21 Best Hotels in Paris for Character and Culture

There are a dizzying amount of hotels to choose from in Paris!

I have narrowed that list to quality hotels reflecting art, culture, history, and/or local charm.  I am fluent in French, do research in French and English, and I have the experience of many stays in Paris to put toward choosing hotels for you!

These hotels are hand-picked for authenticity, charm, and uniqueness; one example is the elegant Relais Christine, in a 16th-century residence. They make their own honey from bees onsite!

Character Hotels in Paris – Left Bank

Budget Options – Left Bank

📍Hotel La Louisiane (St. Germain des Pres) Artsy, original, well located, quiet inner courtyard, sitting room with piano, great walking location

📍Port Royal Hotel  (near Latin Quarter) Great location, complimentary WiFi, close to the metro, offers two types of rooms (one with shared bathroom and one with private bathroom), breakfast for an additional cost.

Mid-Range Options – Left Bank

📍Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles (Latin Quarter) Unique country house atmosphere, country-like setting, gardens, peaceful. 

📍Hotel d’Angleterre – (Latin Quarter), Exposed beams, the building is from the 18th century, near the metro, and used to be the location of the British Embassy, terrific atmosphere, a quick walk to the Louvre, Café de Flore, and Les Deux Magots.

📍l’Hotel (Latin Quarter)  Rich history, the last home of Oscar Wilde, unique rooms (small), lavishly decorated, a Hamman pool, near art galleries and cafes, a one-star Michelin breakfast, a fantastic bar, a quick walk to the River Seine.

📍Hotel Da Vinci and Spa (St. Germain des Pres) – Renaissance themed, rooms inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and his works, exceptional spa, located on a bustling street filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, a short walk to the Louvre.

Luxury Options – Left Bank

📍Hotel Recamier (St. Sulpice, St. Germain des Pres) former Bourgeois family home, elegant, unique views of St. Sulpice, discreetly nestled behind trees, award-winning

📍Hotel d’Aubusson (St. Germain des Pres), 5-star, elegant, 17th-century mansion, spacious rooms, quiet street, Cafe Laurent (Sartre, Camus came here),  piano bar, easy walk to Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, etc.

📍 Relais Christine (Latin Quarter) is an elegant 16th century built on the ruins of a 13th-century monastery; they produce honey from bees onsite; the excellent restaurant serves very local products; spa on site. Classic Parisian elegance.

Character Hotels – Right Bank

Budget Options – Right Bank

📍Hotel Eden Montmartre small family hotel, warm friendly staff, close to the metro, at the heart of Montmartre

📍Hotel Bonsejour (Montmartre). Classic interior, some rooms have balconies, a local and romantic neighborhood near attractions, good value, authentic interior, near metro, quick walk to Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, cozy atmosphere, kind staff.

📍Hotel la Nouvelle Republique & Hammam (Oberkampf-Timbaud) Artistic and local neighborhood, quirky style, vintage decor, highly rated, complimentary breakfast, unique dining room with fireplace, excellent location, Hammam spa, walking distance to countless bars and restaurants.

Mid-Range Options – Right Bank

📍Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais (Marais) Great location, intimate, beautiful, themed around “Marriage of Figaro” 

📍Hotel JoBo (Josephine Bonapart) (Marais) Built on an old convent, a boutique hotel, just a quick walk to the metro, eccentric rooms, a tearoom, and a bar open 24 hours, near countless bars and restaurants, helpful staff

📍Hotel Providence  (Canal Martin/Marais) Former brothel, boutique hotel, beautiful front terrace, lounge with fireplace, delicious restaurant, piano bar, unique rooms, wonderful staff.

📍Hôtel Le Presbytère  (Pompidou Center) Small boutique hotel, with exposed beams, located in Presbytere, with attentive staff, Gothic architecture, and warm and cozy rooms.

📍Hôtel Marais de Launay (Bastille near Marais) Air-conditioned rooms, lounge with library, beautiful courtyard, modern and stylish interior, near metro, short walk to Place des Vosges square.

Luxury Options – Right Bank

📍Hotel de Crillon (Champs Elysees – Tuileries) Chic rooms, near metro, phenomenal spa, several delicious restaurants, fitness studio, welcoming staff, lavish interior, Neoclassical building design, some rooms have Eiffel Tower views, butler service available, family-friendly.

📍Maison Souqet – (Montmartre) Former brothel, excellent spa, marvelous indoor pool, lounge with library and fireplace, lovely bar, quick walk to Moulin Rouge, bold interior design by Jacques Garcia, butler service available, gorgeous courtyard.

📍Hôtel Particulier Montmartre – Small luxury hotel with 5 suites, rich Parisian history, surrounded by a vibrant protected garden, restaurant open from breakfast to dinner, chic bar, near the metro.

📍 Saint James Paris (near Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe) Luxurious château in the city, surrounded by an impressive private garden, exceptional library bar, fabulous spa, delicious restaurant, attentive staff, gorgeous water fountain out front, and romantic ambiance.

📍Shangri-La Paris (Eiffel Tower) Resides in the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, some rooms have views of the Eiffel Tower and River Seine, situated in the 16th arrondissement, Parisian elegance displayed throughout the interior, fantastic spa, one of the best hotels in Paris and home to Shang Palace which is the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in the country of France.

👉 More posts about travel to Paris:

7 Best Tours for Wine and Cheese Tasting in Paris: 2025 Guide

21 Hidden Gem Restaurants In Paris: Authentic and Off-The-Beaten-Path

Parisian Culture Guide: 23 Things To Know Before You Go 2025