Alternative Paris: Fun Stays and Unique Hotels in Paris
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Unique hotels in Paris offer an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of the city.
This post is part of our Alternative Paris Series, your go-to source for discovering off-the-beaten-path Parisian experiences.
Uncover the extraordinary with unique lodging experiences in Paris. From charming boutique hotels to floating houseboats, discover unique places to stay while you enjoy the city. Whether seeking romance or adventure, these one-of-a-kind stays add a touch of magic to your Parisian journey.
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Les Piaules
A Belleville favorite with private rooms, dorms, and a rooftop view, this spot blends hostel pricing with boutique design. It’s one of the unique places to stay in Paris that keeps you close to late-night eats and easy metro connections.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Located in the vibrant Belleville neighborhood, Les Piaules (The People) is a revamped 1930s art deco building that offers both shared dormitories and private rooms. What sets it apart is its rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views of Paris. While it has the vibe of a hostel, it seamlessly merges modern amenities with authentic Parisian charm.
Le Pavillon des Lettres
A literary boutique stay in the 8th with writer-themed rooms and a calm, polished look near Parc Monceau and the Champs-Élysées. Among unique hotels in Paris, it’s a refined pick that feels special without being stuffy.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
This boutique hotel in the 8th arrondissement is an ode to literature. Each of its 26 rooms is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and an accompanying writer, offering guests a literary journey alongside their stay. The interiors subtly infuse quotes and artworks, making it a haven for bibliophiles.
Hotel Particulier Montmartre
A former private mansion surrounded by greenery, this Montmartre hideaway delivers oversized suites and a secluded garden bar. It’s one of the Paris unique hotels people book for quiet nights and quick access to Sacré-Cœur.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Hidden in Montmartre and once a mansion owned by the Hermès family, this hotel is a secret world away from the city's hustle. With only a few suites, each designed by a different artist, it promises a distinct and intimate experience. The gardens around provide a peaceful retreat, making it feel more like a private residence.
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Off Paris Seine
Paris’s first floating hotel pairs a deck-level pool and bar with floor-to-ceiling river views by Gare d’Austerlitz. For truly unique hotels in Paris, the on-the-water setting is the memory maker.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
As Paris's first floating hotel, Off Paris Seine offers a unique experience on the river. Moored in the 13th arrondissement, the hotel provides a blend of urban and riverside aesthetics. The pool and bar on the deck level give guests a different perspective of the Seine.
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Hôtel des Grands Boulevards
Design-forward rooms, a courtyard restaurant, and a rooftop in the 2nd put you steps from covered passages and theaters. It belongs on any shortlist of boutique hotels in Paris if you want style and a central base.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Situated in the 2nd arrondissement, this hotel is housed in a historic building but offers a fresh take on the age-old architecture. The interiors are a mix of French neoclassical design with a touch of modernity. Its rooftop terrace and restaurant serve as a sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Paris or France!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
COQ Hotel Paris
Vintage-meets-modern rooms and a living-room-style lounge make this 13th-arrondissement stay feel friendly and personal. It’s a standout for affordable boutique hotels in Paris that still bring character.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Stylized as the Community of Quality (COQ), this boutique hotel in the 13th arrondissement emphasizes communal living. The decor is an amalgamation of vintage and contemporary, and the emphasis is on promoting local artists and craftsmen. The lounge area acts as a communal space for guests to interact and immerse in the local culture.
Le Pigalle
Playful rooms, a vinyl library, and an all-day café channel the neighborhood’s creative energy at the base of Montmartre. As Paris unique hotels go, this one nails local flavor with nightlife right outside.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Capturing the essence of the Pigalle district, this hotel is a blend of the area's bohemian past and its trendy present. Rooms are filled with a selection of local artwork, books, and music. Its cafe, bar, and vinyl library at the ground floor serve as a neighborhood gathering spot, blurring the lines between the hotel and the community.
Mama Shelter East
Colorful Starck-designed rooms, a lively rooftop, and weekend DJs bring big personality to the 20th. For affordable boutique hotels in Paris, it delivers fun spaces and easy transit without the price spike.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Located in the 20th arrondissement, Mama Shelter, designed by Philippe Starck, is known for its eclectic and quirky interiors. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Paris, while the ground floor hosts live music and DJ sets. It’s a vibrant space that embodies a youthful and fresh spirit.
There are also locations in West Paris and La Défense.
Hôtel du Petit Moulin
Christian Lacroix’s bold interiors inside a historic former bakery make this Marais address a visual standout. It’s one of the most unique hotels in Paris for travelers who want walk-everywhere convenience with serious design cred.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Housed in what was Paris's first bakery, where Victor Hugo once fetched his baguettes, this hotel in the Marais district has been designed by Christian Lacroix. Each room is unique, showcasing Lacroix's bold and imaginative style. From its historical origins to its current design, the hotel provides a visual treat.
JO&JOE Paris Gentilly
Part hotel, part hostel with big social spaces, events, and a garden just off the RER B for fast rides into the center. It’s a wallet-friendly pick among unique places to stay in Paris when you want community vibes and quick connections.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Part hotel, part hostel, and part open house, JO&JOE in Gentilly is designed for the global traveler looking for a social experience. The space incorporates local culture, with art created by local artists and a calendar filled with events. The garden and the rooftop make it an urban escape with a community feel.
