Paris is made for couples, and the right hotel turns a city break into a memory. The most romantic hotels here are not always the biggest: they hide behind ivy-covered courtyards, secret gardens and old squares.
These five, from the Marais to Montmartre, each have a setting that feels like a world of its own.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Le Pavillon de la Reine ★★★★★ | Le Marais | Couples, Luxury |
| 2 | Hôtel Particulier Montmartre | Montmartre | Couples |
| 3 | Relais Christine ★★★★★ | Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Couples, Luxury |
| 4 | Le Royal Monceau Raffles ★★★★★ | Champs-Élysées | Couples, Luxury |
| 5 | Hôtel Madame Rêve ★★★★★ | Les Halles | Couples, Luxury |
How we chose these hotels
We chose hotels with character and intimacy – historic buildings, gardens, courtyards, rooftops – in neighbourhoods worth wandering at night. Several are small, so availability is limited: book early for spring and weekends.
1. Le Pavillon de la Reine
Tucked behind the arcades of Place des Vosges, this ivy-covered 17th-century house is the most romantic address in the Marais. Its quiet courtyard and individually decorated rooms feel miles away from the city – yet the Seine and Notre-Dame are a short walk away.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Le Marais
- Location
- 28 Place des Vosges, 75003 Paris
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Tucked away behind the arcades of Place des Vosges
- Quiet courtyard garden and a small spa
- Each room is decorated differently
Good to know
- The most romantic rooms book up early
- The Marais is busy at weekends
2. Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
A secret worth sharing with one person: a hidden townhouse with only five suites, each designed by an artist, and a large garden in the heart of Montmartre. End the evening at its cocktail bar, then walk up to the Sacré-Cœur for the view.
- Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Area
- Montmartre
- Location
- 23 Avenue Junot, Pavillon D, 75018 Paris
- Best for
- Couples
Why we like it
- Only five suites, each designed by a different artist
- A large, secluded garden in Montmartre
- Le Grand Salon restaurant and the Le Très Particulier cocktail bar
Good to know
- Hard to find: the entrance is a passage and an unmarked gate
- With five suites, availability is very limited
3. Relais Christine
On a quiet street of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, behind an ivy-covered courtyard, Relais Christine is an intimate five-star with a garden and a spa. Book a garden suite with its own terrace for a special occasion.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Location
- 3 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Ivy-covered courtyard and a garden in the heart of Saint-Germain
- Garden suites with private terraces
- Spa
Good to know
- A small hotel: book the garden suites well ahead
- Some rooms are cosy rather than large
4. Le Royal Monceau Raffles
For couples who like a bit of theatre: Philippe Starck’s playful palace near the Arc de Triomphe, with a spa and pool, a private cinema and two excellent restaurants.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Champs-Élysées
- Location
- 37 Avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Playful, artistic interiors by Philippe Starck
- Spa with a pool, and a private cinema
- Restaurants Matsuhisa and Il Carpaccio
Good to know
- A bold design style that not everyone loves
- A few minutes’ walk from the Champs-Élysées rather than on them
5. Hôtel Madame Rêve
Sunset drinks in a rooftop garden above the rooftops of Paris, a room with its own balcony or terrace – Madame Rêve, in the former Louvre post office, is the newest romantic address on our list. The Louvre is around the corner.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Les Halles
- Location
- 48 Rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- In the grand former central post office of the Louvre (1888)
- Rooftop garden with a bar at sunset
- More than half the rooms have a balcony or a terrace
Good to know
- Ask for a view room: some face the inner courtyard
- The Les Halles area is busy
Romantic ideas for your stay
- Take an evening cruise on the Seine: the monuments are lit up and the Eiffel Tower sparkles at the start of every hour.
- Watch the sunset from Montmartre or from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur.
- Get lost in the Marais and stop for a drink under the arcades of Place des Vosges.
- Book dinner in advance for Friday and Saturday nights.
For the best seasons for a couple’s trip, see when to visit Paris.
