Top 10: best small romantic hotels in Paris

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.

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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 website: 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.

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.

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 website: Hôtel des Acadamies et des Arts
• Tip: There is no hotel bar or evening restaurant but you will find plenty of places to dine locally.

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 website: 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.

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 website: 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.

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.

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.

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