With 12 palaces to its name, Paris boasts some of the finest hotels in the world. Boasting the capital’s characteristic romanticism and typically French prestige, these jewels are enhanced by their elegant rooms decorated by the greatest designers, their gourmet restaurants and their spas, synonymous with unfailing calm.
Le Cheval Blanc
Opened with great fanfare in 2021 in the Samaritaine, the Cheval Blanc has quickly become one of the most beautiful hotels in Paris. Under the stewardship of the giant LVMH, which has already opened luxury establishments in St Tropez and Courchevel, this Parisian palace overlooks the Seine and the Pont Neuf in the 1st arrondissement. Designed by architect Peter Marino, the hotel has just 72 rooms, including 46 suites, all of which are distinguished by their size: the first keys are no less than 45m2. The Art Deco spirit emanates throughout this confidential haven of peace, carried by the characteristic elegance and purity of Bernard Arnault’s firm.
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Well-known to epicureans, the hotel’s gastronomic offering is very much in keeping with its top-of-the-range refinement. Awarded three stars, Plénitude offers dishes of absolute finesse thought up by Arnaud Donckele, who makes a point of honour of the refinement of his…sauces! Another Michelin-starred restaurant is Le Tout-Paris, which fits into the trendy category of contemporary brasseries. Lovers of Italian cuisine will want to head to Langosteria, while lovers of Japanese flavours will want to book Hakuba, opened a few months ago and led by Japanese chef Takuya Watanabe.
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And a major luxury house was needed to enhance the spa. Dior (also owned by LVMH) was given the task. The wellness area is remarkable, with its 30-metre pool undulating with hand-crafted mosaics by Michael Mayer.
The Shangri-La Paris
A listed building, the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte was transformed in 2010 into an iconic hotel facing the Eiffel Tower. Designed by architect Richard Martinet and decorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the Shangri-La Paris, nestling in the 16th arrondissement, is a perfect blend of the spirit of the City of Light and the DNA of the Asian chain to which it belongs. Past the Haussmann façade, you discover a lobby of marble, mouldings, magnificent floral arrangements and crystal chandeliers. The hotel is home to France’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, run by chef Tony Xu. At the Bauhinia, chef Quentin Testart makes the most of seafood in a restaurant lit up by its historic cupola. The lounges and the Botaniste bar are the perfect place to relax after a day’s work or a trip to the Paris region.
Always respectful of this marriage of cultures, Chi Spa can easily be considered one of the finest spas in Paris. Particularly when you consider the Asian expertise in terms of well-being. Surrounded by antique columns and sculpted paintings with floral motifs, the immense 17-metre pool is one of the capital’s nuggets.
The 101 rooms and suites are decorated in soft Parisian tones, with furniture that is as contemporary as it is antique. You’ll love the panoramic terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Mandarin Oriental Paris
On Rue Saint Honoré, in the 1st arrondissement, the Mandarin Oriental has been welcoming guests since 2011 in a 1930s building. Inspired by fashion and artistic creativity, the hotel boasts a chic modern decor designed by Sybille de Margerie. The lobby offers incredible light and invites you to head for the outdoor terrace, which is perfectly planted. Sublime in summer.
The palace is renowned for its gigantic spa: no less than 900 m2 dedicated to relaxation. Here, East meets West in a harmonious bubble. As well as the 14-metre pool lined with glass alcoves and treatments inspired by the world’s best rituals, the highlight is the private suites with their own pools.
While it’s hard to leave this relaxing luxury spa, the 135 rooms, including 7 duplex suites, extend these moments of plenitude. Of particular interest are the incredible suite with a large wooden terrace protected by shrubs, the penthouse with its high ceilings, the 4-bedroom Parisian flat with landscaped terrace and the Mandarin Penthouse floor, which combines two panoramic suites.
For food and drink, head to chef Maxime Gilbert’s chic Parisian bistro Camelia and the Bar 8 cocktail bar, in a sophisticated setting with subdued lighting.
The Plaza Athénée
A landmark hotel on Avenue Montaigne in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, the Plaza Athénée was opened in 1913 by architect Charles Lefebvre. Its façade is famous the world over. Dressed in 1900 red geraniums and blinds the colour of love, it already exudes glamour and couture even before you pass through the lobby. From Christian Dior to Marlene Dietrich, it’s a place where socialites have been at one time or another.
In a royal room adorned in gold and decorated with candles and flowers, the Jean Imbert restaurant at the Plaza Athénée is an institution of French haute gastronomy, awarded a Michelin star. The chef also runs Le Relais Plaza, the five-star hotel’s brasserie in an Art Deco setting. In summer, lunches on the terrace or in the courtyard garden are more than welcome.
In keeping with this quest for excellence, the 208 rooms and suites are incredibly elegant. As is the luminous, uncluttered spa designed by Dior. This sanctuary promises a romantic and serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. From romantic getaways to business stays and themed getaways (the hotel has several prestigious meeting and celebration rooms), the Plaza Athénée continues to reign supreme on the city’s hotel scene.
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Featured photo: © Plaza Athénée
