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 Discover A New Point of View

HOTELS: 13 Iconic and Boutique Hotels in Paris with Historical Facts You Probably Didn't Know

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The City of Light is famous for its grand palace hotels, but also scattered throughout Paris are boutique properties bursting with fascinating stories. Let’s step inside these distinctive Parisian addresses to experience French elegance intertwined with extraordinary tales of history and culture.

 

Hôtel de Crillon

Situated on Place de la Concorde, this hotel overlooks one of Paris's most famous squares, known for its history as the site of public executions during the Revolution. The hotel's grand façade and opulent interiors reflect its royal heritage, as it was originally built in 1758 by decree of Louis XV as a private residence for his favored courtier. During the French Revolution, it was seized as state property and served as the headquarters for the Russian army in 1815. Interestingly, it was also the location where the first recorded performance of "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem, took place in 1792. Over the centuries, this palace has hosted royalty, political figures, and celebrities from Marie Antoinette to Ernest Hemingway. In recent years, the hotel has undergone a meticulous renovation to restore its 18th-century splendor while incorporating modern amenities, including a world-renowned spa and Michelin-starred dining. Let the grandeur of the past embrace you as you sip champagne in the very halls where kings once tread.

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Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Upgrade on arrival, based on availability

·       Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Hotel Restaurant or via Room Service

·       $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no

cash value if not redeemed in full)

·       Confirmed 10am Early Check-In / 4pm Late Check-Out

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

L'Hotel:

This intimate and romantic hotel is a true literary landmark that has been a hideaway for creatives since the 19th century. Once the playground and last residence of the flamboyant Oscar Wilde, who famously remarked, "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go," guests today can stay in the Oscar Wilde Suite where he lived and ultimately passed away. Step into the rooms where Wilde left his mark and relish the decadence that has permeated its walls since the 19th century. You'll marvel at the gorgeous domed, spiral staircase designed by Gustave Eiffel and relax as you sip your coffee in the courtyard, imagining Wilde penning his final works in the very room next door. Other famed guests included Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at the height of their romance. Can you imagine what they would say if these walls could talk?

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       A credit w orth $50-$100 (USD) per room, per stay to be spent only on extras such as F&B or Spa, only on property and during the stay

·       Daily Continental breakfast for two people

·       Room upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at the time of check-in

·       Early check-in, subject to availability at the time of check-in

·       Late check-out, subject to availability

·       Complimentary WIFI

  

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

Once the private mansion of the famous French artist Théodore Rousseau, this decadent 19th-century hôtel particulier in Montmartre has a rich artistic history. Rousseau hosted bohemian gatherings here attended by luminaries such as Delacroix and Corot. Transformed into a lavish boutique hotel in 2014, its ornate interiors beautifully evoke the artistic heritage of this former bohemian haunt. The Hôtel Particulier Montmartre offers a luxurious and artistic retreat in the heart of Paris.

 

 Le Roi de Sicile

The Roi de Sicile Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the historic Marais district of Paris. It is named after Charles I of Anjou, who was crowned King of Sicily in the 13th century. The hotel's name pays homage to the medieval history of Sicily and its ties to the Angevin dynasty. Behind its regal 16th-century façade lies a sultry secret - this chic hotel occupies the former Paris home of King Roger II of Sicily's chief minister. Rumored to have hosted sordid royal trysts, its candlelit bar exudes a seductive ambiance steeped in mystery and history.

 

 

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Hotel Montalembert:

The Left Bank whispers tales of literary giants and artistic revolutionaries, and Hotel Montalembert has been a silent witness to it all. This pioneer of Left Bank luxury radiates a timeless charm. Did you know that it was the first boutique hotel in Paris? For those seeking an artistic haven in the heart of the Left Bank, Hotel Montalembert beckons. Hosting artists like Salvador Dalí, it has been a favored haunt of artists and writers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Pablo Picasso. The hotel played a crucial role in the post-war cultural revival of Paris and during World War II, it became a hub for American and British intelligence officers, aiding the Allied efforts.

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       $100 F&B credit (except at the Edouard 7 & Domaine de la Bretesche Gold & Spa: $80 F&B credit)

·       Breakfast included

·       Upgrade upon availability

·       VIP Amenity


Hotel Monte Cristo:

Step into the world of Alexandre Dumas at Hotel Monte Cristo, inspired by the renowned author's classic tale of revenge. This boutique hotel pays homage to Dumas' literary legacy while immersing guests in a fusion of Oriental and Parisian aesthetics.  Each room is uniquely designed to represent a character from "The Count of Monte Cristo," creating an immersive experience for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

 

 Cour des Vosges:

Housed in a meticulously restored 17th-century mansion, which was once the private residence of Charles-Auguste Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, a friend of Voltaire and Madame de Pompadour, this hotel seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with the charm of a bygone era.  Did you know that the building was once a royal residence and later the private abode of famous French writer Victor Hugo? Immerse yourself in the literary and aristocratic legacy as you stroll through the cobblestone courtyard.

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking for Guest Rooms, subject to availability (up to Junior Suite, excluding the Eiffel Deluxe Room w/ Balcony and Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability for all other room types)

·       Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

·       $100 USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

·       Early Check-in / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

Hotel Castille:

Located in the heart of Paris, the Hotel Castille is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends Italian charm with Parisian elegance. Once a private residence of the noble Castille family, the hotel became a haven for artists and intellectuals during the Roaring Twenties. Its walls echo with tales of Coco Chanel, who made the hotel her home for over thirty years. Did you know that the hotel's courtyard is adorned with a replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, an ancient Greek sculpture? Imagine sipping your morning espresso in the same spot where aristocrats once discussed revolutions and romance.

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Breakfast for Two Daily

•       $100 Hotel Credit per Stay (to be used on services such as spa, dining, or selected amenities valued at $100 or more)

•       Hotel Welcome Amenity and Welcome Note from the General Manager on behalf of Fora

•       Complimentary In-Room Internet

•       Room Upgrade (subject to availability)

•       Priority Check-in and Check-out (subject to availability)


Relais Christine:

This hidden gem, tucked away in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, was once a 13th-century abbey, now transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel. Its charming courtyard, where history intertwines with modern sophistication, creates an unparalleled experience of serenity in the heart of the city. It's not just a hotel; it's a clandestine retreat. These walls resonate with the bohemian artistry of the Left Bank where Picasso himself once walked these cobbled streets.

paris boutique hotels, paris iconic hotels, travel planner, france travel tips, paris travel secrets, historical hotels paris, viewfinder travel

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in

·       90 EUR spa credit per room, per stay (2 night minimum)

·       Guaranteed 2pm late check-out

·       Welcome treat in room on arrival

 

Hotel du Petit Moulin

Located in the trendy Le Marais district, Hotel du Petit Moulin blends 17th-century charm with vibrant modernity. The renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix transformed this historical bakery into a boutique hotel, preserving its original charm while infusing a touch of avant-garde flair. Every room in the hotel is a testament to Christian Lacroix's creativity, with each space showcasing unique designs and patterns that pay homage to the building's artisanal roots.

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in

·       Complimentary welcome drink per guest, per stay at hotel bar

·       Complimentary daily breakfast (max 2 guests)

·       Complimentary welcome gift in room on arrival

 

Pavillon de la Reine: Built in 1612 and situated on the historic Place des Vosges, this hotel was originally a royal residence and sanctuary for Queen Anne of Austria and dates back to the 17th century. It later became a haven for aristocrats seeking refuge from the city's hustle. The charming square it overlooks has seen everything from royal parades to clandestine love affairs.  The beautiful interior courtyard provided a tranquil oasis, while stunning 17th-century wood-paneled salons hosted French literary salons over the centuries.

paris boutique hotels, paris iconic hotels, travel planner, france travel tips, paris travel secrets, historical hotels paris, viewfinder travel

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

·       Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining

·       $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

·       Welcome amenity in the room upon arrival

·       Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

Hotel Prince de Galles:

Standing proudly near the Champs-Élysées, Hotel Prince de Galles is a dazzling display of Art Deco splendor. Built in the Roaring 1920s, it became an emblem of luxury and sophistication, hosting numerous notable figures, including Winston Churchill and Marlene Dietrich, and was a favorite haunt of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. The hotel's iconic mosaic dome, inspired by the Temple of Debod in Egypt, is a nod to the Art Deco movement's fascination with exoticism and ancient cultures. 

 

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking for Guest Rooms, subject to availability (up to Junior Suite, excluding the Eiffel Deluxe Room w/ Balcony and Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability for all other room types)

·       Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

·       $100 USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

·       Early Check-in / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

 

Hotel Lutetia:

Overlooking the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, Hotel Lutetia is a symbol of Parisian elegance and a time capsule of Parisian history. Established in 1910, and surviving two world wars, it has been a witness to the city's evolving cultural landscape. During World War II, it served as a hub for the French Resistance, with clandestine meetings and covert activities unfolding within its walls. After the war, it was a gathering place for Holocaust survivors seeking news of loved ones.

 

paris boutique hotels, paris iconic hotels, travel planner, france travel tips, paris travel secrets, historical hotels paris, viewfinder travel
paris boutique hotels, paris iconic hotels, travel planner, france travel tips, paris travel secrets, historical hotels paris, viewfinder travel

Perks when booked through Viewfinder Travel:

·       Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking for Guest Rooms, subject to availability (up to Junior Suite, excluding the Eiffel Deluxe Room w/ Balcony and Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability for all other room types)

·       Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

·       $100 USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

·       Early Check-in / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

 







 Viewfinder Travel company is a boutique travel agency that designs unique, life enhancing experiences, and provides exceptional service.  Whether you are in search of cultural sustenance, a relaxing island unwind, a gourmet escape, a picturesque countryside or the invigoration of a city, Viewfinder Travel will find your recipe for travel magic.  We are reliable, detail-oriented, and have a flare for finding the beautiful, off the beaten path, “boutique” experiences so you can put your efforts into finding the fun and not into the logistics. 

 

Our trips are curated with love, as if they were our own.  Let our experience inform your discovery! 


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