Finding a genuine 5-star hotel in Paris means navigating both official classifications and traveller reputation. The French tourism agency Atout France awards a rare “Palace” distinction to fewer than a dozen properties in the city, including the Four Seasons Hotel George V, signalling exceptional service, heritage, and location. This guide compares the top contenders, from historic landmarks to celebrity-favoured addresses, using verified data from official sites, review platforms, and expert guides.
Last checked: 2026-07-04
Total rooms at Four Seasons George V: 243 · Celebrity-favored hotels (CN Traveller): The Ritz, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Hôtel de Crillon · Minimum nightly rate from aggregator (Skyscanner): €559
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-04.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Four Seasons), neutral review platform (TripAdvisor), travel aggregator (Skyscanner), expert guide (Forbes Travel Guide), travel magazine (CN Traveller), government tourism agency (Atout France), Wikipedia, and luxury travel blogs.
No on-site visit was conducted; no staff interviews were performed; no independent price verification beyond the listed sources was undertaken.
Paris luxury hotels at a glance
- The Ritz Paris (founded 1898), Le Bristol Paris (opened 1925), and Four Seasons Hotel George V (opened 1928) together define the classic era of Parisian grand hotels. (Incollect)
- Atout France lists 12 Palace-labelled hotels in Paris, including Four Seasons George V, Hôtel de Crillon, Le Bristol, and Shangri-La Paris — a distinction beyond standard 5-star. (Atout France)
- Skyscanner reports an average nightly rate of approximately US$447–814 for 5-star hotels in Paris, with Palace properties typically pricing above this band. (Skyscanner)
- CN Traveller names The Ritz, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Hôtel de Crillon as the celebrity-favoured hotels in Paris. (CN Traveller)
What are the best 5-star hotels in Paris?
The short answer depends on what you prioritise: heritage, service, views, or celebrity cachet. Official French classification uses a 5-star system, with an additional Palace label for exceptional properties. According to Atout France, 12 Paris hotels currently hold Palace status, including Four Seasons George V, Le Bristol, Hôtel de Crillon, and Le Meurice. These properties must pass a jury review evaluating location, service, and heritage, setting them apart from standard 5-star hotels.
TripAdvisor’s 2026 “Best Value” luxury list tells a different story: the top-ranked property is Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (a 5-star chain hotel) at #1, while Palace hotels scatter across lower ranks. This gap between official classification and perceived value matters for budget-conscious luxury travellers.
Top 5-Star Hotels According to TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor’s 2026 luxury rankings — based on traveller ratings and value metrics — place Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel as the #1 “Best Value” luxury property among 177 listed hotels, with a 4.0 rating from over 4,200 reviews. Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, a Palace-labelled hotel, ranks #5 with a 4.7 rating from around 1,800 reviews. The Peninsula Paris sits at approximately #299 of 1,885 Paris hotels overall, with a 4.7 rating from 1,200+ reviews. Mandarin Oriental, Paris ranks #258 of around 1,870 hotels. These rankings illustrate that user satisfaction doesn’t always align with official star ratings.
Four Seasons George V: A Benchmark
The Four Seasons Hotel George V holds 243 rooms, including oversized suites with Eiffel Tower views, according to the hotel’s official site. Originally opened in 1928 as the Hotel George V, it was named after King George V of the United Kingdom and later transformed into a Four Seasons property. It holds Palace status and is widely cited as a benchmark for ultra-luxury service, fine dining, and floral décor in the city’s luxury hotel sector.
The Ritz: Royal and Celebrity Favorite
The Ritz Paris, founded in 1898 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, remains one of the most famous luxury hotels in the world. After a four‑year refurbishment reported at around $220 million, it reopened on 6 June 2016, according to Incollect. The hotel consistently attracts royals, movie stars, and travellers seeking Old World opulence. Its history and celebrity cachet are unrivalled among Paris 5-star hotels.
Where do the celebs stay in Paris?
Several Parisian luxury hotels have long held reputations as celebrity haunts. According to CN Traveller, the three most celebrity-frequented hotels are The Ritz, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Hôtel de Crillon. Each offers distinct advantages for high-profile guests: privacy protocols, historic suites, and central locations near fashion houses and fine dining.
The Ritz
The Ritz’s reputation for attracting royals and movie stars is almost as old as the hotel itself. Its Place Vendôme location and famously discreet staff make it a repeat choice for A‑listers. The 2016 renovation modernised infrastructure while preserving the Belle Époque interiors that appeal to travellers seeking old‑school glamour.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée, another Palace-labelled property on Avenue Montaigne, is known as a celebrity haunt, particularly among fashion industry VIPs and film stars attending the Cannes or Paris fashion weeks. Its restaurant, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, holds three Michelin stars, adding to its appeal for food‑focused luxury travellers.
Hôtel de Crillon
After a four‑year restoration completed on 5 July 2017, the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, reopened as a modern luxury property housed in an 18th‑century palace. The restoration, confirmed by a Rosewood Hotels press release, transformed the landmark on Place de la Concorde into a contemporary destination while retaining its royal history. Its owners, the Saudi royal family, ensure the property remains a magnet for wealthy and famous guests.
“The re‑opening of Hôtel de Crillon marks a new chapter for one of the world’s most historic hotels,” the Rosewood Hotels press release stated in July 2017. “Four years of meticulous restoration have returned the 18th‑century palace to its former glory.”
Which is the most famous hotel in Paris?
Fame is subjective, but three names dominate nearly every list: The Ritz, Four Seasons George V, and Hôtel de Crillon. Each carries a distinct type of recognition.
The Ritz is universally recognised as a landmark in its own right, with a name that has become synonymous with luxury. The Four Seasons George V is synonymous with contemporary ultra‑luxury, with its Michelin‑starred restaurants and floral arrangements earning global press. The Hôtel de Crillon, sitting on Place de la Concorde, has royal history dating to the 18th century — originally built as a private mansion for the Duke of Crillon — and its 2017 reopening generated significant international media coverage.
Where do the wealthy stay in Paris?
High‑net‑worth travellers in Paris typically gravitate toward two types of properties: Palace‑labelled heritage hotels and ultra‑luxury branded residences. The wealthiest guests often favour the Ritz (Place Vendôme), Four Seasons George V (near the Champs‑Élysées), and Hôtel Plaza Athénée (Avenue Montaigne). These hotels offer suites that can cost thousands per night, private butlers, and exclusive access to Michelin‑starred restaurants.
The best neighbourhoods for wealthy visitors stretch from the 1st arrondissement (Place Vendôme) to the 8th (Champs‑Élysées, Avenue Montaigne). Le Bristol Paris, at 112 rue du Faubourg Saint‑Honoré in the 8th arrondissement, sits steps from the Élysée Palace and luxury boutiques. Its address itself signals wealth and exclusivity, as confirmed by Forbes Travel Guide, which highlights its classic French style, Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, and traditional artworks.
What is the most expensive hotel in Paris?
Pinpointing the single most expensive hotel is difficult because rates fluctuate seasonally and by suite category. However, The Ritz and Four Seasons George V frequently appear in discussions of the highest rates. The Ritz’s Imperial Suite, for example, can cost upwards of €20,000 per night, while Four Seasons George V suites can reach similar magnitudes. According to Skyscanner, the average nightly rate for a 5-star Paris hotel is around US$447–814, meaning Palace properties often charge multiples of that baseline for their top suites.
Price Comparison of Top 5-Star Hotels
| Hotel | Known For | Price per Night (from) | Unique Selling Point | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Hotel George V | Michelin-starred dining, floral displays | From €1,200 | Palace status, Eiffel Tower views from suites | 8th arrondissement, near Champs-Élysées |
| The Ritz | Royal and celebrity history | From €1,500 | Imperial Suite, Place Vendôme location | 1st arrondissement, Place Vendôme |
| Hôtel Plaza Athénée | Fashion week crowd, Alain Ducasse restaurant | From €1,100 | Three-Michelin-star dining, Avenue Montaigne | 8th arrondissement, Avenue Montaigne |
| Hôtel de Crillon | 18th-century palace, Place de la Concorde | From €900 | Historic restoration, Rosewood management | 8th arrondissement, Place de la Concorde |
Our pick: Which 5-star hotel should you choose?
For luxury seekers: Four Seasons Hotel George V
The Four Seasons George V combines Palace status, 243 rooms with Eiffel Tower views, Michelin-starred dining, and a central location near the Champs-Élysées. It is the benchmark for ultra‑luxury Paris hospitality, suitable for first‑time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
For celebrity‑spotters: The Ritz Paris
If you want to stay where royalty and movie stars have stayed for over a century, The Ritz on Place Vendôme offers unmatched history and prestige. The 2016 renovation preserved its Belle Époque interiors while upgrading modern amenities.
For first‑time visitors: Hôtel de Crillon
Hôtel de Crillon’s Place de la Concorde location and 18th‑century architecture provide an immediate sense of Parisian grandeur. The 2017 Rosewood restoration makes it both historic and contemporary, appealing to travellers wanting a unique, photo‑worthy base.
For honeymooners: Shangri‑La Hotel Paris
Occupying a former royal residence, the Shangri‑La Hotel Paris offers some of the best direct Eiffel Tower views among Paris luxury hotels, with service drawing on Shangri‑La’s Asian hospitality culture — ideal for couples seeking romance and memorable vistas.
Alternatives worth considering
Beyond the headline properties, Paris offers a wide spectrum of 5-star alternatives. Expedia’s guide highlights mainstream international brands such as InterContinental Paris Le Grand, Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, and boutique properties like Pavillon de la Reine & Spa. None of these hold Palace status, but they offer reliable 5-star service at lower price points.
For design‑driven travellers, SO/ Paris and Mandarin Oriental, Paris offer contemporary aesthetics and strong dining programmes. For heritage enthusiasts, Le Meurice (founded 1835) and Le Bristol (opened 1925) provide classic French opulence. The Park Hyatt Paris‑Vendôme and The Peninsula Paris appeal to travellers who prefer modern luxury with consistent international brand standards.
It’s worth noting that TripAdvisor’s luxury hotel rankings sometimes rank 4‑star or business‑oriented properties above traditional 5‑star grand hotels, illustrating the difference between official classification and perceived value. Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel’s #1 “Best Value” ranking, despite being a 4‑star property in the French system, exemplifies this gap.
Location and getting there
Paris’s 5‑star hotels cluster in three main areas: the 1st arrondissement (Place Vendôme, home to The Ritz), the 8th arrondissement (Champs‑Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, Place de la Concorde, home to Four Seasons George V, Plaza Athénée, Hôtel de Crillon, and Le Bristol), and the 6th/7th arrondissements (Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés, Eiffel Tower area, home to Le Lutetia and Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel). The 1st and 8th are the most walkable for luxury shopping and dining, while the 7th offers the best Eiffel Tower views.
Getting to the 8th arrondissement: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is about 45 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by RER B train to central Paris, followed by a short metro or taxi ride. Orly Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. The closest metro stations to the 8th arrondissement luxury hotels are George V (line 1), Champs‑Élysées–Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13), and Concorde (lines 1, 8, and 12).
Key facts about Paris 5-star hotels
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total rooms at Four Seasons George V | 243 |
| Celebrity-favoured hotels (CN Traveller) | The Ritz, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Hôtel de Crillon |
| Minimum nightly rate from Aggregator (Skyscanner) | From €559 |
| Aggregator listing count (TripAdvisor) | Top 10 5-star hotels in Paris |
| Rooms at Four Seasons George V | 243 rooms, including oversized suites |
| Expert-curated hotel list (CN Traveller) | 24 all-time best hotels in Paris |
| Forbes Five-Star ratings available | Multiple Paris luxury hotels hold the rating |
For a closer look at one of the city’s most talked-about boutique properties, read our Hotel Madame Rêve Paris review for an honest assessment of its design and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the only 7-star hotel in the world?
No officially recognised 7-star hotel exists. The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is sometimes marketed as “7-star” but has no official star rating from any global authority. The highest official classification in France is 5-star, with Palace as an additional distinction.
Which 5-star hotels in Paris offer Eiffel Tower views?
Several 5-star and Palace hotels offer direct Eiffel Tower views: Shangri‑La Hotel Paris (former royal residence with some of the best views), Four Seasons Hotel George V (suites with Eiffel Tower views), and Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (standard 5-star with affordable tower-view rooms). Plaza Athénée also has partial views from some suites.
What is the nicest hotel in Paris?
There is no single answer, but Four Seasons George V and The Ritz are the most frequently cited. Four Seasons George V excels in modern luxury, Michelin-starred dining, and floral décor. The Ritz offers unmatched history and celebrity cachet. Both hold Palace status and rank among the world’s finest hotels.
Where do most celebrities stay in Paris?
CN Traveller names The Ritz, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Hôtel de Crillon as the most celebrity-frequented hotels. The Ritz draws film stars and royalty, Plaza Athénée attracts fashion industry VIPs and film festival attendees, and Hôtel de Crillon appeals to wealthy travellers and Saudi royalty.
What is the most expensive hotel in Paris?
The Ritz and Four Seasons George V vie for the title, with suite prices that often exceed €10,000–€20,000 per night for top categories. Skyscanner reports average 5-star rates between US$447–814 per night, meaning Palace property suites far exceed the average.
Sources cited
- Four Seasons Hotel George V – official site
- Atout France – official hotel classification and Palace list
- Incollect – The Ritz Paris reopening
- Rosewood Hotels – Hôtel de Crillon reopening press release
- Forbes Travel Guide – Le Bristol Paris review
- Skyscanner – 5-star hotels in Paris pricing
- TripAdvisor – Paris luxury hotels 2026 rankings
- Expedia – Best 5 Star Hotels in Paris guide
- Luxe Recess – Shangri-La Hotel Paris review
- Wikipedia – Four Seasons Hotel George V