crillon also features fine dining venues, a lovely swimming pool area, and an intimate spa.

• Hotel website: Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel
• Other accolades: Hôtel De Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, features in my list of the best new luxury hotels of 2017.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks with Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, confirmed 10am check-in/4pm check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage or spa credit).
• Review: read my review of Hôtel De Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, here.