City Trips

4 fun and original hotels in Paris

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I had to partially erase the title of this article. I had written ‘affordable’ instead of ‘original’. But affordable and really nice hotels in Paris, they don't exist. At least, I couldn't find them and believe me: I did my best. In Paris, you usually either pay a small monthly salary for one night, or it's affordable and you sleep in a room with carpet everywhere, a shower curtain that sticks to your butt, and a rug at the foot of your bed that you can be sure hasn't been near a washing machine in the last four months. So when I go to Paris, I'm willing to reserve a good part of my budget for the hotel night. Let me share my four favorite hotels with you that are unfortunately not super cheap, but are really great.

1. Le Royal Monceau
Yes, sorry, I'm starting right away with a pretty ridiculously expensive hotel (think €1200 per night) where I once stayed during a press trip. But it's nice to mention because it's a bit less known than Le Bristol and Le Meurice and really deserves a spotlight. It is located within walking distance of the Arc de Triompheand is entirely designed by Philippe Starck. I also loved the chandeliers made of mussel shells. It's chic and original without being stale.


2. Le Scribe
This hotel has a great bar with comfy sofas, Hermès products in the bathroom, and pets are welcome. Here too, no youth hostel rates, but 70 percent cheaper than Le Royal Monceau.


3. Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain & Spa
You have people who always want to be in Le Marais, I'm a left bank person. So I'm happiest near the Boulevard Saint Germain. In this hotel, I once got to join my friend Micha who was in Paris for her modeling during fashion week. It's a beautiful hotel, has a spa, a stunning bar, and still that coziness.


4. Hôtel de Buci
I'll immediately reveal my Paris secret and that is the Rue de Buci, my favorite little street in Paris. Here you can blindly choose a terrace because you eat well everywhere and it's cozy. Hôtel de Buci was renovated a few years ago and now has a solid four-star status, which is why I dare to recommend it to the cleanliness freaks among us.