After more than a year of intermittent strict lockdowns, Paris is back—and more vibrant than ever. Measures taken to move the city beyond the dark pandemic days, including restaurants and bars requiring an EU digital health certificate or proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter, have proven effective. Iconic attractions like the Louvre have reopened, and new ones have arrived, too, including the Bourse de Commerce contemporary art museum. The streets are once again filled with comingling Parisians and travelers, and while masks are still required indoors at many spots, the City of Light has gained a new sprightliness that beckons visitors for a fall or winter visit.
While traipsing the streets of this perpetual favorite is always romantic, we wouldn’t blame you for booking a flight to simply revel in your hotel, as adding to Paris’ current magic is lots of news on the hotel front. From a much-anticipated luxury opening to striking revamped suites and exciting food and drink experiences, here are five reasons to book a stay at a five-star Parisian property right now.
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New Hangout: Ritz Paris
Image Credit: Courtesy Ritz Paris With the delightful new Le Comptoir patisserie occupying its former space, the iconic Ritz Bar has migrated to fresh digs inside Ritz Paris—and its 34 seats, debuted in September, are the hottest in town. Arrive by 5:30pm to catch the dramatic opening of the bar, above which a giant metal lantern lifts to an exclusive song by French electronic duo Polo and Pan, casting shadows of zodiac symbols onto the ceiling. The glowing, ethereal vibe is fitting for the astrological-themed experience: 12 signature cocktails are crafted to suit each sign (the most popular: Scorpio’s Erotic, with muscat, fig leaf, floral musk and Champagne), and every bottle (like Moonshot Gin and biodynamic wine) is carefully chosen to express nature in its purest form. Rooms from $1,268 per night.
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New Opening: Cheval Blanc Paris
Image Credit: Photo by Alexandre Tabaste The LVMH-owned brand couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setting for its first urban hotel. Opened in September overlooking the Pont Neuf, the 72-room Cheval Blanc Paris is located inside the former La Samaratine department store—yet you’d never know it was historic by its contemporary interiors. A stark contrast to more traditional Parisian properties, this sleek newcomer leans on bright pops of color, digital artwork and extra-special details (like sparkly towels, robes and slippers in guest rooms) to craft its own identity. With four standout restaurants, it’s also a food-lover’s dream stay. Don’t miss the striking pool, Dior spa (which has its own custom Dior fragrance) and a surprise from artist Thierry Dreyfus in the elevator. Rooms from $1,327 per night.
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New Gourmet Favorite: Hotel de Crillon
Image Credit: Photo: By Adrian Houston Enjoying fine wines is part of the Parisian experience. This fall, this Rosewood hotel flipped the traditional concept of dinner with pairings, launching a new concept within its Michelin one-starred L’Ecrin restaurant that’s guided by beverage selections. Head sommelier Xavier Thuizat first helps diners select which wines they’d like to enjoy, then Chef Boris Campanella crafts a three-, five- or eight-course meal (from $200) around them—think seasonal dishes like white truffles and Reine des reinettes apples. If you’re not imbibing, you can still enjoy, thanks to a new nonalcoholic option that includes unexpected pairings like oysters and uji green tea, or roasted deer and black trumpet mushrooms with Grand Cru Geisha coffee. Rooms from $1,382 per night.
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New Suite Stay: InterContinental Paris Le Grand
Image Credit: Photo: By Eric Cuvillier A $120 million restoration completed this summer to this IHG property, also home to the legendary Café de la Paix, included the addition of five new, natural light-drenched modern suites designed as Parisian apartments—each with some of the best views in town. Soft blush tones comingle with crisp black and white in the La Parisienne suite, which also has a framed view of the Eiffel Tower through dormer windows beyond its cozy desk setup. Meanwhile, the expansive Charles Garnier suite, stylishly outfitted in calming shades of white and cream, is as elegant as the historic opera house it overlooks. Guests can also enjoy a brand-new club lounge on the first floor of the hotel. Suites from $1,850 per night.
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New Foodie Experiences: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Image Credit: Courtesy Four Seasons Watch, learn, dine—then recreate your French culinary experience at home by taking part in a new series of six bespoke private cooking classes and wine tastings ($636-$2,487 per person). Led by Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers at the hotel, these experiences will take place November through January and must be booked in advance. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than fashioning festive desserts alongside renowned pastry chef Michael Bartocetti (and ending the class with afternoon tea) or preparing a gourmet New Year’s Eve dinner (including sea bass with caviar) with Executive Chef Christian Le Squer, all served upon Bernardaud dinnerware. Rooms from $1,743 per night.
