The 5 Best Palace Hotels in Paris for 2026

From the legendary Ritz to the newly renovated Hôtel de Crillon, we reveal where to stay when only the finest will do.

Paris is home to a special category of hotel that exists nowhere else in the world: the Palace. This designation, awarded by the French government, recognizes hotels that go beyond five stars to offer an experience of exceptional quality.

The Ritz Paris, reopened after a four-year renovation, remains the standard by which all others are judged. Coco Chanel lived here for 34 years, and the Hemingway Bar still serves what many consider the best cocktails in the city.

What sets the Ritz apart is its attention to the invisible. Each of the 142 rooms is individually decorated, the bed linens are changed twice daily, and the staff-to-guest ratio hovers around three to one. The Ritz Escoffier cooking school, housed within the hotel, offers half-day pastry classes that rank among the best experiences in Paris.

Le Bristol, on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, offers perhaps the most quintessentially Parisian experience. Its rooftop garden, resident cat, and three-star Epicure restaurant make it a world unto itself.

The Bristol's garden courtyard is one of the best-kept secrets in Parisian hospitality. In summer, breakfast is served here beneath century-old trees, with the sounds of the city reduced to a distant murmur. The hotel also maintains a heated rooftop pool with views over the zinc rooftops toward Sacre-Coeur.

The Four Seasons George V delivers contemporary luxury with an emphasis on extraordinary floral arrangements and one of the deepest wine cellars in Paris. Its three restaurants hold a combined five Michelin stars.

The newly restored Hôtel de Crillon, on the Place de la Concorde, combines 18th-century grandeur with Karl Lagerfeld-designed suites. The Brasserie d'Aumont and Les Ambassadeurs provide outstanding dining.

The Crillon's history is inseparable from that of France itself. The building was commissioned by Louis XV in 1758, and the Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States was signed here in 1778. After a four-year restoration by architect Richard Martinet, it reopened in 2017 with interiors that balance historical reverence with contemporary comfort.

Finally, the Shangri-La Paris, housed in the former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte, offers the best Eiffel Tower views of any hotel in the city. Its Asian-French fusion restaurant, Shang Palace, is the only Chinese restaurant in France with a Michelin star.

A practical note on booking: Palace hotels in Paris operate at near-full capacity from April through October and during Fashion Week. Reservations made three to six months in advance are standard. Many regulars book through the hotel directly rather than through platforms, which often unlocks complimentary upgrades and welcome amenities.

For first-time visitors deciding between these five, consider your priorities. The Ritz is for history lovers and romantics. The Bristol suits those who want a residential Parisian feel. The George V appeals to design and gastronomy enthusiasts. The Crillon offers grandeur and location. The Shangri-La is ideal for families and those seeking river views.

One final insider tip: several Palace hotels offer day-use access to their spas and pools for non-guests, typically by reservation. The Ritz Club and the Bristol's rooftop pool are both accessible this way, making them excellent options for a restorative afternoon between sightseeing.