Choosing the right hotel in Paris is no easy task. There are SO many factors to consider, and these are different for every traveler. But if you’d like to stay in the buzzing heart of Paris, then the Opera District might be a great match for you. Revolving around the Opéra Garnier, Paris’s glamorous historic opera house, the district is home to two famous department stores, tons of elegant boulevards, and some pretty spectacular Parisian squares. Keep reading to see what the pros and cons are of basing yourself in the area, as well as my selection of the best hotels in Paris’s Opera district.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Opera District
If I’m completely honest, I personally prefer cozier neighborhoods to the busy Opera District. But in addition to being super central, there are a bunch of other great advantages of staying in this area. Here are some factors to help you decide if Opera’s a good fit for you:
Pros:
- Very central location, walking distance to lots of sites
- Great transport links, including an express bus to CDG Airport
- Shopper’s paradise, next to the top department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps
- Elegant architecture with a very Parisian feel
- Plenty of top-quality hotels with a glamorous ambiance
Cons:
- There are a lot of big, busy streets and traffic noise (especially during the day)
- It’s a business district with lots of offices, so it has less of a neighborhood feel than other areas like the Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre
- Not many daily life stores, like bakeries and food shops
- A lot of chain eateries and not too many neighborhood bars and bistros
If the pros of the area match up with what you were dreaming of for your Paris trip, then hopefully one of the following hotels will be perfect for you.
Image Courtesy of Intercontinental Paris Le Grand via Booking.com
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand
“Grand” really is the best word to describe this historic hotel that sits right on the Place de l’Opéra. The giant hotel takes up half the block, and many rooms have either absolutely STUNNING, up-close views of the Opera House or of the posh, tree-lined Boulevard des Capucines. Inside, you’ll be dazzled by all the gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and regal drapery. The hotel’s lounges and breakfast rooms are jaw-droppingly beautiful, and it also has a super chic café, open to outside guests, that feels like you’re stepping back in time to the mid-19th century when the hotel was built. You’ve got all that classic appeal, but the rooms were updated recently, so you can expect excellent modern fixtures that’ll help you have a fabulous stay.
Image Courtesy of Chouchou via Booking.com
Chouchou
If I were going to stay in the Opéra District, I’d pick this fun boutique hotel. Found on a side street next to the Opéra Garnier, it has all the convenience of the area, minus the noise of the traffic on the area’s bigger boulevards. I really love its playful decor, which has fun lighting, stylish design items, and nice black and white photos on the walls. Chouchou can work for all kinds of travelers because there are more affordable single rooms as well as spacious suites. It also has a fabulous bar-restaurant, covered by a glass atrium and with friendly picnic table-like seating, where you might make some friends with Parisians who like hanging out here. (WA)
Image Courtesy of Hôtel Langlois via Booking.com
Hôtel Langlois
Located between the Opera House and St-Lazare train station, this 3-star hotel is a GREAT deal for the area. But a plain and boring hotel it is definitely NOT with its lovely Belle Epoque decor. Rooms at Hôtel Langlois have geometric-patterned or floral wallpaper, red velour textiles, and solid wooden furniture. I also adore its vintage elevator cage and built-in wood paneling here and there, which definitely adds character. It’s got twin, double, and triple rooms, so Hôtel Langlois could work well for families, plus it also has some wheelchair-accessible rooms. (WA)
Image Courtesy of Hotel Edouard VII via Booking.com
Hotel Edouard VII
Located right on Avenue de l’Opéra, this chic hotel is named after the British king, Edward VII, who used to spend a lot of time in Paris. Despite its royal name, the decor is more linked to the Opéra Garnier and the many other theaters that are in the area. Its designer has added large sections of music scores on the walls and other nods to the performing arts. With air-conditioning, large plush beds, and sleek bathrooms, rooms are super comfy. If you can afford a little splurge, book a room with a balcony – these have gorgeous views of the Opera House.
Image Courtesy of Hotel Prince Albert Opéra via Booking.com
Hotel Prince Albert Opéra
This hotel might not be as regal as some of the others on the list, but it’s friendly, cozy, and pretty affordable. It’s got a very central location, just behind the Galeries Lafayette department store and a few paces from a métro station. Recently renovated, I really like the modern floral wallpaper that’s behind the beds, which is in tones of peaceful greens or oranges. In addition to twins and doubles, Hotel Prince Albert Opéra has single rooms, making it a perfect option for solo travelers, and you can get some really amazing deals if you book in advance.
Image Courtesy of Madame Drouot & Spa – Opera via Booking.com
Madame Drouot & Spa – Opera
This 4-star hotel and spa offers some excellent prices for its location and level of amenities. It’s a tad further away from the Opéra Garnier than our other options, but it’s in a bit more of a local area, with real neighborhood cafés and restaurants nearby. The interior has a clean look, with walls and textiles in white and cream tones that are made even brighter thanks to the large windows found in most rooms. After walking all over the city, you can relax in the spa when you get back to the hotel, and if you’ve got kids, there’s even a fun play area.
Image Courtesy of Sofitel Le Scribe Opera via Booking.com
Sofitel Le Scribe Opera
For a luxurious hotel with modern design, consider this stylish hotel situated right around the corner from the Opera House. I’ve had lunch here before and, in addition to the excellent contemporary cuisine it serves, I adored the airy restaurant area, which also has a lovely sitting area and workspaces for guests. Rooms have mostly white fixtures, but there are colorful armchairs and throw pillows. The rooms at Sofitel Le Scribe Opera come in all sizes, from twins to rooms with terraces and two-story suites that would make a great base for families or for anyone who’s on an extended stay.
Image Courtesy of Ritz Paris
Ritz Paris
The most spectacular of the best hotels in Paris’s Opera District is certainly this world-famous establishment. If money is no concern, then this is where you should book in the area. The very first “Ritz” hotel was opened in 1898 at a totally magical location, right on the Place Vendôme, Paris’s most elegant square. The hotel has had its fair share of big-name guests, from Coco Chanel to Princess Diana, and during fashion week, there are always a few stars staying here. Rooms have all the glitz and glamour you’d expect from such a glamorous hotel. Be sure to save some time to enjoy the Ritz’’s wonderful amenities, from taking a dip in its incredible pool to sampling French-style high tea in the Salon Proust or sipping a fantastic cocktail in the Hemingway Bar. Stepping out the door, you’re surrounded by the city’s top luxury jewelry stores and the elegant shops of rue Saint-Honoré. It’s all just WOW and a super memorable experience. (WA)
After you’ve viewed these best hotels in Paris’s Opera District, if you’re looking for other great Paris hotels, read these next:
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