22 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Paris 2023

This gorgeous and ultra-chic 4-star hotel/boat hybrid is making serious waves in the city!  

They were moored on the beautiful Seine River on the newly trendy Left Bank. The modern accommodation is just a 4-minute walk from Austerlitz metro/RER station, 2 km from Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and 5km to the Louvre art gallery.

The city’s latest designer hotel offering is the French capital’s first floating hotel, and this being Paris, they’ve gone all out.

The boat is more like a catamaran, and the highly-rated Off Paris Seine has two rows of rooms stacked over two levels but connected by a narrow stretch of a sky-lit communal space complete with a plunge pool, a bar, and a sun deck adorned by lounge chairs.

The decor is just sublime – and fun, quirky, and unique design fans will be in heaven here! Think trendy wooden decking contrasted with brightly coloured modern furniture and the odd inflatable gold swan (yes really! I loved these!)

The room decor is equally as cool with modern minimalist decor, free WiFi, air-con and flat-screen TVs, walk-in showers, and river views. Opt for a suite and expect features like in-room soaking tubs or four-poster beds.

Other amazing amenities included the bar serving up lush signature cocktails and tapas, a delicious Sunday brunch, an onsite restaurant serving up regional produce and one for the partiers – music-themed parties which take place three days a week. 

My favourite part though was eating a tasty buffet breakfast accompanied by fabulous river views – bliss! 

Overall I thought this was a fabulously funky and unique stay in the city and would definitely recommend.

Definitely funkier than your average mid-range accommodation, the highly-rated Mama Shelter is quickly becoming one of the most popular unique but affordable hotels in Paris.

Located only a stone’s throw from both a popular music venue and the Alexandre Dumas Metro Station, which provides easy access to the beautiful Montmartre district and also the rest of the city. It’s also not far from the buzzy cafe-dotted Place de la Bastille and also Père Lachaise Cemetery where Oscar Wilde is buried.

Catering to a hip and fun-loving crowd, this hotel would appeal to anyone who appreciates the quirkier side of life. The funky abode was designed by the acclaimed industrial modern designer Philippe Starck, so expect plenty of trendy details – elevators papered with trivia, superhero masks placed playfully in every room, walls of exposed concrete, and trendy iMac smart televisions placed in every room. 

Other guest room amenities include air-con, free Wi-Fi, and even well-stocked minibars and handy microwaves (I thought this was a great touch – midnight snacks anyone?). Upgrade and inf yourself in an equally hipster-friendly suite complete with terraces.

Still want more? Well, Mama will deliver in the form of an onsite cute gift shop I spent quite a while browsing, a tasty pizzeria, and a very hip cocktail bar!

As well as the fun and striking design, the great room rates and accessible location still make this an excellent choice for a very cool accommodation option in the French capital. Come to Mama – you won’t regret it!

This ultra-modern and high-design spot is one for all the trendy jet-setters and party-goers out there! 

The very hip and highly-rated conceptual 4-star Kube Hotel can be found in the lively Chapelle district not too far from Moulin Rouge, Sacré Coeur, and the beautiful Montmartre district. It’s also only a 2-minute walk from La Chapelle Metro station which provides direct access to Gare du Nord and Stade de France.

Don’t be fooled by the classic stone-built exterior, it cunningly belies the bold and futuristic delights waiting just inside.

Check in at the wonderful perspex cube reception (located in the courtyard) and step through the hotel doors to find a fun and fashionable world filled with retro-modern furniture, lashings of futuristic-looking perspex and quirky details.

Kind of like if Austin Powers and Saturday Night Fever were mixed with Blade Runner and Space Odyssey! I personally loved it because it was just so different! 

The spacious guest rooms are pretty extraordinary too with a white, pink, and silver colour scheme combined with more perspex, large photographic prints and some have funky hanging beds. There’s also plenty of tech too and here they showcase auto-timed lighting, finger-print keys and smart TVs. 

There’s also a trendy onsite restaurant, bar and gym, although arguably the hotel’s real show stopper, is its very own Ice Bar (the only one in the city!) carved out of 25 tons of ice, where at minus ten degrees Celsius, visitors – and random celebrities – can sup on vodka-based cocktails well into the early hours!

Overall I loved this hotel, it was just so trendy and unique but shy and retiring types probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much as the partygoers.

This wonderfully flamboyant mid-range but exceptionally rated hotel is about as far away from a sterile chain hotel as you can possibly get! 

The 4-star highly-rated Hotel Crayon Rouge is in an outstanding location opposite the 17th-century building of Banque de France in the historic part of the French capital. It’s within walking distance of all the Parisian favourites such as the Palais Royal, Musée de Louvre, Notre Dame and the River Seine.

Think of this cute boutique as the perfect French macaron; small, colourful, and bursting with individual flavour! The wonderfully trendy retro/modern interiors at this hip abode offer more than a whiff of seventies nostalgia, and a riot of tangy colour schemes, imaginative printed wallpapers, and retro flea market finds, offering a true visual feast! 

Guest rooms are super cute too with individually designed rooms styled by Julie Gauthron,”bohemian chic” decor, original wallpaper and kitsch/retro design details. Although you’ll also find mod cons such as flat-screen TVs, Satellite and cable channels and air-con.

I loved the laid-back but quirky and sassy vibe as well as the marvellous onsite wine bar, the tasty breakfast, and the fact that it showcases inspiring and creative artists too! A real gem! 

Babel Belleville is an absolute jewel box of a boutique hotel, combining gorgeous French rustic chic with beautiful Moroccan touches in the spirit of the peaceful meeting of cultures.

The exceptionally rated hotel is located in Belleville, a quaint and charming neighbourhood in the city centre which is filled with traditional bistros, artist workshop hideaways and lively bars. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Opéra Bastille, Pompidou Centre, Notre Dame Cathedral, La Cigale Concert Hall and a Metro station.

The overall design is just sublime and all-encompassing with a vintage chic vibe. Think rich colours, velvets and drapes, carved wooden furniture, the odd quirky details, and North African art.

The guest rooms are equally as striking with a superb high-end design courtesy of Daphné Desjeux, patinated walls in muted shades and comfortable beds to create welcoming and inviting spaces. They also offer free Wi-Fi, air-con, and rainfall showers.

Other hotel highlights include a relaxing terrace, a trendy onsite bar (make sure you try their tasty homemade ginger beer, hot chocolate with zaatar, and incredible cocktails!) a restaurant that serves up Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine and one of my favorite parts – its eco-friendly credentials!

Overall I thought this is an exotic-urban retreat which is very likely to leave a lasting impression! 

The upbeat, fun, and whimsical 4-star highly rated The ReMIX Hotel shares your nostalgia for the music of the 80s and 90s and neatly repackages it into a very stylish boutique hotel courtesy of acclaimed designer Saar Zafrir.

It’s located in a popular part of the northeast part of the city in La Villette which is known for its cultural and recreational activities including some great attractions like the Science and Industry Museum.

Other nearby attractions include the Paris Zenith, Cabaret Sauvage, the Trabendo, Paris-Villette Theatre, Philharmonie, the Geode Cinema, and the Parc de la Villette.

The decor is utterly fabulous with a funky, retro-chic vibe and a whiff of nostalgia for clubs and music halls. Think lashings of velvet, neon lights, parquet wooden floors, and bright quirky artwork. It was a big hit on my Instagram! 

The guest rooms were comfortable and fun with a vintage-chic design and cute touches like neon signs. Amenities included speedy wifi, flat-screen TVs, Chromecast, and air-con. The ReMIX is also a good hotel for business and digital nomads, with many meeting rooms, and cute coworking spaces.

As well as an onsite gym and a trendy on-site restaurant, the Marvin & The Gang bar pays homage to the golden age of the American rock ‘n roll era. It was honestly hard to leave! 

This is a funky, fun, and affordable boutique with an extra special, romantic, and self-contained “One by the Five” suite (pictured above) perfect for couples in love! 

The location of Five Boutique Hotel is just fabulous too. The hip abode is located the 5th arr. in the lively student-dotted Latin Quarter surrounded by bustling bars, restaurants, and bookshops. It’s only an 8-minute walk from both Les Gobelins and Censier – Daubenton metro stations which will allow you to easily explore the rest of the French capital.

Delivering a dreamy and sexy accommodation experience, it cleverly merges the cosiness of a boutique hotel, advanced technology, and a sleek creative design to create a truly unique and memorable Parisian stay without breaking the bank!

The main highlight is the “One by the Five” suite which offers a handmade bed adorned with satin bedding, playful mood lighting, and music composed exclusively for your room. Add in optic fibres which cleverly appear as stars in the ceiling and your fun and romantic hideaway is complete! 

Other rooms come with bright colours and funky retro-chic decor and artistic touches. Some rooms come with separate seating areas and cute terraces. All have mod cons like air-con, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and satellite TV channels. 

The rest of the hotel? Well expert bold and funky communal areas including a striking brilliant red dining room and a cute honesty bar! Overall I thought it was a unique boutique perfect for an affordable romantic couple’s break!

This gorgeous gem of a boutique is set within the architectural beauty of an 18th-century rowhouse for a hip and extra-special stay in the French capital! 

The 4-star exceptionally rated Hoxton Hotel is a cozy hideaway nestled in a quiet – but not isolated – spot in the 2nd arr. As well as being very a metro station it’s very accessible to all the main sites in the city such as The Louvre Museum and the Pompidou Centre. It benefits from being surrounded by some of the best restaurants you can find in the city.

Although this hotel brand originated in London’s Shoreditch, this version has plenty of Parisian elegance and somehow brings a modern touch without tainting the classic style. Expect gorgeous original staircases, sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows, a stunning courtyard (my favorite bit!), and retro-chic furnishings. 

Each soundproofed guest room perfectly encapsulates a traditional French rustic style, with wooden headboards, traditional baths, and wooden parquet flooring that make each room truly unique. Some rooms have peaceful terraces with garden views. All offer air-con, flat-screen TVs, free toiletries, cable channels, and Roberts Radios.

Other hotel highlights include original modern art showcased throughout the hotel, handy free loaner bikes, a vibey French brasserie and bar, a quirky coffee shop, and plenty of co-working spaces for all those digital nomads (including me!) 

Overall I loved it here, I thought it was a perfect mix of boutique French-style elegance with a cool, edgy vibe! 

A cake-themed room, you say? Fantastic! This 4-star, highly-rated boutique gem is kitsch and conceptual from the floorboards to the rafters so Vice Versa Hotel may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it will definitely charm and win over plenty of visitors.

The 15th arr. The location is pretty fabulous, in an eclectic neighborhood area with quirky shops and cafes and only a short walk from Convention Metro Station. Here, trains will take you, via a short journey, directly to the Champs Elysées – a great choice for romance, monuments, and city walks. It’s also very near the Paris expo Porte de Versailles. The boutique is also not from the famous Eiffel Tower.

France is world-famous known for its patisseries, and this place goes all out on the theme! Designed by French underwear Chantal Thomass. There are 37 rooms spread over seven floors, each representing one of the seven deadly sins, and in some of the rooms, the cute bed is a cupcake, the chairs are ice-cream, and the lamps are teapots! There are lashings of pink and pastel shades everywhere! I thought it was very photogenic, playful, and eye-catching! 

In-room mod cons include minibars, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and quirky and striking tiled bathrooms. 

The unique, pristine, pure white lounge has to be seen to be believed, and the friendly staff and the general tongue-in-cheek but relaxed atmosphere also add to the experience.

Other highlights include a quirky bar, a stylish steam bath/Hammam, and a tasty buffet continental breakfast, which can be served in your room if you wish.

Overall I thought was a novel and unique boutique hotel that cannot fail to inject some fun into your stay!

With bold colors and quirky decor by L’Enfant terrible of interior design Luke Edward Hall, the 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Les Deux Gares will feel like you’re living inside a masterpiece! 

It’s conveniently located (in a popular and interesting part of the city affectionately named Little India) between its two namesake stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, near the Pompidou Center, and the beautiful Opéra Garnier.

Inspired by Art Deco, the fun, funky, and cheerful mix and mismatch of colors, styles, and periods and wonderful features such as Herringbone floorboards and eclectic vintage furniture ensure this is a very memorable stay! I really loved the striking and eclectic decor and so did everyone else on my Instagram Stories! 

The rooms are striking, too, with bold colors and bold prints. I loved that some had charming balconies to enjoy views of the city, and all came equipped with a seating area, coffee machines, air conditioning, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs.

Guests will also find a sauna, a small fitness center, family rooms, a buffet breakfast every morning, and delicious meals served up by Chef Jonathan Schweizer with a meticulous selection of natural wines.

Overall I thought this was a beautiful and striking gem, serving as a unique and comfortable boutique base perfect for exploring the city.

Pley by name, Pley by nature! This is a new, fun, funky, and eco-friendly boutique-style hotel in the heart of the city. 

The 4-star highly rated Pley Hotel enjoys a wonderful central location on the famous and historic Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, close to Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum. The name and decor are a tribute to the history of radio broadcasting associated with the neighbourhood.

The vibe and decor are just wonderful, with a very hip, retro-chic design accessorized with archival photographs, funky vintage radios, and vinyl record players. I loved it and traveling hipsters would also love this place!

The luxurious rooms and lounge offer guests a vibrant atmosphere, contemporary style, and comfort but with enough quirky features to keep things interesting. They also feature eco and vegan-friendly toiletries, superbly comfy bedding, Bluetooth speakers, a minibar, air-con, and high-speed WiFi.

The lounge is also designed as a coworking space perfect for digital nomads like me complete with printers, communal high-speed Wi-Fi, and hot drinks to keep you going! 

You can enjoy an energizing breakfast comfortably in bed or head to the Playground Bar which also serves a Mediterranean- and California-inspired menu, signature cocktails, and wine all day. Alternatively, stay healthy at the yoga classes and onsite gym/wellness area.

The Rooftop Terrace was my favourite place, though, and had a friendly, buzzy vibe and gorgeous city views. 

Overall I thought this a wonderful lifestyle boutique hotel perfect for the cool kids who like to party and be seen!

Set in a beautiful neoclassical building and a place once frequented by socialites and intellectuals, a 5-star Belle Époque-themed and exceptionally rated boutique gem really stands out from the crowd.

Maison Souquet is located in a superb and highly sought-after location in the beautiful artistic district of Montmartre – the city’s ‘last village’ – only a minute’s walk from the famous Moulin Rouge (and only 150 yards from Blanche Metro Station which gives you direct access to the Champs Elysées). 

The style – the brainchild of French designer Jacques Garcia – seems very much inspired by its world-famous neighbor and is deliciously opulent and decadent with a mix of exotic and Second Empire–style furnishings creating a truly unique ultra-chic setting. My jaw dropped when I entered this small and intimate boutique! 

Expect to gaze upon plush Napoleon III crimson velvet chairs, vintage furniture a wood-paneled bar library (with books and backgammon aplenty), a glass-roofed conservatory, a spa with an indoor swimming pool, a hammam, and a delightful courtyard.

Guest rooms are individually designed in rich palettes, highly creative, and perfect for couples in love. Expect sumptuous beds, silk-lined walls, curated art and history books, an expresso machine, rain showers, bathing tubs, and a turndown service.

With meticulous attention to detail, even the scent of jasmine and tobacco gently wafts throughout – this is a slice of Paris time has long forgotten!

Overall I thought this place was gorgeously unique and is a superb choice for an interesting and luxurious romantic break, the Parisian way…

Calling all the cinephiles out there! This is a unique concept boutique hotel designed by cinema buffs for cinema buffs.

The 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Paradiso is located in the heart of the city in the 12th arrondissement, an area known as the boho-chic Marais district, home to upscale boutiques, interesting art galleries, and shop-lined streets. Le Marais, Place de la Nation, Opéra Bastille, Place des Vosges, Notre Dame, and the Pompidou Centre are all a short walk away.

Here, yes you guessed it! The design is themed on films and cinemas and they go all out! I loved that the rooms and cinema suites can be turned into a small personal theater with 3-meter wide screens and laser video projectors that stream a curated program of films and series in many different languages.

The rest of the decor is modern with a hip, industrial-chic-inspired design. Think distressed bare accent walls and plenty of granite grey, and stunning wall-to-ceiling windows! Guest room amenities include air-con free WiFi; some come with balconies and gorgeous city views.

You may never want to go out at all but when you do, the terrace bar has fun cocktails, views of the city, and of course, an open-air cinema (which is a real gem!) 

There’s a cafe where you can get a delicious breakfast or dinner and have food delivered from nearby restaurants to your room to go with the movie. If you want to step it up a gear, head to La La Land, their little karaoke room! 

Overall I thought this was a fun, playful, and very hip, modern hotel with a unique theme! 

This is a striking and elaborately designed, boutique gem in a very Instagrammanble baroque style design. It’s also a great choice if you want to base yourself near the Eiffel Tower (it’s a pleasant 30 min walk).

The 4-star exceptionally rated Le Bellechasse sits comfortably within the narrow streets of the trendy Saint-Germain district only a short walk from Solferino Metro station (on the 7th Arrondissement), the River Seine and only 100 yards from Musee d’Orsay and a great choice for travelers interested in romance, fine art museums, boutique shopping, and art. I personally love this part of the city! 

This gem of a place has been completely decked out by the genius and creative mind of famous fashion designer Christian Lacroix in a typically Parisian decadent style (circa the 19th century). Be prepared to expect the unusual. Oddities include giant wall butterflies, winged dandies, and enormous playing cards, but yet the unique hotel still manages to remain both opulent and utterly tasteful! 

Guest rooms range from the cosy to the spacious and are individually designed in bright, eye-catching flamboyant designs. Mod cons include free WiFi, room service, flat-screen TV, cable channels, and air-con. 

Other highlights include a tasty French breakfast, an onsite bar serving cocktails, and a charming terrace. 

Overall I personally loved this place, the quirky artistic boutique offers a visual feast in gigantic portions as well as plenty of romance! 

This is a stylish and funky little boutique gem in Montparnasse’s bohemian and artist-haunt area. This is the area that has a long history of being a hangout for poets, writers, artists, and musicians.

The 3-star highly rated Hotel Atelier Montparnasse‘s location is perfect for deep-thinking boho types. Although it’s not within easy walking distance of major attractions, it’s only a 10-minute walk from Montparnasse Train Station which easily connects you to the rest of the city (Champs Elysées is 15 minutes metro ride away).

The riverside location and bustling wide boulevards lined with brasseries and cute cafes will more than make up for it, though, I promise! 

Stylish and eclectic, the lobby at the highly-rated boutique is instantly cosy and welcoming with worn leather sofas, exposed brickwork, hardwood floors, and a well-stocked communal bookshelf. 

Guest rooms range from the romantic to the contemporary minimalist and the décor is a hat tip to the early 1900s with soft fabrics in lush colours and amazing Italian showers. Some have quirky illuminated bathtubs, balconies with street views, and exposed brick walls. All have flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, free WiFi, and air-con. 

Light and bright and clean, the price is reasonable and the buffet breakfast consists of freshly baked French bread and pastries or a hot alternative. 

Overall I thought it was a gorgeous gem of a place, stylish but not overly showy with a friendly, relaxed vibe. 

The lively area of Pigalle is synonymous with arty hangouts and Can-Can clubs and the hotel of the same name is one of the area’s hippest new spots.

The 4-star, exceptionally rated La Pigalle Hotel is located in a vibrant part of the city near Pigalle metro station, the charming and quaint Montmartre district (often known as Paris’s last village), the world-famous Moulin Rouge, and a short walk from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Alternatively, step onto the metro and see the Arc de Triomphe in 10 minutes. 

Perfectly capturing the district’s creative, artistic spirit, the dream team of architects Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay and hotelier Valéry Grégo formed a 4-star and exceptionally rated with a fusion of works by local artists, music by neighborhood DJs, and foodie treats from a nearby bakery – the result is an understated but smart hipster hotel where you’ll want to be seen!

The trendy standard rooms feature neoclassical decor, vintage furniture, eclectic souvenirs, and lashings of art. There are also free iPads, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and upgraded rooms offer suites, turntables, and hand-picked vinyl record collections.

Also, expect an eclectic cafe serving up breakfast, a cool basement lounge with a great vibe complete with a fun jukebox, the occasional party, and live entertainment too. 

Overall I loved this place, The style is very hip and artistic with fabulous attention to detail you won’t forget in a hurry! 

This is a fabulously swish brand-new spa hotel in the French capital where you can receive world-class celebrity treatment! 

The 5-star exceptionally rated Paris j’Adore Hotel & Spa enjoys a central location on the 17th Arrondissement, which makes it easy to get around and see all the sights the city has to offer. It’s also near Palais Garnier, Gare Saint-Lazare, Opéra Garnier, Moulin Rouge and Pigalle Metro Station. 

The opulent upscale interiors evoke classical Parisian luxury with velvet drapes, chandeliers, and welcoming bouquets of roses. It truly is a stunning and grand gem of a place that I found very hard to leave!

Each one of the 28 uniquely designed rooms has its own jacuzzi remote controlled by an iPad, which also controls the ambiance with mood lighting and scents. Other romantic features include swing seats, private terraces, and windows with charming balconies and views of the city.

The spa which also offers a lush indoor swimming pool, is open to guests and local residents as well. The Restaurant j’Adore offers elegant eats and signature cocktails, as well as live music.

Overall this gorgeous upscale hotel offers more of an experience than a stay and you’ll want to stay cocooned in their luxurious world forever! J’adore! 

This is a charming, trendy, and hip new 4-star, exceptionally rated boutique hotel with an arty vibe that is all about the details!

Its location is pretty spectacular, too. Hotel Jules and Jim is located in Le Marais, a historic central district in Paris that has long been an aristocratic district with a fine collection of outstanding buildings of historic and architectural importance.

It’s also near the Arts et Métiers metro station for easy access to the rest of the city, a few streets north of the Centre Pompidou, and is only 3 km from the Louvre.

Named after a Truffaut film and located in a former metal factory, the style is trendy, charming, and intimate, with art everywhere, a gorgeous cobbled stone courtyard, and contemporary furniture. I loved the vibe, which was surprisingly laid back and friendly for such a hip abode.

Guest rooms are chic and modern with Scandi-inspired minimalist decor. Opt for a room with a balcony and views of the Sacré-Cœur or if you can splash out, book the bi-level suite, which comes with a gorgeous living area!

Other stand-out features are the intimate pop-up cinema in the vaulted cellars, a wine bar housed in a converted silversmith’s workshop, and quirky extra services such as a tour in the hotel’s own vintage DS or cruise in a former Venetian taxi boat.

Overall, this place is a trendy but relaxed gem, which is a great choice for a unique contemporary stay in the city! 

The Citizen M brand is always a great choice for an uber-funky stay in the city that won’t break the bank! 

This version is located in the historic neighborhood of Bercy in the city center, close to the Seine and one of the top transport hubs in the city. The area is known for being an entertainment district, and close by, you’ll find trendy restaurants housed in former wine warehouses. Musée des Arts Forains, Opera Bastille, and Cinémathèque Française are also nearby.

The ever-popular and exceptionally rated 4-star CitizenM Gare de Lyon has bright and funky contemporary decor, a Scandi-chic vibe, plenty of tech, and playful design features. 

It’s a large, bustling hotel with 338 rooms offering king-sized beds with the best Italian linen and a tropical rain shower in each room. The fun MoodPad lets you control the room, and there’s free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, unlimited free movies, and smart TVs in all rooms.

Downstairs, the cool lobby area has stylish Vitra furniture and plenty of workspaces perfect for digital nomads. Other great facilities include the funky canteen, which serves up tasty craft beers, fabulous cocktails, and barista-made coffees. My favorite part, though, was the fun and sociable rooftop bar, perfect for partying accompanied by stunning city views. 

Overall, this is a great all-rounder for a contemporary stay that won’t break the bank!