The best neighbourhoods and hotels in Paris: Where to stay when travelling to the capital of France
Paris is not a city that can be explored in one trip. The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysees are just the beginning as France's cosmopolitan capital has so much more to offer. If you want to make good use of your time, you'll need to make a good plan of action, starting with which neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in Paris.
In fact, it is impossible to give a specific answer to the question of which Parisian neighbourhood is best for tourists as everything will depend on what sights you want to see, what kind of atmosphere you expect and what kind of vacation you prefer. Orient yourself according to your taste: some Paris neighbourhoods have more great restaurants, others are filled with interesting bars and stores, and some are better to stay in to explore historical sites.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, and you'll find something new in each one whether you're a first time visitor or an experienced one. Each of Paris' districts can be the best for your trip, and to make planning easier, use this quick guide with examples of hotels in the different districts.
8th arrondissement
This spacious Paris neighbourhood is favoured by local families thanks to convenient transportation, including a metro line that runs through the city centre, and an abundance of locations for kids, such as Parc Monceau. The boulevards and streets are comfortable for pedestrian traffic. The 8th arrondissement is one of the best places in Paris for travellers to stay if shopping and dining are at the top of their to-do list. Top attractions in the district include the Champs-Elysees, Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe, and many other places to visit in Paris.
Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
Experience French charm at this five-star hotel filled with flamboyant flair. The rooms and suites exude an austere elegance in the style of the 40s and 50s, complete with small poetic details that will appeal to fans of literature, art and avid collectors. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a Clarins spa with a 23-metre pool, an art gallery, a private cinema and a bookstore.
Hotel Plaza Elysées
The 4-star elegant boutique hotel, established in 1874, is a subtle blend of rough stone and art. The hotel completed a renovation in early 2023, adding modern amenities to the rooms. Each of its 41 rooms resembles a graceful Parisian apartment. Guest services include private airport transfers and a hearty buffet breakfast in the lounge.
10th arrondissement
For travellers who appreciate a lively atmosphere and adventure, the 10th arrondissement will be one of the most suitable areas in Paris. The Canal Saint-Martin runs through the heart of the district, along which Parisians love to picnic and visit popular cafes and bars, such as Chez Prune and Gravity Bar, creating entire crowds on the sidewalks. If that's not enough, you can reach the Marais and Bastille next door and their cafes, clubs and bars a few metro stops away.
Hotel Providence Paris
The 18 eclectic rooms in a 19th-century townhouse charm with a design that is both sophisticated and playful, with plenty of vintage patterns and modern textures. The hotel attracts lovers, admirers of beautiful interiors and travellers looking for the "real" Paris. Rooms have personalized bars with everything you need to create cocktails, and windows offer views of Parisian rooftops.
Hotel Grand Amour
This bold boutique hotel is a partner to the popular Hotel Amour in the 9th arrondissement but differs from it by combining Parisian tradition with retro chic in its room decor. White linens contrast with vintage furniture, bright colour schemes and risqué decor. The ground-floor bistro gathers the local hipster crowd, serving three types of breakfast, lunches and gourmet dinners, followed by a move to the quiet summer patio garden.
Le Citizen
The rooms at this hotel are simple and cosy, and their main attraction is the panoramic view of the historic canal from the windows. The hotel's surroundings, with their many bridges, trendy cafes and century-old chestnut trees, provide the necessary ambience for a secluded and relaxing stay. The rooms exude understated Scandinavian charm, and there is a small restaurant downstairs decorated with futuristic light fixtures.
District 6
Travellers who visit Paris for the first time are sure to include its major historical landmarks in their itinerary: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Notre Dame, and so on. If this is also your goal, the 6th arrondissement is one of the best Parisian neighbourhoods to choose for a stopover. All of them are close to the Saint Germain district, as well as some famous cafes like Flore and Les Deux Magots and boulevards with boutiques.
Relais Christine
The cosy and chic hotel has 48 rooms with the classic French elements you expect to see in the capital: four-poster beds, wood and noble finishes, antique furniture and Carrara marble bathrooms. The hotel has a charming Guerlain spa, a private garden and several meeting rooms with cosy armchairs and fireplaces.
L'Hotel
A luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of the Left Bank ideally located for exploring the culture and art of Paris. It has 20 unique bedrooms with meticulous detailing, one of which was once home to Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. With a restaurant, a bar, a steam room and an underground hammam, the hotel's facilities are as exquisite as its atmosphere.
Hotel Recamier
This six-storey hotel in one of the most secluded corners of Saint-Germain-des-Prés hides 24 rooms united by a neutral palette and a decor of live orchids and glossy photographs behind its understated facade. There's no full restaurant but there is a cosy lounge that serves a gourmet afternoon snack, and in good weather, you can enjoy drinks in the garden.
3rd arrondissement
Among all the tourist areas of Paris, nowhere is the romantic aura of the city more evident than in the picturesque cobblestone streets, historic sites and secluded lush gardens of the 3rd arrondissement. They are perfect for strolling around while visiting trendy pubs, boutiques and cool bars.
Pavillon de la Reine
With its understated yet decadent decor and beautiful views of the picturesque Place des Vosges, this hotel is perfect for families. The quiet harbour in the heart of the Marais, surrounded by shady gardens, is also one of the most popular places where travellers to Paris in search of privacy and charm like to stay .
Hotel National des Arts et Métiers
Stylish architecture and innovative design give a modern twist to the historic district. The hotel has 64 rooms, a restaurant and a cocktail bar where guests and locals alike love to spend time over drinks. The rooftop terrace offers a new angle on the Sacré-Coeur, the Pompidou Centre and Parisian rooftops.
1st arrondissement
Paris is rightly considered the fashion capital of the world. A stay in the 1st arrondissement and a stroll through Saint-Honoré will allow you to immerse yourself in it. Hermes and Goyard storefronts are replaced by equally stylish cafes and restaurants and luxury hotels. The centre of the district is home to the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden and the New Bridge. Many travellers choosing a place to stay in Paris immediately stop here as the 1st arrondissement is the heart of the city. However, it is not only the most fashionable but also one of the most expensive districts.
Hotel Costes
This luxurious designer hotel in an old 19th-century building opened in 1991 has remained a trendy spot for Parisian society ever since. The courtyard restaurant is frequented by celebrities, and the relaxed atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd, from hipsters to families with children. Rooms range from tiny hideaways to impressive suites.
Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
This elegant hotel is housed in an 18th-century building near the Palais Royal gardens. It has 59 rooms and suites decorated in bright but soft colours and thoughtful amenities. Some of them have a balcony that offers a beautiful view of the Sacré-Coeur. The Café 52 restaurant offers a selection of seasonal dishes throughout the day, which can be enjoyed on the huge terrace.
Ritz Paris
Few Parisian hotels, even the best, can surpass the luxury of the Ritz. It has 142 rooms and themed suites with exquisite 19th-century-style interiors: marble bathrooms, gilded sconces and panoramic windows recall the timeless elegance so beloved of the French. The hotel is full of places to create memorable moments, from the legendary bar to tea parties under the glass roof.
4th arrondissement
Among Paris' neighbourhoods and hotels, the 4th arrondissement is considered the most popular among the LGBTQ+ community. It is home to many rainbow-flagged clubs and bars, which is why it is also known as the gay Marais. It's worth coming here for the incredible vibrant nightlife and entertainment, and you'll find an abundance of independent specialty stores and art galleries hidden between gorgeous gardens and some of the best tourist sites.
Hôtel du Jeu de Paume
Nestled between two arms of the Seine on the site of the 17th-century royal tennis court it was named after, this 4-star hotel has 30 rooms scattered around a beautiful interior garden. It is the perfect place to stay in the historic centre of Paris for a romantic weekend, business trip or family vacation.
Villa Beaumarchais
There is a hotel with a peaceful courtyard garden on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of the Marais near the boutique-lined Boulevard Beaumarchais. Views of the garden can also be enjoyed from the elegant, classically decorated rooms. The hotel was once a hunting lodge, and this theme is still evident in its interior, with colourful frescoes and brass hunting horns on the walls.
Hôtel de JoBo
The interior of this hotel is as maximalist and colourful as can be. Every surface in it, from the bathroom walls to the furniture in the tearoom, is adorned with bold patterns and textures. It's a great option if you're looking for the best neighbourhoods and hotels in Paris for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. The hotel has a cocktail bar, and the tea room serves an express breakfast and continental buffet in addition to hot drinks.
5th arrondissement
One of the best places in Paris to stay for young travellers and those who prefer a bohemian and artistic environment. Most of the crowd here is made up of students from local universities who create an energetic atmosphere. The 5th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine is also known as the Latin Quarter: it is lively at all hours of the day and night, and young people on a budget will appreciate the excellent budget accommodation options.
Hôtel College de France
This hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter offers views of the Eiffel Tower, and many of the capital's monuments and landmarks are within walking distance. Rooms have a simple, classic décor, with large, massive windows standing out amongst them. Some rooms have private balconies.
Villa Panthéon
One of the most affordable 4-star hotels in Paris' Latin Quarter offers Scottish-style rooms. Its elegant cocktail bar is a popular meeting place for local university students. It offers a complimentary continental breakfast, a sunbathing terrace and an airport shuttle.
