Best Boutique Hotels in Paris

With a sweeping private entrance surrounded by green lawns and an impressive fountain, the upscale Saint James is a rare find in Paris -- in fact, the 19th century manor is considered the only chateau-hotel in the city. Its unique character, combined with its impressive amenities, earn it the number two spot on this list. The 48 rooms and suites are large by Paris standards, and decorated in plush fabrics. But the common areas are more impressive -- especially the black and white grand staircase on the main floor, and the terrace is a beautiful spot for lunch on a nice summer day. There's also a small fitness center, a luxurious spa with treatment rooms and steam rooms, and a gourmet restaurant.

This upscale, 30-room boutique hotel is one of the best choices in Paris, and offers surprisingly competitive rates for the level of luxury. It is named for the founder of the Opera Comique across the street, and the decor blends influences of the 18th century theater with modern trends. Rooms are chic and sport colorful accents, as well as thoughtful amenities such as iPod docks, bathrobes, towel warmers, and flat-screen TVs with free movies. Several metro lines are nearby, and popular sights such as the Louvre are within walking distance. Just note that the (excellent) breakfast buffet is an extra fee, and that the Classic Rooms are quite small.

A cozy and luxurious oasis in the center of the Saint Germain quarter, and a short walk to the Luxembourg Gardens, this boutique hotel is praised for its stylish decor and tranquil garden where guests can enjoy breakfast. The 44 air-conditioned rooms, some of which are on the small side, are elegantly decorated with subtly striped rose carpeting, floral drapes and bedspreads, and antique furnishings from Paris flea markets. However, rates can be on the high side and extras, such as savory items at breakfast, cost more. 

The Hidden Hotel -- as its name suggests -- is tucked away on a quaint side street within walking distance to L'Arc de Triomphe and the Charles de Gualle metro station. The intimate hotel has only 23 rooms, and incorporates handmade craftsmanship and natural materials that give it a contemporary and Zen-like vibe. Room style is arguably chicer and more special than the Montalembert's, and some rooms come with balconies and terraces. Beds -- dressed in organic cottons, of course -- are canopy style, and bathrooms have an open design with granite finishes and rainfall showerheads. But the small size of the rooms puts this hotel lower on the list. Though breakfast has a fee, it is a healthy spread using local ingredients. In the evenings, the cozy bar is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, and during the day a barista serves up delicious cappuccino (and other coffee treats) in the chic setting.

The 33-room Hotel Fabric fits perfectly in its Oberkampf surroundings; here, post-industrial chic meets artisan vintage -- with a hipster edge. The rooms of this boutique property are generally spacious with fun, funky interiors and the odd architectural reminder of the building's heritage (plus modern bathrooms with walk-in showers). An evening honesty bar is a cool touch and the spa is a bonus, though on the small side. Rates are a little high for the area, but trendy doesn't usually come cheap -- especially in Paris.

Opened in 2013 after a total renovation and relaunch, the family-run Hotel Signature St Germain des Prés (formerly known as the Hotel Lindbergh) offers 26 modern, mid-century-inspired rooms in Paris' central, well-heeled St-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. From the lobby to the rooms, the interiors are colorful and stylish, and in-room amenities are top-notch. The surrounding neighborhood is picturesque and classically Parisian, with many popular tourist sights within walking distance; some of the higher-floor rooms even afford glimpses of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Rates might feel high for so few facilities -- Wi-Fi is free, breakfast is offered for a fee, and little else is included -- but the boutique-style rooms are something special, the location is hard to beat, and service is generally agreed to be outstanding.

La Villa Paris is a four-room bed and breakfast set in a lovely 1920s mansion in the 13th arrondissement in southeastern Paris. It's a 15-minute metro ride to the historic center of Paris and major tourist attractions. But a stay at La Villa Paris offers a window into the life of real Parisians. The location in the Butte aux Cailles quarter is like living in a charming village, with its own butcher, baker, small bars and restaurants, and the owners provide guests with the perfect balance of attention and privacy

The 29-room Secret de Paris is an upscale boutique with Paris-themed interiors, located off the tourist trail -- but on the outskirts of the Pigalle nightlife hub. Rooms are geared towards romancing couples, with adjustable mood lighting and tubs for two, but some might be a bit too cozy (read: small) even for the loved-up. Rates are what you'd expect for Paris, and you get plenty of extras for your euros, including a sauna, steam room, and fitness center.

Hotel Keppler is an upscale, stylish 39-room boutique hotel on a quiet street in Paris' 16th Arrondissement near the Arc de Triomphe. It is less than a 10-minute walk to the cafes and shops on the Champs-Élysées, and is also within easy access of public transportation. All rooms are stylish (though some are small), and premium rooms have terraces and views of the Eiffel Tower. The hotel has a small fitness center with cardio machines and free weights, and a sauna and steam room. 

The Raphael is a luxurious hotel situated in one of Paris's swankiest neighborhoods on a tree-lined avenue a block from the Arc de Triomphe. Classical Old World interiors are elegantly finished throughout, nowhere more so than the 83 extraordinarily spacious rooms and suites, complete with plush carpeting, antique wood furnishings, and airy white-porcelain bathrooms. Unparalleled views over Paris from the rooftop garden are a real delight, while eating and drinking options are world class -- though duly expensive. The decor might all be a bit over the top for some, and health facilities feel like an afterthought, though for guests whose wallets can take it, this is one of the finest places to stay in the French capital.

The 49-room Hotel d'Aubusson is a luxury boutique hotel in what was formerly a 17th-century stately home. Located in Saint-Germain des Pres, the Hotel d'Aubusson epitomizes the Paris experience, with its elegant courtyard garden and intellectual past. The hotel has a literary tradition stretching back to the 1700s, when it began drawing coffee-sipping writers and intellectuals, and continuing to this day with weekly literary talks. Rooms are stylish and sophisticated, with Hermes toiletries, sumptuous textiles, and cool modernist takes on canopy beds. The Hotel d’Aubusson is the place to stay for an unforgettable Paris holiday.

A chic, 20-room luxury boutique hotel in the elite St. Germain neighborhood of Paris, L’Hotel is cozy and artistic, each decoration and service thoughtfully rendered. It's pricey, to be sure, but other upscale boutiques nearby, such as the Hotel d'Aubusson and the Relais Christine, are often just as much (or more) -- and the rooms there aren't quite as special. L'Hotel has impressive features for such a tiny property, such as an underground spa pool and Michelin-rated restaurant. It's hard to find another hotel that matches the L’Hotel’s rich history, elegance, and character -- though the age of the building can make for some small spaces, including a tiny elevator. 

The 16-room upper-middle-range Le Robinet d’Or is a charming boutique hotel in the 10th arrondissement. It's full of character and industrial-chic decor that’s a nod to its name and history, as this “Golden Tap” was once a tap factory. Though not close to many major tourist sights, the area is well populated with restaurants, and is conveniently located within walking distance of two major train stations, and is around the corner from a metro station. Quaint rooms with flower-covered crimson accent walls have comfortable beds and amenities that include flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers, and lovely (but small) modern bathrooms. Suites with kitchenettes and living rooms are also available. The on-site restaurant and bar is a typical Parisian bistro, and is a popular spot with local residents as well as guests. 

The 50-room Balmoral Hotel is an upscale boutique with romantic style and a central Paris location near the Arc de Triomphe. This reasonably priced property has 24-hour front desk service, a chic breakfast room, a 24-hour lobby bar and fireplace lounge, concierge service, and an Apple business corner. Elegant rooms, suites, and apartments offer flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, contemporary bathrooms, and Paris street views. Some guests complain about hearing noises from other rooms, but sounds are reportedly minimal and don’t spoil the overall atmosphere.

Owned by celebrity chef Yves Camdeborde, this upscale boutique is focused on food and culture. On-site restaurant Le Comptoir is a destination unto itself, and guests get priority when booking one of its coveted tables. Large, stylish rooms feature unique decor and distinctive details inspired by literary greats, as well as luxe amenities that include stocked minibarsand Anne Semonin toiletries. The Relais Saint-Germain also offers a convenient location within walking distance of posh shops, great restaurants, and popular attractions such as Notre Dame cathedral and the Louvre. But the hotel does not have a fitness center, and some bathrooms are small.