7 Luxury Hotels in Paris, and Their Cheaper

Whether you’re a high roller after the best the city has to offer or looking to celebrate a special occasion in style, you can’t beat the appeal of a super luxurious hotel in Paris. However, when super luxe is financially out of reach, that doesn't mean you have to scrap your plans -- there’s almost always a comparable stay to be found further down the pricing scale. The fifth most visited tourist destination in the world this year, Paris is used to catering to all types of travelers -- and as hotel experts, so are we. Taking into account factors from location to style, here are six luxury Paris hotels and their cheaper alternatives.

The Classic Parisian Pick: Hotel Le Brist

One of Paris’ best rated luxury hotels, Le Bristol has hosted the likes of Mick Jagger, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Sophia Loren in its time -- and continues to be the hotel of choice for the A-list. Opened during the Roaring Twenties, the hotel is sheer Parisian class. Prices are some of the highest in Paris but for top dollar you get sumptuous rooms, marble bathrooms, manicured grounds, and a rooftop sun lounge with views.

The Alternative: Hotel Raphael

In many cities, the beautiful Hotel Raphael wouldn't be considered an alternative by any stretch -- but this is Paris. Like Hotel Le Bristol, Hotel Raphael is a block from the Champs Elysees and boasts a similarly opulent, old-fashioned decor. A rooftop garden offers views of the Eiffel Tower, rooms are huge, and an English club-style bar provides plush surroundings for nightcaps. At around half the price of Hotel Le Bristol, it is still one of the city’s swankiest hotels, which makes it the perfect alternative.

The Foodie's Pick: Hotel Plaza Athenee

Favored by the Parisian and international elite, the century-old Hotel Plaza Athenee combines marble, chandeliers, antiques, and fresh flowers throughout its luxurious interiors. French Regency rooms offer a high-class stay and when it’s time to eat, it’s not at just any hotel restaurant. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee is an exclusive three-Michelin-star, fine-dining experience.

The Alternative: Hotel Caron

It may not have the legendary status of the Hotel Plaza Athenee or the skills of Alain Ducasse in its kitchen, but what Hotel Caron does have is a location in the heart of the trendy, foodie neighborhood of Le Marais, giving guests access to some of Paris’ classic eateries. The three-pearl property is a smart, contemporary boutique hotel that puts gourmands within minutes of some of the finest falafels, macarons, and traditional brasseries in Paris. Trust us, we’ve sampled them all in Le Marais. Not only will you save on your stay here, but you'll also save on your meals since amazing, inexpensive street food is right out the door.

The Louvre Lover's Pick: Le Meurice

The lavish Louis XVI decor at Le Meurice has charmed dignitaries from all over the world for the past century. Rooms are decorated with fine designer fabrics, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities. The hotel’s Bar 228 extends the luxury theme and makes for a glitzy place for cocktails (also open to non-guests). Well located opposite Jardin de Tivoli and a few minutes from the Louvre, Le Meurice is one of the most exclusive -- not to mention expensive -- hotels in Paris.

The Alternative: Hote Brighton

Just moments along the Rue de Rivoli from its more illustrious neighbor, Le Meurice, Hotel Brightonoffers the same excellent location (close to the Louvre and surrounding luxury shops) without the huge price tag. Sure, it’s not quite the regal palace that Le Meurice is, but its chic rooms and classic Parisian decor make it a great less expensive alternative that still offers a touch of luxury.

The Eiffel Tower Pick: The Peninsula Paris

The 200-room Peninsula Paris is one of the city's top luxury hotels and rivaled only by a handful of competitors (Shangri-La Paris and Hotel Plaza Athenee among them). It reopened in 2014 after a four-year, multi-million dollar restoration, and the historic property offers guests opulent interiors and a high level of service made possible by the 600 staff members. The rooftop L’Oiseau Blanc restaurant is named after the biplane that vanished while attempting the first Paris to New York flight and features aviation-themed details such as cloud prints on plates, a restored aircraft engine, and a replica of the plane; the panoramic windows overlook Parisian rooftops and the Eiffel Tower.