Hotels in Paris with Character

We are often asked for Parisian addresses with at least a whiff of genuine, Gallic charm and character — for hotels with Paris charm, or hotels in Paris with character. Sadly our gurus report that such hotels are a dying breed, with some of their favourites now too elderly to recommend whole-heartedly. And while Paris retains its character as France retains its language, you can still see global brands creeping into the small crooked, medieval lanes of Le Marais and the raked streets of Montmartre. But while our gurus can't plot a guide for you through Paris avoiding sight of all Starbucks, they can still recommend some great hotels with Paris charm in their list of hotels in Paris with character.

For the charm

Parisian charm at its most authentic, L'Hôtel was once Oscar Wilde's bolthole in Paris. Louche and decadent in the 60s and 70s, L'Hotel has been flamboyantly re-imagined by Jacques Garcia, and its opulence has been gloriously restored. Think jewel-box rooms and themed suites — if you can bear the tristesse you can sleep in the room in which Oscar Wilde expired beyond his means — and a candlelit plunge pool.
Hotel d'Aubusson predates Wilde's Paris, to the 17th Century and it offers exposed beams, huge double doors and grand proportions. Arranged around a large courtyard, this honey coloured townhouse is romantic, atmospheric and close to the river. And it's been attracting the literati and glitterati since 1690.

For a boutique

Hotel Therese is a wonderfully restored 18th-century building, smack bang in the centre of Paris. Small but achingly chic suites are decorated with great attention to detail in a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. A romantic boutique.
Caron de Beaumarchais is a boutique hideaway set in the historic Marais district. The lobby feels like stepping into an 18th-century French drawing-room, with intricate objets d'art and floral motifs. Heritage suites have exposed beams and period artwork, while romantic gable rooms offer views over the rooftops.
Le Petit Moulin is a fabulous, vibrant and unique 4* boutique designed by Christian Lacroix. Each stylish and comfortable room exudes its own unique charm. Enjoy a super-chic stay at the heart of the Marais. Parisian chic at its best.
La Maison Favart is a chic city bolt-hole boasting 18th-century-style suites, five minutes from the Opéra Garnier. Bold prints reign in the guestrooms, dressed in a rich, regal palette. Complete with a spa, this is an indulgent choice.
Hôtel Providence is located in Paris's trendy 10th Arrondissement district and is the epitome of Paris chic. A boutique choice with just 18 rooms (and one glorious Penthouse Suite). Set in a townhouse, you can expect classic high ceilings and large sash windows while rooms have a wonderful collection of antiques and are decorated in dark brooding hues.

For Left Bank

For hotels with Paris charm and a private house feel you can't do much better than the Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon in St. Germain. Plush, romantic, traditional, elegant and intimate are all good ways to describe this hotel — think overstuffed furniture and cleverly conceived paint effects, TVs only on request and room service instead of a mini-bar.
Le Bellechasse is a flamboyant Left Bank hotel that puts aesthetics before all. Enjoy the riot of colour, patterns, and frescos in this remarkable Christian Lacroix-designed property. Fun and frivolous.

For luxury

Hotel San Régis, just off the Champs Elysees is another fine example, with a neoclassical facade and more wondrously decorative wall paper. The San Regis has an elegant country house feel in the heart of haute couture. Its popularity with fashionistas proves that traditional elegance and character are always en vogue.
The Hotel Bourg Tibourg in Le Marais, has taken luxury in a different direction again, this time the compact townhouse has been transformed into a Moorish palace.

For the location

Having a charming location counts, as Hotel de Saint-Grégoire, a warmly decorated 18th Century townhouse just minutes from the Luxembourg Gardens knows. Family run, this is a cosy, personalised place where you feel every care has been taken to make this hotel as lovely as possible.
The Hotel Brighton, which overlooks the Tuileries and is about two minutes stroll from both the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay, has the same view as the famous Hotel Le Meurice, but at a fraction of the price. Yet it's got a a quiet, B&B charm.
Behind Sacre Coeur, Le Relais Montmartre is one of several hotels with Paris charm in village-y Montmartre. Here chintz and dainty period furniture welcome you in to the intimate feeling hotel. A good one for romantics as well as people who want a base in Montmatre.
Between the Louvre and Notre Dame, Le Relais du Louvre is squeezed into an old house right on the river, with some windows within touching distance of the pinnacles of St Germain-l'Auxerrois. The rooms aren't large, but the family suite is very comfortable, and Le Relais du Louvre is one of the best value hotels with Paris charm.
Hotel Mansart is another great value option in a fantastic location. This time you're on place Vendome, and can expect individually decorated, unfussy rooms with a lovely collection of antiques.
Hotel Le Sainte-Beuve is a luxury boutique set five minutes from upmarket Saint Germain and the artistic hub of Montparnasse. Traditional interiors mirror the cultural richness and bohemian spirit of Paris. A unique and elegant choice.

For the view

If your idea of Parisian perfection includes the best view in Paris, then the very best view our gurus know about is from the terrace of the Belle Etoile suite at the Hotel Le Meurice.
Overlooking Paris' stunning Pantheon, Les Dames du Pantheon is a chic little boutique. Stylishly decorated rooms have hip clashing patterns and modern artwork. Pick a room with a balcony to best enjoy the views.

Still not sure where to book?

Check out our Guru's list of Paris Budget Charm or Chic Paris Hotels.
Browse through our complete list of the best hotels in Paris.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

20 Hotels in Paris with Character

L'Hôtel, Paris

Paris (St-Germain-des-Prés)

Iconic, small, five star hotel where Oscar Wilde once lived on the Left Bank. Flamboyant interiors by Jacques Garcia, and the popular Le Bar. Comfortable and romantic rooms are dark and intimate — the perfect luxurious bolthole in the heart of Paris.

Sights nearby - Just across the river from the Louvre.
5* Luxury - The smallest 5* hotel in Paris.
Swimming Pool - Small plunge pool.
Designer

from $421 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

20 Hotels in Paris with Character

For the charm

For a boutique

For Left Bank

For luxury

For the location

For the view

Still not sure where to book?

20 Hotels in Paris with Character

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