SO/ Paris has found its place as an it-girl among Parisian hotels.
The aptly self-dubbed “Parisian lighthouse,” which celebrated its first birthday in September, is immensely cool and boasts one of the best views of the city we’ve experienced.
While we love what is considered a traditional Parisian abode for visitors, SO/ Paris strikes a different chord. It’s contemporary, bold, unique, and très chic—perfect for those who hinge on their lifestyle and travel choices on fashion.
“This is SO/ Paris, the new standard for a Parisian art of living, the creative and lifestyle signature of tomorrow’s hotel industry,” Stéfan Viard, director of SO/ Paris, said in press materials for the hotel, explaining the property’s essence.
The space, a converted municipal building, shows off as soon as guests walk into its lobby, which features a statement of an entrance: A signature scent wafts through cream-colored tulip columns that line a reception area facing amber-colored mirrors, creating what feels almost like modish thicket immediately immersing guests.
And the decor has meaning.
Denis Montel, who leads the design and architectural firm RDAI, which worked on SO/ Paris and has many accolades, including collaborations with Hermès, said in press materials that RDAI drew inspiration from Paris’ archives.
Montel listed examples including: “the geography of the Île Louviers and the roots of the city to design this universal and timeless symbol, this drop of water that ripples out into infinite circles,” he said, noting “at the SO/ Paris hotel, concentric circles, ricochets, vibrations, and good vibes emanate through all the decor.”
And the hip interior design thread is carried through the property. The rooms, brightly colored, are spacious with stocked mini-bars, comfortable beds, and special touches that add to the hotel’s character— that list includes a bulldog-shaped speaker.
But nothing beats the view. Situated along the Seine, SO/ Paris looks over the city with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and much of the town.
While many rooms within the hotel have access to that view, the best angle comes from the hotel’s rooftop bar, restaurant, and club, Bonnie, which is a Paris Society location. At Bonnie, guests can have breakfast, make a reservation for lunch or dinner, or take the elevator up to the bar for cocktails or clubbing.
SO/ Paris also offers access to a shared pool, a fitness center, and a spa, and it features creative activations in the hotel lobby, which are not to be missed.
While it’d be tough to exhaust the pleasures within SO/ Paris, the hotel’s location leaves nothing to be desired. Paris unfurls at its feet. The Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, Le Marais, and Quartier Latin are walkable from the hotel, offering plenty of entertainment, enrichment, shopping, and dining opportunities.
We’ll definitely keep SO/ Paris near the top of our list when we revisit the French city next.
Top Takeaways
Location: Paris, France
Star-Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Edgy and cool, perfect for the fashion set.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? The view – from some of the rooms and definitely from the rooftop bar and restaurant, Bonnie, too.
Food + Drink: Bonnie Restaurant, room service.
Any Neighborhood Recs? Bistrôt des Tournelles, Louvre Museum, Les Caves du Louvre, Notre Dame,
Amenities: Spa Maison CODAGE, Bonnie Restaurant, bar and club, fitness center, access to shared pool, creative activations in the lobby.
What’s Nearby? Notre Dame, 11th Arrondissement, 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais), Quartier Latin.
Rooms: 161 rooms and suites (139 rooms, 22 suites)
Pricing: Rooms start at €500 per night
Closest Airport: Paris-Orly Airport (30 mins), Charles de Gaulle (45 mins)
