The Best Hotels in France Get the Palace Designation

Written by Terri Fogarty

Published/Revised on March 2, 2012· Print This Article

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Eight 5-star hotels in France have been awarded the new distinction of “Palace,” meaning that they are the very best among the top hotels in France.The new Palace category was officially created in November, 2010 under former Secretary of State of Tourism Hervé Novelli in order to continue the development of the new hotel classification system established in 2009. The rating is valid for five years.

Paris 5-star Palace hotels

Le Bristol

Le Bristol Hotel is the Grande Dame of Paris hotels. Standard-bearer on the prestigious Rue de Faubourg Ste. Honore, Le Bristol’s elegant white facade welcomes you to an antique filled, French-styled oasis. Service is superb and each room is uniquely decorated with the finest furniture and fabrics. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool and roof-top solarium. The gastronimic restaurant at Hotel le Bristol, Faubourg Saint-Honoré is geared to the seasons in more than just the menu. The decor changes to welcome each season. In summer, for example, the restaurant opens to a view of the largest hotel garden in Paris. Chef Eric Frechon, considered by many to be the best chef in France, delights diners with his three Michelin-star cuisine.
112 Rue Du Faubourg Saint Honore
75008, Paris

Le Meurice

Tradition and elegance combine to make Le Meurice one of the finest hotels in Paris. Set in the heart of Paris, Le Meurice offers 45 suites and junior suites, most of which overlook the Tuileries Garden and also have spectacular views of the Paris skyline. Marble baths enhance the spacious, impeccably decorated guest rooms. If you want a Versailles-like experience, try Le Meurice. Oh, and the Le Meurice Restaurant is one of the finest in Paris. Chef Yannick Alléno’s three Michelin-star cuisine offers modern and original fare, served in the exquisite silver and white themed dining room overlooking the Tuilleries. Bar 228 is The place for a post-dinner drink. With a huge wine list and extensive collection of whiskeys and malts, just about any drink you desire will be available to you. Every evening, enjoy two jazz musicians who liven the soul of Le Meurice, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The pianist is accompanied by a bass guitarist, a guitarist or a drummer.
228 Rue De Rivoli
75001, Paris

Le Park Hyatt Vendome

A jewel set in the Place Vendome, Le Park Hyatt Vendome is a modern hotel with a classical style. Ed Tuttle, the hotel’s interior designer, was inspired by French classical architecture, which he has incorporated into the hotel’s contemporary design. This central Paris hotel also offers guests a host of dining experiences, with world-class restaurants and bars such as Pur’ Paris, The Chef’s Table, Les Orchidées, and La Terrasse. Honored with its first Michelin Star, Pur’ Paris offers an innovative gastronomic style from Chef Jean-François Rouquette.
5 Rue De La Paix
75002, Paris

Plaza Athenee

Recently renovated, the Plaza Athenee’s 146 rooms and 45 suites showcase French style at its very best, combining traditional classical style with the most modern technology. Part of the renowned Dorchester Collection, The Plaza Athenee is located on Avenue Montaigne in the heart of Paris’ Haute Couture district. Alain Ducasse is the Executive Chef of the hotel supervising all dining venues. His own restaurant, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, offers exceptional, contemporary French cuisine with stunning creations always prepared with imagination, flair and attention to detail.