The best design hotels in Paris

For several years now the trendy, independent hotels have been rejecting the typical strongholds of Parisian luxe (the 1st, 8th and 16th arrondissements) for the borders of eastern Paris. Among them, Providence from Pierre Moussié, proprietor of Chez Jeannette, Le Mansart and Le Sans Souci. His aim? To create a 5 star establishment at decent prices . Basically, it's the dream formula: a hotel which manages to be chic, down-to-earth and terribly cool. Bravo Moussié.

Located 500 metres from Tuileries Garden in Paris, Le Roch Hotel & Spa features an indoor swimming pool and a spa centre. The hotel also has a sun terrace and guests can enjoy a drink in the hotel's bar. There is a large selection of bars, cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area.Opéra Garnier is 600 metres from Le Roch Hotel & Spa, while Louvre Museum is 700 metres away. The nearest airport is Paris - Orly Airport which is 15 km from Le Roch Hotel & Spa and a shuttle service is available. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel.

This small hotel on the left bank is not far from the Manufacture des Gobelins and blends several eras with precision and charm. The nineteenth-century wallpaper and contemporary coloured tiles in the entrance hall go together wonderfully. The majority of the decorative objects come from the personal collection of Vanessa Scoffier, the former editor of Marie Claire and a complete accessory queen.  If the graphic furniture in pastel and wood is anything to go by, Hotel Henriette is heavily influenced by Scandinavian style, which is already a big hit in the capital. With its calm and soothing atmosphere, you will feel straight at home at Henriette’s.

Not long ago, a trip to Paris meant choosing between an extravagant (but exorbitant) palace or a three-star chain lacking style and taste. But now Paris is home to plenty of independent micro hotels with a modus operando of being trendy and reasonably-priced. And Hotel Paradis fits this mould perfectly. Adrien Gloaguen (who also owns Hotel Panache) is at the helm, having given the place a refreshing renovation. Located in the 10th arrondissement, a skip and a jump from the neighbourhood bars of Strasbourg Saint-Denis.

The first of Elegancia’s ventures, which also runs OFF Paris Seine, boasts décor that will trump all the tired clichés. The style is somewhere between the Flintstones and an old-style cottage; a beautiful blend of wood and stone, with brick walls, warm lighting, milky colours, super cosy sofas and large Nordic tables. It’s simple yet refined, contemporary yet timeless, unique without being over the top. Rooms are in the same tones (white, grey, black and wood) while the bathroom is full of surprises, opening onto the living room without a shower curtain. So probably best for couples... The buffet breakfast is more of a brunch affair, making it difficult to resist seconds – or even thirds. And a few added touches: a smoking room and a yoga wall (not in the same space of course) for those who like to balance their vices. It makes total sense that this hotel was among the top five French hotels of 2016, according the TripAdvisor users.

 Amastan is a boutique hotel for those who aren’t really fans of hotels. The USP is intriguing: the freedom (if not insistence) to ask for what you crave, in a beautifully designed setting The hotel tries to be as hybrid as possible with an installation-cum-exhibition space - Pop-In - located adjacent to the hotel.   Communal space is minimal but offers the essentials. The Anouk bar with its glass roof and leafy terrace forms the perfect place to destress, be it at breakfast or with an evening cocktail. A stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the Tuileries, Parc Monceau

"With the spirit of a Parisian house, we combine elegance with a cool attitude": there’s no doubt that style is of the utmost importance at the C.O.Q. ("Community of Quality"). Expect Memphis lamps, Zanotta furniture, Farrow & Ball paint on the walls… Designed by Pauline D’Hoop and Delphine Sauvage from Favorite agency, Michel Delloye’s C.O.Q hotel can be truly proud of its trappings. A cosy hotel made up of 51 contemporary rooms which mix solid wood design furniture with fifties pieces and bric-a-brac; creating an elegant setting in which you’ll feel immediately at home. “ It’s somewhere between a cabinet of curiosities and a Scandinavian living room filled with artefacts: kilim carpets, globes, art books, pharmaceutical jars and insects pinned under glass. Filled with plants and armchairs, the dining room boasts a fireplace, a fine collection of books and a vinyl turntable; making it the perfect place to relax.

Inside is a meeting of the East and West; Kazakh carpets, Chinese wallpaper, Syrian trinkets, Turkish silver platters, ebony countertops – a mix of styles which come together harmoniously in this elegant cocoon. The 36 rooms are styled on 18th century Parisian apartments and a special mention has to go to the sublime views of the Eiffel Tower from certain suites. You will struggle to pull yourself away from such comfortable rooms but it’s totally worth it for the afternoon tea. Ensconced on one of the classic armchairs, just choose which region of the world you want to visit via your tastebuds. 

 In the corridors of the Grand Pigalle Hotel, it seems as if time has stopped. Just hit the golden pineapple knocker to access another universe. 

A spa with a rentable private pool This hotel’s past is certainly colourful. This former brothel is hidden away from the world and keeps the Belle Epoque Pigalle of yesteryear alive – at least in spirit. Through the discreet frontage, don’t be fooled by Jacques Garcia’s Belle Epoque meets orientalist decor. It’s got a serious Arabian Nights vibe: 1895 Cordoba leather on the walls, Moorish earthenware, porcelain, copper and bric-a-brac furniture – all of it is magnificent. It’s easy to see why clientele flock here for a real taste of Paris, rather than the picture-perfect postcards. Expect to leave completely enchanted.