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Rome Toolkit 4 and 5-star luxury hotels in Paris
Finding best luxury hotels in Paris for your needs
4-star hotels in Paris are numerous, and vary enormously in both quality and price. The key thing to remember about the star system is that the number allocated isn't a measure of how good a hotel is, but measures the hotel facilities and services it provides.
A 4 or 5-star hotel in Paris means guest rooms are 16 square metres including bathrooms for 4-star hotels and 24 square metres including bathroom for a 5-star hotel. For hotels with more than 30 rooms, the reception desk must be open 24-hrs a day.
What to expect from 4 and 5-star hotels in Paris?
Differences between 4 and 5-star hotels in Paris are not obvious at first. 4-star hotels will most often give you a very similar quality of experience to a 5-star hotel. If anything, you might say that 4-star hotels might offer more unusual interior design schemes, with themed hotels not being uncommon, but there are plenty of 'tradional/classical' 4-star hotels to choose from too.
For 5-star hotels, staff must be able to speak two foreign languages including English. Five-star hotels are also required to provide room service, valet parking, a concierge and, upon check-in, guests must be escorted to their rooms. Air conditioning is required.
The palace designation can only be awarded to 5-star hotels. It recognises hotels that are exceptional in several ways, such as having a Michelin starred restaurant, exceptional service by a greater number of employees than are required in 5-star hotels or exceptional amenities such as an on-site spa.
Luxury hotel districts in Paris
The most sought after areas for leisure visitors are around the Champs-Elysees, Louvre, Opera Garnier and St Germain area of the Left Bank. You pay a sizable price premium for a hotel in any of these districts as you will see from the indicative prices of the hotels featured below.
Paris has an excellent public transport system that is very affordable. For the small inconvenience of ten minutes on the Metro, you can reduce your hotel costs substantially, and still find yourself enjoying a luxurious 4-star hotel experience.
For those looking for a budget hotel district around some of the main railway stations in Paris are particularly fruitful for value accommodation. Gare Du Nord, Gare de L'est, Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse are notable. If any of these are your arrival gateways in Paris, they are probably your benchmark district to check out. For those flying into Paris, all of the stations have very good links to the airports.
These railway stations are also public transport hubs with multiple Metro lines that will get you to wherever you want to go in Paris quickly and cheaply.
Other major affordable mid-range hotel districts are Grands Boulevards and around Bastille/Republique, just east of The Marais district.
Hotel districts cheaper at weekends & holidays (August)
Room rates reflect demand and in this computer age room rates are not fixed, what you pay reflects how hard the hotel finds it to get customers.
In districts sought out by leisure visitors there tends to be a premium for rates at the weekend. Conversely business districts struggle at the weekends as their core market disappears. A the weekend probably the best two districts for value for money are the La Defense and Bercy districts. Neither is central but both have fast Metro and RER links that will get you to the centre in 20 minutes and save you a bundle.
August is the quietest month of year as most of the Parisians flee Paris and business grinds to a stop. Again the business districts are very cheap all of August.
Our selection of 4-star hotels in Paris:
Marriott Courtyard Paris Arcueil
This hotel with fitness centre and all-day terrace restaurant features tastefully designed rooms including large flat-screen TVs, ergonomic work areas and a mini-fridge. It is well located with easy transport links to the whole of Paris, just a 7-minute walk from La Place RER B Train Station. 24-hour front desk. Wi-Fi included depending on rate.
Rooms: Rooms accommodating up to 4 people
Location/ Nearest Metro: La Place 300m (RER Line B)
citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon
With rooftop bar offering views over Paris and the Seine, this hotel is located in the 12th district of Paris, close to Gare de Lyon train station. Rooms offer large beds, a power rain shower, free movies and iPads that control the entire room. Rooms are also equipped with a mini fridge, hairdryers and custom made amenities. Free Wi-Fi, 24 hour desk, restaurant.
Rooms: Double Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare de Lyon 50m (Line 1, 14) & RER Line A, D
Best Western Premier Opera Faubourg
A bohemiam style hotel, located in the heart of Paris on the rue La Fayette bordered by the Opera Garnier, in an area known for its glass covered passageways with chic boutiques, traditional Parisian restaurants and cafés and department stores. The hotel features a sun-terrace with seating, and a hotel bar and lounges with a classical feel. Modern en suite rooms have satellite TV. Breakfast can be included or at a supplement.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Cadet 200m (Line 7)
Mercure Paris Opera Garnier Hotel
Located right next to the main Paris department stores and 500m from the Opera Garnier, where a direct airport bus to CDG Airport terminates. The hotel is built around an inner courtyard, with vegetable wall and garden pergolas. Enjoy 4-star facilities including a fitness room, hammam, massage cabin and private lounge. Air-conditioned rooms have minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. 24-hr reception, and tour desk.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Saint Lazare 100m (Line 3, 9, 12, 13, 14)
Holiday Inn Paris Opera - Grands Blvds
Next to Grands Boulevards Metro and a 10-min walk from Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, you can enjoy views here of the boulevard or the hotel's private courtyard. Air-conditioned rooms have satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and soundproofing. Breakfast served in the breakfast room or in guest's room upon request. Cheapest rates at weekend.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Grands Boulevards 50m (Line 8, 9)
Hotel Mademoiselle
With free use of a hamman and sauna, and private courtyard, this hotel is in a convienent location, between Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est train stations. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and you can make yourself at home with a choice of 3 living rooms with newspapers. Private bathroom includes free toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin, Triple & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare du Nord 300m (Line 4, 5, 7) & RER Line B, D
Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel Tower Hotel
With an indoor pool, fitness centre and sauna, this 4-star hotel is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. You can enjoy a choice of cuisine with two restaurants serving French and Japanese food. Spacious rooms have en suite facilities and are contemporary in style, with flat-screen TV and desk. 36 meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi and 24-hr reception.
Rooms: Double/Twin, Triple & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Javel Andre Citron 600m (Line 10) RER Line C
Novotel Paris La Défense Hotel
In the heart of La Defense, offering views over the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower and within five minutes' walk of the Paris Metro. This hotel features a fitness room, video games area and meeting spaces with a panoramic view of Paris. Free Wi-Fi throughout. Paid for buffet breakfast and restaurant serving creative French cuisine. Bar serving snacks.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Esplanade La Defense 200m (Line 1)
Holiday Inn Paris - Elysées
Situated in the heart of Paris, just a 10-min walk from the Champs-Elysees, this hotel offers modern decor, free Wi-Fi throughout and a spacious reception with a lounge area and a 24-hour bar. Air-conditioned rooms feature a mini-bar and a TV with cable and satellite channels. A buffet-style breakfast is served every morning.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Miromesnil 50m (Line 9, 13)
Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche
Located in the centre of Paris right next to the Jardin du Luxembourg and 10-mins' walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral. All of the rooms have satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Private bathrooms have shower or bath, or both shower and bath. A buffet breakfast is served daily every morning (room service available). Bar, tickets service and 24-hr front desk.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Odeon 450m (Line 4,10)
Holiday Inn Paris - Notre Dame
With rooftop terrace with bar, restaurant and 24-hr room service, this hotel is located just a 5-min walk from the iconic Notre Dame cathedral and a 15-min walk from the Louvre. Offering standard and executive guest rooms with satellite TV, high speed Internet and individual air conditioning. Some rooms have balconies that offer views of the city’s rooftops or the Eiffel Tower.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: St Michel 150m (Line 4) RER Lines B & C
Novotel Paris Les Halles Hotel
Enjoy French cuisine from this hotel's restaurant atrium with views over the Les Halles garden. Superbly located with the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Marais district and the Georges Pompidou Museum all just a 10-min walk away. Air-conditoned rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms and satellite TV. Lounge bar with piano and singer.
Rooms: Double/Twin, Triple & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Chatelet Les Halles 250m (Line 1, 4, 7) RER Lines A, B, D
Best Western Premier Opera Opal
Located in a chic district in central Paris, just 100m from Madeleine Church. Opera Garnier is a 10-min walk away. The soundproofed air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a minibar. An American breakfast is served every morning. After breakfast, guests can relax around the open fireplace in the cocktail lounge. 24-hr front desk.
Rooms: Double Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Madeleine 250m (Line 8, 12, 14)
Best Western Premier Louvre Saint-Honoré
Located in the heart of Paris just 8-min walk from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden. The hotel features a strikingly designed lounge bar and a tour desk with ticket service on site. Air-conditioned rooms have satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a coffee maker. Some feature a balcony. A buffet breakfast is available each morning and can be served in the guest room. Bar, library and bike rental.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Louvre - Rivoli 100m (Line 1)
Mercure Paris La Sorbonne Saint Germain des Prés Hotel
A boutique style hotel located amongst the trees of the Quartier Latin and Saint-Germain des Prés, just a 2-min walk from the Pantheon and the Jardin du Luxembourg, and 5-min from Notre Dame. Nearby RER station has fast frequent trains to CDG Airport. Bar open til 1am. Free Wi-Fi and some rooms with views of La Sorbonne.
Rooms: Single, Double & Triple Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Cluny La Sorbonne 100m (Line 10)
Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel
Located in the heart of Paris near Opera Garnier and Grands Boulevards, this is a luxury Art Deco hotel with features from the 1920s and period furniture with contemporary lighting and state-of-the-art amenities. Stylish rooms have satellite TV, include a minibar and have free Wi-Fi. The restaurant features an exclusive range of creative French cuisine.
Rooms: Rooms accommodating up to 4 people
Location/ Nearest Metro: Richelieu Drouot 250m (Line 12)
Luxury hotel areas in Paris
Luxury hotel chains in Paris
