The Paris Olympics 2024 is just around the corner, with the opening ceremony scheduled on July 26 to kickstart the sporting event. Incidentally, it would be exactly a century since the City of Light first hosted the Olympics in 1924. It will run till the closing ceremony on 11 August before continuing with the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8. While the events will be scattered across metropolitan France – with the exception of the surfing competition that will be held at Teahupo’o, Tahiti – most of the action will take place in Paris.
Some tickets might still be available for sale via the Paris Olympics 2024 website, which states that it will be regularly updated. But if you’ve already managed to get your hands on a golden ticket and have yet to book accommodation, here are some of the best luxury hotels in Paris to stay at during the Olympics.
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
A newly-crowned Three Michelin Key hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris is the perfect choice for many reasons. Located in the Golden Triangle, a stone’s throw away from the Champs-Élysées, the iconic palace hotel takes pride in its original Art Deco architecture and interior that has been given a thorough (but seamless) Louis XV restoration. In addition to its unparalleled hospitality and service, the hotel rooms are generally more spacious than most with the smallest of the range spanning nearly 40 square metres.
Even better, the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris unveiled four renovated suites earlier this year designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon (specifically the Duplex Suites City View, the Parisian Suite and the Grand Premiere Suite 500). These suites are equipped with French interior styles, large living areas, private terraces and, even better, stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Let’s not forget the hotel also boasts three Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants: the flagship Le Cinq, L’Orangerie, and Le George. The first two are already prepped with specially crafted summer menus for the sporting season and will be opened daily from 7pm to midnight.
31, Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
The Ritz Paris
There is a reason The Ritz Paris was a firm favourite among royalty and luminaries like the Windsors, Coco Chanel, and F. Scott Fitzgerald – all of whom saw the hotel more “like a second home”. In fact, there are rooms and suites named and designed after these beloved guests, giving the opulent spaces that touch of soulful magic. Opened in 1898, the hotel was restored splendidly to its 19th-century splendour in the hands of architect Thierry Despont. One of the notable finishes he added was the retractable glass roof in the Espadon restaurant to create more open space and allow more natural lighting. These subtle touches modernise the property without taking away its old-time charm.
In between the thrill of attending the day’s sporting events, adjourn to The Ritz Paris’s Michelin-starred Espadon where chef Eugénie Béziat skillfully marries her African childhood memories with Mediterranean influences for a surprising and delightful menu of French gastronomic creations.
15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France
Hotel Plaza Athénée
Nestled amidst a smattering of designer flagship boutiques like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel is a “Haute Couture hotel” recognisable from its signature red awnings. Steeped in fashion history and alliances, Hotel Plaza Athénée frequently inspired Christian Dior when naming his collections. It was also featured in classic films like Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. The style of the hotel and its 154 rooms and 54 suites, however, is a dance between French and Art Deco, though, nevertheless elegant with sightings of polished marble floors, chandeliers, silk-covered armchairs and pops of vivid colours. In celebration of the upcoming Olympic Games, the hotel’s iconic spaces were even used for a series of captivating photographs of athletes captured in seemingly gravity-defying poses – a collaboration with celebrated photographer Mathieu Forget, also known as @ForgetMat on Instagram.
Out of its portfolio of accommodation options, the Haute Couture Suite remains popular. A door-sized silver picture frame perfectly outlines the view of the Eiffel Tower, while the room is decked in high ceilings, intricate mouldings and luxurious fabrics from fashion designers. Outside of resting within the suites, the hotel boasts a Dior Spa with a first-of-its-kind Dior Light Suite and a host of luxurious beauty treatments.
25, Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
Compared to the other palace hotels in the City of Light, the Mandarin Oriental, Paris stands out unashamedly in its modern decor, combining minimal Art Deco touches with subtle Asian elements. The result is quintessentially Mandarin – affluential and elegant. What’s more, the hotel is situated merely steps away from the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, Palais-Royal, and Place Vendôme. When it comes to dining, the idyllic Camélia garden restaurant delivers a satisfying all-day dining affair. The Michelin-starred Sur Mesure by Thierry Marx is unfortunately closed following the celebrity chef’s recent retirement. On the other hand, the hotel’s pastry chef, Adrien Bozzolo, does whip up fantastic desserts for a happy conclusion to any meal.
The 138 luxurious rooms and suites each promise a blissful retreat, boasting spacious settings, state-of-the-art technology (including Bang & Olufsen televisions and audio accessories), and contemporary furniture. Meanwhile, the bathrooms are enviable with white marble, mosaic tiles, soft Frette linen bathrobes and the welcoming sight of Diptyque toiletries carrying a hotel-exclusive scent.
251, Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
Shangri-La Hotel Paris
Tucked within a historic century-old Parisian palace that once served as the private residence of Roland Bonaparte (Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew), Shangri-La Paris shines like a Parisian grande dame. Within its majestic facade are plenty of breathtaking features for its interior, such as a domed-topped marble entryway, original wood floors, stained glass windows, and a famous spiral staircase once known as the “Stairway of Honor”.
The usual luxurious amenities are expected, including mesmerising Eiffel Towel views, be it from the bed, bathtub or private terrace. Shangri-La Paris’s other pride is its decadent Shang Palace, France’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. Shangri-La Paris has a few plans in store for the course of the Games. Thanks to its strategic location, guests can catch the athletes cruise down the River Seine during the Opening Ceremony from their balconies. The arrival experience has been themed to welcome guests with chocolate medals and sports bears crafted by pastry chef Maxence Barbot. Not to mention, the on-property lounges will be turned into elevated sports bars serving exclusive cocktails too. The Olympic spirit is high at Shangri-La Paris.
10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
