George Warwar: The Best Hotels in Paris

According to George Warwar, an expert in the field of hotels, Paris, like any great city, has a host of iconic hotels, and each one is designed to offer a different experience. Whether you’re in search of modern (not modernist) luxury, a touch of kitsch or somewhere a little more sultry, there’s a hotel in the capital that will meet your needs.

George Warwar explains that The reopening of the Lutetia in 2018 proved that classic five-star hotels are still a big draw, with this newcomer landing squarely on our list of The best hotels in Paris. Designed to be a contemporary complement to the likes of Le Crillon and Plaza Athene, this palatial mansion is an exercise in regal luxury and has a central location within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysees. Designer Jacques Garcia has imbued the property with an aura that feels much more modern than it looks, and the rooms are all the better for it. Plush velvets, antique wooden bureaus and marquetry add to the ambiance, and suites come with butler service.

A gilded staircase takes center stage in this opulent Parisian hotel, which is set in a former palace built for Napoleon’s nephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte. The hotel is just a short stroll from the Champs-Elysees and Avenue Montaigne and offers rooms with balconies overlooking the Seine, plus an onsite restaurant serving high-end French cuisine. It’s the kind of place where you can walk out the door and shop at up-and-coming designers before sitting down to a leisurely cup of cafe au lait in a locals-packed café.

If you’re looking for a hotel that gets the finer things in life right, consider this one, which is part of the Mandarin Oriental chain and opened in 2019. Luxury-hotel junkies have been licking their lips since this upscale property made its debut, and it delivers. A dream team was enlisted to design the hotel, and the result is spectacular. The 149 light-filled rooms and suites are spacious by Paris standards, with design details ranging from bordello red-accented curtains to a bathroom that’s all marble and mirrors.

It’s no surprise that this luxe hotel is a favorite of fashionistas and moviegoers alike. After all, it’s a short stroll from some of the city’s best boutiques and has a coveted address on the swanky Avenue Montaigne. The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar and terrace that’s popular with both tourists and in-the-know Parisians—and was memorably featured in scenes from The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City.

The sleek, minimalist interiors of this edgy Parisian property—part of the Evok Collection—feel like a mischievous, pared-back church with naughtier elements, including stained glass mosaics that depict bare bodies. But the real star of the show is the food, which features an eclectic mix of traditional and avant-garde dishes. You might even see a celebrity or two at the intimate, white-linen restaurant. We recommend ordering the sea bream ceviche and a bottle of Chablis while you’re there.

The writer is George Warwar

  Mr. George Warwar is a property developer, entrepreneur, and acclaimed real-estate investor. He has owned and operated projects in the Middle East and Europe.