Best Hotels In Paris: Understanding How They Are Supporting The City’s Tourism Today

Apr 28, 2025

Last Updated on: Nov 14, 2025

Europe

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture. 

I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart’hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me.

Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year. 

This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028

However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city

So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices. 

Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City

Best Hotels In Paris_ Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City

The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists. 

France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million

Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue. 

This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024. 

We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.

The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city

But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget.

It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs.

A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors?

A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors

A shared market space! 

This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy. 

Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor.

Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.  

Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023. 

Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris” and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.”

Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics

Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered. 

The rate discounting that’s happened, the occupancy levels, they’re definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”
Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse

Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience. 

Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry. 

Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals. 

So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France. 

Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It?

Overtourism In Paris_ How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It

The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services. 

During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists. 

Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism. 

A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.  

For example, The Ascott Limited’s sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources.

Showing Commitment To Sustainability

The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status. 

Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028. 

The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are:

  • Respect
  • Alliance
  • Community
  • Environment 
  • Supply Chain

Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business.

“The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. 
We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.
Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council

With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Overall, the 2000-kilometer scenic route of Levada trails consists of waterfalls, greenery, and mountain peaks.  2. Feel The Ancient Connection In The Laurisilva Forest: A Precious Experience In Nature You can hike through the Laurisilva Forest and feel ancient times speaking to you. The trails here are suitable for hikers of all skill levels.  Also, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to diverse flora and fauna. So, with some patience, you will be able to spot wildlife here.  3. Enjoy The Thrill Of Walking On The Cabo Girão Skywalk Cabo Girão in Madeira is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Cabo Girão Skywalk is located at a height of 580 meters, and as you walk through this transparent glass platform, you can see the stunning coastline of Madeira.  4. Relax In Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Madeira is famous for its volcanic rock formations, and nowhere is this more evident than in Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.  These pools are filled with crystal-clear seawater and surrounded by dramatic black lava rocks. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 5. Wander Through Funchal’s Mercado Dos Lavradores And Buy Fresh Produce Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores, or the Farmers’ Market, is a place of bustling energy with exotic fruits, fresh produce, local cheese, and Madeira wine.  Don’t forget to buy specialties such as custard apples and passion fruits.  6. Tour Madeira’s Wine Cellars: A Unique Cultural Experience  Don’t miss a visit to the Madeira wine cellars and see the process of making fortified wine. You can even taste the best ones brewed and be a part of the guided tours conducted by some cellars.  7. Take A Cable Car To Monte For A Wonderful View Of The Funchal Coastline You can go for a cable car ride from the City Center to the town of Monte. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Funchal and the surrounding coastline.  The Monte Palace and Church of Our Lady of Monte are two notable attractions on this route.  8. Go Whale Watching Or Dolphin Spotting: How About Some Marine Fun? Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for marine wildlife spotting. April to October is the best time for these marine wildlife spotting tours.  Funchal is the main hub of these tours, and you can spot the adorable animals on a catamaran trip, sailing trips, and fast boats.  9. A Food Tour In Madeira: This Is Something You Don’t Want To Miss The local food of Madeira stands out with the use of exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and rich flavors. Try grilled meat on skewers or Espetada, salted cod or Bacalhau, and Madeiran flatbread such as Bolo do Caco.  Like Moroccan food, food in Madeira also has bread as a staple. Moreover, Madeira Cake is something that gives you a taste of the famous Madeira wine. It’s a dessert.  10. Know About The Rural Heritage Of Madeira At The Town of Santana The rural areas in Madeira still follow a lifestyle that speaks of the island’s history. The town of Santana is especially a place that preserves the rural heritage of the island at its best.  The houses here are triangular and they have thatched roofs. They are also colorfully painted.  Where To Stay In Madeira Portugal?  The best place to stay in Madeira Portugal depends on the kind of experience you want. Have a look at the table below to decide where to stay in Madeira.  Places to Stay in MadeiraExperience You Will Get Funchal• Vibrant Nightlife• Bustling Market• Cultural Exploration in the Historic Old TownPonta do Sol• Resort Experience• Beaches And Coastline• Ideal for RelaxationMachico• Local Experience• Peaceful and Ideal for Family Vacations• Conveniently Located for the Island ExplorationSão Vicente• Rural Experience• Traveling through the Central TunnelsSeixal• Natural Setting• Picturesque View of the North Coast Madeira Wine Route: The Crown Jewel Of Tourism In Madeira Portugal  The Wine Festival in Madeira in August-September is the pride of the local ethnographic and cultural identity. You never know when a wine cellar or brewer in rural Madeira will present you with a century-old elixir.  Nevertheless, irrespective of the time of your visit, you can visit the following places for a delightful wine tour in Madeira. 1. Between São Vicente And Seixal It is an iconic route filled with vine trails by the sea. So, it is ideal for a mixed experience of a coastal getaway and wine tourism.  2. Estreito De Câmara De Lobos Estreito de Câmara de Lobos covers an area starting from the coast to Jardim da Serra, which is at a height of 600 meters.  It is the largest vineyard area in Madeira.  3. Experimental Viticulture Station Located in Arco de São Jorge, the Experimental Viticulture Station is the best location to learn about wine production and the heritage of Madeira wine.  It has a vine and a wine museum. 4. Quinta De Santa Luzia Quinta de Santa Luzia belongs to the Blandy family, who still follow the traditions of Madeiran farms.  They still produce some grape varieties, which were used in the Madeira Wine Company’s wines.  5. Fajã Do Barro Viewpoint This viewpoint in Porto Moniz will present a never-ending stretch of vineyards in front of you. Moreover, from here you will see the vineyards of Fajã de Manuel and how the Atlantic embraces the coastal landscape of Arrudal da Ribeira da Janela.  6. Ginjas Enjoy the most fascinating view of the São Vicente valley from Ginjas. Here, you will notice vineyards on both sides of the mountain.  Madeira Portugal: Some Fun Facts That Truly Make This Atlantic Gem Special  Madeira has one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world, and during the springtime, it hosts one of the most vibrant flower festivals.  1. The Largest Fireworks Displays In Madeira Madeira celebrates New Year’s Eve with great pomp. Also, it once held the Guinness World Record for hosting the biggest firework display.  It took place at Funchal.  2. Flower Festival In Madeira  With its mild climate and volcanic terrain, Madeira gets an abundance of flowers such as orchids, bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, etc.  The local markets also gear up during this festival, and traditional performances by children and adults celebrate the Madeiran tradition.  Madeira, Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Madeira, Portugal.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira, Portugal? April to June is the best time to visit Madeira. Along with being the season of the iconic flower festival, it is also the ideal time for spotting whales and dolphins.  2. How Far Is Madeira From Lisbon? It takes around 90 minutes to reach Madeira from Lisbon. There is no road connectivity. However, you can take a luxury cruise ride to the port city of Funchal.  3. Is Maderira Cheap or Expensive? Madeira is a more budget-friendly destination compared to other European cities and countries. There are many budget-friendly hotels, and local food here is also affordable. However, car rentals and short-term vacation rentals here can be a little expensive. A package for a person for a Madeira trip for 3 nights and 4 days can be around $1000.  4. Which Is Better, the Azores Or Madeira?  Your choice between Madeira and the Azores will depend on the kind of experience you want. The Azores, with its dramatic volcanic landscape, is more ideal for outdoor adventures. From a protected marine sanctuary to the hot springs, it also shows a massive geological diversity. Madeira, on the other hand, despite being a dolphin and whale spotting hub, has a more relaxed vibe. It is great for wine tasting, urban experiences, and cultural exploration.  Read Also: Lisbon To Porto Distance: Different Ways To Travel, Accommodation Options, And More “Winter Is Coming!” Where Is Hot In October? Explore Places To Visit In Europe Lisbon to Algarve Distance: Know The Best Ways To Travel And More