Famous Paris Hotels

Famous Paris Hotels
Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Paris now has an abundance of chain hotels. Even some of the older, classic Parisian hotels have been sold to hotel conglomerates. Some have kept their historic integrity. Others have not. However, the most famous Paris hotels are attractions in their own right. Whispers of Parisian history echo through their corridors, dining areas and ballrooms. Some of these hotels have given a slight nod to modernity, by providing in house fitness centers or trail maps of walking and running areas. Outdoor enthusiasts are thus relieved of making the choice between generic lodging venues and the more interesting historic hotels.

Hotel Plaz Athenee

The Plaza Athénée opened in 1911. Its 1911 25 Avenue Montaigne address placed it close to the Theatre des Champs Elysées, thus making it the premiere gathering place for the Parisian musical and artistic elite. When the Christian Dior Salon opened on Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza became a center for fashion and the arts. The hotel was refurnished in 2000. The Dior Salon and Spa is now located on the hotel premises. They offer anti-jet lag and revitalizing leg treatments for active travelers. The hotel also has a full-service fitness center.

Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris
25 Avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris France
011 (+33) 1 5367 6666
plaza-athenee-paris.com

Ritz Hotel

The Ritz Hotel opened in 1898. It is the largest hotel in the Ritz/Carlton collection. The very name "Ritz Hotel" is associated with glamor and opulence. In fact, the phrase, "putting on the ritz" implies a display of elegance. Throughout the years, the Ritz was a popular lodging venue for celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Greta Garbo and Coco Chanel. Today it boasts a full-service fitness center. However, its location in the heart of Paris makes it easy for avid walkers to explore the city by foot. At the end of the day, you might not need the gym.

Ritz, Paris
15, Place Vendôme
75001 Paris, France
011 (+33) 1 43 16 30 30
ritzparis.com

Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain

A run along the banks of the Seine is an experience that no runner should miss. Runners or outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for French literature may get a thrill out of staying at the former home of the French writer Moliere. Although France's favorite playwright lived in this building in 1658, Best Western has done a great job at refurbishing The Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain. It's located in the Latin Quarter. The Seine is a four-minute walk from the hotel.

Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain
9, rue de l'Ancienne Comédie
75006 Paris
011 (+33) 1 43 54 01 70
parishotelleftbank.com

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

More On This Topic

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword