The Paris palace hotel swimming pools are one of the ‘hidden’ features of our city.
Spending a day poolside – or spa-side – in these luxurious hideaways is a great way to leave the hustle and bustle of Paris behind for a little while.
Here’s our pick of the top hotels and their indulgent havens for relaxation.
What are the Paris palace hotel swimming pools?
The French capital is famous for its fine hotels, renowned as some of the best in the world.
It’s estimated that the city has around 2000 hotels in total, but of course, they are not all the same.
‘Palace’ hotels are the best of the best. These luxury establishments offer the highest levels of accommodation, facilities, and service. Going beyond 5-star, it’s a title created by the Ministry of Tourism that recognizes the exceptional qualities that embody French standards of excellence.
As you’d expect, Palace hotels offer pools and spas that among the finest in Paris. It’s these hidden havens that are one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
You might also like to take a look at some of the recent luxury hotel openings in our blog here.
Ritz Paris
Let’s start with probably the most famous. The Ritz. The name alone suggests impeccable quality.
And at the Ritz Paris, the swimming pool and spa do not disappoint.
Recently refurbished, this spa is now accessible directly from outside on Place Vendôme, not just by walking through the hotel.
The new theme is floral – edelweiss, iris, orchid, and rose artwork adorns the walls – while ornate porcelain flowers cover the ceilings.
Surrounded by columns and frescoes – and half a million mosaic tiles – along with the large 16-meter pool there are two Jacuzzis, treatment rooms, a private club, hairdresser, bar, beauty boutique, and gym.
It’s every bit as indulgent as you’d expect from one of the world’s most famous hotels.
A few years ago, the hotel underwent a top to bottom makeover, something we covered in a blog at the time.
Shangri-La Paris
A former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La Paris is a Palace hotel facing the Eiffel Tower from across the Seine.
It reflects both Asian hospitality and French art de vivre, and one of its two restaurants has a Michelin star.
The swimming pool and spa are as opulent as you’d expect, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon.
Named ‘Chi’ in a nod to the Asian-French fusion of the hotel, there’s a 17-meter pool at the center. Unlike most other pools in Paris, it’s bathed in natural light and opens out onto a spectacular green terrace within the hotel grounds.
The Spa - Pool ©Shangri-La Paris
Hotel de Crillon
Commissioned by King Louis XV in the 18th century, the Hotel de Crillon sits just north of Place de la Concorde. It’s one of the most iconic Palace hotels in the capital, fully refurbished back in 2017.
The hotel’s sumptuous spa is set across two floors. At the heart is a stunning swimming pool with golden fish scale tiles at the bottom – there are 17,600 of them!
For the full experience, go for a swim then relax in the hammam. Follow that with an infrared sauna, detoxifying Himalayan salt wall, and revitalizing ‘experience’ shower.
Le Bristol Paris
Le Bristol Paris is the city’s first-ever Palace hotel. And the swimming pool really has the wow factor – it’s set on the top floor of the hotel with a sweeping vista over the rooftops of Paris.
Flooded with natural light, it has a nautical feel, almost like you’re sailing on a classic cruise liner – the designer also created the Onassis’s private yacht.
After your swim, you can sit back with a drink on the sun deck, taking in the spectacular city views across to the Eiffel Tower.