Where to stay in Paris

The IT edit of the best hotels in Paris; from the bucket-list icons and fashionista hangouts, to the cheap and chic.

Plaza Athénée

25 avenue Montaigne Arr. 8

METRO: Alma-Marceau

Long one of the city’s ultimate five-star establishments, the red-awninged Plaza Athénée has just reopened after a lovely refresh.

Le Bristol Paris

28 Place des Vosges Arr. 3

METRO: Chemin Vert

Le Bristol Prestige Elysée Suite — No ordinary room at Le Bristol Paris, the Prestige Elysée Suite, when you absolutely positively have a limitless budget, or a special occasion.

A classic Right-Bank uber-luxurious hotel with an unquestionable pedigree, its positioning on the revered rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. A secret garden and – rare for Paris – a pool, make it a firm member of the elite Parisian hotels, and a member of our 100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the World 2013.

Le Bristol Garden Terrace — The garden terrace for an exquisite breakfast or lunch at Le Bristol

Hotel Washington Opéra

50 Rue De 50 Richelieu, Arr. 1

METRO: Pyramides

A former townhouse of Madame Pompidou, The Washington Opéra’s position just off the Place Vendôme puts it right in the thick of things.

Shangri-La Paris

10, avenue d’Léna Arr. 16

METRO: Léna

Housed in Napoleon III’s grand-nephew’s house, The Shangri-La Paris is a stunning proposition on a grand scale.

The Peninsula

19 Avenue Kléber Arr. 16

METRO: Kléber

The latest luxury opening in the city, The Peninsula is housed in a grand Hausmann building and is all that the name implies; gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant with the incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, cosy Le Bar Kleber and and the Lobby Lounge, the Peninsula is one of the finest palatial hotels in Paris.

Le Relais Madeleine

11BIS Rue Godot de Mauroy Arr. 9

METRO: Madeleine

Le Relais Madeleine is a charming three-star boutique establishment, centrally located with individually decorated rooms and charming staff. The chain has similar properties scattered across the city.

Hôtel Costes

239-241 Rue Saint-Honoré Arr. 1

METRO: Opéra / Concorde

If you are a dedicated follower of fashion then Hôtel Costes is for you – seriously chic and just plain cooler than cool. If you want to know that you have mixed with the hippest, coolest and most avant garde in Paris, this is your Parisian base.

Le Meurice

228 rue de Rivoli Arr. 1

METRO: Tuileries

Superior Suite Le Meurice — When you can splurge on a suite at Le Meurice, this is your living room.

Enjoying an unbeatable position opposite the Jardin des Tuileries, a Philippe Starck surrealist refurb mixed with its 18th century heritage, as well as Alain Ducasse overseeing the food and beverage offering, this is one of the grand dames of the Parisian hotels, particularly great for a special occasion. Little wonder it made our 100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the World 2013.

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Pavilion de la Reine

28 Place des Vosges Arr. 3

METRO: Chemin Vert

Discreetly tucked away behind the arch in the Place des Vosges, the ivy-drenched Pavilion de la Reine is a dream Parisian pied-à-terre.

Mama Shelter

109 Rue de Bagnolet Arr. 20

METRO: Rue Saint Maur

Deluxe Room Mama Shelter Paris — The deluxe room at the Philippe Starck designed yet affordable Mama Shelter Paris

Philippe Starck’s well-priced Mama Shelter Paris in the 20th arrondissement is fun and funky.

Generator Paris

9-11 Place du Colonel Fabien Arr. 10

METRO: Colone Fabien

Opening in early 2015, Generator Paris is much anticipated in a city with a dearth of chic yet cheap hostel accommodation.

Four Seasons Hotel George V

31 avenue George V Arr. 8

Hotel George V DeluxeRoom — A deluxe room at the Four Seasons Hotel George V

METRO: George V / Alma Marceau

Hotel George V Le Galerie — The Le Galerie lounge at Four Seasons Hotel George V, an opulent place for an afternoon drink.

An art deco legend with a two-Michelin-Star restaurant, no wonder it is one of our 100 Best Hotels and Resorts 2013.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius

A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.