Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Balzac hotel stands imposingly between Avenue de Friedland and the Champs-Elysées. It is a little gem of a classical hotel.
The Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe are just a few minutes away. The neighbourhood is full of shops simply begging you to come inside and have a mooch. The closest metro station is George V on line 1, which links you directly with the main attractions in the city. Within a few minutes, you can be at La Défense, Place de la Concorde, the Jardins des Tuileries and the Louvre Museum.
The same spirit can be found in the 70 guest rooms of the hotel: a mix between modernity and classicism, with fleur de lys patterns and striped fabrics in contemporary colours, such as plum, pale pink, etc. The rooms are identical in terms of style, but they do come in various colours: plum/almond green, chocolate and turquoise. There are 6 categories, with an area ranging from 21 to 90 m². The facilities provided include a flat-screen television, individual air-conditioning, a mini-bar and a safe. The magnificent bathrooms come with hospitality products by Carven, a bathtub and a shower, a hair-dryer and some bathrobes and slippers. Two room service menus, a traditional one and a Lebanese one, are available 24 hours a day. Accommodation tip: Request a room from the third floor upwards as the view of the Eiffel Tower is a must-see!
This former private mansion is a little gem of a classical hotel: gilds, large velour armchairs, imposing chandeliers, heavy curtains, shimmering rugs, etc. A small hint of modernity comes in the form of more contemporary colours. However, guests still have to pay extra for Wi-Fi Internet access and there aren't any sports facilities. Three meeting rooms are available.
The hotel houses Pierre Gagnaire's gastronomic restaurant, with its three Michelin stars. For simpler meals, the hotel also has a bar and a restaurant which are both very pleasant, and are located under the glass roof. A simple menu (a daily special, one meat dish, one fish dish and a few salads and sandwiches) is available from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
Built for the director of the Opéra de Paris in 1853, this was originally a private mansion, and was also, incidentally, writer Honoré de Balzac's home. Guests can discover his works through the old book collections and lithographs of scenes taken from his novels present in the hotel.
Turkish bath, keep fit, beauty salon, spa, massage, sauna
golf, sports
The Hôtel de Vigny is a little Art Deco gem in a superb location between Avenue de Friedland and the Champs-Elysées. It is the kind of place you'll either love or hate!
Thankfully, the hotel benefits from a central location and renovated communal rooms.
The Royal Hôtel is a simple, modestly-sized establishment with traditional decor and enjoying a handy central location.
A colourful, original 4* hotel right by the Champs-Elysées and definitely one not to be missed, in our opinion!
This establishment feels more like a museum than a hotel, what with all its antique objects and furniture that no doubt once belonged to a château or private mansion.
The Byron is an olc, unusual hotel close to the Champs Elysées, but not its decor is not quite as poetic as its name implies. The rooms are nevertheless well-equipped and comfortable.
This is a small and intimate hotel at a short distance from the Trocadéro.
This classic establishment is a highly traditional example of the busy decor of the classic Parisian hotel and it is best-suited to those who appreciate this style of decor and this unique ambience where time seems to have stood still.
This is a hotel full of French style in which no copies or reproductions will be tolerated. The Bristol is one of the few luxury hotels in Paris that belongs to a European family (German) rather than one of the great families of Asia or the United Arab Emirates. Stylish, classy and refined, the Bristol holds great importance in the quality and authenticity of its features and materials. Its gourmet restaurant attracts a demanding clientele that is fond of excellent cuisine.
The George V is one of the most prestigious Parisian palaces in the city. You barely have to cross the threshold before realising you are entering a hotel in which luxury, perfection and indulgence are the name of the game. Boasting rooms fit for a princess, impressive lounges and a Michelin-starred restaurant, the George V ticks all the boxes when it comes to satisfying even the most demanding of guests. The interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon oversaw the complete refurbishment of the building in 1997, and has since then continued to make improvements to the decor in the 18th Century style.
The latest Parisian palace to open its doors on 1 August 2014. The French chic and sophistication goes perfectly with the Asian elegance in the magnificent building dating from 1908. This is the Peninsula Group's first hotel to open in France but also in Europe.
The latest Parisian luxury hotel, the Shangri-La will seduce a demanding clientele that will know how to appreciate the richly ornate Empire style of this particular hotel. Nothing more can be said about the lengths taken to find the materials, designs, and other accessories that contribute to recreating the atmosphere of the 19th century, while at the same time offering the comfort and modernity of the 21st century. This extremely shiny and ornate Empire style may scare away some potential guests, however, it is still a real privilege to stay in this residence previously owned by a prince, the great nephew of Napoleon.
It took five Haussmanian buildings to bring the Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme into existence, and it is the first luxury hotel in Paris to be designed in a contemporary fashion. Comfort, style and impeccable service all come together here in a younger, more modern setting.
Inaugurated on 28 February 2012, the W Paris - Opera has finally opened in the City of Light. The Starwood brand linked to fashion and trends thus has its own prestigious establishment in Paris.
Nestled in a 19th century building, the hotel is in a great location. Design and modernity, with a conceptual touch, all come together here. Its designer is in the best position to explain why, since we're not sure it's really clear otherwise, but the W Paris-Opera is centred around the theme The Spark. The establishment thus defines itself as a "spark", creating a fictitious connection between the very first W hotel in New York and its newest sibling in Paris.
At the heart of the Opera district, the W can already rely on its guests who are fans of the brand and hopes that word of mouth will make it the place to be in the area; not just for its rooms but for its restaurant and bar as well.
Confidentiality is the order of the day at this very upmarket establishment, perfect for VIPs looking for a little discretion, and private events are also held here.
The Meurice is one of Paris's best addresses. With its contemporary yet quintessentially Parisian décor realised by great names such as Stark and his daughter. The Meurice is an exclusive haunt. the hotel's main restaurant, Le Meurice, is headed by 3 Michelin star Chef Yannick Alléno which is, needless to say, one of the highlights of a stay at the hotel. In a fantastic location right opposite the Jardin des Tuileries, the rooms are tastefully decorated and the service is impeccable.