Paris is a city of endless charm, but choosing where to stay in Paris can be overwhelming. Each neighborhood (or arrondissement) has its own personality—whether you’re drawn to art and history, chic shopping, or romantic strolls along the Seine. To help you plan your Paris getaway, I’ve broken down the best neighbourhoods and handpicked three hotels per area across mid-range, luxury, and ultra-luxury categories.
1. Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements) – Trendy & Historic
Le Marais is a stylish district packed with boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafés. It’s ideal if you want to feel like a Parisian local while staying central and if you ask me, there is no better arrondissement to stay in the city. On Sundays this is where I always navigate towards in search of coffee, a pain au chocolat and boutique hopping around the winding streets. There are also endless food options in a range of budgets, including crowd favourite L’as du Falafel.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais – Cozy, affordable, and tucked into a quiet street with a classic Parisian vibe.
- Luxury: Hôtel du Petit Moulin – A Christian Lacroix–designed boutique hotel blending art and chic interiors.
- Ultra-Luxury: Le Pavillon de la Reine – A hidden gem on Place des Vosges with ivy-covered walls and timeless Parisian elegance. Also perfectly positioned next to my favourite cafe in all of Paris; Carette.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement) – Literary & Chic
This Left Bank neighbourhood is famous for its intellectual past, cozy bookshops, and stylish cafés. Saint Germain is perfect for lovers of art and culture and even better if you love vintage shopping! There are some incredible luxury boutiques reselling every designer you could ever dream of
- Mid-Range: Hotel Recamier – A boutique option tucked away by Saint-Sulpice with quiet charm.
- Luxury: Hôtel Bel Ami – Modern and vibrant, just steps from Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.
- Ultra-Luxury: Hôtel Lutetia – The iconic palace hotel of the Left Bank, blending Art Deco heritage with modern indulgence.
3. The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement) – Historic & Bohemian
Home to the Sorbonne and centuries of history, the Latin Quarter is youthful, lively, and filled with bistros and bookshops. This area is full of bohemian charm and better yet, is home to an abundance of food choices. It’s a great location to position yourself for an authentic stay in Paris, only a stones throw from the Seine River and many of Paris’ most famous attractions.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Atmosphères – A design-forward boutique hotel with artistic interiors.
- Luxury: Hotel Monge – Elegant, boutique, and perfectly placed for exploring Rue Mouffetard.
- Ultra-Luxury: Maison Colbert – Part of Sofitel’s MGallery, this hotel offers refined charm in a historic townhouse.
4. The Louvre & Opera (1st & 2nd Arrondissements) – Central & Glamorous
Stay here if you want to be at the heart of Paris, near the Louvre, Palais Royal, and high-end shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré. There are an abundance of hotels in the area making this one of the most popular tourist arrondissements both to stay and explore. Because of the oversupply you can often find great last minute rates on hotels in the area, plus have the added bonus of almost all the sights of Paris being within arms reach. As such, it is a great choice for first time visitors to Paris who wish to stay central and see the main sights of the city.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Malte – Astotel – Central, stylish, and excellent value for money.
- Luxury: Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal – Classic Parisian elegance with views of Palais Royal gardens.
- Ultra-Luxury: Le Meurice – A legendary palace hotel, known as Salvador Dalí’s Paris home.
5. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement) – Romantic & Artistic
Montmartre feels like a village within the city, with cobbled streets, artists’ studios, and breathtaking views from Sacré-Cœur. This is where I stayed on my first visit to Paris and it is an area I’ll return to time and time again, even if just to wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy the sweeping views over the city. Montmartre is notoriously hilly and captured in time, with many of the smaller hotels and guest stays not included a lift or elevator, so be sure to keep this in mind.
- Mid-Range: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre – A family-run boutique hotel with character and warmth.
- Luxury: Terrass’’ Hotel – Famous for its rooftop bar overlooking the Paris skyline.
- Ultra-Luxury: Maison Souquet – A former Belle Époque pleasure house turned opulent five-star hotel.
6. Champs-Élysées & 8th Arrondissement – Classic Parisian Luxury
The most glamorous address in Paris, perfect for designer shopping and iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe. This is where you will find most of the super luxe hotels in Paris – ranging from the Four Seasons George V to Le Fouquet’s. Parisian institutions like Laduree are just a brisk walk away down the Champs-Élysées, making this the perfect upscale arrondissement for the fancy folks!
- Mid-Range: Hotel Ekta – A fashion-inspired boutique hotel near the Champs-Élysées.
- Luxury: Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s – Legendary Parisian glamour at the corner of the Champs-Élysées.
- Ultra-Luxury: Four Seasons George V – The epitome of Parisian grandeur, with Michelin-starred dining and one of the best afternoon teas in Paris.
7. The Eiffel Tower & 7th Arrondissement – Iconic & Refined
For postcard-worthy views and a quieter, upscale neighbourhood, the 7th is the dreamiest choice. This is where you stay if you’d rather fly under the radar and feel like a local – however the area is limited when it comes to sights, attractions and even dining choices. This area is much more residential with quiet streets and neighbourhood parks.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Le Walt – Chic boutique hotel with rooms overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
- Luxury: Hotel Juliana Paris – Glamorous interiors with a discreet luxury feel.
- Ultra-Luxury: Shangri-La Paris – A former royal residence with some of the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris. While expensive, it certainly is a once in a lifetime experience!
Final Thoughts
When deciding where to stay in Paris, the best neighborhood depends on your style of travel. Le Marais is trendy, Saint-Germain is timeless, the Latin Quarter is lively, and the 1st arrondissement keeps you close to it all. Whether you’re traveling on a mid-range budget or seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Paris offers a dream hotel for everyone.
✨ Pro Tip: Book early—Paris hotels fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer. During the shoulder seasons and winter great deals can be found last minute.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
