valentine Archives - the Luxury Travel Expert/tag/valentine/travel your dreams in styleMon, 19 Feb 2024 14:17:33 +0000en-UShourly1https://i0.wp.com/turkeyalwan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1valentine Archives - the Luxury Travel Expert/tag/valentine/3232 62211166Top 10 most romantic luxury hotels in the world/most-romantic-luxury-hotels-world//most-romantic-luxury-hotels-world/#respondMon, 12 Feb 2024 14:03:04 +0000/?p=294646Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire [...]

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most romantic luxury hotels in the world

For love birds, February 14th holds a special meaning as Valentine’s day is all about making a big show of love, affection, and romance. One of the best ways to celebrate love is by staying at a fabulously romantic hotel with your special someone. For some travelers, a romantic escape is all about decadent luxury, private dining, and poolside spa treatments. For others, it means a getaway into a remote wilderness spot surrounded by pristine scenery (count me in). And then of course, there are the exciting-seeking romantic souls who prefer sensational thrills and high-adrenaline sports over relaxation and pampering. Whatever your preference, here’s my top 10 list of the world’s most romantic hotels, where lovers can reconnect together.

There is more info (with reviews and YouTube videos) below my slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite romantic hotel in the comments section.

Click to view slideshow.

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

Rising like a mirage from Lake Pichola, the white-marble-and-mosaic Taj Lake Palace beckons to travelers. The palace itself dates back to 1746, when it was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Today, guests are treated like royalty by an entourage of butlers who ensure that every creature comfort is provided. Recreational facilities include a pool, traditional cultural performances, heritage walk of the palace, yoga & meditation, astrology, Bazar, private boat rides, bird watching, and romantic sunset cruises on Lake Pichola. There’s also an intimate spa, which draws rich idioms from millennia-old Indian wellness and healing therapies, resulting in a menu of aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps that are sure to rejuvenate even the weariest body. From mid-October to mid-April, the hotel’s rooftop Bhairo restaurant is open and serves contemporary European cuisine with spectacular lake views.

9. POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, USA

Nestled high above the cliffs of Big Sur, the acclaimed Post Ranch Inn ‘floats’ 400 m (1200 ft) above the Pacific Ocean encircled by towering redwoods, majestic mountains and panoramic ocean vistas. With natural architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty and the surrounding forests, the 39 rooms blend rustic elegance, comfort and privacy with panoramic ocean or mountain views. Each room features a wood-burning fireplace, private deck and complimentary minibar. The hotel’s restaurant Sierra Mar is renowned for its exquisite food, and features floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. There’s also a luxurious spa on site, offering pampering treatments to help ease away tension and relax muscles. From the hotel, guests can explore all that Big Sur’s incredible nature has to offer, or take a short drive to the picturesque towns of Monterey and Carmel.

8. HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, PARIS, FRANCE

Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivaled position overlooking Paris’ Place de la Concorde. The property reopened in 2018 as a Rosewood Hotel after undergoing an extensive four-year restoration, its past providing a rich backdrop for its modern-day story. During the hotel’s closure, artisans and designers worked tirelessly to strike a deliberate and delicate balance between conservation and transformation. The hotel’s 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites embody an expressly Parisian residential style that is equally warm and refined. Karl Lagerfeld, renowned designer and a great 18th century admirer, has decorated two exceptional suites on Place de la Concorde – together called “Les Grands Appartements” – which convey his personal vision of French chic and modernity. Hôtel de Crillon also features fine dining venues, a newly created pool area, and a spa.

  • Hotel website: Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel
  • Other accolades: Hôtel De Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Paris.
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
  • Review: read my review of Hôtel de Crillon here.

7. THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The Brando is an ultra-romantic luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature and is designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. Guests can snorkel or dive with tropical fish, sail in the lagoon, paddle board to a neighboring island, take a kayak above coral gardens, stroll the long stretches of beach, enjoy a guided or unguided marine excursion, or simply spend a day in the spa and wellness center. It was in this natural wonderland that the legendary actor Marlon Brando settled down, and finally found his home.

6. KATIKIES SANTORINI, GREECE

Katikies – a complex of bridges, cubist cottages and infinity pools – is considered one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Santorini. Hugging the dramatic volcanic rim, the property is a natural fit for honeymooners, romantics and couples. The white washed suites have classic arched ceilings and majestic views of the Aegean Sea, which can be enjoyed from the large terrace with an open-air dining area, sun deck and two-person Jacuzzi. For the ultimate romantic meal, the restaurant provides the perfect setting with just four candlelit tables perched on a secret verandah rooftop overlooking the Caldera. The better-known Kirini pool restaurant offers the same breathtaking panoramas, plus a fresh, seasonal menu of traditional Mediterranean dishes. Awe inspiring views, sublime Santorini sunsets and perfectly manicured pink bougainvilleas provide the magnificent backdrop for this perennially gleaming, glistening white luxury hotel that spills down the cliffs of the impressive caldera.

5. THE SILO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The Silo Hotel is a magical space, towering above the V&A Waterfront and surrounded by the scenery of South Africa’s Mother City. The hotel has been built in the grain elevator portion of a historic grain silo complex, occupying the six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which rivals the likes of the Tate Modern in London and Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. The exterior of the building was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Principal of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. Guests can watch the bustle below while soaking in a freestanding tub in one of 28 lofty rooms, designed with a bold mix of colors, prints, and textures. Champagne and carving trolleys roll through the hotel’s signature restaurant The Granary Café, and the spa is sumptuously serene. A highlight of the hotel is its spectacular wraparound rooftop terrace, which features an infinity pool, two bars and several lounge areas.

4. AMAN VENICE, ITALY

Neo-Renaissance grandeur meets refined modern aesthetics at Aman Venice. As sumptuous and romantic as the city itself, the hotel is located within a phenomenal 16th-century Palazzo Papadopolion on the Grand Canal. Currently the most (ultra)luxurious property in the city, the hotel is home to museum-quality treasures including Tiepolo frescoes, gilded ceilings and centuries-old leather wall coverings. A private water transfer delivers guests to the resort’s dramatic reception hall, with direct access to its private gardens (rare for this city). More home than hotel, Aman Venice offers the rare privilege of space in the center of the Floating City. High ceilings and spacious light-filled salons are joined by two mature outdoor private gardens and a small rooftop rarely seen in the city. With views to the hotel’s private garden or the Grand Canal, many of the 24 rooms and suites feature protected frescos and reliefs. The hotel is managed by Aman, one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands.

3. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA

From its inception, Jade Mountain has been hailed as the Caribbean’s most romantic hotel. Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences. The location of the property is unsurpassed, rising majestically above the private estate of Anse Chastanet with 600 lush tropical acres bordering two soft, sand Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just off shore. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of  St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.

2. ZANNIER HOTELS SONOP

The opulence and finesse of Zannier Hotels Sonop, set in Namibia’s southwest corner, immediately recalls the 1920’s era of British explorers. Constructed on top of granite boulders, the tented camp enjoys a remote and unspoilt setting in 13,800 acres (5,600 hectares) of untouched wilderness. Every object and antique in the lodge’s ten spacious tents are carefully selected – binoculars and maps, travelers’ tales, telescopes, antique desks and handmade stationary – to ensure that every moment turns into a unique experience. The romantic hotel captures the restorative essence of the desert landscape with a spectacular open-air infinity pool, spa, fitness center and daily yoga. Guided excursions include horse-riding from our own stables, private dining atop of the sand dunes, electric fat-bike or walking trails, and private sunset safaris. The magic continues after dark with a nightly gala-style dinner, open-air cinema and stargazing under the endless African skies.

1. SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES

Located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the Maldives’ most romantic hotel is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. The world-famous resort features 51 overwater pool villas, spread along two jetties that curve into a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) magnificent lagoon of crystal clear waters. Known as the North Jetty and South Jetty, both jetties are connected to the Maldives’ largest resort island, a tropical paradise fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed with lush tropical greenery. Highlights at Soneva Jani include the villas’ retractable roofs, private water slides, a wide range of sublime restaurants, personalized experiences & excursions, and a spectacular new spa facility, Soneva Soul. When booking Soneva Unlimited, guests can benefit from an all-inclusive way to experience the best of the resort.  

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Jani (e.g. best rate, resort credit, and two personalized Soneva experiences).

*** Disclosure: I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post ***

 

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]]>/most-romantic-luxury-hotels-world/feed/0294646Top 10 most romantic luxury hotels in the world/most-romantic-hotels-world//most-romantic-hotels-world/#respondMon, 10 Feb 2020 14:00:15 +0000/?p=239353Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire. [...]

The post Top 10 most romantic luxury hotels in the world appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (February 10, 2020): most romantic luxury hotels in the world.

This week is all about Valentine’s Day and love, and one of the best ways to celebrate it is by checking into a fabulously romantic hotel with your special someone. For some travelers, a romantic escape is all about decadent luxury, private dining, and poolside spa treatments. For others, it means a getaway into remote wilderness spot surrounded by pristine scenery (count me in!). And then of course, there are the exciting-seeking romantic souls who prefer sensational thrills and high-adrenaline sports over relaxation and pampering. Whatever your preference, here’s a list of my 10 favorite romantic hotels in the world  where lovers can reconnect together.

There is more info (with reviews and YouTube clips) below my slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite romantic hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!

Click to view slideshow.

*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

Rising like a mirage from Lake Pichola, the white-marble-and-mosaic Taj Lake Palace beckons to travelers. The palace itself dates back to 1746, when it was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Today, guests are treated like royalty by an entourage of butlers who ensure that every creature comfort is provided. Recreational facilities include a pool, traditional cultural performances, heritage walk of the palace, yoga & meditation, astrology, Bazar, private boat rides, bird watching, and romantic sunset cruises on Lake Pichola. There’s also an intimate spa, which draws rich idioms from millennia-old Indian wellness and healing therapies, resulting in a menu of aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps that are sure to rejuvenate even the weariest body. From mid-October to mid-April, the hotel’s rooftop Bhairo restaurant is open and serves contemporary European cuisine with spectacular lake views.

9. POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, USA

Nestled high above the cliffs of Big Sur, the acclaimed Post Ranch Inn perches 400 m (1200 ft) above the Pacific Ocean encircled by towering redwoods, majestic mountains and panoramic ocean vistas. With natural architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty and the surrounding forests, the 39 rooms blend rustic elegance, comfort and privacy with panoramic ocean or mountain views. Each room features a wood-burning fireplace, private deck and complimentary minibar. The hotel’s restaurant Sierra Mar is renowned for its exquisite food, and features floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. There’s also a luxurious spa on site, offering pampering treatments to help ease away tension and relax muscles. From the hotel, guests can explore all that Big Sur’s incredible nature has to offer, or take a short drive to the picturesque towns of Monterey and Carmel.

8. HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, PARIS, FRANCE

Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivaled position overlooking Paris’ Place de la Concorde. The property reopened in 2018 as a Rosewood Hotel after undergoing an extensive four-year restoration, its past providing a rich backdrop for its modern-day story. During the hotel’s closure, artisans and designers worked tirelessly to strike a deliberate and delicate balance between conservation and transformation. The hotel’s 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites embody an expressly Parisian residential style that is equally warm and refined. Karl Lagerfeld, renowned designer and a great 18th century admirer, has decorated two exceptional suites on Place de la Concorde – together called “Les Grands Appartements” – which convey his personal vision of French chic and modernity. Hôtel de Crillon also features fine dining venues, a newly created pool area, and a spa.

7. THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The Brando is an ultra-romantic luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature and is designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture . With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. Guests can snorkel or dive with tropical fish, sail in the lagoon, paddle board to a neighboring island, take a kayak above coral gardens, stroll the long stretches of beach, enjoy a guided or unguided marine excursion, or simply spend a day in the spa and wellness center. It was in this natural wonderland that the legendary actor Marlon Brando settled down, and finally found his home.

6. KATIKIES SANTORINI, GREECE

Katikies – a complex of bridges, cubist cottages and infinity pools – is considered one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Santorini. Hugging the dramatic volcanic rim, the property is a natural fit for honeymooners, romantics and couples. The white washed suites have classic arched ceilings and majestic views of the Aegean Sea, which can be enjoyed from the large terrace with an open-air dining area, sun deck and two-person Jacuzzi. For the ultimate romantic meal, the restaurant provides the perfect setting with just four candlelit tables perched on a secret verandah rooftop overlooking the Caldera. The better-known Kirini pool restaurant offers the same breathtaking panoramas, plus a fresh, seasonal menu of traditional Mediterranean dishes. Awe inspiring views, sublime Santorini sunsets and perfectly manicured pink bougainvilleas provide the magnificent backdrop for this perennially gleaming, glistening white luxury hotel that spills down the cliffs of the impressive caldera.

5. THE SILO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The Silo Hotel is a magical space, towering above the V&A Waterfront and surrounded by the scenery of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo has been built in the grain elevator portion of a historic grain silo complex, occupying the six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which rivals the likes of the Tate Modern in London and Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. The exterior of the building was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Principal of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbor. The Silo hotel has 28 lofty rooms, including a spectacular one bedroom penthouse.

4. HUKA LODGE, NEW ZEALAND

Huka Lodge, Taupo is located 300 m (1000 ft) upstream from the famous Huka Falls on the banks of the Waikato River. This iconic property has been consistently chosen by many media outlets as one of the top retreats in the world for many years. It offers a location of great natural beauty and luxurious hospitality, gourmet cuisine and 17-acres of perfect peace and quiet. The 25 guest suites and two superb private cottages are tucked amongst mature, manicured gardens along the banks of the hypnotic turquoise blue waters of the river. In the evening guests gather in the main Lodge Room to enjoy pre-dinner drinks before being presented daily with a superb five-course menu featuring the finest local seasonal produce and complemented by seamless service. Over 20 sublime private and romantic indoor/outdoor dining venues are also a unique feature of the hotel.

  • Hotel website: Huka Lodge
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary three-course lunch for two guests).

3. AMAN VENICE, ITALY

Neo-Renaissance grandeur meets refined modern aesthetics at Aman Venice. As sumptuous and romantic as the city itself, the hotel is located within a phenomenal 16th-century Palazzo Papadopolion on the Grand Canal. Currently the most (ultra)luxurious property in the city, the hotel is home to museum-quality treasures including Tiepolo frescoes, gilded ceilings and centuries-old leather wall coverings. A private water transfer delivers guests to the resort’s dramatic reception hall, with direct access to its private gardens (rare for this city). More home than hotel, Aman Venice offers the rare privilege of space in the center of the Floating City. High ceilings and spacious light-filled salons are joined by two mature outdoor private gardens and a small rooftop rarely seen in the city. With views to the hotel’s private garden or the Grand Canal, many of the 24 rooms and suites feature protected frescos and reliefs. The hotel is managed by Aman, one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands.

2. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA

From its inception, Jade Mountain has been hailed as the Caribbean’s most romantic hotel. Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences. The location of the property is unsurpassed, rising majestically above the private estate of Anse Chastanet with 600 lush tropical acres bordering two soft, sand Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just off shore. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of  St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.

1. SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES

Located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the Maldives’ most romantic hotel is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Each one of the 24 water villas has a private lap pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze. The culinary experiences at Soneva Jani are diverse: in addition to the delightful dining venues, guests can indulge in culinary adventures such as a Robinson Crusoe-style castaway picnic, organic garden lunches and cooking classes. The resort’s selection of experiences caters to every kind of traveler and includes everything from nature walks and spa treatments to  and beyond.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Jani (e.g. resort credit, two personalized Soneva experience, and more).

*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

 

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]]>/most-romantic-hotels-world/feed/0239353Top 10: best small romantic hotels in Paris/top-10-best-small-romantic-hotels-in-paris//top-10-best-small-romantic-hotels-in-paris/#commentsMon, 13 Feb 2017 16:06:26 +0000/?p=165820Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire [...]

The post Top 10: best small romantic hotels in Paris appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (February 13, 2017): Top 10 best small romantic hotels in Paris.

Paris, France’s capital, has always been a destination for romance, with its candlelit wine bars, sunset walks along the River Seine, proposals atop the Eiffel Tower and the stunning views from Montmartre and its signature Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, a place of pilgrimage for romantics. In addition to the romance this major European city is a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture and lies just over an hour’s flight away from London, making it the perfect hop for an anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s or any other event for that matter. To help you plan your next trip to this enchanting city, I compiled a list of my top 10 best small romantic hotels in Paris.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Parisian hotel in the comments section.

Click to view slideshow.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. HOTEL VERNEUIL

This romantic little 4-star hotel lies on a quiet street within a lively and fashionable area, close to the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre and the Café de Flore. Situated on Rue de Verneuil, famous for the many writers, actors and top fashion designers who live there, the hotel is also close to a range of antique shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants and cafés. There are 4 types of stylishly decorated guest room to choose from: Deluxe, Club, Classic and Communicating and all of them offer a comfortable bed, bathroom with shower, individual air-conditioning / heating, LED flat TV screen with international channels, safe, mini bar, slippers and toiletries from the gorgeous l’Occitane. The hotel also offers complimentary international calls and internet as well as a full buffet-style breakfast (for €18) offering hot drinks, juices, cereals, breads, croissants, meats, cheeses, farmhouse yoghurts and eggs prepared any way you like. Prices start at 249€ per night.

HOTEL VERNEUIL
9. HOTEL RECAMIER

Situated on the Left Bank, this wonderful little gem of a hotel is nestled in one of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’s most secluded spots. A haven of privacy, Hotel Récamier enjoys a luxurious and exquisite décor, dotted with collector’s items which is the work of interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot. The 24-rooms in this stylish 4-star boutique hotel offer a modern glamour and have been designed in a palette of creams and browns overlooking Place Saint-Sulpice with ornate fixtures and wrought-iron balconies all complemented by rich, thick fabrics. There’s no restaurant in the hotel, but a Continental breakfast is spread available in the lounge and between 4-6pm you can enjoy complimentary soft drinks and snacks. In the evening you can relax at the little bar in the breakfast lounge, where a waiter will serve your drinks. Prices start at 185€ per night.

  • Hotel website: Hotel Récamier
  • Tip: Enjoy a mouth-watering, gourmet high tea in the lounge and in the summer months enjoy the inner courtyard garden which is an oasis of calm and tranquillity.
HOTEL RECAMIER
8. HOTEL LES DAMES DU PANTHEON

The recently renovated, 4-Star, Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon offers highly styled rooms, many with rooftop views out across the Latin Quarter in the historic 5th arrondissement, Saint-Germain. Head up the spiral animal-print staircase, to discover six floors of dramatic, coquettish, fifties-styled rooms which pay tribute to France’s scintillating women in a dazzling display of mid-century pieces, femininity and silky chinoiserie. All of the 35 chic and jazzy rooms have been decorated in rich colors and thick fabrics and benefit from complimentary wifi, flatscreen TVs, minibars, ensuite bathrooms with Carthusia toiletries and some enjoy a small balcony too. The Suite and Deluxe Rooms on the fifth and sixth floors offer panoramic views over the Parisian rooftops and also feature Nespresso coffee machines. Breakfast can be served in your room or in the stylish stone-clad basement and comprises of an array of pastries and eggs. In the evenings, you can people-watch at the hotel bar which is decorated with thick rugs, hanging glassware and inviting banquettes overlooking the Place du Panthéon. Prices start at 125€ per night.

  • Hotel website: Hôtel Les Dames Du Panthéon
  • Tip: There is no restaurant at the hotel but you can walk down the hill and enjoy the local brasseries and cafes.
HOTEL LES DAMES DU PANTHEON
7. HOTEL DES ACADEMIES ET DES ARTS

If you are a fan of the arts, then a stay at the 4-star boutique Hôtel des Academies et des Arts in the Montparnasse district would be ideal. This one-of-a-kind hotel is full of elegance and charm, paying homage to the creative arts and its artists and located on the same street that Gauguin and Modigliani once lived! The hotel also lies in front of famous Académie de la Grande Chaumière, where talented artists such as Gauguin and Giacometti succeeded each other and the hotel’s walls have been adorned with works from the painter Jérôme Mesnager, famous for his “white bodies”, and sculptures by Sophie de Watrigant. This exclusive Left Bank hotel comprises of just 20 rooms, a library, home-cinema room, spa and beauty treatments on request. Each of the guest rooms has been beautifully and artistically decorated as you would expect and enjoys air-conditioning, wifi, flatscreen-TV, minibar and safe. The Commedienne rooms inspired by legendary 1920s party girl Kiki de Montparnasse are especially cute with their scarlet headboards and vibrant purple throws on the beds. Breakfast can be taken either in the library, the adjacent ‘petit bistro’ or the hotel’s Salon d’Art Video. Prices start at 150€ per night.

HOTEL DES ACADEMIES ET DES ARTS
6. HOTEL LE CHAT NOIR

If you want to stay somewhere full of character in the heart of Montmartre, one of the liveliest districts of the capital, then the Hotel Le Chat Noir is perfect. Set in a building that once housed a famous 1920s cabaret of the same name, this unique and contemporary 4-star hotel lies within easy walking distance of the famous Rue Lepic, Place du Tertre, le Sacré Coeur and just two minutes on foot from the Moulin Rouge. Conveniently located just 1-minute walk from the Blanche metro station, this hotel allows you to take advantage of the buzzing cafes around the Sacré-Cœur and browse the multitude of historic antique-shops at the Marche aux Puces de Clignancourt, one of the largest antiques market in the world. Hotel Le Chat Noir’s interior décor has been inspired by the fabulous Moulin Rouge with hues of its iconic red and black extended throughout. Most of its 39 modern rooms also benefit from a touch of the Moulin color-scheme with feline motifs and touches. All rooms enjoy air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, safe, bathroom with tub or shower and complimentary wifi and some rooms feature private balconies and Eiffel Tower views. In the morning, you can wake to a breakfast buffet of pastries, cheeses, charcuterie and fruit washed down with a strong French coffee. Already with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Le Chat Noir Design Hotel comes highly recommended. Prices start at 150€ per night.

HOTEL LE CHAT NOIR

5. HOTEL LES MATINS DE PARIS

While on your romantic break, if you enjoy delicious dining in quirky little restaurants and bars, then the 4-star boutique Les Matins de Paris hotel would be perfect for you. Located in the buzzing 9th arrondissement, it lies just off Rue Des Martyrs, which is known for its fabulous eateries, bakeries, coffee shops and boutiques. It’s also just a few minutes’ away from some of the famous Parisian landmarks of Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur, Palais Garnier (home to the Paris Opera) and Boulevard Haussmann with its famous Galeries Lafayettes and Printemps department stores. With just 33 bijou rooms, this boutique hotel has an intimate feel while still being able to offer a bar and lounge, hammam, indoor pool, breakfast area and complimentary wifi. Each of the guest rooms is vibrant and bright with clean lines and offers LED TVs with satellite channels, minibars, premium bedding and ensuite bathrooms with rainfall showers, bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms also offer a small balcony and if you choose one of their Deluxe Rooms you might even be able to see Montmartre and the Sacred Heart right from the comfort of your balcony! Prices start at 220€ per night.

  • Hotel website: Les Matins De Paris
  • Tip: If you’re a fan of delicious French cheese, then you must try the nearby L’Affineur Affine, a tiny restaurant at the back of a cheese shop where you can enjoy a platter of up to 15 different cheeses and / or meats, but make sure to book ahead as the kitchen closes at 9pm.
HOTEL LES MATINS DE PARIS
4. HOTEL LE PRADEY

If you’re looking for great staff, comfortable accommodations and an excellent location, Hotel Le Pradey will tick all the boxes. Located on the right bank of the Seine, near the rue St-Honoré fashion district, close to the Concorde square and about a 20-minute walk to The Louvre, this 4-star boutique hotel offers 28 rooms which have been designed to reflect the stone, wood and zinc roofs of Paris. The 5th floor suites, decorated by Hermès, offer hand crafted leather furnishings and balconies with views across to the pretty Tuileries gardens at the end of the street. My favourite are the Cabaret Suite which was inspired by the Moulin Rouge with a vibrant red and mauve colour scheme oozing glitz and glamour; while the Opéra Suite harnesses the feel of the Opéra Garnier, with more a more sedate colour scheme of pastel hues and ballet finishes everywhere. In the evening, you can relax in the 50’s styled Mezzanine Lounge with its honesty bar allowing you to help yourself to drinks and snacks; and in the morning, you can wake up to a tasty continental breakfast in the vaulted cellar or simply grab a coffee, juice and croissant on the mezzanine. Prices start at 219€ per night.

HOTEL LE PRADEY
3. HOTEL EUGENE EN VILLE

If you’re looking for a memorable stay in the capital of romance, then the unique and eclectic Hotel Eugene En Ville will be right up your street. This 4-star boutique hotel is centrally located between Montmartre and Opera, offering quintessential Parisian style mixed with contemporary design and quirky charms. Along with a very warm welcome from the friendly staff, you’ll be greeted with fantastical candelabras, unusual and eye-catching object d’art and curious works of art around every corner. Each of the 66 rooms and suites are simple and stylish with comfy beds, iPod dock, LED TV with 64 multilingual channels, wifi, air conditioning and complimentary mineral water. Superior Rooms offer the added luxury of their own private 40m² terrace, while the most spacious and luxurious Deluxe Rooms also offer the ease of a Nespresso coffee machine and luxury VIP toiletries. Eugene’s Cantine offers a modern atmosphere with quirky wooden seating and hearty meals like steak tartar and sharing plates including charcuteries, French cheeses and smoked salmon and if you wish to dine out, there are plenty of local bars, restaurants and bistros nearby. Prices start at 261€ per night.

  • Hotel website: Hôtel Eugene En Ville
  • Tip: Wifi coverage is better on the lower floors and street noise is quietest at the back of the hotel.
HOTEL EUGENE EN VILLE
2. HOTEL DUPOND-SMITH

If you’re looking for something a little extraordinary then the highly luxurious Hotel Dupond-Smith is the hidden gem for you. Located in the heart of Paris’s wonderful Marais quarter, this five-star hotel conveniently lies just a 5-minute walk from the metro, 10 minutes from Notre Dame, 20 minutes from the River Seine and a scenic 1 hour wander to the romantic Eiffel Tower. The hotel prides itself on its exclusivity and promotion only by word of mouth. The equally mysterious guest rooms are broken into levels like Alias and Incognito and each one has been named after style icons, literary geniuses’ and rock legends. Alias Rooms are their luxury version of a standard room with 20sqm of lounging capacity, a king-size or twin single beds, ergonomic desk, wardrobe, bathroom with rain shower and one has its own little balcony. The larger Incognito Rooms offer a more superior style room and have been hidden away in the eaves of this enchanting building or can be found lower down with small private terraces to take in the breeze and watch the world go by. The most luxurious 30+sqm. Intuitu Suites have each been individually designed and decorated with a luxurious bedroom area, bathroom with bath and rain shower, some have a private balcony and all feature unique extravagant design quirks like an entrance alcove, dressing room or bar and lounge area. All guest rooms benefit from air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, complimentary wifi, safe, your own personal espresso coffee machine, a selection of Kusmi teas and herbal teas, minibar, iPod Station, bathrobes, slippers and beautiful toiletries from the gorgeous Parisian Perfume House: Diptyque. Despite being right in the middle of busy Marais, you won’t hear a thing from the street as all the windows are double glazed and although there is no restaurant or bar in the hotel, you are just a short stroll from some amazing cafes, bistros, bars and restaurants. Prices start at 323€ per night.

  • Hotel website: Hotel Dupond-Smith
  • Tip: The hotel offers a delicious breakfast that can be served in your room or can be taken in the ground-floor lobby and it is available all day long.
HOTEL DUPOND-SMITH
1. HOTEL DA VINCI

If you fancy a truly authentic, romantic French experience in a hotel packed with Parisian charm and character then the five-star Hôtel Da Vinci might be just what you’re looking for. This boutique 24-room hotel opened in June 2014 and has been decorated to take its guests on a journey back to the heart of the Renaissance, with the period’s most iconic figure, Leonardo da Vinci, as its theme throughout and if that isn’t enough to tempt, The Mona Lisa was hidden in this very building for three nights in 1911 after it had been stolen from the Louvre! The hotel is located perfectly for exploring this beautiful city, right on the Left Bank, near the Louvre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. While staying you can book your own private pool session in the small mosaic-lined pool or enjoy breakfast or a delicious afternoon expresso at Café Da Vinci, with decoration inspired by the oldest and most famous café in Venice: Caffè Florian. All of the guest rooms are decorated with period features, such as caqueteuse chairs and dressing rooms with curved features reminiscent of the wardrobes of the period. Around half the rooms enjoy a balcony and some overlook the hotel patio, a haven of peace and quiet, while others, have views down the Rue des Saints-Pères and offer a glimpse of the Louvre. The Inventions rooms pay tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative genius and at the head of the bed you’ll find a fresco taken from some of his best-known technical drawings. Prices start at 333€ per night.

  • Hotel website: Hôtel Da Vinci
  • Tip: If available, the Mona Lisa room is the one to book, located on the ground floor with a charming little terrace.
HOTEL DA VINCI

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