Paris Is Still A Good Idea

Once the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Shangri-La Paris is one of the most princely hotels in Paris. The restored palace commands transfixing views of the Eiffel Tower and River Seine, and its acclaimed Shang Palace restaurant holds a Michelin star to its name. Offering a distinct luxury, its individually designed rooms and suites dressed in Rococo colors and bathed in natural light feature a French-meets-Asian style.

Following a multi-year renovation, Hôtel de Crillon’s reopening in 2017 was one of the most anticipated in the last decade. A neoclassical building dating back to 1758, and first a hotel in 1909, this iconic property has an illustrious heritage playing host to major events of history. The grandeur is still felt today, from the gilded 18^th-century salons through to the Grand Apartments by Karl Lagerfield. It holds an unrivalled position on the Place de la Concorde, central to many of Paris’ points of interest.

From within an 18^th-century private mansion, Sofitel Paris le Fauborg was transformed into a luxury hotel embodying Paris’ fashion, art and luxury. The interiors were decorated by Didier Gomez, who gave the hotel a collection of couture-inspired rooms and suites. It also features an enviable address, placing you just steps from the Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysées and Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera brings the Sofitel brand’s signature luxury—with the help of Wilson Associates’ Atelier Tristan Auer—into the intimacy of a Hausmann residence. Just steps from the Palais Garnier, Place Vendôme and exclusive department stores, it’s an elegant reprieve amidst a bustling location. Rooms designed like Parisian apartments, and thoughtful amenities such as a café serving coffee and pastries, make this hotel a well-appointed stay.

Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris holds one of the most coveted addresses in the city, right on the Champs-Élysées, just a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe. Completely renovated, its rooms include spacious suites and small apartments decorated by Jacques Garcia in the avant-garde style. Add to that a restaurant by Pierre Gagnaire (and a hidden bar) and you have one of the most standout hotels on the iconic avenue.

Originally opened in 1910, Hotel Lutetia is the only palace hotel on the Left Bank and at the time, a daring decision of Art Deco style. Now an iconic landmark in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, the hotel is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants that include the esteemed Brasserie Lutetia, as well as a 7,500-square-foot wellness center with an indoor pool. The rooms, which include a collection of Signature Suites, are quintessentially Parisian, with some framing a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Overlooking Place des Vosges’ park green, Cour des Vosges occupies a 17th-century noble residence on the oldest square in Paris. Here, a butler hands you the keys to one of only 12 rooms and suites, where designers Yann le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto infused a contemporary design while preserving the building’s original features. The ground floor of the square is occupied by shops, including the hotel’s Tea Room, and with a location in Le Marais, you’re steps to more endless shopping.

Featuring interiors by the legendary Pierre Yves Rochon, Hotel Keppler offers a fashionable yet home-like boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. The top floor suites are reminiscent of private apartments, some with balconies looking out to the city and Eiffel Tower. It’s housed in a Haussmann building between the Champs Elysées and Avenues Montaigne and George V, making it the perfect base for travelers looking to spend time in the high fashion district.

Inspired by “pretty little narcissus” Cléo de Mérode, Belle Époque muse to artists such as Klimt, Nadar, Lautrec and Proust, Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa exudes a timeless beauty. The design is simple yet refined, extending from the classic Parisian-style rooms to the Clarins Spa and restaurant Cléo. Situated between the Pont Alexandre III bridge and Eiffel Tower, it enjoys proximity to both the city center and Paris’ most famous monument.

Overlooking the Place Vendôme, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is a marked standard of luxury in the heart of Paris. Its rooms and spa were imagined by interior designer Ed Tuttle, who married Parisian elegance with contemporary design and the building’s classic architecture. Also a gastronomic destination, the hotel names Chef Jean-François Rouquette’s Michelin Star restaurant Pur’ amongst its outstanding dining options.

With much of Europe welcoming back vaccinated visitors and a milestone birthday to celebrate, our Passport Editor slotted a long-awaited return to Paris into her plans. Arriving by high-speed train from Amsterdam for a weekend, she and her best friend stuck to the City of Light classics—bistros, bookshops, museums, a little shopping, lots of wandering and one very nice hotel.