Cover A terrace at Hotel Esprit Saint Germain
A terrace at Hotel Esprit Saint Germain
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We round up seven of the best luxury boutique hotels in Paris, which feature designs inspired by Belle Époque glamour, terraces overlooking the city's rooftops and other timeless Parisian touches
As Paris gears up for the Olympics, these seven luxury boutique hotels offer more than just a place to stay—they provide an elegant respite from the crowds, while serving as a gateway to some of the city’s most coveted sights.
Quaint, cosy and quintessentially Parisian, these intimate properties range from a restored Haussmann mansion to a seductive hotel housed in a former brothel in the Pigalle.
Whether you are visiting for the games or simply to bask in the city’s timeless allure, these hotels promise an unforgettable experience that marries luxury with the charm of the City of Lights.
Château Voltaire
If you have a penchant for vintage-inspired design, book yourself a room at Chateau Voltaire. The five-star Parisian hotel boasts edgy aesthetics that combine clean, mid-century modern lines and shapes with whispers of maximalism in the form of stained glass windows, ornamental frescoes and retro patterned carpets.
The hotel has just one suite, the Suite Voltaire, which offers a stunning view of Paris's iconic rooftops and includes a terrace designed by landscape architect Louis Benech
Château Voltaire boasts several dining options, including the L'Emil brasserie, which serves unpretentious French cuisine in a cheerful atmosphere. For drinks, La Coquille d'Or Bar is a discreet yet convivial cocktail bar that has quickly become the rendezvous spot in the Saint-Honoré quarter.
Hotel Esprit Saint Germain
This is one of Paris’ most beloved hotels. But with just 28 rooms and a prime location in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, it’s also one of the most coveted hotels in the city. Nestled in the heart of the Left Bank, Hotel Esprit Saint Germain is the place to stay if you want to bask in that timeless Parisian charm and sophistication. .
The hotel prides itself on treating its guests like family, going so far as to offer complimentary drinks at any time in the hotel’s Living Room—complete with a fireplace.
Tatler tip: Book the penthouse suite. Located on the top floor, it features the building’s original beams from the 18th century, and French doors that open to a beautiful view of the rooftops of Paris and the Saint Sulpice church.
Le Pavillon de la Reine
With a name that translates to “the queen’s pavilion”, you can rest assured that a stay at Le Pavillon de la Reine is one that’s fit for royalty. This 18th-century mansion-turned-hotel is tucked away in the historic Place des Vosges in Paris’ Marais district, where its stone walls draped in creeping vines add a touch of lush greenery to Paris’ Marais district.
The luxurious boutique hotel seamlessly blends classic French elegance—from the leafy private courtyard to the vaulted cellar where breakfast is served, and the original fireplace in the lobby— with modern comforts.
Tatler Tip: Be sure to visit Spa de la Reine, which has a hammam and offers indulgent face and body treatments using products by Parisian skincare brand, Codage.
La Réserve Paris
Located near the Champs-Élysées, La Réserve Paris is an intimate escape in the heart of the City of Lights. Just look for the big red door.
Inside, signatures of Parisian designer Jacques Garcia evoke Belle Époque glamour: think Versailles parquet, fine antiques, silk wallpaper, Carrara marble bathrooms and plenty of taffeta and velvet. We particularly love the private balconies overlooking the city.
La Réserve Paris is also home to Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gabriel, which serves hyper-seasonal modern French cuisine. To unwind, head to the elegant library and smoking lounge, or do a few laps in the stylish indoor pool flanked with ruby-red sun beds.
Fun fact: This Haussmann mansion was originally built for Napoleon III’s half-brother, Duc de Morny.
Maison Souquet
This might be Paris’ sexiest hotel. After all, it is housed in a former brothel in the Pigalle. Built for privacy and intimacy, its 20 rooms and suites are named after famous courtesans in Parisian history, and feature seductive details like stuffed headboards, fabric-covered walls, dim lighting and velvet armchairs.
A hidden spa, complete with a pool and hammam, is described by the hotel as “a sensory journey marked by pleasure and softness, for the utmost delight of the body and mind.”
Its bar, with its rich décor that reflects the orientalism that was in vogue in Paris in the 19th century, is perfect for enjoying a cocktail or three.
Hôtel San Régis
Hidden on a quiet street near the Champs-Élysées, Hôtel San Régis is a breezy Parisian stroll from the city’s most coveted landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe and shopping on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,
The hotel is a family-owned gem designed by celebrated interior designer Pierre Yves-Rochon, who has designed some of the world’s most beautiful hotels including The Dorchester in London and The Peninsula Shanghai. Inside its neoclassical façade, Hôtel San Régis’ interior combines timeless elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere with luxurious fabrics and period furniture.
Tatler tip: Don’t skip the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Les Confidences, which serves refined French cuisine in a glass-roofed conservatory inspired by the cosy winter gardens of Paris.
Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa
Located in the 7th arrondissement, Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa epitomises Parisian luxury with a contemporary twist. Inspired by the muse of Belle Époque Paris, ballerina Cléo de Mérode, the hotel features elegant, light-filled spaces dressed in white wood with hints of gold, and soft furnishings in warm, neutral tones.
The hotel spa is a haven that includes an indoor pool, sauna, and a small but well curated selection of five-star treatments. The on-site restaurant, Cléo, offers exquisite French cuisine in an intimate setting.
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Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
