Travel Journal

The Most Beautiful Hotels in Paris for Christmas Decorations

©Ritz Paris

If you’re spending time in Paris this winter, don’t miss the magic happening inside the city’s grand hotels, they truly know how to celebrate Christmas.

December 2, 2025

When December arrives, one of our favourite things to do in Paris is simply to walk through the city’s grand hotels. Some people go for the exhibitions, others for the shopping; we go to see the decorations. It’s an easy pleasure: step inside, warm up for a few minutes, look around, maybe stay for tea. And every year, a few hotels really stand out.

Some go for classic elegance, others go bold. Most of them also have a special Christmas tea time or a festive pastry that’s worth trying. Below is our shortlist of the hotels that, in our opinion, are doing Christmas particularly well this year, the ones that feel genuinely impressive when you walk in.

©The Peninsula

The Peninsula

The Peninsula always leans into a refined, understated version of Christmas; nothing flashy, just beautifully executed details everywhere you look. The lobby is usually the highlight: big, elegant trees, warm lighting, and decorations that feel luxurious without being overwhelming.

Their “Heure du Thé de Noël” is one of our favourites. It’s a classic Peninsula tea (perfect scones, beautiful pastries) but with festive touches added only for December. The pastry team also releases a Christmas bûche every year, and this season’s “Joyau des Pins” is all about texture, winter flavours, and a bit of theatre when it’s served. If you like a calm, elegant atmosphere, this is the one to see.

©The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz doesn’t do “subtle” at Christmas and that’s exactly why people love it. From the moment you enter, everything is lit, decorated, polished, and slightly surreal in the best way. The Place Vendôme lights reflect right into the lobby and courtyard, and the big Christmas tree under the staircase is always a moment.

Walking through the garden at night is worth it on its own, they cover the entire space with small lights, and it feels like stepping into a film set. If you want the full holiday fantasy, sparkling lights, perfect tea time, Christmas menus, the Ritz is the most “picture-perfect” option.

©The George V

The George V

The George V is all about floral art, and Jeff Leatham turns the lobby into something spectacular every year. It’s the kind of decoration you can’t really compare to any other hotel; large-scale pieces, strong colours, huge arrangements, and a sense of drama that makes you stop as soon as you walk in.

Their festive tea time is excellent, and the bûche created for the season is usually one of the most interesting pastries in Paris. This is the hotel to visit if you enjoy creativity and bold styling rather than “classic Christmas”.

Lutetia

Lutetia

If you’re on the Left Bank, the Lutetia is always a good stop. The decorations feel warm and contemporary, elegant without trying too hard. The lobby and bar are especially nice at this time of year, and the whole atmosphere is a bit more intimate than the big Right Bank palaces.

Their Christmas bûche, the “Lumière”, is a beautiful white chocolate dome that literally lights up from within. It’s a clever mix of design and pastry, and very in line with the Lutetia’s style: modern, but still Parisian.

©The Royal Monceau

The Royal Monceau

The Royal Monceau always brings a bit of personality to Christmas, and this year they partnered with Printemps on a full “Noël à New York” theme. Think Central Park inspiration, Manhattan references, and decorations that mix Parisian chic with American energy.

It’s festive, creative, and a little unexpected, which makes the visit really fun. If you like themed installations and something different from the classic red-and-gold palette, this one is worth adding to your list.

©Le Meurice

Le Meurice is the most understated of this list, in the best way. Their decorations are elegant, warm, and feel very Parisian. It’s the kind of place you stop by after a walk in the Tuileries to warm up and have a look around.

Their restaurants also lean into the season with special menus and classic winter dishes. If you want something chic, calm, and not overly theatrical, Le Meurice is perfect.

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