24 best spa hotels in Paris to relax in the capital

Philippe Starck's genius is behind the amazing contemporary reimagining Le Royal Monceau. Lavish from top to tail – it's hard not to be blown away by the striking attention to detail, like the mirrored bathrooms and dressing rooms, beds that take centre stage (more room for prancing around of course), and art that is omnipresent throughout – expect a bespoke concierge art service, an art gallery and a majestic central piece in the lobby. Other distinctive features include a spa with one of the biggest swimming pools in Paris and a 99-seat cinema.

The mood? Like royalty. 
Location perks? Enjoy an exceptional, art deco-filled stay, while being centrally located.  
Budget range? On the spenny end, so it's deffo worth cutting back on the caviar. 

Although Le Narcisse Blanc is within walking distance of the tourist-flanked Eiffel tower and Les Invalides, it provides a luxurious cocoon in the 7th arrondissement. To prolong the peace, there’s a spa complete with a pool, jacuzzi and elegant relaxation beds, plus a sauna, hammam and massage room. Other added extras include terraced gardens and rooms for hire.

This is possibly the most luxurious hotel in Paris. Owned by The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotel company and opened in 2014 and the creators really pushed the boat out to make this a five-star stunner. Upon entering you will pass an imposing pair of lions that lead you into the epic Versailles-esque hall; all decked out in handmade crystal glass, sophisticated mouldings, marble and woodwork. Everything is grand and infinitely beautiful.

Okay, so the 7th arrondissement – halfway between Ecole Militaire and Les Invalides – may not be a popular location for Paris’s high-class hotels. But that doesn’t mean you should give this one a miss: since opening in 2014, Cinq Codet has proved itself as one of the finest five star hotels in the capital. 

Just a few metres away from Paris’s Comédie-Française theatre you’ll find Nolinski, a luxury hotel created by Pierre Bastid and Emmanuel Savage with the help of interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot.

The opening of the MGallery Molitor made quite a splash. The famous Art Deco swimming pool was defunct for twenty years after closing its doors in 1989. However, after two years of colossal work, the mythical establishment of the 16th arrondissement has reincarnated as a luxurious complex complete with five star hotel, restaurant and spa. 

The famous Hotel Westminster on rue de la Paix shines with British elegance. The building was once a private townhouse but became a hotel in 1905 and following a welcome makeover in 2015, it now boasts 101 rooms, comprising 80 rooms and 21 suites. Venerated designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has kept the spirit of the past alive, with stately crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces, period console tables and vintage clocks.

The spirit of Marilyn Monroe has been kept alive in the 15th arrondissement, not far from the Beaugrenelle shopping complex. A true shrine to the star, the hotel catapults you into a world of sultry, vintage, cinematic bliss with Vincent Bastié, architect and renowned hotel decorator at the helm. 

The mood? Hollywood glamour. 
Location perks? Stay in one of these fabulous guestrooms filled with playful Marylin memorabilia. 
Budget range? A low-cost Parisian escape for two. 

One of the rare ‘palaces’ to reject Paris’s typical historical architecture, the Mandarin Oriental dares to innovate – and it succeeds. Surrounded by haute couture fashion houses and jewellers in the middle of rue Saint-Honoré, the Mandarin Oriental is inspired just as much by its surroundings at its Asian origins. 

A classic Saint-Germain-des-Prés building which backs onto a classic Parisian street on one side, and a more contemporary view on the garden side. La Belle Juliette offers two faces but one story, of Juliette Récamier. A nineteenth century heroine who hosted a literary salon and was able to counter most of the intellectuals and politicians of her time. 

The Sofitel Paris Faubourg’s facelift has been inspired by the nearby Saint-Honoré area – the city’s haute-couture haven. So it’s no surprise that it could have come straight off the pages of a fashion magazine. Under the thumb of talented interior decorator Didier Gomez, the Sofitel passes with flying colours in its positioning as one of the best five-star hotels in the city.

Between place de Clichy and Gare Saint-Lazare, in the Saint-Georges area, l'Hôtel Design Secret de Paris will take your breath away. There are 29 rooms and 21 with a private jacuzzi, with decor that offers a surreal six-stop tour of the city. 

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.

The devil is in the details and the Lancaster is a stellar example of such mastery. This hotel off the Champs-Elysees has managed to maintain an atmosphere which is both full of soul and feels suspended in time. It might have something to do with its history; it has welcomed many famous celebrities including Marlene Dietrich, Robert Capa and Grace Kelly in the past – all of whom have left some mark on the Lancaster of today. 

From the top of the immense nine floor Hôtel Renaissance République, you can watch skaters and look straight onto the place de la République statue, which is increasingly becoming known as the heart of the city. It’s on the terrace that you can raise a toast or breakfast as the sun rises and the location is ideal – just a few strides from Canal Saint-Martin and Grands Boulevards. 

For years the epicentre of luxury hotels has been the Golden Triangle in the city's 8th arrondissement, however eastern Paris has finally laid claim to its very own five-star hotel. The Boutet is fully deserving of such an accolade. Located in the trendy Charonne district of Paris, just a stone’s throw from the Place de la Bastille, Le Boutet ticks all the boxes. 

La Maison Favart might be as close as you’ll get to heaven on earth. Nestled in the confines of the 2nd arrondissement, on the discreet rue Marivaux, the hotel has been neighbours with the Opéra-Comique since 1824. Staff are warm and smiley, while decor is clean without being puritanical, refined and elegant with its pastel tones and plaid carpets.

Located on one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, the Pavillon de la Reine seems like it's always been there. Staying the night at this luxury hotel is a real treat, like a slice of paradise in the middle of Paris’s beating heart.

Based on the novel ‘Lost Horizon’ by James Hilton, the splendid Shangri-La Hôtel Paris (which was once upon a time Prince Roland Bonaparte’s hotel particulier) is in the perfect location on avenue d’Iéna. The book tells of an English diplomat and his three companions, who fall victim to a road accident and are taken in by Tibetans. 

The mood?
Location perks?
Budget range?

L’Hotel is a stone’s throw from the Seine and is steeped in history. It was here, on 13 rue des Beaux-Arts that Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau once frolicked, where Serge Gainsbourg played "Je t'aime moi non plus" for the first time and where Oscar Wilde lived for two years before he died. There are 20 unreservedly gorgeous baroque-style guest rooms, four on each floor, a restaurant (which has kept its Michelin star since 2006), a cosy bar and an even cosier pool beneath the arches that can be rented out privately to guests by the hour. Here, you're 

The mood? All the grandeur and melodrama you could ever want. 
Location perks? Walking distance to The Louvre Museum, Notre Dame and Pont Neuf Metro. 
Budget range? A pretty penny, but so worth the indulgence. 

Close to the Palais des Congrès and complete with a meeting room, this boutique hotel is ideal for business trips. But tourists in search of a relaxing spot will delight in the spa –including a fitness room, sauna and hammam – which is open from 7am. 

The mood? Period chic (but modern). 
Location perks? Sink into the serene, aesthetic, calm of the landscaped courtyard view. 
Budget range? Attractively low-range prices for a relaxing weekend in Paris - what a no-brainer. 

The famed Mona Lisa hotel celebrates the master of the Renaissance. Nods to Leonardo are everywhere, from the entrance to the rooms – 204 for example includes the indigo found in ‘Madonna with the carnation’ and the angelic sweetness of ‘The Virgin on the rocks’. Exposed beams and antique lamps in each fragrant room give the place a romantic atmosphere of the Paris of yesteryear.

The mood? Charmingly elegant.
Location perks? So close to the Louvre Museum, you're practically rubbing shoulders. 
Budget range? In the mid-range.

Yes, you did read that correctly: Disney's Hotel New York is in fact located in Paris, although you can easily forget once inside. Designed by the late American architect Michael Graves, who's particularly known for his postmodernist work, the building is a grand tower of blocks and triangles overlooking the northern point of Disneyland Paris. There are red uniformed bellboys on hand, a retro-style diner and a Marvel universe, where you can meet the heroes in person. Head up to the Skyline Bar and you can even glimpse the Big Apple out the window.

The mood? Pixar perfect. 
Location perks? A wonderful immersive stay that kids, big and small can enjoy - just a 10-minute stroll to Disney Village. 
Budget range? A high-end stay for the full Disney experience.

The 9th arrondissement is well-equipped when it comes to hotels, owing to its geographical situation and its lively reputation. Rue Clauzel, a stone’s throw from rue des Martyrs, boasts several addresses including the great boutique shop Nous at number 19, the vintage store Zach & Sam at number 13, and of course hotel Matins de Paris at number three. 

The mood? Urbanesque. 
Location perks? Dreamy views of the Eiffel Tower, and only a 13-minute walk to Sacré-Coeur.
Budget range? Super budget friendly for Paris.