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George V
What is it that makes hotel bars so appealing? Is it the sense of travel and adventure? Is it the ease with which you could drop into a bed after drinks at the bar? Do the guests, themselves passing through for just a moment on the way to their next destination, imbue the spaces with an edgy sense fluidity and transience?
Hotel St James
The best Parisian hotel bars do more than just pour a decent drink; they combine old-world ambiance, stellar service and sophisticated décor to guarantee an exceptional experience. And here are some of the city’s finest choices to fit any occasion:
l’Hotel
For a Romantic Escape: Hotel Saint James
With its modern-romantic decor, the Saint James is the perfect place for a dreamlike escape from the daily grind. Hidden away in a quiet corner of the city that once served as Paris’ first airfield, this neoclassical chateau still manages to transport visitors. In summer months, patrons canoodle in the garden under hot-air-balloon-inspired canopies over nicely priced bottles of white. In winter months they whisper over whiskey in quiet corners of the dark wood library bar amidst some 12,000 old books. Though the Saint James is a private club, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a drink after 7pm – just call ahead and reserve.Hotel St James
Hotel Saint James
43 Avenue Bugeaud, 75116
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 05 81 81
Métro: Victor HugoHotel St James
For a Girlie Glass of Bubbly: Hotel de l’Abbaye
The lounge of this boutique hotel successfully marries modern day sensibilities with more traditional period pieces to create an ambiance of antique chic that makes it the perfect place to catch up with the ladies over a glass of reasonably priced champagne. Inside, multiple alcoves and a cozy fireplace keep things warm and intimate. When weather permits, the courtyard garden — complete with lush greenery and bubbling fountain — provides the perfect backdrop to break for bubbles in the sun after an afternoon of shopping in nearby St-Germain-des-Prés. The menu also features nicely priced plates of nibbles as sustenance for more shopping.Hotel de l’Abbaye
Hotel de l’Abbaye
10 Rue Cassette, 75006
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 44 38 11
Métro: Saint-SulpiceLe 43 (Forest Collins)
For a Postcard Perfect View: Le 43
Who knew that one of the most amazing city views is from the top of a Holiday Inn? Open during summer months, this reservations-only space provides a postcard worthy panorama of Paris and its rooftops. The spacious open-air deck allows for plenty of seating in the shade beneath pristine white umbrellas. Plant boxes bursting with foliage add to the paradise-like quality. The head barman is known for creating cocktails based on fresh herbs and local produce and his specialty is bespoke creations to please each client. Thanks to the reservations policy, it’s never overcrowded and there is no wait for a table at this prime location. Open from 5pm to midnight, le 43 is the perfect spot for a sundowner before a late dinner in the heart of the city.Le 43
4 Rue Danton, 75006
Tel: +33 (0)1 81 69 00 60
Métro: OdéonGeorge V
For the Finest Five Star Experience: George V
For those of us whose travel budgets don’t allow for accommodation in Paris’ five star establishments, a drink at the bar offers up a snapshot of old-world opulence without committing to a hefty hotel bill. For a high-end hotel experience worth the splurge, the George V’s reputation for quality, service and sophistication is well deserved. Treat yourself to a classic cocktail or an inventive house creation at the interior bar with its grand furnishings and comforting mahogany walls. When the sun comes out, take your drink to the elegant and relaxed terrace. Here, special extras like gorgeous glassware, exceptional bar snacks and excellent service make higher prices easier to swallow.George V
George V
31 Avenue George V, 75008
Tel:+33 (0)1 49 52 70 00
Métro: George Vl’Hotel
For a Historic Stop: l’Hotel
Want to sidle up to the same bar that has entertained the likes of Coco Chanel, Princess Grace and Liz Taylor? Want to relax in the hotel that was Oscar Wilde’s last residence and the location of his demise? L’Hotel is it. This iconic yet discrete establishment features an intimate bar where you can hide away in a corner next to Oscar’s portrait, sipping on a cocktail that also goes by the famous author’s name. The décor is elegant, modern and comfortable, making it the perfect place to settle in, drink in hand and soak up the glamor of past and present day Paris.l’Hotel
l’Hotel
13 Rue des Beaux Arts, 75006
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 41 99 00
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-PrèsHotel St James
Related links:
- “Ten days in Paris” has a great top 5 list for hotel bars in Paris
- And for the best hotel piano bars, check out this list.
Written by Forest Collins for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
14 comments on “Drinking in Style: Paris’ Best Hotel Bars”
Thank you. I hope to try George V and Le 43. I’m a sucker for a good view.
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Nice post!! Thanks for sharing this beautiful pictures.
Ohhh… Hotel St James is new to me – can’t wait to try it!
Pamela: I know it’s definitely a treat – but I think every once in awhile we deserve to spoil ourselves a little if we can. 🙂
my husband and i had drinks at George V last night! champagne cocktail…27 euros (35$)…but i loved every minute of it!
Thanks Peggy – and of course I’m curious now – which is the one that you haven’t yet tried? 🙂
Wonderful suggestions + one I have never been to. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Thanks for sharing Forest Collins, it will certainly be a new adventure for me. Sara, be sure to let us know how the inflatable bathtub works out – This is something what that could be add to our checklist!
kiki – it’s true that lots of nice hotels are tres cher! I had a glass of champagne at hotel de l’abbaye and i think it was 12 Euros, so that’s a bit easier on the finances than maybe the cocktail at the George V. 🙂
magnificent post and for most of us totally unobtainable (= trop cher…) – but terrific food for our hungry eyes 🙂
thank you
I’m getting an old world luxe vibe here – nice spots!
Great recommendations! The view from Le 43 looks spectacular…So many new places to try…Thank you for sharing…xv