10 Best Romantic Hotels in Paris

Is romance for you a big California-based hotel chain now sitting pretty near the rue St. Honore?  Or maybe here in Paris it’s more akin to an artist’s atelier nestled on the Left Bank, just around the corner from the Musee Zadkine? Well, if it’s difficult to choose between those two, there is always the third option: an apartment hotel. This hotel concept has risen in popularity in recent years, following on the travel trend of renting out people’s apartments. But what’s great about the Residence Nell is that the suites are laid out like an apartment, but the services such as linen changes and daily freshen-ups come with the package. Whatever your choice, you are sure to find romance here in Paris. 

For a to-the-manor-born feel, there is no topping Hotel de Crillon, for its palatial opulence, its top-notch redecoration and its classic French regalness. That it dominates the Place de la Concorde, makes it that much more dramatic. This is, of course, where the famous photo was taken of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks together on the balcony when they honeymooned here. Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies also sojourned here in their day.

Need anyone an excuse to languor in romance? And even more to the point, need anyone an excuse to indulge in romance in Paris? Since the answers to the above are Non! and Non! Here are just a handful of delightful love nests in which you can stay while doing both. The Hotel Esmerelda is probably the most modest of romantic hideaways on this list, but it is also one of the most storied. This is, after all, where Serge Gainsbourg first encountered the love of his life, Jane Birkin.

For more Left Bank chic, stay in the famous L;Hotel just near the Ecole des Beaux Arts where Oscar Wilde spent his last days. The restaurant here, Le Restaurant, has earned its Michelin star and the bar, in which hang pictures still of former regular clients such as Johnny Depp and Mick Jagger, gives you that not-so-subtle reminder of ‘only in Paris.’ 

Two more romantically-themed hotels that you’ll find here on this list are Hotel de JoBo (JoBo standing for Josephine Bonaparte, the woman who symbolizes French romance) and Hotel Thoumieux which offers pure luxurious discretion. Each property offers a cocoon-like experience and delivers on your expectations when you book a hotel getaway. 







Hotel des Academies et des Arts

Photo courtesy of Hotel des Academies et des Arts

Each room is decorated with its own ceiling fresco, its own bespoke-designed furniture. If cookie-cutter is something you’ve had enough of, then take refuge in this ode to the artistic life here on the Left Bank. Its location is significant, too, as this boutique hotel is located on the same street as Paris’ last academy devoted to art and painting.

The hotel prides itself as a patron of the arts. Works by young/emerging artists are showcased throughout the property. Exhibitions offering these sculptures, drawings, paintings and ceramics are regularly held, thus giving guests an opportunity to purchase something more than a keepsake.

Subdued tones of forest green and velvets are woven throughout the decor. The neighborhood is embedded Left Bank, once the glittering center of the art world of the Picasso era. The Jardin du Luxembourg is a short walk away.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Boutique hotels have charm, there is no debating that. This one is a brand new addition to the Paris cityscape and it has class throughout.

Read more about Hotel des Academies et des Arts →



L'Hotel


L'Hotel

Photo courtesy of L’Hotel

This hotel is the Left Bank’s little secret. It has been the favorite spot of not just literary giants like Oscar Wilde fleeing his torrid past, but also fullfledged rock stars like Mick Jagger and rockstar-like film icons such as Johnny Depp. They seem to be attracted to the opulent vibe laced with that hint of daring.

The Oscar Wilde suite is the one that comes with a sizeable terrace, every inch private. The Mata Hari room is just as you would envision, all damask silk wall-covering and fringed lamp shades.

The bar serves as a chic, if pricey, watering hole for the resident artists, writers and celebrities who call Saint-Germain home. Just underneath, there is a private pool that is reserved for guests only.

Le Restaurant serves both lunch and dinner and the newly ordained Michelin-starred chef is all too ready to serve up his light as air creations.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: This is the Saint-Germain des Pres best-kept secret. A model of discretion, it’s where George and Amal once stayed when they were visiting Paris.

Read more about L’Hotel →



Hôtel de JoBo


Hôtel de JoBo

Photo courtesy of hotel de jobo

One of the first things that strikes you when you enter this in-the-heart-of-the-Marais hotel is the replica painting of Josephine Bonaparte wearing a pair of dark sunglasses as she lounges insouciantly. The Bambi Sloane interior also makes full use of leopard print throughout the property – not a random choice. Madame Bonaparte, wife of Emperor Napoleon, was the first in her day to order a couture dress made fully of leopard fur – quite daring at the time.

This is a singular hotel in Paris whose every inch of charm has been thought through and carried out. The rooms feature both a Nespresso machines with complimentary madeleines provided. Fragonard is their bath amenities brand of choice, damask rose is the scent, homage to Josephine. The location of this family-owned hotel is prime and puts you steps from Musee Cognacq-Jay, cafes, shops and galeries. The on-site bar rocks Fridays and Saturdays.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: One of Paris’ newer boutique hotels, this stylish, Bambi Sloane interior designed property enshrines the Napoleon and Josephine love story as a legend still alive.

Read more about Hôtel de JoBo →



Hotel Thoumieux


Hotel Thoumieux

Photo courtesy of Hotel Thoumieux

This private boutique hotel within minutes’ walking of the Eiffel Tower was splashed onto the scene several years ago by none other than interior design maven India Mahdavi. It remains a favorite with celebrities and other incognito-types because its entranceway bypasses a traditional lobby and takes you directly to a second floor sitting lounge.
This luxury boutique hotel, four stars, whispers quality from every corner. Bedding, beds, marble showers, iPads in each room and mobile telephones have you all provided for. Bath amenities are the all-organic Aesop’s in scents that range from smoky bergamot to grapefruit rind.
Breakfast is offered in their on-premise gastronomic restaurant, helmed by 2-star chef Sylvestre Wahid. It consists of homemade yogurts, freshly squeezed lemon and orange juices, salmon, ham and fresh croissants/pain au chocolat.
This is a discreet and soothing hotel that exudes rock-star chic in the quiet haven of an Eiffel Tower neighborhood.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: This discreet rock-star-chic-love-nest/India Mahdavi decor of marble showers and heavenly bedding only just begin to tell the story of many luxurious details that await you.

Read more about Hotel Thoumieux →



Hôtel Da Vinci & Spa


Hôtel Da Vinci & Spa

Photo courtesy of Hotel Da Vinci Paris

Opulent, rich and luxurious, that is the only way to describe the overall impression you get when you enter into this delightful luxury Left Bank boutique Paris hotel. Dedicated to the theme of Da Vinci, the rooms are decorated and named as such hence you have the Mona Lisa room and the Medici deluxe room and, well, you get the idea. The lobby sitting area, overlooking the fine antique shop-laden rue des Saints-Péres is a window onto the Parisian passersby.

There is a spa on the basement level. It must be reserved in advance for your exclusive time slot.

The location here couldn’t be more convenient as you are across the Seine from the Louvre – where the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit is currently underway; you are a stone’s throw from the Pont des Arts and just 5 minutes’ walk to St. Germain-des-Prés church.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The hotel is housed in a traditional 6 storey Parisian townhouse. Two fireplaces under the atrium window offer guests the charm of a private home.

Read more about Hôtel Da Vinci & Spa →



Hotel Esmerelda - Notre Dame Paris


Hotel Esmerelda - Notre Dame Paris

Photo courtesy of Paige Donner copyright 2019

What’s more romantic than living a character in a Victor Hugo novel, while staying at the footsteps of the timelessly majestic Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris? Esmeralda, the namesake of this hotel, is, of course Victor Hugo’s gypsy character in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Right next door to these very affordable, simple accommodations is the famous book shop, Shakespeare & Co. But having Notre Dame and Shakespeare as neighbors isn’t the only allure this modest hotel offers. It has also given shelter to famous politicians such as Pierre Trudeau and also celebrities, like Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin.

In fact, the story goes like this: Serge Gainsbourg was in a bit of a funk when he had been cast for a film. The producer introduced him to the nymph-like Jane Birkin here, at this hotel, and they proceeded to make history together for years to come.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Sleeping next to Notre Dame and Shakespeare, in the hotel where Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg began their romance, c’mon, what can be more romantic?

Read more about Hotel Esmerelda – Notre Dame Paris →



Residence Nell


Residence Nell

Photo courtesy of Residence Nell

I don’t know about you, but when I’m staying more than a day or two somewhere, I like to be comfortable. I imagine this is why apartment stays have become a popular travel trend in recent years. But I also do much appreciate a daily maid service and linen change. Double that when you’re traveling the with the kids.

So a property like Residence Nell offers the best of both worlds. You have the roomy comfort of an apartment, and in this case, freshly re-decorated. While at the same time you have the service and amenities of a hotel stay.

This location here in the 9th arrondissement is a good one for theatres, shopping and restaurants. Staying in this area gives you a real feel of what it’s like to live in Paris.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Newly re-decorated and full of comfort, this property offers apartment-sized rooms. And it all comes with full amenities and maid service.

Read more about Residence Nell →



Kimpton St Honore Paris, an IHG Hotel


Kimpton St Honore Paris, an IHG Hotel

Photo courtesy of Kimpton St. Honore

The Sequoia rooftop bar and terrace has been an instant hit with local Parisians. Kimptons are a known and trusted hotel brand from West Coast U.S. They’ve successfully imported their style and made it Parisian. This address is one of the most posh, with neighbors like the Ritz, Hotel Costes and Mandarin Oriental in the same neighborhood.

A luxury, full-service hotel is the best way to describe this property. It’s the hotel you book when you know what you want and when that special occasion requires no unexpected surprises. On premise spa, swimming pool, restaurants and bars complete the opulent picture.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: California has donned its Parisian persona and arrived on the rue St. Honore in the form of a Kimpton Hotel. It’s everything you’d expect.

Read more about Kimpton St Honore Paris, an IHG Hotel →



Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel


Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel

Photo courtesy of Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

This is one of the most ancient, historical luxury hotels not just in France, but in the world. Built first under King Louis XV’s patronage in 1758, it was inaugurated as a luxury hotel, now a palace, in 1909. It is the only hotel that graces the Place de la Concorde.

Over the past century, celebrated couples have sojourned here: William Randolph Hearst with Marion Davies and Douglas Fairbanks honeymooned here with his Mary Pickford, who famously waved from their balcony overlooking the Place.

Staying at the Hotel de Crillon, now a Rosewood Hotels property, will mark a page in your Life’s Best Moments book. But even having a drink on the newly opened Concorde Terrasse, at the iconic Les Ambassadeurs, or having your nails and hair done or a facial/massage for two at the Sense Spa with Sisley products is assured to be the highlight of any Paris vacation.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Crillon is in full swing after its head to toe restoration. Its tasteful modern retouches don’t detract one iota from its regal, statuesque history.

Read more about Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel →



Hotel Fouquet's Barriere


Hotel Fouquet's Barriere

Photo courtesy of Paige Donner

Dignified Luxury. This term refers to Fouquet’s Leading Green Certification ethics and its philosophy that the environment need not be abandoned in the quest for luxury. Step foot inside this historical icon located where the Avenue George V meets the Champs-Elysées and you would never guess that the sumptuous gold-and-velvet Jacques Garcia designs surrounding you are sustainably certified.

A dedicated butler sees to your every whim, round-the-clock, from the moment you check-in. Amenities also include one of Paris’s largest hotel swimming pools. Upon arrival, children are gifted a treasure map to search for the hotel’s mascot, a ladybug (which, everyone knows, brings good luck).

Fouquet’s is synonymous with French film stars. Each year the winners of the Cesar’s, France’s “Oscar’s”, are féted here with a gala dinner. But back in horse-and-buggy days, it was simply the chosen watering hole of the Champs-Elysées carriage drivers.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Club Barriére Paris, just adjacent, brings a Monte Carlo feel to Paris. Play a game of acey deucey before retiring to your luxury cocoon.

Read more about Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere →


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