I recently stayed at the CUTEST boutique hotel in Paris and I’m excited to share all the details with you, including what you need to know before booking a hotel in Paris! Today we’re diving into everything about Paris hotels. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for the best boutique hotels in Paris, I’ve got you covered. Let’s jump in!
What Hotel to Stay in Paris: Hôtel Charles V
Paris offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious palaces to budget-friendly hostels. As a matter of fact, you can rent palaces, hotels, apartments, aparthotels (half apartment, half hotel), hostels, campsites…whatever you need, whatever budget you have, Paris has it all! For this trip, I chose the 4-star Hôtel Charles V in the Le Marais District. This charming boutique hotel is located on the site of the former royal residence of Charles V from the 14th century. It features 22 rooms, with seven different room types, a small fitness center, and a bar area.
Address: 20 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris, France
Closest Metro Stops: Sully-Morland (3 min); Saint Paul (5 min); Pont Marie (6 min)
Why Choose a Boutique Hotel?
I love boutique hotels for their individual attention, high levels of customer service, and stylish accommodations. Hôtel Charles V was perfect for celebrating my mom’s birthday. Its classic charm, cleanliness, excellent location, and friendly staff who spoke multiple languages made our stay unforgettable. Plus, it’s close to dining, shopping, and multiple metro stations.
Paris Hotel Review: Our Room at Hôtel Charles V
We stayed in the Privilege room, which was beautifully decorated and well-appointed. Here’s a tour of our room in pictures:
What You Need to Know About Paris Hotels
Paris Hotel Rating System
Hotels in Paris operate based on a star rating system from 1 to 5 stars, with an additional “Palace” rating for the most luxurious accommodations. The star rating indicates the amenities included, such as elevators in 4-star hotels, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect service standards. For example, 4-star hotels must have an elevator, but 3-star properties do not.
Best Areas to Stay in Paris for First-Time Visitors
- Le Marais (3rd & 4th arrondissements): A historic area with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants.
- Saint-Germain-Des-Prés (6th arrondissement): One of the prettiest areas in Paris and popular for families. Known for its literary history, cafes, boutiques, and Jardin du Luxembourg.
- Louvre (1st arrondissement): The center of Paris, close to the Musée du Louvre and other major sites.
- Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement): Vibrant area with student life because it is near Sorbonne University. Cafes, Bookshops, bars, the Pantheon.
- Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement): If you’re looking for luxury, this is the arrondissement for you!
- Montmartre (18th arrondissement): Known for its bohemian atmosphere, artists, cafes, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Average Cost of Hotels in Paris
Hotel prices in Paris vary greatly depending on the season (summer being the highest months), month, and special events. You can expect to pay between €221-400+ per night for a standard room, with luxury suites costing tens of thousands. For more affordable options, hostels range from €30-80 per night, and you can even camp in the city for around €30 per night.
Paris Tourist Tax
Speaking of costs, to plan well for a trip to Paris, what you need to know about booking a hotel in Paris is the Tourist Tax on accommodations. Be aware of the mandatory Paris Tourist Tax on all accommodations! Before you book anything, check the hotel website’s booking details or policies page to see if this tax is included in the price. Usually it is not, so prepare to pay anywhere between €2-15 per person, per night onsite at the end of your stay with fees based on category of accommodation. Palaces and 5-star properties are the highest at just under €15 and campsites of the lowest at less than €2 per person, per day. Kids under 18 are not charged. These fees may increase over time, so be sure to visit the Tourist Tax site for the latest information.
Solo Travel in Paris: Solo Rooms
If you’re traveling solo, you might find a solo room for less than the cost of a standard two-person room. Check for the “single room” accommodations when booking. The video below includes a look at my sister’s Cosy Single room at Hôtel Charles V.
Here are some characteristics of single rooms in Parisian hotels:
- Size: Single rooms are generally smaller than double rooms, often around 107 to 161.5 square feet (10-15 square meters).
- Bed: Single rooms usually feature a single bed, which is the sinarrower than a double bed but comfortable for one person.
- Amenities: Basic amenities include a private bathroom, a desk, a wardrobe or closet, a TV, free Wi-Fi, and sometimes a small seating area.
- Price: Single rooms are usually more affordable compared to double or larger rooms, making them a cost-effective option for solo travelers.
- Location: Single rooms are available in various types of hotels, from budget to luxury, throughout Paris. They can be found in central locations near popular attractions as well as in quieter, residential areas.
What You Need to Know Before Booking a Hotel in Paris
Hotel Booking Tips
- Room Sizes: Expect smaller, more compact rooms than what you typically find in the United States. You’ll have everything you need, but it will be smaller than what you’re used to. Since the rooms are smaller, if you’re traveling with a family or group, consider an apartment rental or apartment-hotel.
- Mattress Sizes: When booking online, you may see references to different bed sized. Note European bed sizes are different than in the U.S.! A “double bed” in Paris is often two singles put together, about the size of a queen or even a a full-sized bed. A “single” bed is a twin or twin XL. A “king” sized bed is about the size of a queen. At the same time, some hotels might cater to a U.S. audience and the bed size might be completely the same.
- Stairs vs. Elevator: Historic properties might not be fully accessible, so be sure to check to see if your accommodation has an elevator.
- Floor Levels: The ground floor is zero, and underground levels are negative numbers.
- Elevators: They are likely to be small, fitting 2-3 people or one person with one or two pieces of luggage. For this reason, pack light and pack tight; you may have to carry your luggage up flights of stairs.
- Air Conditioning: Check if A/C is available. One might think air conditioning is standard…but it’s not always the case. More properties are installing units due to the global rise in temperature, so check the hotel’s list of amenities thoroughly – especially in the summer!
- Breakfast: Often offered for an additional charge and usually includes eggs, bacon, cold cuts, croissants, pastries, juice, tea, and coffee. I enjoy having a hotel breakfast for the convenience, but to save money you can always visit a local cafe or boulangerie for a quick croissant and beverage breakfast.
- Languages Spoken: Verify if your language is spoken at the hotel. Most hotel staff speak English (to varying degrees) but it might not always be the case.
- 24/7 Reception: Look for hotels with round-the-clock reception staff. You never know if your flight will be delayed, if there’s an emergency, or if you just want to chat with a friendly local person about the best places to eat in Paris.
- Cancellation Policies: Choose flexible and refundable booking options.
I hope you enjoyed the room tours from our stay at Hôtel Charles V! If you’re planning a trip to Paris, check out this boutique hotel for a charming and comfortable stay. For more tips on what to eat in Paris and restaurant recommendations, read my Paris food and dining blog. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below. Share this post with your Paris travel buddies and stay tuned for more travel tips.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next post!
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage