Boutique hotels in Paris

Boutique hotels are small hotels with contemporary design and attentive service.

Peaceful and relaxed with the atmosphere of a private residence, boutique hotels have immense appeal. This concept, which arose in the 1980s in the United States, concerns hotels with less than 50 rooms, with contemporary charm. They have original, often designer decor and personalized services worthy of a palace.

There is no standardized decoration here such as in chain hotels: boutique hotels call on interior designers or celebrated couturiers to create a unique atmosphere. Although boutique hotels often have a 4-star rating, today the range of prices is varied and there are many 2- and 3-star establishments. In just a few years, boutique hotels have become a trend and Paris has a growing number of them.

The warmth and comfort of a private residence

Many of them put the emphasis on their human scale like Le Walt, on avenue de la Motte Picquet, in the 7th arrondissement, which is a charming chic and trendy 4-star hotel. The decoration, signed Paul Sartres, mixes classic and contemporary styles in a trendy designer spirit. The six floors have 25 bedrooms, some with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. Instead of a bed head, each bedroom has a reproduction of a painting from the Louvre Museum. The terrace on the ground floor is a pleasant place to prolong an evening or for breakfast on sunny days.

The Hôtel Esprit Paris Saint-Germain, in the heart of the 6th arrondissement has the elegance and comfort of a private residence. The 5-star establishment has 28 bedrooms and suites including some with a wonderful view of Saint Sulpice church or the Paris rooftops, and a private terrace. In the lounge, guests will appreciate the fireplace on wintry evenings.The 4-star Hôtel Arioso situated in the 8th arrondissement, offers the atmosphere of a private home in a warm and elegant setting. It has 28 bedrooms, a lounge decorated in the style of a 19th-century bourgeois house, and an interior courtyard with trees.

Upscale facilities

In the world of luxury, several boutique hotels offer the best facilities and services in Paris. The Hôtel Daniel, Relais & Châteaux in the 8th, is a luxury boutique hotel with 26 bedrooms and 7 suites. The interior decor inspired by chinoiserie associates oriental influences, satin, and ‘toiles de Jouy’.

At Montmartre, the Hôtel Particulier has five suites decorated by contemporary artists. Designed as a holiday destination in Paris, the hotel is in a former private mansion house, which is accessed by a private leafy passage.

Each boutique hotel has its own theme

The small size of boutique hotels enables them to promote a theme and a particular atmosphere.

Devoted to Marylin Monroe, the 4-star Platine Hôtel in the city’s 15th arrondissement has modern design and retro charm inspired by the decor of the 1950s. It has 46 bedrooms and a spa.

The Jules & Jim, in the Marais district, is a tribute to François Truffaut and Jeanne Moreau. The hotel is gay-friendly and has an arty atmosphere, a library in its bar and a photo gallery on the ground floor. The 23 bedrooms overlook the Paris rooftops or the interior cobbled courtyards.

Le Crayon opened in summer 2011, in rue du Bouloi in the 1st arrondissement. It has the feel of a guest house with a cosy and arty ambience. The 25 bedrooms are all colourful and unique in style with furniture sourced from second-hand shops and customized to give an eclectic and convivial atmosphere.

In the 14th arrondissement, the 3-star hotel Ariane Montparnasse plays on the concept of the passing of time. The 3-star Hôtel du Triangle d'or, in the 9th, is dedicated to musicians. Le Pavillon des Lettres, a 4-star hotel in the 8th arrondissement, pays tribute to writers.

Design conscious

In addition to offering the best comfort, boutique hotels are also very much about design.

Legend, in rue de Rennes, with luminous decoration made with golden-coloured petals offers the latest in hi-tech such as its iPod stations and flat screens in the 34 bedrooms. Opened in May 2012, the hotel has a privileged location a few steps from shops, restaurants and other commerce in rue de Rennes and the popular districts of Saint-Germain and Montparnasse.

On the theme of the chic boudoir and love, L’Angely is also a stylish hotel in the 11th arrondissement. The decor of its 22 bedrooms alternates between baroque, luxury charm, arty poetry and waking dreams.

In the heart of the Latin Quarter, Le Seven has 28 bedrooms including 7 suites, each decorated in a different theme: colours of the secret agent 007, in psychedelic colours, with a levitation bed, and even a pure white room.

A few steps from the Place des Victoires, the Hotel O is a 29-bedroom concept hotel designed by Ora Ïto. With the atmosphere of a cocoon, modern with smooth harmonious curves, it creates a feeling of well-being. The bedrooms, 12 to 15m², are like the cabins of a space ship with high-tech equipment. Situated on rue Hérold, it is the first of a future chain of O hotels.

Renowned designers for interior decor

The couturier Christian Lacroix has designed the decoration in several establishments in Paris: the Romantik Hôtel du Petit Moulin, in the Marais, with its listed 1900 facade and name; Le Bellechasse in the 7th arrondissement and Le Notre Dame in the 1st arrondissement.