Drinking in Style: Paris’ Best Hotel Bars

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 Hugo

Hotel 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-Sulpice

Le 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: Odéon

George 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 V

l’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-Près

Hotel 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.