The best four-star hotels in Paris for the perfect trip

They call it the 'contemporary cocoon', which couldn't be any more spot on for such a modern, calming oasis in the 8th Arrondissement, a little way away from La Madeleine. Hôtel Chavanel is all about refinement with a little added flair because, well, it's Paris. The boutique takes its inspiration for each of its 27 rooms from a Parisian home, offering guests a more intimate stay akin to an apartment. In other words, get cosy. We dare you. 

The mood? A taste of discrete luxury. 
Location perks? You'll absolutely love Hôtel Chavanel's thoughtful touches throughout your stay. 
Budget range? A luxury few nights in Paris. 

If you're looking for a taste of the Renaissance you've come to the right place. With each room uniquely decorated with frescos and blown glass, Hôtel Da Vinci immerses you in some of Leonardo's most famous works and drafts – A whetting of the appetite before getting up close and personal with his most famous work, the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. By the end of your trip, you'll be quoting Jacques Lacan on the fly, wearing turtle necks, and insisting that a 'French press is life'. 

The mood? Elegant and antique. 
Location perks? A stone's throw from Musée d'Orsay and Tuileries Garden. 
Budget range? A hefty price tag for an incredibly unique stay. 
Time Out Tip: Enjoy brunching at Café des Tuileries where you'll find the most sensational pain perdu (they're massive).  

Does anyone else think of macarons when they see the dreamy pastel interiors at La Maison Favart? Just stunning. Situated in the 2nd Arrondissement, the boutique houses 39 18th-century-style rooms, each individually decorated to reflect the different facets of Parisian Style. Look forward to Nespresso coffee and a buffet breakfast in the morning before hopping on the Richelieu-Drouot Metro and off to your next adventure. 

The mood? Super chic.
Location perks? Just a three-minute stroll to the closest Metro with direct lines to the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. 
Budget range? A pretty penny. 

Stay in a former textile factory in the hip 11th Arrondissement, right by the Seine where you'll find a number of cute flea markets, galleries and artisanal shops. Charged with industrial flair and bold prints, each of Hotel Fabric's rooms is well-appointed with high ceilings, comfy beds, a flatscreen and stone-tiled bathrooms. Head to the communal lounge for the buffet breakfast each morning, and later on, enjoy mingling by the bar with a cocktail in hand before hitting the coolest bars in Eleventh Heaven. 

The mood? Urban chic. 
Location perks? Free access to the hammam spa and fitness facilities – we love a freebie, especially the bougie kind. 
Budget range? In the mid-high ranges. 

Beyond the facade of this period building in the 17th arrondissement is a cosy hideaway where you can recover from trotting along the Seine all afternoon. Les Jardins De La Villa is the perfect place for taking a beat or – if you're anything like us – to reflect on the obscene amount just spent in Galeries Lafayette. whether it's you or your wallet that needs a respite, the elegant soundproofed rooms and landscaped courtyard will do the trick. 

The mood? Sophisticated and modern.
Location perks? The 17th arrondissement is a residential area meaning it carries way more of a relaxed local vibe with lots of charming cafes and shops.
Budget range? A pleasantly priced weekend getaway. 

While we're on the topic of relaxation, it'd be wrong not to mention Hôtel COQ. Cosy is an understatement when it comes to this uber-cool boutique in the 13th arrondissement. Mood lighting, nooks, plush pillows and lots of little vintage touches are what give this place such a peaceful, trendy vibe. The 24-hour reception and concierge ensure your every need is met while the on-sight bar is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy.

The mood? Calming and contemporary. 
Location perks? An artsy 'feel good' welcoming atmosphere, delicious produce, and co-working spaces. 
Budget range? In the mid-high ranges but still pretty decent for Paris. 

We can't get enough of these panoramic views over the Seine at this cool floating hotel moored at the foot of Austerlitz. If there's one thing we've learned, it's that life on the banks is all about retreating into modern luxury. The rooms here are filled with a soulful ambience made for capturing the sunlight, accompanied by walk-in showers and a flatscreen tv.  Whether you're lounging poolside or toasting on the terrace there's never a dull moment when you're by the water. 

The mood? Bankside paradise. 
Location perks? Watch the boats go by while you take your pick of signature cocktails and delectable regional produce served at the hotel's bar-restaurant.
Budget range? An affordable steal for two nights. 

No stay at the First Hotel is ever ordinary. Renowned for their design, their monochromatic rooms offer guests sophistication, simplicity and comfort. But of course that's not all, from your private balcony, an intoxicating view of the Eiffel Tower and neighbouring rooftops, while 24-hour reception, a lounge and breakfast are also wonderful perks. 

The mood? Smoulderingly chic. 
Location perks? This location has refined luxury written all over it. Plus, you can capture the romance of the city from the comfort of your room's balcony. 
Budget range? A decently priced city break. 

Are you a cat person? Because Le Chat Noir is a little obsessed with them. There's an uninhibited playfulness and bohemian flair that makes this boutique hotel that sits at the foot of Montmartre village stand out. After all, where else would you find an entire hotel floor dedicated to a literary figure from the cabaret period? 

The mood? Boho meets sleek. 
Location perks? Just moments from the Moulin Rouje and a 12-minute stroll to the Sacré Coeur and the Artist's Square. 
Budget range? A cheap and cheerful stay for two. 

But then again, could there be anything more idyllic than being a mere 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower? Rooms here boast contemporary and Baroque-style decor with bold, contrasting prints and lots of ornate detailing throughout, capturing both the eclecticism and refinement of Paris like a two-sided coin (only way fancier because it's Parris, dah). And because our furry friends deserve to get in on that eat-pray-love action, pets are also welcome here.

The mood? C'est la vie. 
Location perks? Situated on a quiet street in the 13th Arrondissement just opposite the Village Suisse antiques market.    
Budget range? A pocket-friendly stay when you book in advance. 

In the heart of the very artsy Le Marais, you'll find this former 18th-century home, now a light-filled travel oasis, with an industrial upcycled feel, striking photography (a little on the racy side, we might add), and simply decorated rooms. Jules & Jim is understated yet cool. Simple yet daring. During colder months the courtyard and outdoor fireplace will be your favourite spot for enjoying a glass of red.  

The mood? Clean, minimalist. 
Location perks? Sandwiched between Place des Vosge and Centre Georges Pompido.
Budget range? Moderately priced.

Located in the heart of the city, SO/Paris Hotel gives you easy access to all the must-see attractions, boulangeries, patisseries and brasseries – we know, it's a mouthful, but when in Paris you'll want to savour every moment. Trust us on that. And waking up to those jaw-dropping panoramas of the squares below isn't a bad place to start. Rooms here are ambient, spacious yet cosy with interiors that give off a slight 70's vibe. We absolutely dig it. The hotel also boasts a terrace, an indoor pool, a spa and a free bike rental service so you can do your sightseeing on wheels too. 

The mood? Retro chic. 
Location perks? Indulge in a buffet, a la carte or continental breakfast each morning.  
Budget range? As hefty a price tag as the views are stunning from the terrace. 

This much decadence is only ever beffiting for Paris. We say embrace it by somehow snagging a room on the 2nd or 5th floor (that is, if you want the balcony) of this stunning establishment. Head up the grand staircase to your room wherein you'll expereince interior design bliss; there are unique prints everywhere you look. From the linens to the cushions to the  carpeted floors, it all gives the hotel a playfulness and a air of vintage glamour. You'll be within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, the Metro and the River Seine. Dreamy. 

The mood? The height of elegance. 
Location perks? No better time to master the art of the flanneur than a spot of people watching from your balcony at breakfast. 
Budget range? Extravagant in price, but all the more worth it for being this close to the Champs Elysées.