Guide of the Paris Palace Hotels, France

In France, What’s higher rated than 5-Star Hotels is Distinction Palace, an official government rating for hotels that go beyond the already high 5-star standard. Paris Palace hotels cocoon you in luxury, surround you with beauty, and pamper you in every way possible. To win the coveted “Distinction Palace” official government rating award, a hotel that has already earned 5 stars for excellence has to go far beyond the 5-star standard.

Each hotel offers you a unique ambiance and experience, ranging from traditional 18th century French royal grandeur to luxuriously modern serenity, with spectacular city views, impeccable service, and every amenity you can imagine. Amazing decor, impeccable service, prestigious guests … Parisian palaces are an invitation to enjoy luxury, tranquillity and an unforgettable experience. Spacious rooms, concierge service, gastronomic restaurants, prestigious facilities … Parisian palaces offer the best in upscale hospitality.

With their sumptuous architecture, often full of memories and history, the Parisian palace is part of the elegant cachet of Paris, and a true ambassador of Parisian excellence. For an exceptional welcome and high-level services like concierge, catering orchestrated by great chefs, elegant and refined rooms and suites, etc. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or just reward yourself with a few days and nights of bliss in the City of Lights, the Parisian Palace hotels give you the best of the best.

Of the 31 hotels to have been awarded the Palace distinction in France, Paris currently accounts for 12. In addition to historic luxury hotels like Le Bristol, Le Meurice, the Hôtel de Crillon and The Plaza Athénée, new establishments with contemporary design have recently opened like The Shangri-La and The Mandarin Oriental.

High standards of service, upmarket facilities, bespoke service, a prestigious history… The Palace distinction is a prestigious label that increases the international profile of 5 star hotels that present exceptional characteristics such as their geographical location, historical interest, bespoke service …

A presentation in front of a panel of personalities – 14 members from the world of literature, the arts, culture, the media, and the business world­ – who decide whether or not the establishment can aspire to the Palace distinction in terms of various indispensable criteria: the beauty of the place, historical heritage, high standards of service, gastronomy, the environment … in order to give a determining opinion.

Hôtel de Crillon
Grandiose and majestic with interiors signed Ange-Jacques Gabriel, and a symbol of French luxury, the Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel overlooks Place de la Concorde, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Built at the request of Louis XV, in 1758, the hotel was transformed into a palace in 1909. Since then, it has played host to great men and women: Théodore Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, Andy Warhol, Bono, Juliette Binoche, Taylor Swift and even icons such as Madonna and Michael Jackson. The Hôtel de Crillon has also been the stage for major world events such as the signing of the creation of the League of Nations in 1919, the designation of Orson Welles as Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and Presidents of the Césars, and the promotion of the film Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola.

In March 2013, the Hôtel de Crillon closed for a complete renovation and in December 2013 announced that it would be managed by the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts group. French architect Richard Martinet worked on renovating the hotel with his signature passion and precision, and Karl Lagerfeld, known as a leading expert on the 18th century, decorated two of the hotel’s most prestigious suites. In addition to the interior designer Aline D’Amman (in charge of the interior renovation) and under her artistic direction: Chahan Minassian, Tristan Auer and Cyril Vergniol, played a part in the decoration of different parts of the hotel. The great landscape architect Louis Benech designed the double courtyard a royal perspective.

Long known for the finesse of its cuisine, the kitchens of the Hôtel de Crillon are presided over by the chef Christopher Hache, with round the world cooking, and head pastry chef Jérôme Chaucesse, who won the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition for pastry confectioner in March 2015, after intense preparation work and many tests.

La Réserve Paris
A discrete address on a side road along the Champs-Elysées, La Réserve Paris offers the quintessential style and elegance of 19th century Paris. A private mansion with 40 suites and rooms designed by Michel Reybier in the chic and confidential spirit of a Club. Spacious interiors bathed in light, slightly diffused by the rich fabrics of the curtains. Here and there are beautiful marble fireplaces, and, everywhere, the pleasure of large interior spaces. Nature also makes its presence felt with the majesty of the trees on the Avenue Gabriel and the gardens of the Champs Elysées. Thanks to the hotel’s very tailored services, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world can be experienced in a different, unique, and personal way.

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris
The Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, just 2 steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées is a 5 star and distinguished “Palace” with 149 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites. Designed by Philippe Stark, art is omnipresent in the different areas of the hotel, with an exclusive Art Concierge, an arts bookshop, an art gallery, a 99-seat cinema and an impressive private art collection. The restaurants are also driven by a creative spirit that inspires the entire hotel.

From the liviness of the Bar Long to the the different restaurants: the renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has chosen this Parisian Palace to open his restaurant ‘Matsuhisa Paris’ in which he combines traditional Japanese recipes with influences from Peruvian cuisine; the Italian restaurant ‘Il Carpaccio’ mixes gourmet delicacies and conviviality; and finally, La cuisine welcomes elegant breakfasts and brunches.

Not to be missed: The original creations of Pierre Hermé, whose sublime pastries, macaroons and chocolates are offered all year round à la carte. The luxurious My Blend by Clarins Spa is a 1,500 m² white paradise with the longest Palace pool in Paris, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, four individual coaching rooms and luxurious treatment cabins

Park Hyatt Paris
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is the first contemporary palace in Paris. Ideally located at 5 rue de la Paix, the hotel is a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme and the Opéra Garnier. With well-thought-out facilities, contemporary decor, breathtaking suites and unparalleled elegance, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme hotel is an unforgettable address in the City of Lights.

Inspired by the building’s historical past, interior designer Ed Tuttle has subtly combined French classicism and contemporary design. The 156 rooms, including 45 suites, have all been designed to feel like in a refined Parisian apartment, decorated with works of art and carefully selected furniture. The hotel has three signature suites of over 200m². For the ultimate in well-being, the hotel has an intimate spa with La Mer products as its exclusive partner, and a unique ‘hair room service’ by star hairdresser John Nollet.

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is also a true gastronomic destination, with in particular the Pur – Jean François Rouquette Michelin-starred restaurant, the Sens restaurant under an exceptional glass roof, and La Cheminée which allows guests to stroll the day and enjoy the gourmet tea-time from Pastry Chef Jimmy Mornet. Whether in winter in the Chalet or on sunny days, the terrace turns out to be a haven of peace right in the heart of the hotel. Finally, the Bar, like a hidden gem, offers guests the chance to discover the creative cocktails of its barmaids’ team.

Hôtel Lutetia
Located at the heart of the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Hotel Lutetia re-opened its doors in 2018. Founded in 1910, the hotel has been the hotspot for some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, such as Ernest Hemingway, Joséphine Baker, Pablo Picasso and many more.

After four years of renovation directed by international architect Jean Michel Wilmotte, the new Lutetia combines heritage and modernity with 184 rooms including 47 suites and 7 signature suites. These individually-designed rooms include two penthouse suites with private access to terraces as large as 70 m² and boasting an unparalleled 360° view of Paris.

The hotel also features the 700 m² Akasha Holistic Spa with a 17 m swimming pool. Finally, the hotel offers a wide range of restaurants such as the Salon Saint-Germain and the Orangerie, an exclusive smoking lounge and the Brasserie Lutetia, managed by the three Michelin starred chef Gérald Passedat.

Hôtel The Peninsula Paris
The Peninsula Paris is ideally situated in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw away from the Arc de Triomphe and some of the most famous monuments, museums and luxury boutiques in the world. It is situated in a classic late 19th century Parisian building with numerous Haussmanian and neoclassic feature. This building full of history has been restored with care and subtly brought up to date to offer an exceptional level of comfort appropriate for the 21st century. The Peninsula has 200 luxury rooms, including 34 of the most spectacular suites in the city.

Shangri-La Paris
The Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ first European establishment, the Shangri-La Paris opened its doors on 17 December 2010 on the site of the former mansion of Prince Roland Bonaparte, entirely restructured by architect Richard Martinet and decorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon. It offers 100 guest rooms (each of which is 47m² on average) including 36 suites (between 50 and 300m²) with exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. Well-being centre with a 15 m by 6 m pool, 2 CARITA treatment rooms and a fitness room.

There are also 2 gourmet restaurants: L’Abeille: Serves French cuisine, was awarded 2 Michelin stars in 2012, only serves dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tasting menu starting from €195. Shang Palace: Serves Cantonese cuisine, was awarded 1 Michelin star. La Bauhinia: offers a refined blend of French and South-East Asian cuisine. A cocktail bar and three lounges with an authentic Empire decor

Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Paris
Mandarin Oriental, Paris is a celebration of Paris today and tomorrow, inspired by fashion and artistic creativity and underpinned by the brand’s legendary service. The 96 chic and elegant rooms and 39 spacious suites offer guests an exceptionally stylish Parisian experience with their nod to couture and unique art pieces. Located in the very heart of the city, the hotel’s best kept secret is its inner garden providing a peaceful dining haven.

A wide range of dining options are overseen by celebrated Chef Thierry Marx, including two-Michelin starred, fine-dining restaurant, Sur Mesure, all-day dining Camélia, a Cake Shop by Mandarin Oriental, a cool cocktail bar, as well as L’Honoré serving health conscious cuisine. Finally, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers unique wellness and relaxation experiences, in a soothing, contemporary environment, featuring luxurious private treatment rooms, an indoor pool and a state of the art fitness centre.

Plaza Athénée Paris
True to its extraordinary city, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is no ordinary palace. Here, on the prestigious avenue Montaigne, the address of French Haute Couture, Plaza Athénée has been proudly offering you the best of Paris since 1913. With its view of the Eiffel Tower and La Cour Jardin and a façade decked out with 1,900 red geraniums, Plaza Athénée’s palace seems to have been created for being photographed. Inside, the rooms, with their classic Parisian style or Art Deco decoration, are each as unique as the city in which they are located. A century of artists and designers have found inspiration here, including Christian Dior, whose maison opened its first spa in our hotel.

In terms of gastronomy, five restaurants and a bar (Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, brasserie Le Relais Plaza, La Galerie, Le Bar, La Cour Jardin and La Terrasse Montaigne) welcome you under the direction of chef Jean Imbert, including the recently inaugurated restaurant with its decor adorned with 20,000 gold leaves, and the brasserie, a Parisian institution since 1936. The”Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Angelo Musa takes French pastry to new heights.

Le Meurice
So much more than a luxury hotel, it is an art gallery, an adventure, the very first Parisian palace where the greatest artists and free spirits found inspiration. In the heart of historic Paris, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, you are a stone’s throw from famous landmark monuments, the jewellers of Place Vendôme and designer boutiques in the Rue Saint-Honoré.

Most of our rooms and suites have recently been redecorated to recreate the atmosphere of a modern-day Versailles. Contemporary details and French craftsmanship create welcoming spaces where our guests feel at home in Paris. The rooftop garden of our newly renovated Suite Belle Étoile with Terrace makes us the only hotel in Paris to offer a 360° view of 18 city landmarks.

An illustrious bar and two restaurants are overseen by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, including the two Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse. You can enjoy your breakfast or discover our culinary philosophy during unforgettable dinners in the heart of this sumptuous setting, inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles. For those with a sweet tooth, the ‘World’s Best Pastry Chef’, Cédric Grolet, offers his cakes and pastries throughout the day, as well as at breakfast, brunch, and Teatime.

Four Seasons Hotel George V
With breathtaking floral creations, 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, appartments with typically Parisian charm, terraces overlooking the City of Light and a warm, welcoming service, the Four Seasons Hotel George V is a Parisian legend, now more than ever.

Le Bristol Paris
An iconic Parisian Palace hotel renowned for its exemplary service and refinement, Le Bristol Paris belongs to the prestigious Oetker Collection. Situated on the famous Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the heart of the city’s fashion and arts district, the hotel has been welcoming its privileged clients since 1925, with 188 entirely-renovated bedrooms and suites decorated in a pure 18th century style.

Every day, the 3 Michelin-starred chef Eric Frechon reinvents French neoclassical cuisine in his gastronomic restaurant Epicure. The luxury Michelin-starred brasserie 114 Faubourg is a veritable garden of delights with a warm Parisian atmosphere. On the 6th floor, the pool boasts a panoramic view over the rooftops of Paris. The Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, with its treatment booths leading onto a private garden, completes this exceptional Palace. Finally, Le Bar du Bristol has become an unmissable spot for French soirees.