Paris hotels

From behind a monumental gate, one of the best hotels in Paris is revealed. Halfway between a bucolic castle and a family home, this private mansion is located just 15 minutes from the Champs-Élysées. Laura Gonzalez has left her mark on the 50 rooms and suites, juggling styles and eras, from 19th-century chinoiserie to Art Nouveau motifs.

My favorite is room 112 with a romantic canopy bed. The wellness area also makes the Saint James a unique hotel in Paris, with a gym, Guerlain spa and a 15-meter-long pool. But it is in the bar-library with its 12,000 bound books that the heart of the establishment beats. Bellefeuille, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is also a must-visit at one of the best hotels in Paris.

From its opening, Babel has been a hit. With 31 rooms, it's situated on a pedestrian street in Belleville, a popular neighborhood whose personality the hotel has fully embraced. In terms of decor, architect Daphné Desjeux weaves a connection with the routes of a fantasized Orient, using natural materials and curated objects.

Look out for the monumental fresco by Juliette Seban, an ink interpretation of the Tower of Babel. Between Rue Denoyez with its street art and the energy rituals offered by the hotel, there is no shortage of activities, such as savoring the delights of the restaurant. The kindness of the staff deserves a special mention—they make Babel a unique hotel in Paris.

It's no coincidence that this address at the foot of Montmartre is one of the highest-rated hotels in Paris—and my favorite spot for a romantic rendezvous. Designed by Jacques Garcia, it is an ode to the Pigalle neighborhood with its oriental swirls, theatrical armchairs and burgundy velvet.

Head to the exclusive basement pool and hammam (entry included in the room fee) for an intimate experience with soft lighting. This hotel has no in-house restaurant, but it does have a fantastic cocktail bar that has contributed to the place's reputation. Note there are only 20 rooms so book early.

Located between the Opéra Garnier and Place de la Bourse, this new 5-star establishment has become one of the best hotels in Paris. Elegant and cozy, Hana (meaning "flower" in Japanese) is a fusion of Belle Époque sophistication and Japanese minimalism.

The 26 rooms offer breathtaking views of the Parisian rooftops. However, it is the Japanese-inspired details that makes this hotel unique from calligraphy, raku ceramics and iroko wood details.

While there are plenty of options for Japanese dining in the neighborhood (close to Rue Sainte-Anne), the hotel's Hanabi restaurant-bar is a safe bet and solidifies its reputation as one of the best hotels in Paris.

For those dreaming of a Parisian getaway, here is one of the best hotels in Paris. Located 600 meters from Notre-Dame and Luxembourg Gardens, this 4-star hotel pays tribute to the neighborhood's cinematic tradition. Designer Raphaël Navot channels the Nouvelle Vague in the 109 rooms, some of which feature a balcony with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

My top tip: request a room on the 7th or 8th floor. Among the many highlights of the establishment are the restaurant and rooftop with a 360-degree panorama of Paris's most beautiful monuments. Not to mention the gym, arguably the most beautiful in the capital, and in-room cinema screenings complete with popcorn. This new address on the Left Bank is undoubtedly one of the best hotels to stay in Paris.