The Best Historic Hotels in Paris For History Lovers
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One of my favorite movies is Midnight in Paris.
Owen Wilson plays a modern day writer enamored with the Paris of the 1920s, when Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald inhabited the cafes of the 6th arrondissement and embodied the literary cool of American expat writers during the interwar period.
Through a twist of magical realism, Wilson’s character is able to visit this hallowed era, only to discover a universal truth:
NO ONE IS EVER REALLY CONTENT WITH THEIR CONTEMPORARY ERA; NOSTALGIA BECKONS US ALL.
I may not want to live in the past, but I do love to catch little glimpses of it - in museum exhibits, or decades-old restaurants, and perhaps best in grand, historic hotels.
No destination is better for this than Paris, which has so many storied historic hotels to choose from.
If you’re a fellow history enthusiast looking for the best historic hotels in Paris, read on for my top picks of amazing properties with fantastic backstories.
The Best Historic Hotels in Paris For History Lovers
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Here are my top recommendations for the best Historic Hotels to stay at in Paris:
Best Overall 💎 — Hôtel de Crillon
Best Affordable 💰 — Grands Boulevards Experimental
Best Left-Bank 🥂 —Hôtel Lutetia
The Ritz Paris
Rating: 9.6/10 | Location: 1st arrondissement, 1.9km from center | Full Property Details
THE RITZ PARIS EPITOMIZES ELEGANCE AND HISTORY.
Established in 1898 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, the hotel quickly became a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Located on Place Vendôme, the Ritz was the first hotel in Europe to offer en-suite bathrooms, telephones, and electricity to every room, reflecting the technological advancements of the Belle Époque.
The Ritz Paris sits on Place Vendôme, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.
Bar Ritz is a popular cocktail bar with a storied past.
ITS RICH HISTORY IS INTERTWINED WITH THE LIVES OF PROMINENT FIGURES.
During World War II, the Ritz was requisitioned by the German military and became the headquarters for Luftwaffe leader Hermann Göring.
Ernest Hemingway famously "liberated" the Ritz bar in 1944 during the Allied liberation of Paris, though in truth the young war correspondent simply showed up after the Germans had left and ran up a tab of more than forty martinis.
Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel lived at the Ritz for over 30 years, and her suite remains one of the most iconic parts of the hotel.
THE RITZ ALSO HOSTED LITERARY LUMINARIES SUCH AS F. SCOTT FITZGERALD AND MARCEL PROUST.
Following a four-year, $450 million renovation, the hotel reopened in 2016, blending its historic charm with modern luxury.
Key architectural features include its iconic façade and the Vendôme Garden, a tranquil refuge in the bustling city.
The Ritz Paris is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an iconic address in the heart of Paris.
Hôtel Lutetia
Rating: 9.4/10 | Location: 6th arrondissement, 1.9km from center | Full Property Details
HÔTEL LUTETIA, LOCATED IN SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS, OPENED ITS DOORS IN 1910.
Built by the Boucicaut family, founders of Le Bon Marché department store, it was the first luxury hotel on the Left Bank.
Designed in an Art Nouveau style by architect Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, the building features stunning details like decorative ironwork and intricate mosaics.
The stunning exterior of Hôtel Lutetia at dusk.
The hotel’s Josephine Baker Suite, named after the famed American-born French dancer, singer, and actress, includes views of the Eiffel Tower.
THE LUTETIA BECAME A CULTURAL HUB, ATTRACTING ARTISTS, WRITERS, AND INTELLECTUALS SUCH AS PABLO PICASSO, JAMES JOYCE, AND ANDRÉ GIDE.
During World War II, the Lutetia was requisitioned by German forces but later served as a reception center for returning deportees and Holocaust survivors, making it a symbol of resilience in post-war Paris.
The hotel's post-war history saw it evolve into a favorite of cultural icons like Serge Gainsbourg and Catherine Deneuve.
In 2018, the hotel reopened after a meticulous four-year restoration, preserving its historic grand salon and art-filled interiors while introducing contemporary touches.
Hôtel Lutetia is a great choice for travelers who love luxury but prefer staying on Paris’s romantic and artistic Left Bank.
Hôtel de Crillon
Rating: 9.3/10 | Location: 8th arrondissement, 2.5km from center | Full Property Details
HÔTEL DE CRILLON, OVERLOOKING PLACE DE LA CONCORDE, HAS STOOD AS A PARISIAN LANDMARK SINCE 1758.
Originally designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel for King Louis XV, the building was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1909.
Its neoclassical façade is one of the most recognizable in Paris, and the interiors are steeped in history.
The grand entrance to Hôtel de Crillon on Place de la Concorde in Paris.
The hotel’s Cour d'Honneur is the perfect spot for relaxing on warm summer afternoons.
During the early days of the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette took piano lessons in the mansion, though a couple years later, in 1793, she was guillotined directly in front of the building on the Place de la Concorde.
THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, THE CRILLON HAS HOSTED HEADS OF STATE, ROYALTY, AND CULTURAL ICONS.
It was the site of the signing of the United States–France Treaty of Friendship and Commerce in 1778, marking the first formal alliance of the U.S. during the Revolutionary War.
More recently, it underwent a four-year renovation, reopening in 2017 with a renewed focus on its historical grandeur.
Highlights include the Louis XV-style salons and a suite named after Leonard Bernstein, a frequent guest.
Hôtel de Crillon is a fantastic hotel choice for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the grandeur of a neoclassical mansion dating back to the 18th century.
Hôtel d’Aubusson
Rating: 9.3/10 | Location: 6th arrondissement, 0.9km from center | Full Property Details
HÔTEL D’AUBUSSON, LOCATED IN THE LATIN QUARTER, DATES BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY.
Originally a private mansion, it reflects the architectural style of the Louis XIII period.
The building’s name pays homage to the Aubusson tapestries that once adorned its walls, while its cobblestone courtyard and grand fireplace evoke its historic roots.
Its location near the Pont Neuf and Seine in the romantic, artistic 6th arrondissement gives the hotel a quintessential Parisian vibe.
Windowboxed overflowing with flowers adorn the exterior of Hôtel d’Aubusson in the 6th arrondissement.
The lounge features plush seating and a fireplace for cozy evenings.
THE HOTEL’S HISTORY IS CLOSELY TIED TO PARIS’ LITERARY AND ARTISTIC PAST.
Its Café Laurent was a gathering spot for French intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir during the mid-20th century.
TODAY, CAFÉ LAURENT HOSTS NIGHTLY JAZZ PERFORMANCES EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK EXCEPT SUNDAY.
Hôtel d’Aubusson preserves its historical charm while offering modern amenities, making it a perfect choice for those travelers who want a mix of old and new, plus the added cool of an in-house jazz club.
Le Meurice
Rating: 9.2/10 | Location: 1st arrondissement, 2km from center | Full Property Details
LE MEURICE, ESTABLISHED IN 1835, IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “HOTEL OF KINGS” DUE TO ITS POPULARITY WITH EUROPEAN ROYALTY.
Located on Rue de Rivoli, it boasts a prime location overlooking the Tuileries Garden.
The hotel’s opulent interiors, inspired by the grandeur of Versailles, feature crystal chandeliers, marble accents, and gilded details.
Located on Rue de Rivoli, Le Meurice is visible from the Tuileries Garden.
The hotel’s Pompadour Suite is an homage to the Marquise de Pompadour, an 18th century patron of the architectural and decorative arts.
DURING WORLD WAR II, THE HOTEL WAS USED AS HEADQUARTERS BY THE GERMAN MILITARY.
General Dietrich von Choltitz, the city’s military governor, is said to have defied Hitler’s orders to destroy Paris while stationed at Le Meurice.
The hotel has also been a favorite of Salvador Dalí, who spent extended stays and left his surrealist mark on the hotel’s identity.
Its Dalí Restaurant is a tribute to the artist, blending contemporary design with historical elegance.
Just steps from the Louvre, the hotel’s location and historical bona fides make it a fantastic choice for travelers who want a superb location along with luxe amenities.
Le Bristol Paris
Rating: 9.2/10 | Location: 8th arrondissement, 3.2km from center | Full Property Details
LE BRISTOL PARIS, ESTABLISHED IN 1925 ON RUE DU FAUBOURG SAINT-HONORÉ, IS SYNONYMOUS WITH TIMELESS LUXURY.
Named after Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol, the hotel became a hub for Parisian high society.
Its location near the Élysée Palace and upscale boutiques further cemented its reputation as a favorite of diplomats, fashion designers, and artists.
The exterior of Le Bristol Paris is dotted with cheerful striped awnings and flowering windowboxes.
Le Jardin Français is the hotel’s garden courtyard, serving lunch, teatime and dinner in a serene setting.
DURING WORLD WAR II, LE BRISTOL HOUSED THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AND AMERICAN NATIONALS LIVING IN PARIS AT THE TIME.
After the war, the hotel welcomed famous guests like Charlie Chaplin, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe.
In 2011, Le Bristol Paris was the first hotel in France to receive the “Palace” distinction, recognizing its exceptional service and heritage.
(It was also the main hotel featured in Midnight in Paris.)
Highlights of the hotel include the lush courtyard garden and the rooftop pool and spa with panoramic views of Paris.
This is a classic Paris Palace hotel and a great choice for travelers who want the A-List treatment, even if you are a celebrity IRL.
Grands Boulevards Experimental
Rating: 8.9/10 | Location: 2nd arrondissement, 1.6km from center | Full Property Details
THE GRANDS BOULEVARDS EXPERIMENTAL HOTEL IS A MODERN BOUTIQUE HOTEL THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO PARISIAN HISTORY.
While not as old as others on this list, its building dates back to the 18th century.
Originally, the structure housed a private residence before later serving as commercial premises during the 19th century, aligning with the 2nd arrondissement’s evolution into a bustling urban center.
Rooms have been outfitted in sophisticated palettes with design flourishes like canopy beds and intricate tile work.
The hotel’s restaurant has a retractable glass roof and serves Italian cuisine.
In the 20th century, it functioned as office space before being reimagined as a boutique hotel by the Experimental Group in the 21st century.
Located near the Grands Boulevards, a historic area associated with the Haussmannian transformation of Paris, the hotel blends contemporary design with classic architecture.
The interiors, designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, draw inspiration from the era of Louis XVI and the French Revolution, incorporating period details like wrought iron and parquet flooring.
Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring historic landmarks such as the Opéra Garnier and the Passage des Panoramas, one of the city’s oldest covered arcades.
The hotel’s on-property restaurant is a hit with guests and locals alike, making this a charming choice for travelers who want a lively boutique hotel with loads of personality.
Hôtel Balzac
Rating: 8.9/10 | Location: 8th arrondissement, 4.2km from center | Full Property Details
HÔTEL BALZAC WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT IN THE 19TH CENTURY AS A PRIVATE TOWNHOUSE FOR THE DIRECTOR OF THE PARIS OPERA.
It later became associated with the celebrated French novelist Honoré de Balzac, who spent his final days here.
The hotel retains its literary connection, with rooms and suites inspired by Balzac’s works and the Romantic period.
The neoclassical Hôtel Balzac is located near the Champs Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.
The hotel offers select suites with views of the Eiffel Tower.
The building’s architectural style reflects the elegance of the French Restoration style, which relied upon the elements of neoclassicism, like ornate details and high ceilings.
Over the years, it has hosted numerous cultural and political figures, solidifying its place in Parisian history.
Its location near the Champs-Élysées and multiple suites with Eiffel Tower views make it a prime choice for travelers who want the best that Paris has to offer in a discrete, intimate setting.
Hôtel du Louvre
Rating: 8.8/10 | Location: 1st arrondissement, 1.5km from center | Full Property Details
HÔTEL DU LOUVRE, ESTABLISHED IN 1855, IS ONE OF PARIS’ OLDEST GRAND HOTELS.
Situated adjacent to the Louvre Museum and Palais Royal, it was commissioned during the reign of Napoleon III as part of the city’s Haussmannian redevelopment.
The hotel’s design features a blend of Second Empire and neoclassical elements, with a grand atrium and sweeping staircases.
Hôtel du Louvre is located just steps from the Louvre and offers a lively experience in Paris’s 1st arrondissement.
The hotel’s guest rooms are decorated in fresh whites and their large windows let in plenty of natural light.
The Hôtel du Louvre has witnessed significant historical events, including the 1889 Exposition Universelle, during which it hosted international dignitaries.
ITS LITERARY CONNECTIONS INCLUDE HOSTING OSCAR WILDE, SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE, AND OTHER LUMINARIES OF THE BELLE ÉPOQUE.
After extensive renovations, the hotel continues to honor its historical legacy while offering modern luxury.
Its prime location makes it a fantastic pick for travelers who want to be in the middle of it all, close to the Louvre and other main attractions.
Conclusion
I LOVE A GOOD HOTEL, AND I FULLY BELIEVE THAT STAYING AT A GREAT HOTEL CAN TRANSFORM A SO-SO VACATION TO AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.
And after traveling so far from home, there’s a certain peace of mind in staying at a reputable hotel with impeccable service.
The magic of Paris is intoxicating, and it shouldn’t dissipate the moment you step foot in your accommodations.
By booking at one of these historic Paris hotels, you’ll be sure to enjoy that magic throughout your stay, and not just when traipsing through the Louvre or floating down the Seine.
If you’re still looking for hotels in Paris, be sure to check out my list of the best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower views and the best spa hotels in Paris, too.
Cheers to your upcoming Paris vacation 🥂!
xx,
Angela