Stay in Style Without Overspending
Paris is a dream—but finding the perfect place to stay? That’s where it gets tricky.
Luxury hotels come with a premium price, and budget stays often lack charm. But what if you could experience beautiful, boutique-style accommodations in the best Parisian neighborhoods—without paying luxury rates?
Paris is synonymous with elegance, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to experience its charm. Finding the perfect balance between luxury and mindful spending is at the heart of the Fancy and Frugal philosophy—where indulgence meets intention.
Instead of paying premium prices for the most famous hotels, you can stay in equally exquisite accommodations that offer authentic Parisian ambiance, stylish comfort, and thoughtful amenities without the excessive cost. Whether it’s a boutique hotel in a fashionable arrondissement, a serviced apartment with high-end touches, or a hidden gem near iconic landmarks, your dream Parisian stay can be both elegant and accessible.
Boutique Hotels with Local Charm
This is probably my #1 tips for finding the perfect hotel stay in Paris. While boutique hotels may not be the ones you see the most often in your research or on those viral reels. But it's in these boutique hotels you'll find the most local experience of Paris with accommodatingly charming locations.
Skip the predictable international chains and opt for boutique hotels in vibrant neighborhoods like the 11th arrondissement (Bastille), 9th arrondissement (South Pigalle), or the 5th arrondissement (Latin Quarter). These areas offer beautiful, design-forward accommodations that feel uniquely Parisian—often in historic buildings with ornate details, cozy courtyards, or stylish modern decor. My favorite arrondisiment is the 6th (Saint Germain des Pres). I love it's location to the city center and it is overwhelming with charm!
Many boutique hotels also provide a more personalized experience, with concierge services that can enhance your trip with insider recommendations.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Boutique hotels often offer early booking deals or complimentary perks like breakfast, welcome drinks, or free walking tours. So start booking them early and watching for special deals. Booking directly with the hotel is the best way to get the lowest price and endear yourself to the owner... who is likely also your concierge.
Location. Location. Location.
When working with travelers the number one question when suggesting accommodations is how do you want the area around you to feel. Busy and bustling but truly Parisian... then I'll send you to the first. Homey and quiet then Canal St. Martin. Hip and young.... then right to the Marais or Les Halles.
Choosing the right arrondissement can make all the difference in how much you pay for accommodations. Staying near famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Élysées often means paying a premium for the view rather than the quality of the hotel itself. Instead, consider elegant yet more affordable areas like the 16th arrondissement for classic Haussmannian charm, the 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) for literary history and cafés, or the Marais (3rd & 4th arrondissements) for a trendy, stylish atmosphere. You’ll still be within easy reach of the city’s top attractions, but without the five-star price tag.
You'll also want to be sure to locate your nearest Metro station, franprix or monoprix, boulangerie, and bank to get some euros.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Stay near a Métro hub like Saint-Lazare, Châtelet, or Montparnasse, which makes it easy to explore the city while saving on prime-location hotel rates. Just know these are busy areas due to the hubs being close by. So if you'd like a slower pace choose something a little further out.
Chic Serviced Apartments & Luxury Airbnbs
We love staying in rental apartment when we visit Paris. For a few seconds you can suspend reality and pretend you're living in Paris while you're there. This photo is of the last apartment we rented in the 1st. It was small but just right for hosting an apero with family in from London and sippng coffee in bed in the morning.
For longer stays or extra comfort, consider booking a serviced apartment or a highly-rated Airbnb in a central but non-touristy district. These options often provide more space, a kitchen for preparing breakfast or light meals, and a more authentic Parisian home experience. Many luxury Airbnbs feature interiors designed by local stylists, giving you a high-end feel without the hotel markup.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: If booking through Airbnb, filter for “Superhost” properties with exceptional reviews to ensure quality and service comparable to boutique hotels. Or an alternative option is to find nice looking places that are new to the listing service. These spaces often have lower prices, haven't reached their occupancy limits for the year, and have highly motivated owners. Always ask small questions like what floor is the apartment on, is there an elevator, can I drop off luggage if I have an overnight flight, etc. This will help you build a relationship wth the host and give you peace of mind that the listing is legitimate.
Timing Is Everything
Like every other popular travel destination rates vary widely based on the time of travel, the number of guests, location, and events happening in the city. Often the best accommodations are booked the earliest. This is why you need to be conscienscous of your timing in order to find the best pricing.
One of the best ways to enjoy a high-end stay at a more affordable price is by booking strategically. Traveling during the shoulder season (March-May, September-November) can save you 20-40% on hotel rates (and airline tickets) while still enjoying pleasant weather and fewer crowds. My favorite trip to Paris was in October. There was very little rain, it was warm during the day but chilly in the evening. The leaves were falling off the trees and beautifully changed. And the city was slow and lived in. So romantic.
Remember that the month of August is what's called les vacances. Parisians escape the city for the entire month for vacation. They are visiting other countries or spending time in the country side. This means many stores will be closed and the city will be filled with mostly tourists. If you're sticking to the main sites and tourist spots (which I never reccommend and don't do myself) you'll be fine. But if you want a more local experience August isn't the best time.
Even during peak season, many boutique hotels offer early bird discounts for those who book 3+ months in advance. I begin researching accommodations as soon as I book my flight. 12-9 months out. This gives me enough time to change reservations should I find a better deal.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Use hotel loyalty programs or platforms like Tablet Hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith, or The Plum Guide for exclusive offers on stylish stays. Also, I'm not above booking sites like Hotels.com and Travelocity for pricing packages. We looked extensively at packages through Delta Vacations ultimately opting for something else. But wise investments are wise investments - no matter were you find them.
Value-Added Amenities
For me, this is a little kitchenette. Or at the very least a sink and a refrigerator. Because one of the first things I buy is Beurre Le Bordier.
A hotel that includes thoughtful perks can elevate your stay without extra spending. Prioritize places that offer:
- Complimentary breakfast (a Parisian café breakfast can add up quickly)
- Free Wi-Fi (some hotels still charge for this—skip them!)
- Kitchenettes (ideal for enjoying market finds and saving on meals)
- Late check-out or luggage storage (so you can maximize your last day in the city)
🔹 Fancy & Frugal Tip: Some luxury boutique hotels offer free aperitifs or evening wine tastings—a great way to enjoy a refined experience without spending extra.
A few tips:
In this section, you can address common questions efficiently.
Skip the 7th
Believe it or not there's not much to do around the Eiffel Tower. Food is overpriced and underwhelming and there's not much to see.
1st time = 1st Arrondisiment
This is probably controversial but... if you want to see it all and be right in the heart of the city your first time going stay in the 1st.
Get to know your neighborhood beforehand.
Hop of google maps and walk the streets of Paris near your hotel with streetview. Click on the cafes, boulangeries, and sites nearby so that you can familiarize yourself with where you are in advance. This helps me so much!
Ask hosts about stay limits.
France has laws in place about how many nights a year rental properties can be sold. This can sometimes cause unwanted cancellations by host. So be sure to ask!
Think about safety.
Paris is a city just like New York, Chicago, or LA. You have to be vigilent always. But some places are better than other. So be sure to check that out before booking. 1-11 is my preference.
Ask about stairs.
The first floor in Paris is not the ground floor. The first floor is after the first set of stairs. If the apartment looks large in photos, has a great view, and high ceilings it's likely on the 6th or 7th floor. So do ask.
Stay Well.
By choosing boutique hotels with personality, selecting the right arrondissement, or opting for thoughtfully curated apartments, you can experience Paris with both sophistication and financial mindfulness. The key is making intentional choices that prioritize ambiance, comfort, and location over a hefty price tag. With a Fancy and Frugal mindset, you can wake up to the magic of Paris in a space that feels luxurious yet aligned with your values.
Your Parisian experience should be as refined as it is effortless. Let us take the guesswork out of choosing accommodations that align with your Fancy and Frugal travel style. Contact us for a custom itinerary that ensures every detail—down to where you rest your head—reflects the Parisian elegance you deserve.
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