I often get asked what is my favorite hotel to stay in when I am in the City of Light. I travel often to Paris and since I do not have a pied a terre (yet!) in the city, I am always looking for a new neighborhood or arrondissement to stay in - either in apartments to rent or boutique hotels. 

Here are 5 hotels that I have had the pleasure of staying at recently that make the top of the list:

1) Castille

33-37 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris *****

This  hotel has to be one of my absolute favorite hotels in Paris - firstly, for its location, (which is particularly great for first time visitors) but for also the staff and the ambience of the hotel. This 5-star hotel is located in the 1er arrondissement right in the heart of the city and next to the Maison Chanel. Head south and it is a short walk to the Seine, Tuileries garden and the Louvre, or head North and you are steps away from Madeleine and the Palais Garnier. 

The rooms and suites are quiet, elegantly appointed, with comfortable beds, nice linens and fabulous toiletries. The welcome amuse bouches is always a nice touch. The breakfast is outstanding with table service of fresh juices and smoothies and a large interesting buffet. The breakfast room is also lovely with indoor and outdoor seating available during breakfast or for afternoon tea or coupe de champagne. The staff at the Castille are the nicest folks  - always willing to help with reservations or just hang around for a chat. It's a luxury hotel with a comfortable feel with 108 rooms and 26 suites.

2) Hotel du Petit Moulin

29 Rue de Poitou, 75003 Paris ****

This hotel oozes charm from the minute you walk through the boulangerie doors. Don't let the hotel door entrance fool you - the old bakery entrance opens the way to a charming hotel, with attentive staff and a great location for exploring all of the Marais.

It was originally the oldest bakery in Paris and it's facade is currently listed as an historical monument. This hotel is designed by Christian Lacroix and the rooms are generous and comfortable and quiet for sleeping. There are 16 rooms and one suite to choose from. This is a new favorite of ours!

3) Maison Saintonge

16, rue de Saintonge 75003 Paris ****

This has to be one of the sweetest hotels in the Marais. Steps from all there is to see, do and dine in the area, this hotel is so conveniently located. My room was facing the street - but was quiet for sleeping and had a lovely bathtub which is a welcome retreat after a rainy day walking the streets of Paris.

The charming épicerie located in the lobby of the hotel is also a welcome surprise.

4) Hotel Monge

55, rue Monge 75005 Paris ****

Let's hop over to the right bank for this charming small hotel in the 5th arrondissement. This 30 room hotel is located close to the Jardin des Plantes, Place Monge weekly market, and the Sorbonne. The room I stayed in was cozy and comfortable....perfect for solo travel. Don't miss the view from the back elevator - a bird's eye view of the Arènes de Lutece, a partial roman amphitheater tucked in behind the streets of Paris.

5) Maison Athenee

I stayed here for two nights on my most recent trip to Paris. Conveniently located on rue de Caumartin and across the street from the entrance to the Place de Édouard VII this small hotel really loves to adorn the walls in fabric! My room (#501) was covered in a charming toile on every surface but I found the little sitting room with desk and bedroom with ensuite perfect for my needs and budget. Breakfast served in the room was a nice treat each morning and just enough to kick start the day.