Hotels in Paris

Vive la France! Despite growing competition from Barcelona, New York, Beijing, London and Rome, Paris remains the most visited city in the world. Last year, about 27 million tourists came to have a peek at the Eiffel Tower, between them occupying over 76,000 rooms in more than 1,450 hotels.

But rather than resting on their laurels, the city's hoteliers continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that Paris retains pole position.

The long-established luxury palaces now face a challenge from several smaller, cosier newcomers such as the exclusive Hôtel Particulier Montmartre and Jays Paris, which draw their inspiration from the global success of boutique hotels. New additions to the scene include the much-awaited Five Hôtel in the Latin Quarter and Left Bank fashionista paradise the Bellechasse – the latest hotel to be 'dressed' by designer Christian Lacroix.

If your wallet won't stretch to a drink in the lounge of one of the more ostentatious establishments, look no further than Franck Altruie's chain of boutique hotels for affordable, stylish rooms. If you feared that pitching a tent in the Camping du bois de Boulogne (2 allée du Bord-de-l'Eau, 16th, 01.45.24.30.31) might be your only choice, look no further. Our selection provides plenty of alternative options.

Booking

Hotels are often booked solid during the major trade fairs (January, May and September), and it's hard to find a quality room during Fashion Weeks (January, March, July and October). At quieter times, including July and August, hotels often offer special deals at short notice; phone ahead or check websites. Same-day reservations can be made in person for a nominal commission at the Office de Tourisme de Paris (http://www.parisinfo.com).

Several websites offer discount booking: www.parishotels.com guarantees the lowest prices online (up to 70 per cent off); and www.ratestogo.com offers big discounts on last-minute reservations. Remember that making your reservation via your hotel's website can make it 50 per cent cheaper, even in the trendiest places.

Note that all hotels in France charge an additional room tax (taxe de séjour) of around €1 per person per night, sometimes included in the rate.

Our listings

Hotels are graded according to an official star-rating system, which is designed to sort the palaces from pit stops – but we haven't followed it in this guide. The star ratings usually reflect room size and the mere presence of a lift, and are not always indicative of other important factors such as decor, staff or atmosphere.

Instead, we've divided the hotels by area, then listed them in four categories, according to the price for one night in a double room with en suite shower/bath: Deluxe over €350; Expensive €220-€350; Mid-range €120-€219; Budget up to €119. We provide a list of services for each hotel.

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this guide, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. Before you go out of your way, we strongly advise you to phone ahead and check the particulars.

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