Hôtel de Crillon

Hôtel de Crillon

Like the Ritz, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel is a case study in how to stay relevant in the 21st century. But while the Ritz carried on in the same splendid fashion as always, the Crillon blasted off in search of something new. The result is a fascinating postmodern triumph. In the end, the refurb took four years and the hotel reopened in 2017 under the Rosewood brand. The best of what was the best of the Crillon has been thoughtfully preserved, while the best of what is new (the bar, the barbershop, L’Ecrin restaurant, and the stupendous suites by Karl Lagerfeld) is gobsmacking in its boldness and daring.

After a day out on the town, relax in the Les Ambassadeurs lounge, which draws see-and-be-seen Parisians with live music and a selection of over 100 Champagnes, or in the new spa, with its indoor heated pool and treatments inspired by the beauty secrets of French grandmothers and great-grandmothers. The Crillon has long been a sentimental favorite among the French. It’s a splurge, but fans of French history and style or hotel junkies with a running list of global icons to check in to won’t be disappointed. Doubles from $1,300.