Where To Stay In Paris

Whether you’re visiting with a partner, solo or with friends, Paris is a city that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world, meaning choosing where to stay in Paris can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the visit. France’s capital is home to over two million people and offers a range of hotels and apartments to choose from for all budgets. 

Of course, everyone thinks about the Eiffel Tower but there is so much more, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and a plethora of museums and art galleries. Cafe culture is a way of life in Paris, and you can easily spend a couple of hours over a coffee or glass of wine. French cuisine is world-famous and many restaurants in Paris have Michelin stars. However, there are also brasseries offering delicious but more reasonably priced food.

Because of the eclectic mix of nationalities, there are other cuisines on offer, such as North African and Indian. Vegan food was difficult to get hold of in restaurants even twenty years ago. However, veganism is now on the rise and vegans won’t feel left out when dining out.

Paris is also home to high-end shopping and an eclectic fashion scene. The best shopping is to be found on the Avenue des Champ-Elysees. Paris is a large city so if you have decided to visit, you may not be sure where to stay. All districts of Paris have something going for them, so it all depends on what you are looking for. I have chosen five areas that will offer you different experiences, and three hotels in each district to suit all budgets.

Where To Stay In Paris

1st Arrondissement

We have to start with the 1st arrondissement as it is the heart of the city, set on the Right Bank of the River Seine.

Despite it being the smallest district, it contains a plethora of attractions such as the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, the Palais Royal, and the Place Vendome.

It takes in the western part of the Ile de la Cite, which is the largest of Paris’s two inhabited islands and houses the stained-glass chapel, Sainte-Chapelle.

Where To Stay In The 1st Arrondissement

Luxury – Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection

This is a magnificent palace hotel, decorated in the style of the 18th century, but with the convenience of modern comforts.

In the front of the hotel, is the beautiful Tuileries Garden, to the left is the Louvre, and to the right, is the Place de la Concorde.

The rooms and suites are luxurious, and all have air conditioning, soundproofing, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and a TV.

There is even a penthouse suite with a terrace.

Breakfast is served in the Le Dali Restaurant and there’s a variety of options, including vegetarian, full English and American.

You can even have caviar blinis and the restaurant stays open all day offering meals, snacks, and drinks.

The other restaurant is the 2 Michelin star restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse which is located in the grand dining area.

The decor is reminiscent of the Salon de la Paix of the Château de Versailles.

The hotel has a bar, Bar 228, which offers a choice of over 300 drinks, including hand-crafted cocktails.

There is also a spa and a wellness centre offering massage treatments.

Mid – Range – Hotel Ducs De Bourgogne

The Hotel Ducs De Bourgogne is only a five-minute walk away from the Louvre.

It is also just 300 metres (984 feet) from the metro station which will take you directly to the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.

The rooms in the hotel are sophisticated and are decorated in a Louis Philippe style decor, giving you a sense of the history of France.

They are all air-conditioned and have heating for the winter months.

There is a TV, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and a work area with a desk.

A buffet breakfast is available in the hotel’s renovated cellar and there is room service for drinks and snacks.

There is a 24-hour desk and a concierge service.

Free newspapers in different languages are available in the lobby every day.

There is also a laundry service.

Mid-range – Normandy Le Chantier

The Normandy Le Chantier Is just a 5-minute walk from the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden and is only 240 metres (787 feet) from a metro station and quick access to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees Avenue.

The rooms have recently been renovated and have free Wi-Fi, a TV, and double-glazed windows.

They all have a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower and hairdryer.

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel as well as other meals as there are two restaurants, the El Vecino with authentic Mexican dishes, and the creperie, Buckwheat.

There is also a bar designed like a speakeasy.

Budget – Vendome – Saint Honore

There isn’t a lot of budget accommodation in the 1st Arrondissement, but this apartment is lovely and very reasonably priced.

It is in a prime position with the Louvre being only 1.1 km (0.68 miles) away, well within walking distance.

The Opera Garnier is less than 1 km (0.62 miles) away. The nearest airport is Paris – Orly which is 17 km (10.56 miles) away.

The apartment is on the third floor of a building surrounded by boutique shops on the Rue Saint-Honore, a lovely place for a bit of retail therapy.

The apartment has one double bedroom and an extra bed for one person. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and a bathroom.

You will love the area as it is very chic and close to the famous hotel, Le Maurice which has a sophisticated bar and live jazz music.

It is also close to the Garden Tuilleries which is a public park where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can easily walk to the Eiffel Tower from the hotel.

9th Arrondissement

I have chosen this arrondissement for those who enjoy ballet and opera, as well as shopping.

It is also not too far from the 1st arrondissement which can easily be reached by metro in a quarter of an hour.

Here you will find the Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera, the Follies Bergere, the Olympia Theatre and Concert Hall, and the Theatre de Paris.

The 9th arrondissement is well known for two department stores, Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps department store.

In these stores, you can shop ‘til you drop or, perhaps just do a little window shopping.

There are museums in the area, including the Musee du Parfum Fragonard (Perfume Museum) and the Musee Grevin (the Wax Museum).

There are a couple of churches that should be visited for their classical architecture, Saint-Louis d’Antin and Notre Dame de Lorette, not to be confused with the famous Notre Dame in the 1st arrondissement.

Where To Stay In The 9th Arrondissement

Luxury – Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, An IHG Hotel

This 5-star hotel is decorated in a beautiful 2nd Empire style mixed with modern touches.

It is only a 5-minute walk to the Galeries Lafayette so you can shop to your heart’s content.

Just 1 km (0.62 miles) away is the Avenue des Champs-Elysees where there are many high-end shops, cafes, and restaurants.

It is certainly within walking distance.

The hotel is also only 30 metres (98 feet) from the metro station if you want to venture further afield.

The rooms in the hotel have a private bathroom, satellite and cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, and room service.

Some rooms have a lovely view of the Palais Garnier and most packages include breakfast, but you can have breakfast as an optional extra if you want to decide on a day-to-day basis.

It is served in the Restaurant La Verrier. There is another restaurant for lunch and dinner that serves traditional cuisine with a seasonal touch. The hotel also has a bar, fitness centre, and sauna.

Mid – Range – Hotel Dress Code

The Hotel Dress Code is just a 3-minute walk from the Opera Garnier.

The Comedie Caumartin Theatre is just 2 minutes walk away but you would need some knowledge of French to see a show there.

The rooms at this hotel have everything you need.

They all have a private bathroom with free toiletries, air conditioning, a TV with satellite channels, a desk, and a tea/coffee maker.

Room service is also on offer.

You can get a delicious breakfast here at extra charge which means that you can be flexible in the mornings.

The hotel also has a bar, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.
The spa and wellness centre come with an indoor pool and sauna but you have to pay extra to use the spa and wellness centre.

Budget – Libertel Montmartre Opera

This hotel is in an ideal position.

It is only 300 metres (984 feet) from the Moulin Rouge so if you want to see a cabaret you won’t have far to walk.

The Palais Garnier is a bit further but still within walking distance.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk there.

It takes 15 minutes to walk to the famous Basilica, the Sacre-Coeur.

If you want to go further afield, the metro is just 5 minutes walk away.

The rooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a bottle of water.

At extra cost, you can get a buffet breakfast which includes the French favourite, the croissant, fruit, and cheese.

There is a vending machine offering drinks in the reception area.

Budget – Hotel Aida Opera

8th Arrondissement

If you are interested in visiting museums, this arrondissement is perfect for you.

Here you will find the Musee Nissim de Camondo (the Museum of French Decorative Arts), the Musee Cernuschi (The Museum of Asian Art), the Musee des Beaux-Arts (the Museum of Fine Arts), the Grand Palais, and the Palais de la Decouverte (The Science Museum).

This arrondissement is also home to the Place de Concorde, a magnificent square covering 21 acres.

It has beautiful fountains, statues, and an Egyptian obelisk, and is where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed so there is plenty of history behind it.

The square is linked to the Arc de Triomphe by the Avenue des Champs Elysees where you can find high-end shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Where To Stay In The 9th Arrondissement

Luxury – Villa Marquis Member Of Melia Collection

This hotel is in a perfect position, located by the River Seine between the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower.

It is about 4 km (2.48 miles) from here to the Eiffel Tower which is over the river on the Left Bank.

You can get the bus to the Eiffel Tower, and it only takes around 10 minutes.

The Alma Marceau metro station is just 200 metres (656 feet) away, providing easy access to many of the sights in Paris.

The rooms in the hotel are large and have air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi and bathrooms come with free toiletries and a hairdryer, and a tea/coffee maker.

The hotel offers breakfast, and this can be included in your package, or you can pay for it separately.

Room service is available for drinks and snacks and there is a bar.

The Villa Marquis has a gym and a laundry and dry-cleaning service.

Mid-Range – Holiday Inn Paris Elysees – An IHG Hotel

The Holiday Inn Paris Elysees is another hotel that is in a prime position, especially if you want to shop.

It is 600 metres (1968 feet) from the Champs Elysees and 1 km (0.62 feet) from Galeries Lafayette.

It is also just 50 metres (164 feet) from a metro station if you want to go further afield.

The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, a 24-hour front desk, a working area with a computer, and a lounge area.

There is a bar that is open around the clock and a buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room.

On offer is a hot or cold breakfast or a mixture of both.

Every day, from 11 a.m.

until 3 p.m., a delicious afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the lounge, composed of hot drinks, pastries, and cakes.

The rooms are contemporary and have air conditioning, a mini bar, a TV with cable and satellite channels, and a pillow menu.

Budget – Hotel Cervantes By Happy Culture

The rooms in this budget hotel are modern and offer all you need for a perfect stay; a private bathroom, a TV, and a tea/coffee maker.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and a lounge area where you can read newspapers and make use of the Nespresso machine.

You can make use of the lounge area in any of the Happy Culture hotels throughout the city.

You are just 180 metres (590 feet) from a metro station and it’s a 5-minute walk to the Saint-Lazare train station.

It takes around 20 minutes to get to the Eiffel Tower on the metro.

15th Arrondissement

The 15th Arrondissement is often overlooked by travellers, but I have chosen it because it will show you the real Paris.

It is where 10% of Parisians live so here you will find wonderful boulangeries, Michelin-star restaurants, and markets which open early in the morning.

However, it also has some must-see attractions like the Tour Montparnasse skyscraper which you should climb for great views.

The enormous Parc Andre Citroen which is close to the Seine has some interesting greenhouses and a tethered hot air balloon that takes up to 30 passengers and can rise to 300 metres (984 feet).

It gives you the second-highest viewpoint in Paris after the Eiffel Tower.

When it comes to the Eiffel Tower, you get the best views of it from this arrondissement.

In addition, the Eiffel Tower is very close so it will be easy for you to go and visit it and get some great views.

Don’t forget your camera. One of the islands on the Seine is here, the Ile aux Cygnes, which is a lovely quiet place to walk or relax.

Shopaholics will be in their element in the 15th arrondissement as the Beaugrenelle Shopping Centre can be found here.

It has 120 shops, restaurants, cafes and along the Rue du Commerce, you will find speciality food shops.

Where To Stay In The 15th Arrondissement

Midrange – Esteem Tour Eiffel

This hotel is aptly named as it’s a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.

It is also just 5 minutes away from the metro which makes it easy for you to explore the rest of the city.

It is also close to top-quality restaurants and shops.

Rooms are individually decorated and have a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV with satellite channels, a desk, and a tea/coffee maker.

The breakfast room serves fresh croissants every morning as well as a buffet breakfast which can be included in your package if you wish.

You can relax in the lounge with a newspaper and from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., you can enjoy a menu of hot drinks, soft drinks, Oe wines which are vegan, organic and pesticide-free, cocktails, and snacks.

Mid-Range – Hotel Le Marquis By Inwood Hotels

This is another hotel that is close to the Eiffel Tower.

It will only take around 5 minutes to walk there.

It is also just a 10-minute walk to the Trocadero Gardens.

The rooms are beautiful, and all have a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.

There is also free Wi-Fi, a TV with satellite channels, and room service.

Guests can choose from a buffet breakfast or a continental breakfast, served on the terrace.

You can also take advantage of the library and a lounge area.

The hotel is very helpful in that it will give you advice about restaurants and shows and will book them for you.

Mid-Range – Hotels Paris Porte De Versailles

This budget hotel offers you a lovely room with air conditioning, heating, a TV with satellite channels, a Nespresso machine, an iPod deck, and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

You can choose whether or not to have a buffet breakfast included in your package.

In the lounge, you can help yourself to soft drinks free of charge.

In the evening, an appetiser buffet is on offer which gives you antipasti, dips, fresh vegetables, and seasonal products.

You can accompany this with local wines and beers.

There is a fitness centre and a sauna in the hotel.

For budget choices, look for studios and apartments, such as Studio agréable proche Tour Eiffel.

10th Arrondissement

I have chosen this arrondissement because it is an eclectic mix of cultures, with people from all over the world mixing.

You will find foreign restaurants, such as Indian, Turkish, and Moroccan, as well as Bohemian cafes.

The streets close to the Place de la Republique have trendy bars and restaurants and the Marche Saint-Martin offers delicious gourmet street food.

Here you will find the best boutique shops in the capital, as well as theatres and cinemas and music venues.

You can take the metro or the bus to the main attractions, but I assure you that you will want to spend time in the 10th arrondissement.

Where To Stay In The 10th Arrondissement

Luxury – Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel & Spa

This hotel oozes luxury and is a five-minute walk away from the Place de la Republique.

It has a restaurant, bar, spa and the Martin restaurant serves breakfast daily and brunch on Sundays. Children 12 and under eat for free.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and the Martin Bar serves signature cocktails.

The spa, Sothy’s, offers spa treatments, a hammam, a sauna, and a hot tub. Booking in advance is required.

The rooms are chic and have air conditioning, a private bathroom with a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, and scales, a safety deposit box, a tea/coffee maker, room service, free Wi-Fi, and a safety deposit box.

The hotel is just 1.5 km (0.93 miles) from the Pompidou Centre and 2.8 km (1.73 miles) from the Louvre.

Some rooms in the hotel offer vintage bicycles so you can explore the sights by bike.

Midrange – Hotel Amoi Paris

The Hotel Amoi Paris has been commended for its customer service.

The staff go to great lengths to ensure that your stay is perfect.

The guest rooms all have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, a safety deposit box, a desk, and a tea/coffee maker.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and room service.

A continental breakfast is on offer which can be included in your package.

If you prefer to explore the area and try different restaurants for breakfast, you also have that option.

There is a snack bar that is open all day and you can get a drink here as well.

The hotel has a spa and wellness centre and a 24-hour front desk.

Midrange – Hotel Les Deux Gares

As the name suggests, this hotel is near two stations.

The Gare de L’Est is 300 metres (984 feet) away and the Gare du Nord is 500 metres (1,640 feet) away from the hotel.

The hotel has a fitness centre, sauna, free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and a restaurant.

The rooms are fully equipped and have a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and slippers, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, and a safety deposit box.

A buffet or continental breakfast is offered at an extra charge.

Mid-range – Hotel Magenta 38 By Happy Culture

You will only be 200 metres (656 Feet) from the metro station which will take you to major landmarks.

The rooms are soundproofed, air-conditioned, and have a private bathroom, a minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

A breakfast buffet is available at an extra cost but there are many restaurants and cafes close by if you want to try somewhere different every day.

Budget – Hôtel Léna

This hotel is in a prime position as it has four metro stations close by so that you can easily get to the attractions you want to see.

It is also only 200 metres (656 feet) from the station, Gare du Nord.

For a budget hotel, the hotel provides excellent rooms They are soundproofed, have air conditioning, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a tea/coffee maker.

A continental breakfast is on offer and there is a bar where you can wind down after a busy day’s sightseeing.