Ignore that fact that the hotels in the City of Light are notoriously expensive. These are five of the best hotels in town, some cheap, others not so. But they are all quirky, fun and stylish – showcasing the best the city has to offer.
Mama Shelter – Perfect for chic on a shoestring
A hip hotel in Paris that is actually affordable? You heard it right. For those who aren’t willing to take out a mortgage just for a comfortable place to sleep, Mama Shelter is the answer. Located a little outside central Paris in the 20th arrondissment, since opening in 2008, Mama has been hailed by critics as the first successful, affordable, cool hotel. Decorated by the infamous Philippe Starck, this once multi-story car-park, with rough-edged design of graffiti murals and concrete walls, and communal eating and drinking spaces is a more affordable alternative for friendly hipsters. Although room service is not included, they haven’t cut back on luxurious essentials, either. Rooms are adorned with great bed linen, Kiehl’s bath products, and of course, iMacs.
Le Royal Monceau – Perfect for splashing the cash
Since opening in late of 2010, Le Royal Monceau-Raffles has already had global celebrities including Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez through its doors. Le Monceau has fast become a favorite of visiting celebs thanks to the intimate home-away-from-home atmosphere. The rooms themselves are grand yet understated, coming with their own guitars and other well-appointed objects. A lamp-laden lounge replaces the outdated lobby concept and a cinema room is available for guests who want to watch themselves on the big screen in privacy. A junket room is also available for the entourage-heavy celebrities to hold conferences in the chicest of settings. None other than Philippe Starck could once again be the mastermind behind the elegant yet intimate hotel. This time, he has produced Paris’s most buzz-worthy hotel. The prices and clientele prove it.
Hotel du Petit Moulin – Perfect for families
For a sleeping experience as fabulous and magical as the City of Light itself, Hotel du Petit Moulin is an enchanting dollhouse hotel. Between the original building features and the uniquely decorated rooms, there is more than enough to grab your eyes’ attention. Decorated by designer Christian Lacroix in his colorful and whimsical style, all 17 rooms are individually decorated with polka-dot carpets, fashion sketches, heart-shaped mirrors and other kitsch pieces. The twisty-turning hallways to the rooms will keep you entranced. Once an ancient bakery allegedly frequented by Victor Hugo and now a registered historic monument, Petit Moulin now sits in the busy Marais district where media types and fashionistas rub shoulders and nibble croissants, also perfect distance to some of the best cultural spots in the city, including the Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum.
Hotel Bourg Tibourg – Perfect for lovers
Another winner hotel that is located in the middle of the trendy Marais district, Hotel Bourg Tibourg is the perfect sleeping spot for visitors who enjoy their people watching as much as sight-sightseeing. From the same owners behind Hotel Costes – a favorite among champagne-sipping socialites – Bourg Tibourg is a dark and mysterious seductress of a hotel. Across the 30 rooms, a blend of intense textures from silk drapes, tasseled lampshades and dark-wood furniture hail back to the days of Belle Epoque, when the building was a brothel. The dark décor from Jacques Garcia makes this a perfect stay for a romantic getaway. Inside the dimly lit stairwells and socializing areas you’re sure to find a few good-looking snooty staff and guests. What could be more French?
Hotel de l’Abbaye – Perfect for culture vultures
If you imagine yourself sipping brouilly and casually coasting the city by bicycle (with a beret on, of course) then you should also picture yourself at this quintessential Parisian-chic bolt-hole. Located in the understated, hip area of Saint Germain de Pres, Hotel de l’Abbaye is just steps from Boulevard Saint Germain, where Simone de Beauvoir and other French enlightenment thinkers sat and contemplated life over countless bottles of wine and cigarettes. The hotel boats one of the most charming lounge gardens in the city to enjoy the fresh French air while having breakfast or an aperitif. For those who really want to immerse themselves and feel right at home, the hotel also has duplex apartments. The same owners have run the hotel with care since 1973, as evidenced in cozy-cute décor and the welcoming service.
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