Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

Whether a long-planned holiday or spontaneous weekend trip, your first time or fifteenth, an important question before traveling to Paris is also a simple one: Where should I stay?

Paris, known for its village-like neighborhoods, is filled with quartiers housing both boutique hotels and grand dame destinations that will appeal to all kinds of travelers. The great thing is that almost every neighborhood in Paris is the best neighborhood to stay in Paris. But here's a little guidance to get you started planning a Parisian vacation, no matter your travel style.

Where to Stay in Paris as a Family: 8th Arrondissement

Many of Paris' local families reside in this airy and regal neighborhood — and with good reason. It's a neighborhood convenient to transportation options, including the 1 metro line, which cuts through the center of the city, as well as child-friendly destinations like Parc Monceau. Better yet, the streets and boulevards are wide, making pushing a stroller (or walking three or four abreast) more accommodating.

Best Hotels in the 8th Arrondissement

Royal Monceau

The Royal Monceau is a five-star hotel with plenty of Parisian charm and unexpected artsy flair. In addition to Michelin-star dining and a Clarins spa (if you can steal away on your own while enjoying your family getaway), the Royal Monceau features an art gallery, bookstore, and private cinema.

To book: leroyalmonceau.com

Hotel Plaza Elysées

Traveling with older kids (teens and young adults) calls for something a little more sophisticated. The Hotel Plaza Elysées delivers just that across its 41 rooms, each decorated to mimic graceful Parisian apartments. Grab a room for you and one for the kids so everyone can have their own chic moment.

To book: plazaelysees.com

Where to Stay in Paris for Nightlife: 10th Arrondissement

Canal Saint-Martin, which runs through the heart of the 10eme, has become one of the city's youngest, liveliest areas. Locals love to picnic along the canal, crowd the sidewalks of popular cafes like Café Prune, and venture to trendy boites like Gravity Bar. And if the immediate neighborhood options aren't enough, the tenth borders the Bastille and Marais, two other vibrant neighborhoods filled with bars, cafes, and clubs.

Best Hotels in the 10th Arrondissement

Hotel Providence Paris

Want a cocktail before you hit the town? The 18 eclectic rooms here all have a custom-made bar and other sophisticated amenities — from record players to claw-foot tubs — to make you feel at home.

To book: hotelprovidenceparis.com

Grand Amour Hotel

The sister hotel of the popular Hotel Amour in the 9eme, Grand Amour goes big on style. A colorful and central terrace buzzes with fashionistas, while all the floors are decorated differently, united by their bold colors and impressive art on display.

To book: grandamour.hotelamourparis.fr

Le Citizen

All 12 rooms of this eco-friendly hotel overlook the canal, giving you a unique perspective on the electric energy of the neighborhood. The rooms are simple and cozy, and the small restaurant that serves breakfast feels like you're virtually sitting on the canal.

To book: lecitizenhotel.com

Where to Stay in Paris As a First-time Visitor: 6th Arrondissement

You've seen pictures of Paris before, and there's a good chance you'll stumble into the familiar frame in the 6eme. As the heart of Saint-Germaine, this is where iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Flore stand, where cobblestone alleys spill into boutique-lined boulevards, and the Jardin du Luxembourg crowds with locals and tourists, strolling the gardens and sailing boats in the fountain.

Best Hotels in the 6th Arrondissement

Relais Christine

This hotel is cozy and posh, featuring classic French touches like canopy beds, fine antiques, and Toile de Jouy wallpaper. The 48 rooms feature plush quarters, and there are indoor and outdoor salons for gathering throughout the hotel.

To book: relais-christine.com

L’Hotel

The last place that Oscar Wilde resided, this five-star hotel holds a special place in Parisians' hearts. The 20 rooms smack of glamour, as does the restaurant, bar, and hidden hammam pool.

To book: l-hotel.com

Hotel Recamier

This six-story hotel is a quiet retreat tucked behind the Saint-Sulpice church. The 24 rooms range in size, all united by their very French neutral palette and decorative touches like live orchids and glossy photographs.

To book: hotelrecamier.com

Where to Stay in Paris for Romance: 3rd Arrondissement

Nowhere is the city's legendary romantic aura more on display than in the charming streets, hidden gardens, and historic places of the 3rd arrondissement. At night the streetlights cast a seductive glow, and by day the cul de sacs and hidden corners are wonderful for exploring arm-in-arm.

Best Hotels in the 3rd Arrondissement

Pavillon de la Reine

Just behind the picturesque Place des Vosges, this family-owned hotel is as decadent as it is discreet. Some of the 56 rooms boast exposed beams and antique furniture, while others have contemporary chandeliers and velvet couches; all are quietly sophisticated.

To Book: pavillon-de-la-reine.com

Hotel National des Arts & Métiers

This 70-room hotel brings a modern twist to the historic neighborhood. Clean lines and contemporary fixtures (think: terrazzo bathrooms, Nespresso machines, black and white photos) dominate the lobby and rooms, and a rooftop lounge gives a fabulous peek across the Parisian rooftops.

To book: hotelnational.paris

Where to Stay in Paris to Indulge in Fashion: 1st Arrondissement

We all know the French like their fashion, and a stroll along rue Saint-Honoré in the first arrondissement will make you a convert, too. Whether you're indulging in window shopping at Hermés, giving your wallet a workout at Goyard, or simply watching the parade from Le Castiglione's terrace, this neighborhood is très à la mode.

Best Hotels in the 1st Arrondissement

Hotel Costes

Perhaps no longer the chicest address in town, the Costes still has style cred thanks to the opulent baroque décor, legendary soundtracks, and international celebrities who dine at the courtyard restaurant. Rooms range from singles to spectacular suites.

To book: hotelcostes.com

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

In an 18th-century building overlooking the gardens of the Palais Royal, this elegant accommodation is meant to feel like your home away from home. Rooms are clean, contemporary, and exude a sense of calm — and fantasy if you happen to be staying in one of the top-floor suites with a balcony and views of Sacre Coeur.

To book: grandhoteldupalaisroyal.com

The Ritz

Pourquoi pas? If you're traveling all this way and are looking for the swankiest spot in Paris, there aren't many destinations that will top the Ritz. The refined 18th-century décor — gilded sconces, marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows — of the 142 rooms and themed suites (like the Coco Chanel) remind us all that the French do timeless elegance best.

To book: ritzparis.com