Searching for the best places to stay in Paris for first timers? You probably want somewhere safe and central, with good facilities – and maybe even a special view! This post is for you…
This list of hotels is not just a round-up of info you can find for yourself on hotel websites. Each hotel has been recommended by Paris travel experts, based on their own first-hand experience and because they are suitable for first-time Paris visitors. It includes options for every budget and a range of exciting locations including near the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter and Montmartre – so have a browse to see what takes your fancy.
I’ve been to Paris many times, so I have several hotels I can recommend based on my own experience. But I know we don’t all have the same tastes and priorities, so I wanted to include a wider range of hotels than I have personally stayed in. For that reason, I asked some travel blogger friends, who also know and love Paris, for their experience of hotels that would be good for those on their first visit to Paris.
This list is our combined recommendation of the best places to stay in Paris for first timers.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.
Table of Contents
About This List Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers
What defines whether somewhere is a good hotel for those visiting Paris for the first time?
When I set out to collate this list of hotels, I started with some criteria for what it means to be ‘good for Paris first-timers’. Those criteria were that it needs to be in a safe location, but also close to attractions, with good transport links. And I was hoping for at least some that also offer a good view.
All the hotels I’ve suggested, and those recommended by other travel bloggers, were put forward because they fulfil those core criteria.
And as a sense-check, I’ve included the hotels’ guest ratings (average scores, out of 10) on Booking.com, which are correct at the time of publishing this article.
So if that all sounds fair, let’s get into the list…
15 Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers
This list of the best hotels in Paris for first time visitors is divided up by star rating / budget type, from hostels to luxury hotels.
Budget Accommodation In Paris
1. The People – Paris Nation
Recommended by Gladis from Happiness On the Way
If you’re a first-time backpacker to Paris, The People – Paris Nation is perfect for you. This hip hostel offers a comfortable bed, a locker, and a shared bathroom (even with a hair dryer).
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
The best thing about The People – Paris Nation is its location. It’s only a 2-minute walk from the Nation metro station. Beside it is Casino Supermarket, where you can buy fruits, salads, or even roasted chicken and have a Parisian picnic at the nearby Place de la Nation park.
Aside from the park, it’s also near some off-the-beaten-path spots like Colonnes du Trone and Pictus Cemetery.
From your window, you’ll have a view of the park in the morning and at night the sparkling Eiffel Tower. You can also visit the hotel’s rooftop restaurant for dinner, drinks, and more stunning views of the city.
Just remember to bring a towel (or rent one for a few euros) and a lock (or you can purchase one). While the hotel does have a restaurant, it’s a little fancy, so you might feel uncomfortable bringing your supermarket food there. Just enjoy your daily meals at the nearby park, and embrace the local experience, which is what I liked most about my stay. That, and visiting the most beautiful street in Paris, Rue Cremieux.
Where Is The People – Paris Nation?
It’s in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. The nearest Metro station is Nation, on lines 1, 2, 6 and 9.
The People – Paris Nation’s Rating On Booking.com
8.4 is the average guest rating for The People – Paris Nation, with the highest scores awarded to staff, location and free wifi (all 9.2).
Check prices and availability for The People – Paris Nation On Booking.com
Alternatively, you can also book The People – Paris Nation on Hostelworld
3-Star Hotels In Paris
2. La Finca Hôtel & Spa, Near Bastille
Recommended by me, Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
I stayed at La Finca Hôtel & Spa (formerly called the Hotel Auberge Flora) for my first visit to Paris after a gap of nine years. So whilst I wasn’t actually a Paris first-timer, in some ways it felt like I was rediscovering Paris on that trip.
I was looking for a reasonably priced mid-range hotel that was fairly central – and La Finca Hôtel & Spa fit the bill perfectly.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
What I liked most about it was the location: it’s close to the buzzy cafes and bars of the hip Bastille area, but it’s still on a relatively quiet street. One of the nearby cafes I liked most is Café des Anges.
I also liked my room, which was small, but very comfortable – and it had everything I needed for a short stay. The staff were also really friendly and helpful whenever I interacted with them.
In terms of food & drink, they offered a simple, affordable breakfast in the morning, which was great. They also have a bar open at night, which was nice to grab a drink at the end of the day. As a solo traveller in Paris, I don’t like to stay out super late in bars on my own, so being able to chill at the hotel at the end of the day was a nice option.
I should add, that I didn’t try the spa services on my trip, so I don’t know what they are like.
Where Is La Finca Hôtel & Spa?
It’s in the 11th arrondissement of Paris and the nearest Metro station is Richard Lenoir on line 5.
La Finca Hôtel & Spa Rating On Booking.com
8.6 is the average rating given by guests to La Finca Hôtel & Spa on Booking.com, with the highest scores being awarded to staff, cleanliness and location.
Check prices and availability for La Finca Hôtel & Spa on Booking.com
3. Grand Hotel De L’univers, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Recommended by Sam Opp of Find Love and Travel
Located in the charming neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Grand Hôtel de L’Univers is an excellent boutique hotel in which to enjoy your Paris trip!
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
Grand Hôtel de L’Univers is a 3-star hotel. However, the service feels above that, and while the price is not budget, it is also not outrageous for the neighbourhood.
The hotel has 33 fully furnished rooms, with beautiful decor and updated furnishes, including an air conditioner. The rooms are also a decent size for Paris standards. There is high-speed internet and cleaning service every day. They also have a small lift or a charming spiral staircase to get to and from your room.
Once walking out of the hotel, the streets are brimming with life. Cafes, restaurants, and bars line the streets. Grand Hôtel de L’Univers is just off of the notable Rue de Buci, which is a notable walking street in Paris.
There are at least two metro stations and a few bus stations that surround the hotel, which are around 3-6 minutes walking.
Nearby attractions include visiting the Palais du Luxembourg, which is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Other nearby attractions are Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, which are about a 12-minute walk from the hotel.
A downside of this hotel is that it is located in a lively neighbourhood, so if you want to be somewhere quieter, this might not be the area for you.
Where Is Grand Hôtel de L’Univers?
It’s in the famed literary district Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. The nearest Metro stations are Mabillion (line 10) and Odéon (lines 4 & 10).
Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Rating On Booking.com
8.8 is the average guest rating for Grand Hôtel de L’Univers on Booking.com, with location and staff being the best-rated aspects.
Check prices and availability for Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain on Booking.com
4. Hotel Relais Bosquet By Malone, Near The Eiffel Tower
Recommended by Lisa Garrett of Waves and Cobblestones
The Hotel Relais Bosquet is a comfortable 3-star, mid-range hotel. It is in a safe neighbourhood, midway between the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel des Invalides – both stunning Paris attractions.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
The Hotel Relais Bosquet is the perfect place to stay on your first visit to Paris. It’s in an excellent Paris location in the 7th arrondissement, just a block from the fabulous market street of Rue Cler with plenty of great nearby dining options.
Some rooms have a view of the top of the Eiffel Tower so you can see its twinkling lights without leaving your room! The elevator is tiny, but that’s typical for Paris hotels.
A breakfast buffet is offered (free if you book directly with the hotel). Or head over to the famous Paris market street Rue Cler and start your day off with some mouth-watering pastries from the boulangerie! After breakfast is over, the hotel does offer complimentary snacks and candy throughout the day.
My favourite feature of this hotel? The electric roll-down blackout shutters! This way you can grab a quick nap to get over your jet lag.
Where Is Hotel Relais Bosquet By Malone?
Hotel Relais Bosquet is in the 7th arrondissement and the nearest Metro station is École Militaire, on line 8 – it’s just a 4-minute walk from the hotel.
Hotel Relais Bosquet By Malone Rating On Booking.com
8.7 is the average guest rating on Booking.com for Hotel Relais Bosquet, with the highest scores going to location, staff and comfort.
Check prices and availability for Hotel Relais Bosquet By Malone on Booking.com
5. Hôtel de L’Empereur By Malone, Near Les Invalides
Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
Hôtel de L’Empereur offers a romantic Parisian experience just a stone’s throw away from iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Dome des Invalides.
It’s also only a 5-minute walk to the nearest metro station, making it easy to get to other attractions in Paris like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, two of the most famous churches in Europe.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
Located in the rue Cler district of Paris, this quaint, 3-star boutique hotel boasts breathtaking views of the golden dome of Les Invalides. Hôtel de L’Empereur’s central location means that cafés, bakeries, and renowned dining establishments are all within easy reach, making it an ideal hotel for first time visitors to Paris.
Inside the hotel, each air-conditioned room has its own unique and elegant decor including grand furnishings, luxurious wallpaper, and heavy drapes that all live up to the hotel’s regal name.
Although stylish, the rooms are on the smaller side. The hotel works well for couples, but if travelling with children, you may find the space a bit cramped.
Even if you only have a short time to explore Paris, this hotel makes for the perfect base to discover the City of Light.
Where Is Hôtel de L’Empereur By Malone?
Hôtel de L’Empereur is in the 7th arrondissement and the nearest Metro station is La Tour-Maubourg on line 8.
Hôtel de L’Empereur By Malone Rating On Booking.com
8.6 is the average guest rating for Hôtel de L’Empereur, with the best-rated aspects being location, staff and free wifi.
Check Prices And Availability For Hôtel de L’Empereur By Malone On Booking.com
6. Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine
Recommended by me, Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
You know what you’re getting with an Ibis hotel, which can be a plus if you’re nervous about travelling to Paris for the first time. And this particular Ibis is in a quiet spot near the the buzzy Faubourg Saint-Antoine area, which has enough eateries to keep any foodie satisfied.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
I don’t think an Ibis hotel will be right for everyone. However, the reason I have included Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine in this list of best places to stay in Paris for first timers is that if you’re nervous about travelling to Paris, staying at a chain hotel might offer a bit of peace of mind. For some people, knowing they’re dealing with an international, reputable company is reassuring.
It can also be an affordable option – and we all know Paris can be expensive, so saving some money on accommodation can be appealing.
As well as offering some good prices, the Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine is also well-located for great places to eat – and this was my favourite part of staying here. There are lots of affordable eateries on nearby rue de Charonne, and right next to the hotel itself are two quite elegant restaurants, Le Trousseau d’Or Restaurant and Chefs à Table. So you’re spoiled for choice
It’s also near two of the prettiest streets in Paris, Rue Crémieux and Passage L’homme, the latter being one that is still quite off the beaten path in Paris. And it’s also not far from the gorgeous elevated garden walkway, Coulée Verte René-Dumont, which is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris, if you’re there in season.
The downside of booking an Ibis hotel (and this might be true for many chain hotels), is that they lack the local character and style of many other Parisian hotels. So, you should expect the interior décor to be like Ibis hotels all over the world: modern, simple, colourful, and clean. But not particularly chic.
Where Is Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine?
Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine is in the hip Sainte Marguerite neighbourhood of the 11th arrondissement and the nearest Metro station is Ledru-Rollin, on line 8.
Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine Rating On Booking.com
Its average guest rating is 8.1, with the best aspects being staff, location and cleanliness.
Check Prices And Availability For Ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine On Booking.com
7. Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter
Recommended by Kim at Explore Your Bucket List
The Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain is on the left bank in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Latin Quarter.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
This is a great option for first-time visitors to Paris who are looking for an affordable accommodation option. As Paris’s literary and artistic district, the area is lively and has easy access to many restaurants and bars in the immediate area.
Within the vicinity of Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain are the Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, the Sorbonne, Rue Mouffetard and the Notre Dame Cathedral. For visiting other areas and sights in Paris there is both a bus service (86 and 63) and the Metro within a 3-minute walk.
Rooms are basic but clean and very comfortable. The hotel provides all your necessities such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap. The towels and bedding were all good quality. In the lobby, they offer complimentary coffee, tea, and water. There is also breakfast offered onsite for an additional charge.
We found the hotel staff to be very helpful providing all we needed including glasses with ice, directions, maps and arranging transportation as needed. We also left our luggage with them before checking into our room. We were well taken care of at this property and recommend it as a practical choice.
Where Is Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain?
Despite its name suggesting it’s in Saint-Germain, Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain is actually in the Latin Quarter, the 5th arrondissement. Its nearest Metro station is Maubert-Mutualité on line 10.
Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain Rating On Booking.com
Its average guest rating is 7.7, with the highest scores coming in for location, staff and free wifi.
Check Prices And Availability For Hotel Claude Bernard Saint-Germain On Booking.com
4-Star Hotels In Paris
8. Terrass” Hotel, Montmartre
Recommended by me, Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
If you fancy staying in the famed Montmartre area of Paris, consider the Terrass” Hotel, which is close to the action, very comfortable, and also offers stunning views, including the Eiffel Tower.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
The location makes Terrass” Hotel a really good location for your first time in Paris: Montmartre is so charming and gorgeous; no wonder it’s incredibly popular with visitors to Paris.
From the hotel, you can walk up the hill to explore the village-like hilltop area, including its cute cobbled streets and pretty cafes, many once frequented by the famous artists that made the area a bohemian hotspot. And of course, the white stone Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Sacré-Coeur is stunning.
Follow my free self-guided walking tour of Montmartre to see all the landmarks and to experience the best of the neighbourhood.
The hotel itself is also good for first-timers in Paris because it’s very stylish and very comfortable – and to top it all off, some rooms have Eiffel Tower views.
No, Montmartre isn’t right next to the Eiffel Tower, so it’s a distant view. But still, being near Montmartre and having a view of the Eiffel Tower is a winning combination for a Paris hotel!
Even if you don’t pay the extra for a room with a view, you’ll get it at breakfast because the top floor restaurant (also where breakfast is served) has the best view of all.
I treated myself to one of their Eiffel Tower suites and it was lovely: a big room with a big bathroom, a balcony and all the amenities I could ask for. Now, that visit was during winter in Paris, and there was some moisture in the air, affecting the clarity of the view – so perhaps it’s better to go in Springtime in Paris to make the most of the view.
Where Is Terrass” Hotel?
You’ll find the Terrass” Hotel between the butte of Montmartre and the Montmartre Cemetery, in the 18th arrondissement. The nearest Metro station is Abbesses (line 12).
Terrass” Hotel Rating On Booking.com
8.8 is the average guest rating out of 10 for Terrass” Hotel. It scores highest for location, staff and comfort.
Check Prices And Availability For Terrass” Hotel on Booking.com
9. Hôtel Diva Opéra, Fauberg-Montmartre
Recommended by me, Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
Hôtel Diva Opéra is a boutique 4-star hotel in vibrant Fauberg-Montmartre, which is really central, making it easy to get everywhere in Paris.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
Firstly, it’s a very comfortable 4-star hotel, with comfortable rooms and great bathrooms. I stayed here during a winter trip to Paris and it was like a warm, cosy blanket coming back to the hotel after a day exploring in the cold.
Hôtel Diva Opéra also very centrally located: walkable to Hassmann Boulevard and the fancy department stores (grand magasins) of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
It’s even closer to three of the best covered passages in Paris: Passages Verdeau, Jouffroy and Panoramas. These 19th-century covered walkways contain independent cafes and vintage shops. They’re a real treat to wander through.
When I stayed in Hôtel Diva Opéra, I opted out of breakfast in the hotel. And I was glad I did because there are plenty of good choices for eating in the immediate vicinity, including the colourful Bon Bouquet Café brunch place and the more traditional neon-signed La Comète café.
There’s also a great restaurant for dinner a few doors down on the same street: Restaurant Willette Café Troquet.
Where Is Hôtel Diva Opéra?
It’s in the 9th arrondissement and the nearest Metro station is Cadet (line 7) or Bonne Nouvelle (lines 8 & 9).
Hôtel Diva Opéra Rating On Booking.com
8.1 is Hôtel Diva Opéra’s average guest rating, with location, staff, comfort and cleanliness scoring particularly well.
Check Prices And Availability For Hôtel Diva Opéra On Booking.com
10. Maison Mère, Montholon Village
Recommended by Matt from Wheatless Wanderlust
This mid-range hotel in a tranquil area near Square Montholon leans towards the boutique end of the spectrum, but prices are reasonable for Paris.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
Maison Mère is a great choice for first timers in Paris for a few reasons. First, the location on the eastern side of the 9th Arrondissement is excellent both in terms of walkability. Both hip South Pigalle and charming Montmartre are walkable from the hotel. And in terms of transit connections – Gare du Nord and multiple metro stations are within 10-15 minutes on foot.
From the hotel, you’ll be within 30 minutes of just about everything in Paris using the Metro.
The rooms here are both stylish and compact – our room had very little room to do anything but sleep. Despite the compactness, they’re well thought out with little touches like reading lights and USB charging ports near the bed.
There is a bar and restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel that serves a breakfast buffet in the morning (not included in the room price) and turns into a cosy bar and restaurant when the evening comes around.
Though it wasn’t our first time in Paris, we thoroughly enjoyed using Maison Mère as a home base for exploring the city for a few days. We discovered a few bars and restaurants within a few blocks of the hotel that ended up being a few of our favourites in Paris, namely Aji Dulce (Venezuelan arepas) and Soif la Cave à Pigalle (a cool natural wine bar), and multiple of our favourite coffee shops in Paris are within 10 minutes on foot.
Where Is Maison Mère?
Maison Mère is in the 9th arrondissement, close to both Cadet and Poissonnière Metro stations (both line 7).
Maison Mère Rating On Booking.com
It scores an impressive 9.0 on Booking.com, with its free wifi, staff and cleanliness the best-rated aspects by guests.
Check Prices And Availability For Maison Mère On Booking.com
11. Hotel West-End, Champs-Élysées
Recommended by Marcie Cheung from Marcie in Mommyland
The Hotel West-End is located just steps away from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the heart of Paris.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
This 4-star hotel is right in front of the local police station, so it feels safe.
Most rooms have a street view but the Hotel West-End also has a handful of rooms with Eiffel Tower views. But you don’t need to stay in one of those rooms to see the Eiffel Tower. There’s a great view of the Eiffel Tower by the Flame of Liberty (aka Princess Diana Memorial) which is just a few blocks from the hotel.
It’s also close to the Bateaux Mouches Seine River cruise, the celebrity hotel, Hôtel Plaza Athénée and the cabaret venue, Crazy Horse Paris.
It’s about a 2-minute walk to restaurants, including Chez Andre and Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, both of which are great for first-time visitors.
The hotel itself has a little breakfast area with pretty tasty food. I usually stay in kid-friendly hotels in Paris, so it was a treat to get to stay in a “nice” hotel where they delivered breakfast right to our room each morning!
Where Is Hotel West-End?
Hotel West-End is in the Champs-Élysées area of the 8th arrondissement. The nearest metro station is Franklin D Roosevelt (lines 1 & 9), which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Hotel West-End Rating On Booking.com
8.9 is Hotel West-End’s guest score on Booking.com. Guests rate the location, staff and comfort particularly high.
Check Prices And Availability For Hotel West-End On Booking.com
12. Hôtel Montecristo, Latin Quarter
Recommended by Lena from Salut From Paris
If you are travelling to Paris for the first time, the Hôtel Montecristo is an ideal choice. Nestled in the quaint Quartier Latin, one of the nicest arrondissements in Paris, the Hotel is a charming retreat with a not-so-subtle nod to the adventure novels of the great French author Alexandre Dumas.
Expect a refreshing and tasteful blend of exotic elements, lush greens and intricate details.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
The Hôtel Montecristo is close enough to the city centre, and the Metro is just a short 5-minute walk away. Hence, a location with easy access to iconic attractions in central Paris. Yet, it grants you a quieter, more local Parisian experience, away from the buzz of the tourist centre.
The upscale 4* Hotel comes with the usual amenities: bathrobes, slippers, coffee machine and AC, but also a magnificent pool and sauna. Just perfect to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
The hotel caters also to those looking for extraordinary drinking and dining experiences, and that is not only due to its extraordinary breakfast buffet. Their in-house Bar 1806 is a well-known spot for rum enthusiasts, with hundreds of bottles to try from. Why not join one of their professional rum-tasting sessions? And to end your evening, pop in their restaurant Le Grand Dictionnaire, which offers a seasonally changing menu in a tastefully designed space, which is also, inspired by Dumas.
I honestly loved everything about the Hôtel Montecristo, but if I had to pick, the pool and the breakfast were my favourite parts, though.
Where Is Hôtel Montecristo?
Hôtel Montecristo in the Val-de-Grâce area of the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. The nearest Metro is Les Gobelins on line 7.
Hôtel Montecristo Rating On Booking.com
Guests give Hôtel Montecristo an 8.8 out of 10, rating its comfort and cleanliness highest.
Check Prices And Availability For Hôtel Montecristo On Booking.com
13. Edouard 7 Paris Opéra
Recommended by Julie from Toronto to Anywhere
Edouard 7 Paris Opéra is a charming boutique hotel located on the picturesque Avenue de l’Opéra. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Paris.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
The rooms are cosy and comfortable. Each one is air-conditioned, has WiFi access, and features a private bathroom. This elegant hotel boasts some great amenities, such as an upscale restaurant and a trendy cocktail bar.
Additionally, some of the rooms in Edouard 7 Paris Opéra come with a small private balcony that offers breathtaking views of Avenue de l’Opéra and the spectacular Palais Garnier.
The location of this hotel is excellent, as it is situated in a safe area of the city near numerous restaurants and shops. It is also located within walking distance of several main attractions, including Galeries Lafayette, Place Vendome, Palais-Royal and the Louvre.
Additionally, Opéra Metro Station is just 200 metres away, making transportation easy and convenient. Guests staying here can be sure that they are in an ideal area of the city to experience the best of Paris.
The hotel staff are incredibly friendly and hospitable, going out of their way to make their guests’ stay as enjoyable as possible. As a bonus, one of the best bakeries in Paris, Cédric Grolet Opéra, is located just steps away!
Ultimately, the fantastic location, friendly and helpful service, and spectacular balcony views made Edouard 7 Paris Opéra a perfect place to stay during my first visit to Paris. I can’t wait to stay here again on my next visit to the city.
Where Is Edouard 7 Paris Opéra?
Edouard 7 Paris Opéra is in the Opéra area of the 2nd arrondissement, close to Opéra Metro, which is on lines 3, 7 and 8.
Edouard 7 Paris Opéra Rating On Booking.com
8.6 is the average guest rating, with the highest scores awarded to location, staff and comfort.
Check Prices And Availability For Edouard 7 Paris Opéra On Booking.com
5-Star Hotels In Paris
If your budget stretches to 5-star luxury hotels, I love that for you! I have experience with a couple that I think would be amazing places to stay in Paris for first timers.
14. Hôtel Regina Louvre
Recommended by me, Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
The Hôtel Regina Louvre is in an impressive Haussmann building and is located just across rue de Rivoli from Musée du Louvre. It’s a picture-perfect Paris hotel with art nouveau décor and luxurious facilities.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
Hôtel Regina Louvre offers everything you’d want on a luxury first visit to Paris: a brilliant location, attractive architecture, a luxurious bedroom and an iconic view.
Its location on rue de Rivoli, which was one of the first wide boulevards created by Haussmann in his grand redesign of Paris the hotel is right in the middle of things: close to the Louvre and the Seine, with a Batobus Paris stop nearby.
As soon as I arrived at Hôtel Regina Louvre, I felt special. The exterior is handsome, with a classic grey sloped rooftop and there’s a gold statue of Statue of Joan of Arc out front. Smart doormen assisted me as soon as I pulled up in my taxi.
As I went through the revolving doors into the lobby, I noted the attractive Art Nouveau features and a classic chequered tile floor. I was there in December to see the Paris Christmas Markets, and the Christmas decorations were up in the hotel, making the whole place feel festive and cosy.
The staff are attentive, ultra-polite and really helpful. When I arrived, my room wasn’t quite ready, so they took my luggage and offered for me to sit in the lobby bar while I waited. I treated myself to a yummy croque monsieur as I wanted, which wasn’t long.
When they took me to my room, I was delighted to find I had been given a room with a small balcony and a view of the Eiffel Tower: what a treat! My room was large, very sumptuous and it had every amenity I could ever need. For the novelty of it, I sent a note to my husband using the Hotel stationery, haha.
And while it offers everything you expect from a 5-star hotel, Hôtel Regina Louvre’s pricing tends not to be as eye-watering as some of the other luxury hotels in Paris, so it is relatively more accessible.
Where Is Hôtel Regina Louvre?
Hôtel Regina Louvre is right next to the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement. The nearest Metro station is Tuileries on line 1 or Pyramids on lines 7 & 14.
Hôtel Regina Louvre Rating On Booking.com
It is well-rated by guests on Booking.com, scoring 8.8 on average. Its best scores are for location, staff, cleanliness and comfort.
Check Prices And Availability For Hôtel Regina Louvre on Booking.com
15. The Peninsula Paris, Near The Arc De Triomphe
Recommended by me, Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
Full disclosure: I have not stayed at this hotel. I’ve only had lunch and drinks there. But based on everything I saw during that visit, The Peninsula Paris is firmly on my wishlist of places I’d like to stay in Paris – so I figured I should share it with you.
Why Is This One Of The Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers?
The main reason is it’s just so intensely luxurious and gorgeous. It’s full of marble and elegant furnishings. It’s huge but the vibe is very calm and the service is impeccable.
I visited The Peninsula Paris during a short one-day trip to Paris and had lunch in L’Oiseau Blanc, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, which has views over the Paris rooftops to the Eiffel Tower. The whole experience was dreamy. Expensive! But wonderful.
After lunch, we wandered out onto Kléber Terrace, the rooftop terrace and enjoyed the sweeping views across Paris and the pretty flowers. If you can afford it, coming here as a couple could be one of the most special and romantic things to do in Paris.
The Peninsula Paris’s location is also stunning: it’s a few hundred meters from the Arc De Triomphe.
And if the price is a sticking point, why not do what I did with Hotel Regina Louvre, which is book for one night only?
Where Is The Peninsula Paris?
It’s on Avenue Kléber, one of the 12 smart avenues that radiate out from Place Charles de Gaulle and is in the Chaillot area of the 16th arrondissement. The nearest Metro is Charles de Gaulle – Étoile on lines 1, 2 and 6 (it also connects to RER route A).
The Peninsula Paris Rating On Booking.com
Unsurprisingly, The Peninsula Paris scores higher on Booking.com than any other hotel in this list: a whopping 9.2. It scores especially highly for comfort, cleanliness, facilities, staff and location.
Check Prices And Availability For The Peninsula Paris On Booking.com
Map: Best Places To Stay In Paris For First Timers
Here’s a map of all the places we recommend as being the best hotels in Paris for first time visitors:
How To Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one. If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.
The Last Word
I hope you have found something of interest in this article! And I hope you have a great time in Paris.
If you’re planning your first visit to Paris, you might want to read my article on Paris for the first time. It contains tips, a heads-up on common Paris scams to avoid, and lots of ideas for things to do.
It could also be a good idea to read a little about Paris Syndrome, to ensure your expectations are not too high for Paris to deliver on!
I also have some itineraries which might help you work out how to spend your time if you have 2 days in Paris or 4 days in Paris.
