Paris, France
The first ‘palace’ hotel in the city, the centrally placed Le Meurice offers classic luxury, two star Michelin dining, Dali quirkiness and is just opposite the Tulieries Gardens
Our review
Step off the Rue de Rivoli opposite the Tuileries Gardens away from the tourist throngs and enter a quieter and more elegant world of the Le Meurice.
Paris’ oldest grand palace hotel, it was opened by an enterprising Calais coaching inn proprietor. Already looking after wealthy English guests from across the Channel, he decided to build a decent hotel for his clients once they arrived in Paris. His hotel moved to its present site in 1835 and has carried his surname, Meurice ever since.
The Dali salon (Dali lived at the hotel for many years) is the perfect place for afternoon tea, which is in fact what we enjoyed one baking hot day in July. Inside, it was deliciously cool and quiet, a real respite from the tourist madness beyond the front doors. As well as interesting toasted finger sandwiches, we had freshly baked scones with raspberry jam and Devon clotted cream and exquisite patisserie, including a ‘peach’ that held a white chocolate and sponge surprise inside. I was impressed with the restaurant manger’s excellent command of English, only to discover he was originally from Manchester. The ceiling is a striking hand painted canvas by Philippe Starck’s daughter Ara.
Nearby is the glorious 2-Michelin star restaurant overseen by Alain Ducasse, in ‘grand siecle’ style. Here chandeliers, frescoes, mirrors and gilt all sparkle from the natural light streaming through the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Tuileries Gardens.
Bar 228 is an atmospheric room, off the main reception area, dimly lit with small table lamps lamps and wall lights – as befits a bar – and filled with comfortable orangey-brown leather armchairs and side tables, arranged rather like a gentleman’s club, with smudgy murals in subdued tones. Sip champagne by the glass or try one of their bespoke cocktails.
The small spa is decorated in a pleasing peppermint and cream. There are three treatment rooms – all with natural light – using Valmont products. As well as a steam room, Hammam, nail bar and hair salon, there is a small outdoor relaxation area.
The hotel has 160 rooms of which 42 are suites. All rooms have special iHome system where you can personalise your stay through your iPod (or compatible iPhone.) All rooms are decorated individually, with some less fancy and ornamental that others. Some have fabric-covered walls, others have hand-painted ceilings or canopied beds. The two-bedroom La Belle Etoile Royal Suite on the 7th floor, is over 2,000 square feet in size and offers a 360 degree view of Paris from its rooftop terrace. It is said to be one of the best suites in the city.
Children are well catered for with their own passport about the main Paris attractions, special menus and amenities and a treasure hunt for rainy days in the hotel with a prize at the end. There is also a wooden boat to borrow to sail on the pond in the gardens opposite.
This is simply a lovely hotel, oozing history, with a decent bar and two good restaurants onsite. Paris is at your fingertips with many attractions a short stroll away.
Rooms
Le Meurice offers approximately 160 rooms and suites, many overlooking the Tuileries Garden or Paris rooftops. Interiors blend classical Louis XVI style with contemporary elegance, featuring marble bathrooms, bespoke furnishings and spacious layouts. Several suites include balconies and expansive living areas designed for extended stays.
Food and Drink
Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is the hotel’s flagship dining venue and holds two Michelin stars. Under the direction of chef Alain Ducasse, the restaurant presents refined French cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients and Parisian culinary tradition in a grand dining room.
Le Dalí offers an all‑day dining menu with creative French and Mediterranean influences in a contemporary setting. Bar 228 is a historic piano bar known for classic cocktails, fine spirits and live music, while afternoon tea is served in an elegant lounge atmosphere.
Wellness
The Valmont Spa at Le Meurice provides a tranquil wellness retreat featuring treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and fitness centre. The spa uses luxury Valmont products, offering bespoke facial and body treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Facilities
- Two Michelin‑starred fine dining restaurant
- All‑day dining restaurant and historic cocktail bar
- Luxury spa and wellness facilities
- Fitness centre
- Meeting rooms and private event spaces
- Concierge and limousine services
- Pet‑friendly accommodation
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Le Meurice is located on Rue de Rivoli, directly opposite the Tuileries Garden. The Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, Musée d’Orsay and luxury shopping districts are all within easy walking distance.
Getting there
Address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Arriving by train: Metro station Tuileries – 3 minutes walk
Arriving by air: Charles de Gaulle Airport – Located 17 miles (28 km) 56 minutes by carOrly Airport – Located 11 miles (18 km) 35 minutes by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.