Where to Stay in Paris: Two 5-Star Hotels

Marlynn and I recently returned from a 10-day stay in the Loire Valley, bookended by two nights in Paris. We decided to stay at different hotels at the beginning and end of our trip, both to experience various parts of the city and to compare the hotels themselves.

Each was 5 stars, and they impressed us in different ways, from their superior levels of service to the outstanding rooms themselves. Here's a closer look at why you should add them to your list next time you're thinking of visiting Paris.

The first hotel we checked into after arriving in Paris was the Elysia. Located steps from the Champs-Élysées in the glamorous 8th Arrondissement, the Hotel Elysia features nearly 40 rooms and suites designed to offer Paris-style luxury amid the hustle and bustle of the city center.

We were greeted with 5-star service as soon as we entered the lobby. The hotel staff was incredibly attentive and gracious. And the concierge took the time to ask us if we had dinner reservations for that evening, suggesting a few nearby restaurants to try.

Even though we showed up a couple of hours prior to check-in, we were shown to our spacious room without delay.

Executive room

The luxury continued with the room's large bathroom, empaneled with marble walls, a huge shower, a full-size tub, and matching bathrobes.

The next morning we had an early start, so we decided to order some breakfast via room service. The impressive Continental Breakfast included crepes, a selection of breads and croissants, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, coffee, and orange juice.

It was plenty for two people and it was a good value at just €35 (about $38).

Other rooms at Hotel Elysia

The Elysia offers seven different types of rooms and suites.

Classic room

The smallest is the Classic Room which starts at around 215 square feet. It has many of the same amenities as the Executive Room, but it may not feature the same sort of large windows and courtyard views.

Premium Room

With up to 375 square feet of space, the Premium rooms include a spacious bathroom, a seating area with a semi-sofa, and a faux fireplace for some added Parisian charm.

Prestige Room

The next level up is, the Prestige rooms have a bit more space, a full sofa seating area, and street-facing views with small balconies.

Deluxe Suite

For an even more luxurious stay, you can upgrade to a suite. At around 430 square feet, the Deluxe suite is the smallest style. But in this case, that's relative. Because this elegant space features separate bedroom and seating areas, several windows to bring in light, and a spacious bathroom.

Parisian Suite

If you're looking for a bit more space, the Parisian suite gives you 600 square feet of glam and romance. Large, separate sleeping and living areas feature expansive windows with views overlooking Paris. Plus, a marble and travertine bathroom with both a shower and a tub.

Signature Suite

The Signature suite is the hotel's largest, at nearly 650 square feet. With views onto the Champs-Élysées, this space offers an enormous living space connected to a romantic bedroom with faux fireplace. Adjacent to that is the spa-like bathroom, all with a gold finish to complete the regal experience.

Le Bayadère Restaurant

The Elysia also features an award-winning restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus include French classics like foie gras and duck filet.

If you just want a drink, head over to the hotel's inviting bar. The cozy bar space is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail before heading out to explore Paris, as we did.

Breakfast: 7 am to 10:30 am on weekdays; 7 am to 12 pm on weekends.

Lunch & Dinner: Tuesday to Friday, 12 pm to 2 pm and 7pm to 9:30pm; Monday from 12 pm to 2 pm; Saturday from 7 pm to 9:30 pm.

Tea-time: Monday to Sunday, 3 pm to 5:30 pm.

Brunch: Sundays from 12.30 pm to 2 pm.

Fitness Room & Wellness Area

If you feel like getting in a workout while in Paris, the Elysia Hotel has you covered. Their fitness facility has an assortment of equipment including rowing machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, and more.

And if you're in the mood for something more relaxing, try the spa experience. Take an invigorating spa bath, book a massage, sweat it out in the sauna, or brave the refreshing ice fountain.

Stay at Hotel Elysia Paris

35 rue de Berri
75008 Paris
Check-in time: 3:00 pm
Check-out time: 12:00 pm

For more information, visit the Elysia Hotel website.

Hotel Alfred Sommier

On our last day in Paris, we checked into the grand Hotel Alfred Sommier in the Rue de l’Arcade, a quiet side street a few minutes walk from the Place de la Concorde.

While still in the 8th arrondissement, this hotel was a bit more centrally located. So we spent the day simply walking to many attractions, like Place de la Madeleine (known for its imposing Greek-style temple), the Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre.

After a few hours of sightseeing, we were ready to head back to our new hotel and experience some of its amenities.

With nearly 100 rooms and suites, the Alfred Sommier is a large, impressive hotel. One of the first things you notice after walking through the portico entrance is the enormous and elegantly designed courtyard.

Suite at Hotel Alfred Sommier

Our suite was simply stunning. It came with a large queen-size bed, a big faux marble fireplace, a separate seating area with a couch and two chairs, and a balcony with a small table.

At just around 525 square feet, it was spacious, airy, inviting, and most of all luxurious.

This was a true Parisian luxury experience and we wished we could have enjoyed it longer, but we had an early flight the next day. However, we still had enough time to enjoy a morning espresso on the balcony before we left.

Other rooms at Hotel Alfred Sommier

This 5-star hotel features a range of rooms and suites to fit your travel style and budget.

Rooms at Hotel Alfred Sommier

Rooms come in four different styles:

• Superior
• Deluxe
• Terrace
• Paris

The superior room is the smallest at around 190 square feet. The Deluxe and Terrace rooms have around 280 square feet of space.

The Paris Room is on the fifth floor and offers access to an exclusive rooftop lounge area with views of the Sacré-Coeur and several other monuments.

All of these accommodations feature a mix of classic Parisian character and contemporary style.

Suites at Hotel Alfred Sommier

If suites are more your style, the Alfred Sommier has 17 to choose from. They range from junior suites to signature ones, each with their own name.

The junior suites feature separate seating areas, large windows, high ceilings, elegant decor including a marble fireplace, and either city or courtyard views. They range in size from about 325 to 515 square feet.

The signature suites include all of that as well as details like gilded walls, private balconies, and more space. Up to 635 square feet in the namesake Alfred Sommier suite.

Dining at Hotel Alfred Sommier

Not only does the hotel have stunning rooms, it also features three dining spaces to satisfy your cravings.

Restaurant Les Caryatides

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in this large dining room decorated in Louis XV style. The menu offers a small menu of classic French dishes. Prices range from €12 to €36 ($13-$40.

It's open for breakfast on weekdays from 7 am to 10:30 am, and on weekends from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.

Lunch and dinner is served from 12 pm to 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Thursday through Saturday.

The Bar

The bar is located behind the main dining room and opens onto the garden area. The cozy setting features a few small tables, perfect for a quick drink before dinner or for a nightcap after a long day out.

The Garden

If you prefer to sit outside, grab a table in the Garden. This peaceful oasis in the center of Paris extends off of the bar. It's a serene spot for a drink or a small bite to eat.

Wellness

Whether you feel like relaxing after some strenuous sightseeing or simply want to get in a good workout, the hotel has you covered.

The Alfred Sommier features a fitness center open 24 hours a day. Plus, it has a massage and treatment room, with facials and massages starting at €85. Simply contact the concierge to book an appointment.

Stay at Hotel Alfred Sommier Paris

20 rue de l’Arcade
75008 Paris
Check-in time: 3:00 pm
Check-out time: 12:00 pm

For more information, visit the Hotel Alfred Sommier website.