The best hotels in Paris for every type of traveller

Paris is a city with an enviable array of luxury hotels, many of which are housed in former royal residences or historic Art Deco landmarks. The French government has even introduced a “Palace“ distinction for the cream of the crop: an award that marks the property as a five-star hotel with “exceptional characteristics ”. It has since expanded this special distinction to 33 properties across France. 

We’ve gone one step further and created our very own list of the best hotels in Paris, including a few palace stays and other luxury establishments previously reviewed by our editors. Whether you’re looking for Eiffel Tower views or boutique stays in trendy neighbourhoods, we’ve compiled some of our favourites – all available to book through Cathay Holidays. 

Four Seasons George V  

Best for: celebrity-approved luxury (Palace distinction) 

Step into the lobby of this historic Art Deco property and you’ll be greeted by striking floral displays, mosaic floors and views across its private courtyard. An established favourite with high-profile guests – from The Beatles to the Kardashians – the Four Seasons George V combines discreet luxury with a central location just steps from the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the metro line. Views of the Eiffel Tower and a collection of restaurants boasting six Michelin stars between them complete the picture, alongside the quietly impressive Le Bar and an underground swimming pool. Renowned for its impeccable service and subtle luxury, the Paris Four Seasons continues to set the tone for the brand worldwide. 

Cheval Blanc Paris 

Best for: Eiffel Tower views

Located along the Seine, the Cheval Blanc Paris makes an immediate impression with its Art Deco façade and light-filled interiors overlooking the Eiffel Tower. One of the more intimate hotels on this list, it has just 72 rooms and is part of the LVMH portfolio. Highlights include a Dior spa, Michelin-starred dining and a rooftop brasserie with landmark views – making it a compelling choice for romantic stays. 

Read our full Cheval Blanc Paris review.  

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel  

Best for: sightseeing in majesty (Palace distinction)

Commissioned by Louis XV and completed in 1758, the Hôtel de Crillon has transitioned from royal residence to Palace hotel while retaining its neoclassical grandeur. Interiors balance historic detail with modern comforts, and rooms channel Parisian apartment-style elegance with spacious marble bathrooms and butler service. Its location on the Place de la Concorde offers easy access to the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, while select suites designed by Karl Lagerfeld add an extra layer of distinction.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée  

Best for: fashion lovers (Palace distinction)

French fashion heritage runs deep at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, thanks to its long-standing association with Dior and its prestigious address on avenue Montaigne. The hotel caters to the city’s elites and remains a veritable landmark with its crimson awnings and refined interiors. In the rooms you’ll find gilded furnishings, chandeliers and silks, while its restaurants and bars span upgraded brasserie fare and Michelin-starred excellence. Time your stay to coincide with the outdoor cinema club, held in the tranquil, green courtyard. 

Read our full Hôtel Plaza Athénée review. 

Hôtel National Arts et Métiers 

Best for: couples

Tucked away in the Haut-Marais neighbourhood, the Hotel National des Arts et Métiers is a modern sanctuary and one of the finest boutique hotels in Paris. The interior is an architectural marvel, consisting of sustainable materials and artisanal craftsmanship, which extends to its intimate, plant-filled bar, Herbarium, and the calm, pared-back rooms. Come summer, locals and visitors alike queue for entry to the rooftop bar, a hidden gem with views of Sacré-Cœur and the Centre Pompidou which also happens to have a mean cocktail list. 

Le Meurice  

Best for: foodies and royalty (Palace distinction) 

Often referred to as the “hotel of kings”, Le Meurice has welcomed travellers since the 19th century and continues to embody Parisian grandeur. Located opposite the Tuileries Garden, the hotel’s interiors draw inspiration from Versailles – with painted frescoes, chandeliers and mirrored panelling – while the modern rooms boast views of the gardens and the Eiffel Tower. The biggest draw, however, is the famed Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, alongside the more relaxed Restaurant Le Dalí and the atmospheric jazz spot Bar 228. 

Read our full Le Meurice review.

Mandarin Oriental Paris  

Best for: five-star shopping holidays (Palace distinction) 

Housed inside an Art Deco building, the Mandarin Oriental Paris opens onto Rue Saint-Honoré in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping district. The interiors blend classic French design with Asian influences, while the rooms are notably bright by Paris standards and select suites offer sweeping city views. And if you’re homesick for Hong Kong, you’ll find nods to the hotel’s origins through the curated décor and Cantonese dishes at Camélia’s greenery-filled terrace. 

Read our full Mandarin Oriental review.