The charms of Paris shine through year-round, but it’s a particularly delightful place to visit around its bi-annual fashion week. Even those who aren’t attending the industry event can appreciate the city’s bustling energy when the runway shows get going. The people-watching alone makes it worth being in town. The best way to enjoy your time, though, is by choosing a hotel that’ll both put you close to the action and serve as an oasis when you need to retreat from it. And, naturally, keep you in close proximity to the many VIPS who frequent them.
Hôtel de Crillon
Location: 10 Place de la Concorde, 75008
Best For: Travellers looking for the old world grandeur of Paris — without any stuffiness.
Situated within a former palace, this opulent destination marries the rich history of France with modern luxury. The property’s palatial quarters range from deluxe rooms for two to the restored “Grands Appartements” suite, which was reimagined by the late Karl Lagerfeld (and all of which are decorated in serene neutrals and plush textures). If anything will tempt you to leave your rooms, though, it’ll be one of the hotel’s many see-and-be-seen dining establishments. These include the iconic Les Ambassadeurs bar overlooking the Place de la Concorde and its spa, which comes with a menu of treatments using EviDenS products.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Location: 25 Av. Montaigne, 75008
Best For: Label-loving travellers who’ll delight in going through the spa’s extensive selection of Dior beauty products and perfumes.
When this dreamy property opened in 1913, it became so popular with local tastemakers that three decades later, designer Christian Dior purposefully opened his first boutique on the same avenue in hopes of attracting guests. Today, the hotel still holds close ties to the French Maison with a spa partnership and frequent fashion week collaborations; it’s served as a venue for many of the brand’s shows. Still, you needn’t be a fashion nerd to appreciate the Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s lovely rooms and suites. These come complete with both Haussmann- and Art Deco-style appointments as well as courtyard or Avenue Montaigne views.
Ritz Paris
Location: 15 Pl. Vendôme, 75001
Best For: Travellers who appreciate staying somewhere with a bit of lore-filled backstory.
Perhaps one of the most famous names in the world of hospitality, this lavish getaway lives up to its big reputation. From the second you walk in, the space feels like something from a movie—all velvet and embroidered drapery and gilded moldings. But perhaps what makes it most special is its long lineage of culture-shaping patrons: everyone from Coco Chanel to Ernest Hemingway have stayed at the legendary address over the years. Today, the space remains as enticing as ever, with a total of 142 rooms and suites, La Prairie Spa, and a pool that plays classical music underwater.
Fouquets Paris
Location: 46 Av. George V, 75008
Best For: Travellers who enjoy being at the beating heart of a zeitgeist-y scene.
This 8th arrondissement hotspot has been a go-to hang for the style set (including Marlene Dietrich, Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren) since its late nineteenth century debut. Designed to marry the glitz of Parisian night life with an intimate place to relax and unwind, the hotel offers both a buzzy brasserie full of excellent people-watching, as well as intimate and cozy rooms which to escape to.
Shangri-La Paris
Location: 10 Av. d’Iéna, 75116
Best For: Travellers looking for a quiet area in which they can retreat from the city, while still being in close proximity to its attractions.
As the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, this historic retreat holds the official “monument historique” status. But don’t let all the prestige fool you: For all its visual extravagance, the hotel is incredibly warm and welcoming. The rooms are serene and spacious, and many include Eiffel Tower views. There’s a spa centered around a 17-metre swimming pool, as well as several dining options — including Shang Palace serving haute Chinese gastronomy.
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia
Location: 45 Bd Raspail, 75006
Best For: Travellers looking to hit up some of the city’s best shopping.
You can always count on a Mandarin Oriental establishment to deliver, regardless of what city you’re in. But one could argue there’s something a little extra thrilling about this outpost on the Left Bank of Paris. Steps away from the city’s beloved Le Bon Marché department store (not to mention more than a few mega-brand boutiques), the property offers elegant rooms and suites with Eiffel Tower vistas, a bustling hotel and bar scene, and several wellness spaces, including a fitness studio, pool, spa, and hair salon.
Le Meurice
Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Best For: Travellers who want some of the best pastries Paris has to offer without venturing far from their suite.
You’ll find this celebrated spot directly across from the Tuileries Gardens, a location that well reflects the destination’s richly decorated interiors. Beyond its sprawling, light-filled rooms and suites, the hotel offers a fitness center, Vichy Spa, and renowned Le Dalí restaurant (which, most notably, has the illustrious Cédric Grolet as its pastry chef). If you don’t have time to sit down for a full meal, consider grabbing a cocktail at the nearby Bar 228. It’s just the place to lean back with a French 75 and people watch, especially during Fashion Month.
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FAQs
Q: When is Paris Fashion Week?
A: Paris Fashion Week takes place twice a year, with the main ready-to-wear seasons typically held in February/March and September/October. Exact dates vary each year.
Q: Which Paris hotel is best for a quiet retreat?
A: Shangri-La Paris is a strong choice for travellers who want to escape the bustle while remaining close to the city’s major sights. Its spacious rooms, serene atmosphere and many Eiffel Tower views make it particularly suited to unwinding after a busy day.
Q: Which Paris hotels have Eiffel Tower views?
A: Shangri-La Paris, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia and Hôtel Plaza Athénée all offer rooms or suites with Eiffel Tower views.
