The best hotels to stay in the Marais, Paris

City centre stays can mean a compromise between location and the ability to truly disconnect (read: you know you’re in the middle of things by that 3 am car horn blaring). One of the many beautiful things about Le Pavillion de la Reine is that you’re in the heart of the Marais… but you’ve got the immediate tranquillity and separate-sphere feeling of being somewhere much more remote. Staying the night at this luxury hotel is a real treat, like a slice of paradise in the middle of Paris’s beating heart.

The hotel looks out across a fantastic, hidden square. From the greenery-covered façade of the building itself to the coiffured trees and bushes in the square, there’s an ambience of country estate pervading everything here. It’s cool, it’s calm, and it’s very much what you need when you’ve got a little sticky on the Metro or at the macaron shop. Everything is designed with comfort in mind – the soundproofed silence is even a little unsettling at first. Then there’s the fruit basket, private parking, spa, wifi, minibar, room service, concierge, valet parking, 24-hour reception, etc.

Interiors-wise, it’s almost too chic to describe. The type of Parisian sophistication that has acted as a siren call to visitors for generations. There’s a lot of variation between rooms, with some wonderfully unique choices of wallpaper and stylings. This is how you make ‘bold’ mean ‘striking’ but never, ever garish. The team hired decorator Didier Benderli to give each room its unique character, modernising it without detracting from any of the elegance. You can maintain the feeling that life is beautiful by visiting the Restaurant Anne, where the dishes all look as pretty as the furniture at Versailles. Alternatively, enjoy a champagne brunch on the terrace overlooking the Place des Vosges before heading off spa-wards for a day of restorative treatments.

Time Out tip: The champagne brunch on the terrace is Parisian romance at its very best

Address: 28 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 Paris

Price: From €815 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Place des Vosges bus stop

Within striking distance of the hip shops around rue Charlot, this turn-of-the-century façade masks what was once the oldest boulangerie in Paris (dating to the time of Henry IV), lovingly restored as a boutique hotel by Nadia Murano and Denis Nourry. The couple recruited Christian Lacroix for the decor, and the result is a riot of colour, trompe-l'œil effects, and a savvy mix of old and new. Each of its 17 exquisitely appointed rooms is unique, and the walls in rooms 202, 204 and 205 feature drawings and scribbles taken from Lacroix's sketchbook. If you’re a sucker for a room with a story and an easter egg or two, make a point of requesting one of those options.

Of course, there is plenty to love, no matter which room you end up in. The atmosphere at Petit Moulin is a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, from manic excitement to pure zen via rustic heritage and much more. Paris is a city of feeling, and it is clear that plenty of that went into designing this charming boutique hotel in the Marais. No two rooms are the same, even if they might seem so on first glance. At Petit Moulin, the magic really does lie in the details.

There is also an honesty bar for when guests are parched, stocked with champagne, wine, and many other tipples. Breakfast is your standard Parisian morning meal experience, with sumptuous pastries, refreshing coffee, and the freshest of fresh juices all available to set you up for a day of sightseeing. You’ll be doing plenty of that, as Petit Moulin is within walking distance of many of the city’s most magnificent attractions. They say that Victor Hugo used to get his bread from the bakery that predates the hotel at this address, and that is good enough for us.

Time Out tip: Pets are allowed at this boutique hotel, but prior notice must be given

Address: 29 Rue de Poitou, 75003 Paris

Price: From €280 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Bretagne bus stop

Looking a little bit like a life-size gingerbread house, Maison Saintonge offers guests a quaint inner-city retreat that feels more like a country cottage stay than central Paris - seriously, you'd never guess you were around the corner from Pompidou and Gare du Nord. Expect a lot of gingham, floral prints, beautiful china, and cosy rooms topped off with complimentary toiletries. This delightful boutique hotel is home to just 22 rooms, a definite example of quality over quantity. The basic concept is to conjure up images of traditional lodging in southwestern France, and we can only assume that people in that part of the country lived very well indeed.

The superior room is a delightful space with beams that have held this place up for centuries, while the executive room ramps up the style without sacrificing the slightest smidge of intimacy. If you want something even more spacious, the luxury room lives up to its name, looking like something straight out of the most magical Instagram feed (minus the cringe). The aesthetic is floral (with the odd pineapple thrown in for good measure), and the level of comfort is to be admired. There is plenty of space to be found in the luxury room, both physical and mental.

And then there is the junior suite. Located on the sixth floor, this beautiful space is a world away from the chaos outside, with gorgeously intimate views of the idyllic rooftops of the Marais. It is the hotel’s undeniable highlight, and a must-book if you’ve got the budget. The aesthetics of Maison Saintonge help it stand out in a neighbourhood packed with good hotels, and it is the perfect base for heading in and out of the district throughout the day. Beautiful gift baskets are prepared at the hotel daily.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget breakfast, with products sourced from the neighbourhood

Address: 16 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris

Price: From €275 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Bretagne bus stop

Hôtel Dupond-Smith offers individually decorated rooms with design features in a delightful location; Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pompidou Centre (among other iconic Parisian landmarks) are just a short walk away. Charles de Gaulle Airport is 25km from the hotel. Rooms have a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a minibar and an iPod docking station, and each room includes a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a hairdryer. Of course, we’re burying the lede somewhat here, as the greatest curiosity of this excellent boutique hotel is the concept behind the naming of the rooms. The rooms are divided into aliases, intuitions, and incognitos, meaning you have a choice between monikers like John Doe, Lord R’Hoone (an anagram of Balzac’s initial pseudonym), Alan Smithee, Saint Leger Leger, and more. It is delightfully quirky, and we’re more than here for it.

A hotel can’t survive on quirks alone, and the rooms do not let the side down. They are all spacious and packed with modern conveniences, with mineralised-effect wood and graphic wallpaper (among other design curiosities) found at various turns. At times, it feels like an elite interior designer and a manic child got together to create the rooms at Hôtel Dupond-Smith, and the end result is one of the most unique stays in Paris. After all, there is something magically Parisian about letting your wildest ideas take flight.

You can relax with a drink from the bar and prepare hot drinks in your room with the provided electric kettle and coffee machine. At Hôtel Dupond-Smith, you will also find a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered include a shared lounge, a ticket service and a tour desk, but, again, burying the lede here; in-room massages and beauty care sessions are available. You can also organise a personal trainer for your stay, if fitness is key to your enjoyment.

Time Out tip: Put the phone in aeroplane mode and stay in the spacious John Doe suite. Getting away never felt so good

Address: 2 Rue des Guillemites, 75004 Paris

Price: From €340 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Rue Vieille du Temple bus stop

Situated right by Place de la Republique, Hôtel Jacques de Molay is not only close to touristy attractions (the Pompidou and Canal Saint-Martin are within walking distance, while Place des Vosges and Notre-Dame Cathedral are just a mile or so away), but it also offers excellent amenities. Get a thorough workout in their onsite gym, followed by a stint in the sauna and a beverage in the bar. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel (still not a guarantee in Paris, believe it or not), so you can get online from the comfort of your air-conditioned room or while enjoying the continental breakfast served daily. The rooms are equipped with satellite TV and a telephone, although we’d need convincing that anyone uses hotel phones in the modern day.

There are 23 rooms at Hôtel Jacques de Molay, each individually furnished and decorated to provide a charming stay in an intimate environment. The business rooms can be a little on the small side, so keep this in mind if you are after a spacious setting. The deluxe and superior rooms offer more space, with plenty of natural light and easy access to all the delights of the Marais.

Hotel Jacques de Molay has plenty more strings to its bow besides stylish rooms. There is a fully equipped fitness centre for keeping up your workout routine while exploring the world, though we insist you take a break to make the most of your time in Paris. Those croissants won’t eat themselves, after all, and the pastries found at the breakfast buffet live up to the city’s reputation. There is also a concierge available 24 hours a day to answer any query you might have about your time in the French capital. They can also help with making show reservations and organising day trips.

Time Out tip: Even if you don’t mind a smaller room, we suggest going for a deluxe or superior room

Address: 94 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris

Price: From €230 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Square du Temple bus stop

Looking like a set in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’, stepping into this five-star spot is like entering a pastel-hued dreamland. Think rooms full of stylish antiques, tapestry-hung walls, ornate murals and richly tiled bathrooms with marble vanity sinks and brass taps. There are 47 rooms and 14 suites in total, each sparkling with confident sophistication that is undeniably Parisian. Classic rooms offer charm and comfort for travellers seeking the perfect base for exploring the City of Lights, while there are accommodation options for up to 10 people. If you’re travelling with the extended family, Le Grand Mazarin is the place to book. The suites? Well, close your eyes and imagine a suite in a five-star Parisian hotel. The Mazarin Suite is all that and more, a gorgeous space from the genius mind of interior designer Martin Brudnizki.

The restaurant is just as impressive, where the innovative stylings of head chef Nathan Kessous conjure up delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The surroundings are as richly decorated as you’d expect from the hotel, and the menu utilises locally sourced ingredients and flame-cooking techniques to create something special. Even if you aren’t staying at Le Grand Mazarin, dinner at Boubalé is a must. At the very least, you should make time to sit in one of the duck-egg blue barstools and sip on handcrafted cocktails. You deserve it. The restaurant’s brunch menu is particularly delightful.

Don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s basement pool, a haven of calm, and swim lengths in the candy-striped tiled baths, looking up at the ceiling painted with an ornate floral mural. This is a fabulous use of space in this charming 14th-century building, although quite possibly a little far from what the original architects intended. There is also a hammam, fitness area, and spa menu.

Time Out tip: Time in the pool is a must, as much for the aesthetics as the relaxation

Address: 17 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris

Price: From €450 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Hôtel de Ville subway station

Guests and Parisians mingle in this peaceful, quiet corner where discretion is key. Completely hidden from the street, it can only be reached by entering through the reception, then into the secret garden courtyard. It’s ideal for a nighttime stay or just meeting for a drink, but it's also a haven for art lovers. The gallery-like main entrance corridor hosts work from some of the most beautiful photography galleries in Paris.

Until a few years ago, 11 rue des Gravilliers (in the 3rd) was a factory for precious metals. Now there is nothing left of that but the skeleton of the old house, which is now home to the bar and duplex rooms at the discreet Jules & Jim Hotel. Concrete, wood, stone, glass – these simple materials make for a super refined aesthetic. But a touch of high-tech is added with the backlit Hi-Macs® shells, solid bubbles which encircle the bed, giving your room the feel of a proper little cocoon. There are just 23 rooms in the hotel, creating an intimate environment at odds with the industrial heritage of the address. The rooms tick all the usual boxes, and some come with gorgeous views over the roofs of Europe’s most romantic city.

But we’d come to Jules et Jim just for the bar, to be honest. The hidden courtyard is just about as romantic as this wildly romantic city gets. Pick any one of the delicious cocktails to sip in front of the fireplace or at the bar with the friendly staff team. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can discuss your own concoction with the head bartender to see if you have a future in the cocktail business. It truly is one of the most delightful settings in the city.

Time Out tip: The breakfast buffet is undoubtedly one of the best in the neighbourhood, which is quite a claim

Address: 11 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris

Price: From €245 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Art et Métiers bus stop

With innovative architecture and a commitment to environmental protection, Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers in Le Marais offers its guests the experience of a timeless art of living. The hotel's 66 rooms are crafted from raw materials—cut stone, terrazzo, steel, and wood — by expert artisans to give you the perfect place to recharge your batteries and embody uniqueness. Stylish and modern, the rooms are equipped with a mini-bar and coffee machine (the staples) and a sumptuous bed to sleep in. Depending on the room, there may be a balcony and either a street or a courtyard view.

Classic rooms are the perfect choice for solo travellers and come with all the mod cons you’d expect. It almost goes without saying, but the classic room with a balcony is the better option, because there are few things in life more delightful than a hotel balcony in Paris. The hotel’s signature rooms are another step up, with a little extra space to go with the terrazzo bathroom, large bed, and gorgeous views. If you are travelling as part of a group or family, the atelier can connect to a studio suite to accommodate up to six people, creating a top-floor apartment with space to boot.

Guests have access to the gym and beauty workshop to keep looking and feeling their best while on the road. A selection of massages and body treatments is also available for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. You’re going to need plenty of fuel for this adventure, so be sure to stop by the hotel’s restaurant and bar to explore a menu helmed by three of the city’s most respected culinary names. Italian classics dominate the menu, and the setting (a patio with a retractable roof) is almost as delicious as the food.

Time Out tip: The hotel hosts exhibitions from time to time, so check the calendar and book accordingly

Address: 243 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris

Price: From €300 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Réaumur-Sébastapol subway station

Also known by its full name, the Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte, this 4th arrondissement hotel is a lovely blend of the old-school flair its namesake would approve of and modern quirks (a liberal splattering of leopard print being one of them). Stay here if you’re the kind of person who gets a sincere jolt of pleasure at even the briefest whiff of a Ladurée macaron – this is a fairytale version of Paris made for dreamers. There are 24 rooms in the hotel, ranging from singles and doubles to junior suites, and the style is as much about sensuality as it is about practicality. Both boxes are ticked, of course, but there is an undeniable romance to the hotel that is utterly thrilling.

The junior suite is the star of the show, a vast space that is self-described as the “perfect Parisian hideaway,” and we aren’t about to disagree with that claim. The suite comes with luxury bedding, a bath, and delightfully comfortable bathrobes, making it a fabulous option for a couple's getaway in a city defined by romance. If you are travelling as part of a group, connecting rooms are available, allowing you to create the perfect private apartment in Paris.

Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte also has an excellent tea room and cocktail bar, a stylish space helmed by professional staff who marry convivial charm with high-quality service. There is also a selection of seasonal gourmet dishes available to keep energy levels up as you work through the cocktail menu. When it comes time to explore the city, all the normal attractions of Le Marais are within strolling distance, but don’t forget to also make time for a longer walk to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens for the type of perfectly pruned greenery only found in France.

Time Out tip: If you want breakfast in bed, don’t forget to reserve it the day before

Address: 10 Rue d'Ormesson, 75004 Paris

Price: From €275 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Saint-Paul subway station

Behind a discreet façade overlooking the Carreau du Temple lies a true Belle Époque gem, signed by Jacques Garcia – a passion project seven years in the making. The result is timeless: tapestries, lighting, woodwork, and furnishings all crafted by the finest French artisans, conjuring a delightfully powdered, subversive atmosphere that feels plucked from the world of Marcel Proust. From the ground floor, where guests glide across plush carpet toward the bar, the Proustification begins in earnest – velvety salons, a winter garden for spring days, and mischievously discreet service led by cocktail legend Colin Field (formerly of the Ritz), who now shakes his finest creations every Friday evening.

Across the six floors are 23 rooms and suites, each themed around a figure linked to or inspired by Proust – Sarah Bernhardt, Charles Baudelaire, Auguste Renoir, Anna de Noailles… And at the top, the author’s own apartment, presided over by a portrait by Jacques-Émile Blanche. Though many rooms are compact, they offer pocket-sized luxury: charming intimacy, bathtubs tucked under alcoves, and beds so inviting you’ll find it incredibly difficult to get out of them. Proust may have been a hypochondriac, but above all, he was a man of taste – and he surely would have found this place to be perfectly to his liking.

The Maison Proust is practically an ever-present on lists of the best hotels in Paris, and you don’t need to be an accommodation expert to understand why. It hits every note and ticks every box, from the sophisticated rooms to the oriental-tinged spa, a treasure trove of treatments and tranquillity powered by luxury skincare brand, Le Mer. Proust said that the “supreme truth of life is in art,” and the hotel in his honour takes great inspiration from that timeless quote.

Time Out tip: If you’re on a Proustian adventure in Paris (and have the budget to back it up), the three-bedroom executive suite is the room for you

Address: 26 Rue de Picardie, 75003 Paris

Price: From £870 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Jean-Pierre Timbaud bus stop

Les Tournelles is a hotel located in the heart of the Marais. It is just a two-minute walk from Place des Vosges and features a 24-hour front desk, while Saint Paul Metro Station is 400 metres away. The elegantly decorated rooms feature satellite TV and a desk, and the private bathrooms are equipped with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. This attractive boutique hotel does precisely what an urban boutique hotel is meant to: combine the beauty and convenience of a hotel with the unique and friendly feel of a home. It’s located in a historic building and has only 24 rooms, all kitted out to feel cosy and snug, with a nice pop of colour to top it off.

Les Tournelles describes itself as a “hotel with the spirit of a house,” and we’re happy to agree with that. The 24 rooms are intimate in all the right ways, from the cosy singles all the way to the more spacious twins. Of course, the term “spacious” is relative there, as all the rooms in Les Tournells are under 16 square metres. This can feel a little cramped from time to time, but the location and personality of the place more than make up for the relative lack of size.

We particularly love the stone cellar where breakfast is served each day. While we frequently find ourselves arguing the “most important meal of the day” thing, we’re more than happy to vote for breakfast if we get to eat it in a setting like this. There’s also a nice library area with an all-hours honesty bar, Nespresso machine, and snacks, which makes a sweet addition to the place. Ultimately, Les Tournelles shines because it focuses on the needs of the guest rather than flaunting extravagance. That “hotel with the spirit of a house” claim becomes more apparent the longer you stay here.

Time Out tip: The 24/7 concierge service is fantastic. If you’ve got a question or a request, don’t hesitate to ask

Address: Francep, 30 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris

Price: From €190 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Place des Vosges bus stop

If you always feel a little uncomfortable in really posh hotels (or you're travelling with, for example, older teenagers, the Hotel Georgette might be right up your street. The rooms and shared spaces here are very nicely done but also totally unpretentious, colourful and fun (some have very quirky décor choices indeed). There are 22 rooms at the Hotel Georgette, each bridging the divide between luxurious and homely, with meticulously designed interiors and a fabulous sense of comfort throughout. Hotel Georgette is a boutique spot that understands its mission and executes it impeccably.

Each floor of Hotel Georgette is dedicated to a 20th-century art movement. You’ll find everything from Bauhaus to De Stijl via Dadaism, Realism, Pop Art, Street Art, and more, each containing rooms that tick all the boxes. The classic room is a tremendous option for solo travellers on the go, and the superior room offers much of the same with a little extra space and a mod con or two more. No matter whether you are in Paris for business or pleasure (or both), these rooms are going to fit the bill. If you want something a little more extravagant, stump up for the deluxe room in the loft. Trust us.

There’s also fun to be had in the Café Georgette, which revolves around a sense of good food, good friends and good conversation. The menu changes with the seasons, but the food is consistently delicious, and the atmosphere is among the best in the neighbourhood. If you’d prefer to stay in your room, room service is available throughout the day, and a seminar room (which can accommodate up to 20 people) is available for rent if you have an event to organise.

Time Out tip: If the ‘Dish of the Day’ is still available in the cafe, go for it. Always. No matter what it is.

Address: 36 Rue du Grenier-Saint-Lazare, 75003 Paris

Price: From €200 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Etienne Marcel subway station