Elegance and opulence at Rosewood's Hotel de Crillon in Paris

Note from the editor: TPG was generously hosted for a complimentary two-night stay at Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, allowing us to explore the hotel's offerings. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and were not influenced by the hotel or any outside organization.

Among the 31 hotels in France that carry the prestigious "Palace" designation — the highest honor a hotel can receive in France — only 12 are located in Paris. However, the Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel remains a distinctive gem among those converted from former royal residences or noble estates.

The majestic neoclassical structure was initially commissioned by Louis XV as part of a complex of government buildings surrounding the Place de la Concorde, designed by the renowned 18th-century architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

It eventually became the residence of the Duc de Crillon and his family, and briefly sheltered Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette before their tragic fates. This splendid landmark was converted into a hotel in 1909, and after a significant four-year renovation costing 200 million euros ($229 million at that time), it reopened in 2017 as a Rosewood property.

Since that reopening, the Hotel de Crillon has welcomed royalty and celebrities alike, solidifying its status as one of the trendiest locations in the French capital.

Discover what it's like to stay at Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, and explore the distinctive features that establish it as an iconic Parisian destination.

Location of Hotel de Crillon

You won’t find a more central spot. The Hotel de Crillon is situated at the northwest corner of Place de la Concorde, right where the Champs-Elysées concludes, just a short distance from the Tuileries and the Louvre.

The Concorde Metro station is merely a block away from the hotel entrance and is accessible via lines 1, 8, and 12, making it convenient to reach any part of the city center. If you’re arriving from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), you can take the RER B line to Chatelet Les Halles and transfer to line 1. The journey typically takes about 60 to 80 minutes, depending on the time of day.

An Uber ride to the airport will set you back approximately 50-60 euros ($54-$65) and takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

Booking information for Hotel de Crillon

The Hotel de Crillon boasts a total of 78 rooms, including 36 suites and 10 unique signature suites. Among these are the "Grands Appartements," designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld, featuring his photographs as part of the interior décor and drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette.

Currently, rates at the Hotel de Crillon begin at $1,670 per night for Deluxe rooms in the entry-level category, which are approximately 340 square feet and overlook the hotel’s elegant inner courtyard.

The Deluxe Suite I was given is about 200 square feet larger and starts at approximately $2,970 per night. You can make reservations directly through Rosewood, but be aware that this doesn’t automatically include extras like breakfast.

The hotel does not take part in Chase's The Edit or the Capital One Premier Collection. However, if you possess The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts on AmexTravel.com and enjoy benefits like room upgrades based on availability, up to a $100 credit for on-site expenses such as food and drinks, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and guaranteed late checkout.

You can also make a reservation through our partner, Skylark, to receive elite-level benefits and on-property credits.

Highlight features

• An unbeatable location right in the heart of the city.
• Modern amenities and cozy accommodations complement the building's historic splendor.
• Bar Les Ambassadeurs is the go-to spot for an evening of creative cocktails and live music.
• The picturesque underground pool offers a serene retreat from the bustling city streets.

Disadvantages

• If you have a specific table in mind for breakfast at the Jardin d'Hiver or wish to secure a spot at the bar in the evening, it's best to plan ahead as seating fills up rapidly.
• While the service is generally warm and excellent, there were a few instances that felt out of place for a hotel of this prestige.
• The steep price tag — not just for accommodations but also at the hotel’s bars, restaurants, and spa — makes this experience inaccessible for many travelers.

The atmosphere

Welcome to a taste of Versailles in the city. Situated within an impressive 18th-century palace on the vibrant Place de la Concorde, the Hotel de Crillon feels like a stunning monument placed right in the heart of Paris. Even Marie Antoinette might find comfort bathing in the luxurious Arabescato Fantastico marble tub in one of the Grands Appartements designed by Karl Lagerfeld (fun historical note: the queen practiced her piano in one of the palace’s salons).

Catch a glimpse of Cleopatra's needle behind you in the Place de la Concorde as you stroll past elegantly uniformed doormen. Relax on one of the Empire-style sofas in the lobby, nestled next to a rose marble fireplace.

Here, you can browse a selection of art books while observing visiting dignitaries and Parisian socialites pass beneath the exquisite gilt and crystal chandeliers, whether they’re heading to a treatment at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, enjoying afternoon tea at Butterfly Patisserie, or savoring cocktails at Bar Les Ambassadeurs.

The accommodations

In the hotel's redesign, Paris-based Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d'Amman sought to create accommodations that evoke a residential atmosphere, resembling your own Parisian pied-à-terre... that is, if money were no object and your taste was impeccable.

Drawing back the heavy curtains and flinging open the portes-fenetres of my Deluxe Suite to take in the view of the courtyard, with its neat garden and the awning-draped windows of nearby rooms, felt like embarking on my very own unaccompanied Grand Tour. There was even a closet large enough to accommodate a full set of steamer trunks.

I thought about mixing a drink from the vintage-style bar cart or the minibar adorned with silver-and-gold forest wallpaper, and sinking into a velvet loveseat. Instead, I quickly penned a few notes on the postcards provided at the sleek wooden table (and yes, I indulged in some of the pastries that were part of the welcome gift).

As I stepped into the adjoining bedroom, I noticed the pillowcases were monogrammed with my initials, and I briefly contemplated canceling my evening plans to bask in the comfort of the king-size bed dressed in white sheets while perusing some of the art books neatly placed on the nightstands.

Instead, I found myself enjoying a temporary retreat in the all-marble bathroom, trying out the fragrant Officine Universelle Buly products while contemplating a soak in the spacious tub. Ultimately, I chose to take a refreshing shower, stepping through the ornate, metal-framed glass door that resembled a baroque picture frame.

I’m sure I left towels (and puddles of water) on the floor, sheets in disarray, and a trail of crumbs leading to my dinner. When I returned, however, my room was immaculate once more, thanks to the evening turndown service.

Dining options at Hotel de Crillon

Begin your day with a petit déjeuner at Jardin d'Hiver, or the winter garden, a sunlit, lilac-hued parlor located just off the lobby. The morning menu features a Parisian breakfast ($38 per person) with coffee, fresh juices and fruits, plus a basket of homemade pastries, including buttery, flaky pain au chocolat. If you miss out on your preferred table in the morning, swing by in the afternoon for tea service, which includes delectable pastries crafted by chef Matthieu Carlin.

If the weather permits, your afternoon should feature an outdoor lunch at Comestibles par Paul Pairet in the inner courtyard. The menu offers French and continental favorites like steak frites ($32) and a generous club sandwich ($33) served with either a salad or French fries.

Treat yourself after a fulfilling afternoon exploring the city's museums (or fashion boutiques) with a cup of tea or coffee and indulgent treats such as Brazilian chocolate-lime éclairs ($17) and a Tahitian vanilla and raspberry millefeuille ($19) at the charming Butterfly Patisserie. You can also grab some pastries to enjoy later from the pastry counter.

Once you've refreshed yourself, it's time to enjoy cocktails at Bar Les Ambassadeurs. Nestled in an opulent lounge near the hotel's main entrance, adorned with a ceiling mural reminiscent of a tempestuous sky and crystal chandeliers playfully draped in metal chains, this hotspot is ideal for a weekday evening. Enjoy live music from a full band while sipping on botanical-inspired cocktails like the Lavender ($34) made with Del Maguey mezcal, fino sherry, lavender bitters, honey, citrus, and chili; or the Rhubarb ($34) crafted from Michter's Bourbon, rhubarb bitters, and fennel seed soda.

You now have a decision to make. For a relaxed yet pricey dinner, step into chef Paul Pairet's Nonos, where you can indulge in contemporary chophouse and brasserie dishes. Enjoy items like rich tuna tartare on avocado ($24), hearty onion soup ($20), and an array of internationally sourced dry-aged beef cuts, including an incredibly tender Aubrac wagyu filet mignon ($63). Don't miss out on delectable desserts such as the mango-licorice sable ($17).

For a truly indulgent experience, be sure to secure a reservation well in advance at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Ecrin, located in a private dining area adjacent to the winter garden. Here, chef Boris Campanella offers seasonal tasting menus that evolve throughout the year, featuring 5 courses for $233 per person or 7 courses for $288, all inspired by his roots in the picturesque, lake-filled mountains of Savoie.

Amenities and service

As you wander through the hotel’s ground floor, moving away from Place de la Concorde, you'll eventually arrive at Sense, A Rosewood Spa.

Upon entering, guests are whisked away (down one level) to an oasis themed around water, featuring a compact fitness center, separate locker rooms for men and women, and a coed hammam and sauna adorned with Himalayan pink salt walls.

The crowning jewel, however, is the skylit pool, featuring aquamarine and gold ceramic walls that form an installation by artist Peter Lane. The plush seating areas create an inviting atmosphere for leisurely afternoons.

When it's time for your treatment, stroll along the fish scale-inspired floors to your room for a signature service, such as the 90-minute Reverie face and body massage featuring Huages CBD products ($353) or the Sisley phyto-aromatic facial that revitalizes and sculpts the skin—perfect for combating jet lag fatigue (90 minutes, $434). Afterward, book a touch-up at the Hair Salon by David Lucas, where you can choose from a blowout to a cut-and-color.

Since souvenir is a French term, it makes sense to gather a few mementos from the hotel's boutique, conveniently located near the Butterfly Patisserie and close to the concierge desk in the lobby. Choose from classic French car models, Buly skincare products, or even the custom side-lying wine glasses used at L'Ecrin.

The staff quickly learn your name, so after just a day, you won’t need to introduce yourself for dinner reservations or breakfast. Housekeeping also surprises you with thoughtful gifts like bookmarks or handy ties for organizing your computer cords.

However, no hotel stay is without its flaws. During busy periods, your room might be overlooked for turndown service, or all the bellmen could be occupied when you arrive, leaving you to manage your bags and find the hidden reception area on your own. Just ask for help, and it will be on its way shortly.

Out and about

The Hotel de Crillon is conveniently located near some of the city's best shopping streets and most cherished museums. A simple stroll across Place de la Concorde will take you to the Tuileries, where you can wander beneath the trees and past the fountains, ultimately reaching the Louvre, then on to Notre Dame for a well-deserved sorbet on Île St. Louis.

In the opposite direction, you can navigate through the tourist crowds on the Champs-Élysées or cross the Seine to explore Les Invalides to the west or the Musée d'Orsay to the east. Planning to see a show at the Opéra Garnier? It’s just a short walk northeast from the hotel. With its central location and proximity to the Concorde Metro station, the entire city is easily accessible with a Metro ticket.

Accessibility

The Hotel de Crillon offers four wheelchair-accessible Premier rooms equipped with wide doorways, ample space for maneuvering mobility devices, roll-in showers, and grab bars near the toilets. Guests with hearing or vision impairments can request devices like visual alarms from the front desk. It’s advisable to contact the hotel in advance to confirm the availability of your accommodations and any requested aids.

The hotel's entrance and several public areas are wheelchair accessible, as well as the guest room floors and the spa and pool levels, thanks to elevators equipped with wheelchair-height buttons (although there are some doors to navigate and no chair lift for the pool).

Guests will need to use a few small flights of stairs to access the Winter Garden, Bar Les Ambassadeurs, and the entrance to L'Ecrin, which may pose challenges for those with limited mobility.

Checking out

Historic yet trendy, grand yet inviting, timeless yet stylish, and entirely French yet distinctly international ... the Hotel de Crillon embodies a true microcosm of Paris.

Following its recent transformation into a Rosewood hotel, the Hotel de Crillon remains breathtakingly beautiful and even more welcoming, thanks to its array of amenities (including what may be the finest hotel bar in Paris) and its luxurious accommodations, featuring some of the city's most unique specialty suites.

Whether you're visiting Paris for the first time or the hundredth, a stay at the Hotel de Crillon is sure to reveal new perspectives on the City of Light and offer fresh facets of the French capital to discover.