Paris is a city brimming with hidden gems and secret luxury. During a recent Instagram scroll, I stumbled upon a vintage photo that led me to a remarkable five-star hotel still thriving today. With female-led management, eco-friendly practices, and strong business ethics, this discovery was an exciting find.
The Charm of Paris’s Hidden Luxury Hotels
In my seven years exploring Paris, one lesson has become clear: there’s always another extraordinary discovery just around the corner.
An old Hollywood photo – thanks Cary Grant – introduced me to a five-star Parisian hotel that has quickly become a new favorite, thanks to its discreet allure and rich history. As a curious traveler*, I find the best spots by staying open to exploration and adventure—never knowing where the next gem might be hiding.
It’s so fun to find them, and even better to share! Here’s some finds…
Unveiling Hôtel Raphael: A Parisian Treasure
Today’s first gem is the Five-Star Hôtel Raphael, revealed through a black-and-white photo of Cary Grant showcasing a unique view of the Arc de Triomphe. Intrigued by this view I had never seen, I had to investigate further. Voilà, this hotel!
Why Parisian Luxury Hotels Keep a Low Profile
Paris is overflowing with incredible finds, but I learned early on that the French prefer to keep their best spots under wraps. Discretion is a way of life here, which means the most exceptional places are often discovered through local knowledge rather than flashy advertisements. Unlike the US, where advertising is prevalent, Parisian luxury is all about insider knowledge.
And discretion. Not all travelers are the same. Just because people can pay for something doesn’t mean you want them around, right? I second that emotion lol. Like many of Frances best wines and champagnes aren’t exported, they keep good stuff low profile and for themselves.
Two Hidden Parisian Hotels
I’ve discovered this sense of discretion through two remarkable hotels I stumbled upon by chance, walking the city:
- Hôtel Pavillon de la Reine – Located in the Marais district, this hotel caught my eye when I noticed greenery peeking out from an opening in a doorway. Following the path led me to a breathtaking venue that quickly became my Parisian dream hotel. (Still on my to-do list for a romantic stay!)
- Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal – A few weeks later, I found this gem in the 1st arrondissement, before it was featured in Emily in Paris. On a quiet Sunday morning during a rain shower, I saw a doorman and realized I had discovered another five-star gem with no fanfare—pure Parisian elegance. Classic Parisian discret.
Hôtel Raphael: A Must-Visit Parisian Gem
Cary Grant’s vintage photo inspired me to look up Hôtel Raphael, and it has now become a must-visit for me. Run by a woman—a rarity in business worldwide, including the luxury sector—it has been a family-run business for generations, with her great-grandfather involved from the start. She took over stewardship from her mother. We love supporting family-owned businesses with a strong heritage of female leadership.
Hôtel Raphael embodies French style and charm, featuring a stunning patio and a sought-after Eiffel Tower suite. I just hope they bring back the umlauts in their name—a quirky touch we adore!
Eco-Friendly Luxury: The Hôtel Raphael Story
An article in Leader Magazine with CEO Véronique Beauvais-Valcke highlights the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and its history**. Hôtel Raphael also owns the Hôtel Regina, another luxury spot near the Louvre, known for its Joan of Arc statue and spectacular Tuileries views. Well, it’s known by me for that statue cuz you know we love Jeanne d’Arc around here.
Though the article is a decade old, it demonstrates the hotel’s long-standing commitment to green practices. They prioritized sustainability aligning it with conscious travel values. Now that is lux.
Luxury with a Conscience
When choosing luxury, we aim for true opulence – and that includes a commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Hôtel Raphael is female-led, eco-friendly, and boasts excellent business practices—that’s got my attention!
I’m eager to visit Hotel Raphael, perhaps for a long weekend, and enjoy a rooftop café with a breathtaking view. I’ve got my sites set on that Paris Suite with the terrasse to have breakfast on that balcony. How great does that sound?!
Here’s to uncovering new places and supporting businesses that reflect our values. That’s a win-win. Je dig win-wins.
*As an astrologer and journalist, research and discovery are my passions (hello, 6 Sagittarius placements and key planets in the 8th, 9th, and 12th houses).
**If you have any updates on ownership or other information, please share—but I hope it’s good! Encouraging improvement is always worthwhile, right, even when unpleasant?!
Wants to know. Has some questions. Very Sag. Always up for pizza. Planning several trips. Big fan of joy. Wants to talk about it. All of them. Is sure we can figure out this whole living thing. Is rooting for you.
