4 Top Luxury Paris Hotels to Stay In!
TRAVEL COMMENT, PARIS
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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These are French people’s Paris hotels, as far as I can tell, and if you like a Marriott or other US chain instead stay there.
I don’t always stay in these kind of luxury places, I often find stars a poor guide to how nice a hotel is, and 5 stars often disappoint, especially in places like London.
Stars are not as important as the hotels’ attitude, as my many hotel horror stories will attest, but in some cities of the world the rankings of where you stay is important.
Paris is where you most definitely get what you pay for and where the ranking 4-star deluxe means something. (it’s the highest, same as 5 star). Rankings in Paris & France are government controlled.
So in Paris from time-by-time, I’ve stayed personally in the Prince De Galles on a couple of occasions, which is one of my very favorite hotels, primarily for sentimental reasons.
But here’s a list of 4 of the best Parisian hotels…
George V Four Seasons
On George V, right off the Champs Élysées.
Popular with rap/pop stars, celebrities and the like. Considered a top Deluxe hotel for Americans. Can’t afford this one.
It is slightly more modern amenities than the Prince De Galles, so if you are used to American chain hotel with luxury amenities this is number one.
Prince De Galles, Paris
My favorite, this is where I prefer to stay in Paris. Right off the Champs
Élysées, also on George V next door. (I don’t like celebrities much).
I was there when French president Sarkozy ate his election victory dinner across at Fouquet’s, which should give you an idea of the location.
The one thing I will say about Sarkozy, he walked the street like a man, even with heavy security. That’s something you do not see in the US presidency these days.
Actually I rather like the West Bank more as a location to walk around, especially Montparnasse, St Germain des Prés and the areas around the Musée d’ Orsay.
But the Prince De Galles is grand old style European luxury, many windows open, comfortable rooms.
A little run down in parts, but I call that charming, so you may want to pay more, or travel off-peak to get a larger room here. The suites are small but beautiful.
If you prefer modern with functioning heating and like amenities instead of old European luxury, many so-inclined Americans prefer the Westin Paris (former Intercontinental) which I have found more modern, still beautiful, but far less charming.
Hotel Meurice
A favourite on the Rue de Rivoli, with a great fine dining restaurant, and not far from the Musée du Louvre, the worlds finest art collection in one place.
In addition there are many great less formal restaurants within a short stroll, and much better selection of small shops, as well as great subway connections to the main La Defense line.
Whilst being Right bank, this is a short bridge walk across into the Left Bank, so is very well positioned. If you cannot afford, try the Westin Paris.
But Le Meurice is a byword for less ostentatious luxury, I have been told. A small boutique, yet establishment discreet luxury hotel. Favored by the more discreet celebrity.
The Ritz Paris
You know where this is. This is only if you can afford it.
Never been there, even in the door… because if I did I’d want the Chanel Suite, and I can’t afford it so until then… (I have seen photos… Ouch.)
Complaints in Paris
One of the top complaints US visitors have to Paris is the air conditioning / central heating. I don’t like air con, I prefer opening windows.
But if you are a modern amenities kind of person, and you expect service like that found in chain hotels, go to an American chain. Luxury in France is more old world, similar to Vienna, and some European capitals.
It’s basically a culture clash sometimes.
A tip on Paris
One tip, you should try and learn some basic French. And politely ask if the Parisian parlez-vous Anglais? before launching into English.
Most young French people speak French and English, but they may be put out if you randomly start asking questions in English just because you feel nervous.
Many French feel nervous about their English too. Your bad French is better than no French, just to get the ball rolling.
Take care,
Christopher
Speaker. Author. Editor-In-Chief. Executive Director of Innovation, 2thinknow.
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