Paris is MY city not just because it has gorgeous architecture and one can walk from one corner of the city to another. Paris has my heart because of the way it makes me feel. Never in a thousand years did I expect the mere thought of a city to give me butterflies, and yet here we are. That’s why when I visit, I don’t want to have an experience that I can have anywhere else, at least not in the form of a hotel. The boutique hotels in Paris capture that Parisian essence that can’t be found anywhere else on earth, and that’s why I recommend you stay in one of them versus your favorite hotel chain.
1. The Hoxton
The Hoxton, Paris is one of the pricier boutque hotels on this list, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. I’ve noticed that some of the decor has become a theme for them, such as the leather straps on the headboard, but it doesn’t make me want to stay at these hotels any less. The 2nd arrondissement is a great choice for travelers interested in shopping, architecture and art AND both the Louvre Museum and Pompidou Centre are less than a mile from the hotel.
2. Hotel Henriette
The decor at Hotel Henriette can be considered minimal, but it’s not plain in any sense of the word. Bold colors, patterned wallpaper, and quirky accent pieces make for a unique hotel stay. This may certainly be one of my favorite boutique hotels in Paris for the furnishing alone. And no two rooms seem to look the same. For those interested in monuments, city walk and tourist attractions, this gem in the 13th arrondissement is perfect for you.
3. Hotel Paradis
It’s funky, it’s retro, and it’s within walking distance to Montmartre. Hotel Paradis, located in the 10th arrondissement, is one of those boutique hotels where the affordability of the establishment is in no way a reflection of everything the hotel and area offers. You are just minutes from various metro stations, and if you’re catching the train from/to another city, you’ll most likely be arriving or departing at nearby Gare du Nord.
4. Hotel R de Paris
Hotel R de Paris has more of a sleek, modern look that many people actually prefer. The chevron wood floors and the option of a terrace are some of my favorite features, and not just because those are things I require in my future Parisian apartment. They’re a must. I’d say Hotel R falls in the middle when it comes to affordable boutique hotels in Paris. It’s located in the 9th arrondissement, is a 10-minute walk from Opéra Garnier and the Moulin Rouge, and offers a 24-hour reception, a fitness room, sauna and turkish bath. You won’t find that everywhere, that’s for sure.
5. Hotel Emile
I can’t be the only one who’s booked a hotel for the bathroom alone. Tell me I’m not alone in this. Hotel Emile is centrally located in the 4th arrondissement and just a 20 minute walk from the Louvre. I repeat, if you stay at this gorgeous hotel you can walk to the best museum on earth (this isn’t up for debate). This area is also great for shopping at high street stores such as H&M and Zara, or Chanel if you’re fancy. And I know people love to visit the Chanel in Paris just for the experience, so this one is for you.
6. La Maison Favart
In the center of Paris and the heart of the 2nd arrondissement is La Maison Favart, a boutique hotel if you ever saw one. I’d actually recommend looking at all of the room options and trying to book your favorite one because they are all so different. Unfortunately they aren’t all created equal and complete with a clawfoot tub, but some are, and that’s all that matters. A sauna, fitness room and small pool can be enjoyed for free on site which can be a special treat compared to many other hotels.
7. Hotel Villa d’Estrees
Villa d’Estrees will take you back in time with it’s decor that forces you to feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1920s in the heart of Paris. The 6th arrondissement is a great choice for travelers interested in food, culture and art. This hotel is near the higher end of boutique hotels in Paris but offers an amazing value for your money, not including the many photo shoots you’ll be eager to have in your room.
8. Le Grey
Nestled in the 9th arrondissement is Le Grey Hotel with its modern decor and perfectly placed pops of color. A wide range of brasseries and restaurants can be found in the surrounding area which is perfect for foodies and those looking to expand their palettes. Just a 20 minute walk away is the Grands Magasins department stores which is a selling point for someone like me because I love at least window shopping when traveling, but especially in Paris.
9. Le Pavillon des Lettres
Hotel Le Pavillon is one of the more simple boutique hotels in Paris. Most of its decor is basic and neutral but you still have that boutique feel with this hotel’s decor being a tribute to French and international literature. I know I’m not the only bibliophile here so we can probably agree that that’s a major selling point. This hotel in the 8th arrondissement offers views of the Eiffel Tower and is feet from the Champs Elysées, so that is reflected in its price.
10. Bourg Tibourg
Hotel Bourg Tibourg is in the 4th arrondissement and one of those dark and moody places that seem apropos for writers to retreat to when they’re battling writers block. I could totally see Poe staying here as he wrote The Tell-Tale Heart, but I digress. The Louvre Museum is 1.1 miles away, while Luxembourg Gardens is 1.6 miles from the property. And while there is plenty of high end shopping nearby, I’d totally hang out in my room all day, soaking up the ambience because this hotel is the epitome of boutique hotels in Paris.