For travelers looking to experience the epitome of luxury in Paris, nothing quite compares to a stay at a Palace hotel. These exceptional properties provide truly the best of the best for guests. Read on to discover more about the Palace hotel distinction as well as our guide to the best Palace hotels in Paris. Be sure to book with French Side Travel to receive special perks, amenities, and upgrades among other benefits.
What is a Palace Hotel?
Distinguished according to criteria of excellence, Palace hotels in France invite guests to discover the savoir-faire of French hospitality. Irreproachable service, exceptional settings and exclusive experiences await those lucky enough to stay in one of these properties.
Currently only 31 French hotels have received the coveted distinction of Palace. The French Minister of Tourism established the ‘Distinction Palace’ in 2010 in order to provide recognition to France’s finest 5-star hotels. These hotels exemplify top standards of excellence thanks to their extraordinary qualities that bolster France’s global status as a luxury travel destination.
In order to recieve the Palace title, hotels must provide guests with a fitness area, spa, multilingual staff, and concierge among other services. Properties are further assessed based on their location, aesthetics, historical importance, culinary offerings, level of service, and respect for the environment. As the France’s capital and largest city, Paris is home to 12 Palace hotels.
Shangri-La Paris
Looking for a palace fit for a prince? Look no further than the Shangri-La Paris, which Prince Roland Bonaparte called home from 1895 to 1924. The Shangri-La Paris received the Palace distinction in 2014.
The peak of Parisian sophistication, guests benefit from the hotel’s breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. Shang Palace, one of the hotel’s three restaurants, is the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in France. Step into a sanctuary of holistic health and well-being and escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris at the spa, Chi. The Shangri-La Paris unites the grandeur of the great hotels of Europe with a traditional Asian spirit of welcoming.
La Réserve Paris Hôtel & Spa
Located in Paris’ Golden Triangle, which includes the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and Avenue Montaigne, lies La Réserve Hotel & Spa. Take in stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Panthéon, and Place de la Concorde. The traditional Haussmann-style building is filled with luminous rooms and suites. Guests benefit from spacious interiors and luxurious furnishings. Revel in the exquisite culinary offering of Chef Jérôme Banctel in his 2 Michelin-star Restaurant, Le Gabriel.
Also worth noting, La Réserve is the first Palace hotel to offer a personal butler service for every room. The special attention to detail makes guests feel as though they are staying in a private home. Despite its ostentatious address, La Réserve is an intimate, discreet oasis in Paris’ most coveted 8th arrondissement.
Hôtel de Crillon
Steps away from the famous Place de la Concorde is Hôtel de Crillon. The building itself is a historic monument older dating to 1758. Take in the stunning architecture, exquisite interiors, and rich history during your stay in Paris.
During recent renovations, the Hôtel de Crillon collaborated with French artisans to respect the building’s illustrated history while infusing a modern Parisian flair. Spend your time in Paris in one of Hôtel de Crillon’s splendid suites, embark on a culinary journey with Chef Boris Campanella at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant L’Écrin, and treat yourself to a luxurious experience at Sense, the on-site spa.
Hôtel Lutetia
Hôtel Lutetia is the only Palace hotel on Paris’ Left Bank. Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, renowned for its connection with celebrated authors and artists. The hotel originally opened in 1910 as a place to house the merchants and clients of Le Bon Marché, the oldest department store in Paris. One of the hotel’s most iconic guests was Josephine Baker to whom they have dedicated a sophisticated suite as well as a lavish cocktail bar. For those wanting to stay on Paris’ Rive Gauche, Hôtel Lutetia is a fabulous option.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Hôtel Plaza Athénée can be simply described in one word, iconic. From it’s famous address on Avenue Montaigne to the emblematic red awnings and geraniums, this hotel is a beacon of Parisian elegance. For those coming to Paris for the fashion, there is no better place to stay. Plaza Athénée has a haute couture heritage and is one of the preferred hotels of those visiting Paris for Fashion Week.
Just steps away from the hotel, enjoy the many luxury fashion houses including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Céline, and Gucci. Immerse yourself in a unique experience as a guest of Hôtel Plaza Athénée: take part in the Parisian lifestyle and revel in the sheer beauty of this Parisian Palace.
Does our guide to Palace hotels in Paris have you ready to book a trip? French Side Travel would love to help you plan a dream trip to France with a custom, completely tailor-made itinerary. Some of our favorite destinations in France include Bordeaux, the South of France, Normandy, and of course Paris. Get in touch with a travel designer today to start the planning process.