Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The building which houses the Hôtel Vernet dates back to 1913 and was built by Sélonier, one of the most active architects of the early 20th Century with over 300 buildings to his name.
Vernet - © Nicolas Lobet / Hôtel Vernet
Vernet - © Hôtel Vernet
The hotel is tucked away on a quiet, unassuming street with little traffic, between the Avenue Marceau and the Champs-Elysées. From this location, the rest of the city is accessible by the various public transport networks (metro, RER (regional express railway) and bus).
The hotel's 50 spacious and comfortable guest rooms are all decorated in the same distinctive classical style giving them a cocoon-like feel, complete with period furniture which contrasts somewhat with the leather and velvet headboard and the silver-plated crystal chandelier. Amenities in the Classic rooms include a safe, a mini-bar with a complimentary bottle of Voss water, Keiji paraben-free hospitality products, a hair-dryer, bathrobes and slippers, whilst the Deluxe rooms also have a wide walk-in wardrobe and fresh flowers in the large and impressive marble bathrooms. The suite also has a separate shower or toilet. A turndown service is provided in all guest rooms, regardless of category. Accommodation tip Request a room on the 1st floor as all the rooms on this floor still have their original parquet flooring, so you'll really feel as if you're sleeping in an authentic Parisian apartment!
This hotel is a real jewel of classicism and of the traditional hotel industry so it really does help if you're a fan of this style of decor as they certainly don't do things by halves here! Between the marble bust, large mirrors, and gilt and velvet armchairs, there are plenty of reminders that you are indeed in Paris. The approach with the decor is designed to show that this is a typically Parisian hotel with a respect for tradition and to make it stand out from the many designer hotels springing up around the city. The service, too, is second-to-none, with every new guest who makes a reservation receiving a preferences questionnaire to indicate their time of arrival, the desired temperature of their room, whether they would prefer a duvet or a bedspread, any newspapers they would like provided, etc.
Breakfast is served in the Les Elysées restaurant, which was renovated in 2007 and displays a more contemporary style than the rest of the hotel with a subtle combination of both styles. A huge glass ceiling designed by Gustave Eiffel dominates the restaurant itself, where the tables are arranged so as to offer guests a little privacy. The furniture here is modern in form and features low-key colours such as mauve, taupe and beige. Chef Gérard Barthélémy serves up a rather basic menu of traditional French cuisine prepared using fresh produce from the market, with the menu changing quite often, at least once a week, even if it's only one dish. This restaurant certainly offers a subtle luxury and is very popular among the locals as it cannot be seen from the street. The restaurant is reserved for guests staying at the hotel for dinner, making it all the more exclusive, and if they don't have too many reservations you may even get the opportunity to dine in the private lounge.
The hotel has two private areas available, namely a small, naturally-lit lounge, complete with wood panelling and parquet flooring, and a private lounge, perfect for important lunches requiring peaceful surroundings.
beauty salon, sauna, spa, massage
sports, gym, fitness, mountain bike
One of the latest additions to Parisian luxury hotels, the opening of the Fouquet's Barrière was hailed as it brandished the name of the Barrière group.
This establishment represents a new concept in the hotel industry, referred to as the ?baby palace?, in the words of the owner, who wanted to create "somewhere where every guest is immediately immersed in the cosy, intimate and elegant ambience of the place".
This conventional hotel is fairly basic and it could easily resemble a private residence. The decor should attract guests looking for a typically Parisian style of establishment.
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.
A colourful, original 4* hotel right by the Champs-Elysées and definitely one not to be missed, in our opinion!
The Balzac hotel stands imposingly between Avenue de Friedland and the Champs-Elysées. It is a little gem of a classical hotel.
The Prince de Galles is in a great location a five minute walk from the Champs Elysées. The luxury hotel is simple in its décor and lacks a little character. The hotel is ideal for guests looking to be left to themselves. The rooms are extremely comfortable and the comfortable beds 'pull' guests towards their mounds of cushions and soft linens!
The Galiléo is located in the centre but in a very quiet residential street, ideal for guests looking for a little peace and quiet. The hotel is small, basic, clean and the staff is very friendly.
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.