MARCO POLO Paris

In addition to the globally recognised hotel palaces such as the Crillon, the Ritz or the Plaza Athénée which are synonymous with luxury and sophistication, there are also real jewels among the more reasonable, modest establishments; you just have to know where to find them. Many offer authentic charm, an informal atmosphere and are lovingly maintained. These addresses, as well as certain luxury hotels, are booked up quickly from April to July, as well as in September and October. It is advisable to reserve your hotel of choice well in advance. If you’re pressed for time, the Office du Tourisme (see p. 100) can lend a hand. Hotel reservations can also be made at: www.paris-ile-de-france.com

The hotel category (one to four stars) is shown on hotel signs. Note, however, there are also hotels that are not classified, and the number of stars is not always indicative of the amenities provided.

Most places demand written confirmation by e-mail, fax, letter or a voucher. A credit card number or a deposit is also often required. Cancellations must be made in writing. Rates tend to vary according to the season and, as a rule, room prices quoted in brochures and price lists apply to a double room without breakfast. In Paris, a nominal visitor’s tax is charged. To avoid misunderstandings, check the price list beforehand which has to be clearly displayed at the hotel entrance.

	L’Hôtel
	This jewel offers the most exclusive rooms and a pool in a vaulted basement

HOTELS: EXPENSIVE

FOUR SEASONS GEORGE V

After extensive restorations in the 18th-century style, this prestigious address is more radiant than ever with its generously sized, luxurious rooms and Le Cinq, Philippe Legendre’s two-star restaurant. 184 rooms, 61 suites | 31, av. George V | 8th arr. | tel. 01 49 52 70 00 | M 1: George V | www.fourseasons.com

L’HÔTEL

Highly distinguished but nevertheless quite intimate, and more beautiful than ever following its tasteful refurbishment by the famous designer Jacques Garcia. Even the renowned writer Oscar Wilde, who died here in 1900 in suite no. 13, appreciated the hotel’s comfort. Unique round atrium. Large rooms in the Baroque, Empire, Art Deco or Japanese style. The vaulted basement has a swimming pool and hamam reminiscent of a Roman spa. Incredible Michelin-star restaurant (Le Bélier). Take advantage of an all-inclusive package which offers an aromatic massage and a visit to the spa before enjoying a regal lunch for 130 euros. 16 rooms, 4 suites. | 13, rue des Beaux Arts | 6th arr. | tel. 01 44 41 99 00 | M 4: Saint-Germain-des-Prés | www.l-hotel.com

K+K HOTEL CAYRÉ

This boutique hotel combines exceptional comfort and modern design. The chain which has established hotels in various European cities maintains an excellent standard at attractive prices. In Paris, the hotel is optimally located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 125 rooms and suites | 4, bd. Raspail | 7th arr. | tel. 01 45 44 38 88 | M 12: Rue du Bac | www.kkhotels.com/cayre

MURANO

PAVILLON DE LA REINE

You’ll feel very regal in the former royal square, the Place des Vosges, especially after leaving the hectic Marais district behind you beyond the arcades and enter this oasis of calm, complete with a lush courtyard. The newly constructed spa is pure relaxation after a shopping spree. 41 rooms, 16 suites | 28, pl. des Vosges | 3th arr. | tel. 01 40 29 19 19 | M 1, 5, 8: Bastille | www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com

VILLA ALESSANDRA

Four-star hotel with a meticulously maintained and yet warm Southern French atmosphere. Dainty wrought iron combined with sunny colours create idyllic, relaxing surroundings. Keep an eye out for the very interesting special offers! 49 rooms | 9, pl. Boulnois | 17th arr. | tel. 01 56 33 24 24 | M 2: Ternes | www.villa-alessandra.com

Fouquet’s Barrière

Street Atlas [138 A3] | Google Map

No expense has been spared since this first luxury hotel in Paris was built in 1928. Black marble from China and white marble from Carrara, the finest materials, suites as large as 1700 ft2 as well as a huge spa area. Directly on the Champs-Elysées. From 710 euros. 107 rooms and suites | 47, av. George V | 8th arr. | tel. 01 40 69 60 00 | M 1: George V | www.fouquets-barriere.com

Plaza Athénée

Street Atlas [137 D3] | Google Map

The epitome of a Parisian palais hotel situated on the same street as the great fashion designers. Gorgeous courtyard (restaurant), beautiful rooms in the classical and Art Deco styles. This is where the glitterati stay in Paris. The hotel is also home to Alain Ducasse’s three-star restaurant and a very trendy bar. From 740 euros. 143 rooms, 45 suites | 25, av. Montaigne | 8th arr. | tel. 01 53 67 66 65 | M 1, 9: Franklin D. Roosevelt | www.plaza-athenee-paris.com

Ritz

Street Atlas [138 B3] | Google Map

Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel loved this elegant hotel on this opulent jewellers’ square. Famous bar and a beautiful courtyard. Incredibly exquisitely furnished rooms as well as a superior fitness and massage studio with a large pool. From 770 euros. 107 rooms, 55 suites | 15, pl. Vendome | 1st arr. | tel. 01 43 16 30 30 | M 1: Tuileries | www.ritzparis.com

Shangri-La

Street Atlas [136 B3] | Google Map

The hotel chain from Hong Kong has established an inimitable five-star hotel in Europe for the first time, which boasts a prime location in Paris. Half of the rooms in this palatial hotel have a breathtaking view of the nearby Eiffel Tower. From 750 euros. 80 rooms and suites | 10, av d’Iéna | 16th arr. | tel. 01 53 67 19 98 | M 9: Iéna | www.shangri-la.com

HOTELS: MODERATE

HÔTEL DES ARTS

HÔTEL ARVOR SAINT GEORGES

Well maintained, newly renovated hotel in a quiet neighbourhood. Modern design. Not far from the Gare du Nord, Montmartre and major department stores. 31 rooms, 5 suites | 8, rue Laferrière | 9th arr. | tel. 01 48 78 60 92 | M 12: Saint-Georges | www.arvor-hotel-paris.com

HÔTEL DE L’AVRE

This small hotel near the École Militaire is full of charm. The pastel-coloured rooms – in blue, green or yellow – have all been designed with the utmost care. In summer you can have breakfast in a shaded courtyard with a pretty garden. 26 rooms | 21, rue de l’Avre | 15th arr. | tel. 01 45 75 31 03 | M 6, 8, 10: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle | www.hoteldelavre.com

HÔTEL CHOPIN

HÔTEL DU COLLÈGE DE FRANCE

An absolute highlight. Who would expect a country house with park-like grounds only a stone’s throw from the vibrant Rue Mouffetard and Panthéon? The accommodation is in three small buildings, with each room being decorated with period furniture. Most rooms have a view of the garden where you can enjoy breakfast in this peaceful setting. 51 rooms | 75, rue du Cardinal Lemoine | 5th arr. | tel. 01 43 26 79 23 | M 10: Cardinal Lemoine | www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com

HÔTEL LANGLOIS

A real gem. The elegant entrance hall decorated with marble and wood does not promise too much, but has a lot to offer. The 24 rooms and three suites are individually furnished with original Art Deco and Art Nouveau furniture. Stellar view of the Sacré-Cœur. Fireplace in each room. 63, rue Saint-Lazare | 9th arr. | tel. 01 48 74 78 24 | M 12: Trinité d’Estienne d’Orves | www.hotel-langlois.com

HÔTEL MOLIÈRE

This enchanting hotel is located on the street where the great playwright was born in 1622 and is only steps away from the Palais Royal. It is no surprise that the hotel exudes Old French elegance. 32 rooms | 21, rue Molière | 1st arr. | tel. 01 42 96 22 01 | M 1: Palais Royal- Musée du Louvre | www.hotel-moliere.fr

LE RELAIS DU MARAIS

A two-star hotel with elegant furnishings in the middle of Marais. Close to the best places for shopping. Unusually large breakfast buffet. 36 rooms | 76, rue Turbigo | 3rd arr. | tel. 01 42 72 78 88 | M 3, 11: Arts et Métiers | www.hotel-paris-relaisdumarais.com

HÔTEL SAINT-CHARLES

A recently renovated, very attractive designer hotel in the heart of the lively nightlife district Butte-aux-Cailles. Pleasantly calm despite its location and with a nice atmosphere. 60 rooms | 6, rue de l’Espérance | 13th arr. | tel. 01 45 89 56 54 | M 6: Corvisart, M 5, 6, 7: Place d’Italie | www.hotel-saint-charles.com

HÔTEL SAINT-MERRY

Unconventional hotel that was once a part of a Gothic chapel and appropriately furnished. Its location between Les Halles and Marais is ideal for tourists. 11 rooms (10 with bath/WC) | 78, rue de la Verrerie | 4th arr. | tel. 01 42 78 14 15 | M 1: Hôtel de Ville | www.hotelsaintmerryparis.com

HOTELS: BUDGET

HÔTEL DES ARTS-MONTMARTRE

Renoir painted his famous painting, ‘Moulin de la Galette’, only a few feet from here. The hotel is located on a quiet lane that winds up Montmartre. The 50 rooms are tastefully furnished. Surprisingly affordable for a three-star hotel. 78, rue Tholozé | 18th arr. | tel. 01 46 06 30 52 | M 2: Blanche | www.arts-hotel-paris.com

HÔTEL BELLEVUE CHARIOT D’OR

Lobby and breakfast room have a glorious Belle-Époque feel. The rooms, by contrast, are simple yet clean and offer great value for money by Parisian standards, considering the hotel’s optimum location in the spirited Marais district with its assortment of bars and boutiques. 59 rooms | 39, rue Turbigo | 3rd arr. | tel. 01 48 87 45 60 | M 4: Réaumur-Sébastopol | www.hotelbellevue75.com

A real treasure. A small Chinese junk in a lovely garden at the centre of Paris with individually furnished rooms in African or Asian style. Quiet, but centrally located at the foot of Montmartre. Great wine bar and restaurant with a summer terrace, cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. 39 rooms | 18, rue des Dames | 17th arr. | tel. 01 45 22 35 21 | M 2, 13: Place de Clichy | www.eldoradohotel.fr

HÔTEL HENRI IV

HÔTEL JARDIN DE VILLIERS

Pleasant small hotel with – as its name suggests – an attractive garden where you can enjoy breakfast. On rainy days the vaulted cellar provides a suitable alternative for a perfect start. Not far from the main attractions. Though the narrow corridors seem rather austere, the rooms are quite modern and tastefully furnished. 26 rooms | 18, rue Claude Poulillet | 17th arr. | tel. 01 42 67 15 60 | M 2, 3: Villiers | www.jardindevilliers.com

HÔTEL DE NESLE

You’ll be transported into another world as soon as you see the entrance hall with its ceiling of dried flowers. The unconventional owner allocates guests the romantically furnished rooms at whim. Every room is unique and has a different theme, heavily inspired by Molière’s plays. Some do not have their own bath/WC. There is even a Moroccan room

NOUVEL HÔTEL

Very lovingly furnished, very quiet and sparklingly clean rooms with Laura Ashley décor. Each room has a refurbished bathroom and a TV. Informal atmosphere. The small Provence-inspired courtyard and beautiful, luxuriant garden of wild vines and bamboo is the ideal spot for breakfast or simply as a place to relax. Room 109 with its direct access to the garden is extremely popular. Rooms with four beds are also available. 28 rooms | 24, av. du Bel-Air | 12th arr. | tel. 01 43 43 01 81 | M 1, 2, 6, 9/RER A: Nation | www.nouvel-hotel-paris.com

Cutting-edge design hotel for young people on a budget. Great location for exploring Paris. A Vélib centre is right in front of the entrance. Five minutes from Rue Mouffetard. 30 double and shared rooms | 50, av. des Gobelins | 13th arr. | tel. 01 47 07 47 00 | M 7: Les Gobelins | www.oops-paris.com

HÔTEL PRATIC

HÔTEL DU PRINTEMPS

SOLAR HÔTEL

The first hotel in Paris to call itself ecological that not only publicly divulges how much energy it uses, but also endeavours to reduce this figure. Breakfast is 100% organic. Nobody will mind if you bring your own food for a breakfast in the garden. Logically, there are also bicycles at your disposal for exploring the city. 24 rooms | 22, rue Boulard | 14th arr. | tel. 01 43 21 08 20 | M 6/RER B: Denfert-Rochereau | www.solarhotel.fr

HOTEL RENTAL AGENCIES

OFFICE DU TOURISME

The tourist office acts as broker for renting out rooms, flats and so-called ‘hotel residences’ equipped with kitchens for large numbers of guests. Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 9am–7pm | 25, rue des Pyramides | 1st arr. | tel. (*) 08 92 68 30 00 | M 7, 14: Pyramides, RER A: Auber | www.parisinfo.com

BED & BREAKFAST

Having breakfast in your pyjamas and avoiding the frequently stuffy hotel atmosphere has come into vogue: more and more tourists are renting rooms or flats from the locals. A holiday flat is an especially cost-saving measure for families since you can prepare your own meals. The website http://bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com has plenty of information on bed-and-breakfast hosts in Paris. Another advantage not to be overlooked with this type of accommodation is the opportunity to use local contacts to get to know your surroundings and the people.

The French are passionate about all types of horse racing. There are several racetracks in Paris and the surrounding area. Info: www.france-galop.com.

The three most important venues are Auteuil Street Atlas [148 A4] (route des Lacs | M 10: Porte d’Auteuil); Saint-Cloud Street Atlas [150 B4] (1, rue du Camp Canadien | tram 2: Suresnes Longchamp) and Longchamp Street Atlas [150 A4] (route des Tribunes | Bois de Boulogne | M 10: Porte d’Auteuil | shuttle bus). Up to 30,000 visitors go to Longchamp on the first weekend in October for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Info: www.prixarcdetriomphe.com.

The trotting race, Prix d’Amerique in the Hippodrome de Vincennes Street Atlas [151 D4], takes place on the last Sunday in January (route de la Ferme | RER A: Joinville Le Pont). Info: www.prix-amerique.com.

Paris has one of the leading rugby clubs in the country, the Stade Français. The sport has gained massive popularity. Info: www.stade.fr. The club plays at the Stade Jean-Bouin Street Atlas [148 A4] (26, av. du Général Sarraute | 16th arr.).

Every May/June one of the largest tennis tournaments in the world takes place at Roland Garros. Tickets available (up to mid-March) via www.frenchopen.org or www.rolandgarros.com. A small number is also available at the Stade Roland-Garros Street Atlas [148 A4] itself. (2, av. Cordon Bennett | 16th arr. | M 9, 10, 22: Porte de Saint-Cloud or Porte d’Auteuil).

ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE ADVENIAT

New, uncharacteristically chic youth hostel in the equally chic district close to the Champs-Elysées. A hostel card can be obtained locally – and there is no age restriction. The facility is managed by the Catholic church and closes between 11am and 4pm. 10, rue François-1er | 8th arr. | tel. 01 77 45 89 10 | M 1, M 13: Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau | adveniat@paris.org

FÉDÉRATION UNIE DES AUBERGES DE JEUNESSE (FUAJ)

Central reservation agency for all four youth hostels in Paris (8, bd. Jules Ferry, 11th arr. | 107, rue Martre, 17th arr. | 24, rue des Sept Arpents, 19th arr. | 80, rue Vitruve, 20. arr.). A youth hostel card is mandatory. 27, rue Pajol | 18th arr. | tel. 01 44 89 87 27 | M 4, 5/RER B, D: Gare du Nord, M 2: La Chapelle, M 12: Marx-Dormoy | www.fuaj.org

FLATS

LOFT AND DUPLEX

Four well-equipped large flats as well as a suite situated on a very quiet side street in the middle of Montmartre. Some have a small private courtyard and are furnished with period pieces. Each can accommodate up to six guests – ideal for families, groups or couples. 7, cité Véron | 18th arr. | tel. 06 14 48 47 48 | M 2: Blanche | www.loftparis.net

Your accommodation is a former studio directly on the picturesque Place du Tertre in the heart of Montmartre or in one of the neighbouring streets. Could there be a more romantic venue for your stay in Paris? The various-sized flats are tastefully furnished with meticulous attention to detail and lovingly maintained. Reasonable prices. You’ll definitely want to book for a long stay! 13, pl. du Tertre | 18th arr. | tel. 01 42 59 19 99 | M 12: Abesses

MIJE (Maison Internationale de Jeunesse et des Etudiants) comprises three outstanding youth hostels in beautifully renovated city palais from the 16th and 17th century in the middle of the Marais district (4th arr.) Street Atlas [139 F6]. Hotel guests can enjoy an inexpensive meal in the adjoining restaurant on Rue de Fourcy. 6, rue de Fourcy (M 1: Saint-Paul) |11, rue du Fauconnier (M 1: Saint-Paul) |12, rue des Barres (M 1, 11: Hôtel de Ville) |Tel. 01 42 74 23 45 |www.mije.com

One of the cheapest hotels in the centre of Paris is the Hôtel Tiquetonne Street Atlas [139 E3]. Quiet location (pedestrian precinct) in the lively quarter around Les Halles. Great value for money. 48 rooms | 6, rue Tiquetonne | 2th arr. | tel. 01 42 36 94 58 | M 4: Etienne Marcel

	Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles
	A country house and garden in the heart of Paris

	Hôtel Langlois
	Marble busts and Art Deco, Art Nouveau and a fireplace in every room

	Hôtel de Nesle
	Pure romanticism at this oasis of calm in lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés

	Nouvel Hôtel
	Cosy and cheerful with a Provence-style garden

Photo: Hotel Shangri-La

HIGHLIGHTS | HOTELS: EXPENSIVE | HOTELS: MODERATE | HOTELS: BUDGET | HOTEL RENTAL AGENCIES | BED & BREAKFAST | ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE | FLATS

As one of the most important tourist spots worldwide, Paris has an extensive range of accommodation in every category.