7 Historic Hotels in Paris That Let You Step Back in Time

A trip to Paris is on so many people’s bucket lists, and when you’ve been once, your heart longs to return. It’s an experience that’s hard to explain, as it’s more of a feeling the city gives you. A feeling inspired by all those who have walked the streets before you. 

The Golden Age in Paris, between 1871 and 1914, has always fascinated me. What wouldn’t I give to go back in time to the Belle Epoque era and experience the city during that time? And even further back, during the time of Napoleon? 

These twelve hotels transport you back in time to a Paris we can only dream about. One where the internet didn’t exist, people didn’t have phones, and horses and carriages were on the streets. It was an era of grandeur and decadence, reserved for those who had the money and were born into the right family. 

12 Hotels in Paris That Transport You Back in Time

Hôtel Ritz Paris – 1st Arrondissement

Walking into the Ritz, you pass under the gilded archways on Place Vendôme, and suddenly the outside world disappears and you’re knee deep in lush carpets and antique mirrors.

The Story

The Ritz opened its doors in 1898, but the building itself goes back to the 18th century. It was the first hotel in Paris to offer a private bathroom in every room, electricity, and telephones. That might not sound glamorous now, but at the time it was revolutionary. It set the bar for what luxury meant.

Plenty of famous names left their mark here. Coco Chanel lived at the Ritz for over 30 years. Not just stayed. Lived. Her suite is still available if you’ve got the budget. Marcel Proust hung out at the opening in 1898 and even sold autographed copies of In Search of Lost Time here when publishers didn’t bite

Hemingway drank at the bar so often that it was named after him. During the liberation of Paris, he stormed in with a group of soldiers and “liberated” it himself, ordering martinis instead of giving speeches. He famously quipped, “When in Paris, the only reason not to stay at the Ritz is if you can’t afford it.”

But it hasn’t all been glamor. During the Nazi occupation, German officers took over the hotel. One of the managers, Blanche Auzello, was a former silent film actress who smuggled intelligence to the resistance and ended up in prison more than once, and survived interrogation and torture. 

The Experience

Even if you’re not checking in, you can still soak up a bit of the Ritz magic with a drink or two. There are a couple of spots inside where you can just sit, sip, and pretend you’re part of the story.

Bar Vendôme is just off the lobby and opens onto a quiet terrace that feels a world away from the busy streets outside. The retractable glass roof means you can enjoy it year-round, rain or shine. By early evening, there’s often live music floating through the space. 

Then there’s Salon Proust, with its book-lined walls and velvet armchairs. They serve a French-style afternoon tea here that’s all about delicate pastries, madeleines, and proper etiquette with a wink. If you’re more into a British-style tea with scones and clotted cream, that’s on offer over at Bar Vendôme. Both are popular, so it’s advisable to book at least a week in advance.

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Le Meurice – 1st Arrondissement

If it’s special treatment you’re after, you can’t go far wrong with Le Meurice, where the liveried hotel porters greet you by name, making you feel like royalty. It’s the epitome of glamor and refinement, and you truly feel as if you’re entering another world, one where elegance takes precedence.

The Story

Le Meurice has been welcoming guests since the early 1800s. Originally designed for British travelers looking for comfort in a foreign city, it became one of Paris’s first true palace hotels. The location, right on Rue de Rivoli across from the Tuileries, made it a favorite of queens, diplomats, and artists.

Queen Victoria stayed here. So did the Shah of Iran. But the hotel’s wilder stories belong to the artists. Picasso hosted his wedding banquet here in 1918, after marrying ballerina Olga Khokhlova. Salvador Dalí made the hotel his Paris base for over 30 years. He once demanded a flock of sheep be delivered to his room and insisted on being woken up by someone tickling his feet. The staff obliged.

During World War II, German officers took over the hotel. There’s a story that the order to destroy Paris was issued from one of the suites, but the general in charge refused to carry it out. 

The Experience

There are four reasons to visit Le Meurice even if you’re not staying.

1. Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse

If you want a touch of Versailles, this is it. Decorated with frescoed ceilings, heavy drapes, and gold crown molding, everything here nods to 17th-century grandeur. The vibe is formal yet relaxed, and the food strikes a balance that reflects this.

2. Le Dalí

This is the hotel’s mid‑scale restaurant. Warm tones—brass, orange, cream, and gold—give it a comfortable feel. The highlight is the massive gold‑and‑ochre ceiling mural by Ara Starck, daughter of Philippe Starck. Ideal for a midday glass of wine or a relaxed lunch.

3. Bar 228

For a drink, this is your spot. Dark wood, leather chairs, crystal decanters, and a hand‑painted fresco overhead. They pour Dom Pérignon by the glass and offer over 50 whiskies, but most people come for the carefully crafted cocktails.

4. Pastry Boutique by Cédric Grolet

Sweet tooth? You’ve got to try this. Grolet’s trompe-l’oeil sculpted fruit pastries resemble art. You’ll also find madeleines, buttery cookies, and brioche cakes that taste as good as they look.

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Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais – 4th Arrondissement, Le Marais

Set in Le Marais amongst all the boutiques and museums, and a stone’s throw from the Seine, it’s musical theater that unfolds before your eyes. Inspired by the Marriage of Figaro, written by the playwright Caron de Beaumarchais and set to music by Mozart, the entrance almost makes you feel like you’re walking out onto a stage. There’s a grand piano from 1792 and even one of Beaumarchais’ handwritten manuscripts on display.

The Story

This hotel is built around the legacy of Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, who wasn’t just a playwright but was also a behind-the-scenes supporter of the American Revolution. The space reflects it all: a Louis XV-style harp, a card table for a game, period paintings, and yes, a drawing-room feel that makes you wonder if Mozart might pop in.

There are no grand restaurants as you’re in Le Marais, where there are plenty to choose from. It’s an affordable gem in the heart of Paris with a wonderful atmosphere and a story to match.

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Maison Souquet – 9th Arrondissement, Pigalle / Montmartre fringe

Maison Souquet sits in South Pigalle, just below Montmartre, where old-world cabarets meet the new wave of cocktail bars and late-night bistros. You’re a two-minute walk from the Moulin Rouge, and rue Lepic, with its bakeries, wine shops, and steep climb toward Montmartre, is right at the end of the street. It’s where Belle Époque decadence and modern nightlife overlap.

When you walk into the hotel, you go past the two red lanterns framing the door, and you’re immediately in a different Paris. The lobby isn’t big, but it’s layered with silky drapes, low light, plush banquettes, and it feels more like a private salon than a hotel entry. 

The Story

From 1905 to 1907, Madame Souquet ran a discreet maison close here, an upscale brothel that attracted artists, bankers, writers, and the wealthy elite. In 2015, it reopened as a 20-room boutique under the Maisons Particulières banner. Jacques Garcia, the mastermind decorator, preserved the intimate layout: a trail of salons allows guests to wander through spaces once used for conversation, presentations, and then late-night drinks.

The Experience

The interiors at Maison Souquet are dark, moody, and incredibly detailed. Every room feels like it has been put together with intention, featuring velvet seating, sculpted wood, soft lighting, and walls lined with antique panels and rich fabrics. 

The Salon des Mille et Une Nuits (Salon of 1001 Nights) is where you can sit with a drink among deep reds, patterned woodwork, and North African design influences. Next door is the Salon des Petits Bonheurs, a low-lit lounge where guests now sip cocktails but that once hosted late-night encounters when the building was a Belle Époque brothel. 

There’s also a Winter Garden, a small floral lounge tucked at the back, where you can escape the buzz and slow down. Even the candles are carefully chosen, made by an artisan in Lyon and scented with notes like jasmine, tobacco, and rose.

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Plaza Athénée – 8th Arrondissement

Stepping into Plaza Athénée is like arriving on Avenue Montaigne’s red carpet. It sits right among high-fashion boutiques, with the Eiffel Tower peeking through the trees at the end of the street. You’re instantly in Paris’s luxury lane, defined by classic red awnings and window boxes bursting with geraniums.

The Story

Plaza Athénée opened in 1913 and quickly became the go-to for performers, designers, and movie stars. Christian Dior set up his couture house just next door in the late 1940s, cementing its place in fashion history. Over the decades, it’s hosted legends like Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, and Rudolph Valentino. In the early 2000s, Alain Ducasse put it on the culinary map with three Michelin stars. Now Jean Imbert keeps the kitchen elevated with inventive takes on classic French flavours.

The Experience

Here’s where to go if you’re stopping by without a suitcase:

1. Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée

This Michelin‑starred spot by chef Jean Imbert pays tribute to old‑school French gastronomy. The decor is regal, featuring pink marble, crystal chandeliers, and a dramatic Royal Table, and the cuisine follows suit. Expect dishes inspired by 250‑year‑old recipes, balanced with modern twists and seasonal flair. 

2. La Cour Jardin

When the weather’s nice, this courtyard comes alive. It’s decked out in greenery and the hotel’s signature red parasols. The menu leans Riviera-style, featuring seafood, fresh produce, and light desserts, and it feels like a hidden oasis right in the heart of Paris.

3. Le Relais Plaza

This Art Deco brasserie has been around since 1936. Its walls show subtle zodiac symbols and a mural of Diana the Huntress. It’s the spot for a French‑style brunch or dinner, classic, hearty food.

4. Le Bar

The bar was redesigned in 2001 by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, and it remains one of the most stylish spots in Paris. They pour rare Dom Pérignon, offer creative cocktail lists, and typically feature a live pianist or DJ to set the tone. 

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Maison Proust – 16th Arrondissement, Passy

From the street, Maison Proust could easily be mistaken for a private residence. But walking through the door of Maison Proust is like discovering a quiet Parisian secret. Hidden on a residential street in Passy, you’ll find a petite lobby with rich wood paneling, vintage French furniture, and a sense of calm that hints at old-world style. 

The Story

The entire place is a tribute to the Belle Époque salons Proust once frequented. Every room, hallway, and corner is dressed to reflect that world, books, portraits, velvet, carved wood, and the feeling that someone important just stepped out of the room a moment ago. There’s even a signed watercolor by Madeleine Lemaire, one of the artists who hosted Proust in her own salon during his lifetime.

Each suite in the hotel is a tribute to one of Proust’s friends, and it was quite an illustrious circle, including writers, actresses, painters, and literary salon royalty. 

The Experience

Stop for a drink in the salon. It’s theatrical in the best way, smoky blue banquettes, mirrored walls, crystal chandeliers, and low curved chairs that make you want to sink in and stay. Just beyond it, behind heavy curtains, lies a second circular salon with a domed ceiling painted to resemble a starry sky. A gold-leaf sun glows from the center, a subtle nod to the Opéra Garnier.

Then there’s the library. Tucked at the back of the ground floor, it holds over 1,200 rare books, all leather-bound and dated before Proust died in 1922. It’s easy to believe you’ve stepped back into a world where afternoons were spent in conversation and evenings ended with letters written by candlelight.

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Airelles Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle – Versailles

I’ve saved the best till last. This is the ultimate in decadence and luxury, and gives you the chance to be Marie Antoinette for a night with all the grandeur that goes with it. This is an experience you’ll never forget as you step into a world where no expense is spared. You’ll be staying within the grounds of Versailles itself and waking up in the same place where royalty once lived. 

The Story

The building was designed by Louis XIV’s favorite architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, in 1681. It became the official home and office of France’s finance ministers. Between 1723 and 1791, several of them lived and worked here with their families, making decisions that shaped the kingdom while residing just steps from the king’s court. Even after the Revolution began, the building continued to house the ministry for a few more years before its purpose shifted.

In 2006, it was finally closed, and then carefully brought back to life by the Airelles group. The restoration paid close attention to detail, recreating rooms using original blueprints, sourcing antique furniture, and matching everything from the parquet floors to the textiles to what would have been here in the late 18th century. Today, it holds just 13 rooms and suites, all named after figures from Versailles’ history, and each one designed to feel like a guest room in a noble family’s private wing of the palace.

The Suites

There are just six suites at Le Grand Contrôle, each one designed to reflect its 18th-century roots. The most impressive is the Necker Suite, once the private apartment of Jacques Necker, Louis XVI’s finance minister and one of the key figures leading up to the French Revolution. It’s light-filled, with parquet floors, four-meter-high ceilings, and a layout that feels more like an apartment than a hotel room. You’ll find a grand four-poster bed, a spacious living room, and a freestanding bath with views over the Orangery Garden.

The Madame de Staël Suite is the largest, measuring 150 square meters and accommodating up to six guests. It features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, crystal chandeliers, and an additional bath with garden views. Named after Necker’s daughter, the writer and political thinker Germaine de Staël, this suite feels more like staying in a private residence than a hotel.

Even the staff wear uniforms reminiscent of the time of Marie Antoinette. There are 23 different styles in total, created by Paris-based Terre & Ciel Studio after two years of research into 18th-century court clothing. The colors and fabrics used in the uniforms were carefully chosen to match the palette of each room, ensuring that nothing feels out of place. This is a full immersion into Palace life at that time.

The Experience

Staying at Le Grand Contrôle gives you access to parts of Versailles that most people never get to see, and definitely not without the crowds. Guests are contacted before arrival to plan everything in advance, from private tours to boat rides and butler-drawn baths.

Every guest is assigned a personal butler, dressed in period uniform, who begins the day with a wake-up service that feels straight out of the 18th century. You’ll be woken with soft baroque music, a hot drink, the curtains drawn, and a bath prepared with fresh flowers and scented oils.

During the day, you’re free to use golf carts to explore the gardens or take a rowboat out onto the Grand Canal. You can also explore the palace grounds at any time, whether it’s an early morning walk or a late-night stroll after the gates have closed to the public.

Included in every stay are two private tours of the Château each day, one in the morning, one in the evening. These aren’t your standard group tours. They take place when the palace is closed to the public, and they rotate through rarely-seen areas. Over three days, you might explore the Queen’s Apartments and Hall of Mirrors one night, then the King’s Apartments or the Dauphin’s private quarters the next. 

On another morning, you’ll be given early access to the Trianon estates, Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet, well before they open to the public. At the Hamlet, guests are even allowed inside the buildings, a privilege most visitors never get.

Even the Royal Chapel and Royal Opera House are accessible by special arrangement, though these come with a supplement. Still, it’s worth noting: booking these kinds of tours on your own as a non-guest would cost upwards of €6,000. For many, the room rate ends up being the better value.

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A Stay That Time Forgot

Each of these hotels offers something more than a bed for the night. They pull back the curtain on a version of Paris that most travelers never get to see, where every room, hallway, and courtyard tells a story.

Some let you trace the footsteps of writers and artists. Others serve breakfast where kings once held court. Whether it’s sipping tea under a frescoed ceiling, walking through palace gardens after dark, or sleeping in the former apartment of a revolutionary finance minister, these stays make you feel like you’re part of the past.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Paris the way it used to be, these are the places that bring it back to life.