Paris might be the ‘City of Love,’ but love doesn’t always come cheap. The city is ranked as the second most expensive in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit, and yet millions of tourists flock to the French capital every year to experience its unique culture and sights.

If you want to indulge, pamper and live la belle vie, then Paris is absolutely the right city for you. From iconic five-star institutions and hotels with palace status, to ornate bedrooms, Michelin-starred restaurants and divine spas, all in locations close to the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre; Paris is a city that oozes style and sophistication. But if you have a taste for the finer things on offer, a stay in some of the city’s top hotels can set you back more than a whopping €1,000 a night.

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage just to stay in a decent hotel in Paris. Yes, the city does five-star luxe very well, but there are also some surprising bargains to be had. Enter, then, a host of fantastic hotels and hostels where it’s possible to find a chic abode for less than €100 a night. They’re clean, comfortable, well maintained, and even stylish. So whatever your budget, whether you scrimp or splurge, here’s our guide to the 10 most expensive hotels in the city, and 10 of the best budget gems.

21 20. The By-Word In Luxury - Ritz Paris ($$$)

According to a 2018 survey by Luxury-Hotels.com, the iconic Ritz Paris is the most expensive hotel in the city and visitors considering a stay can expect to pay a minimum of €1,300 for the most affordable double room in the month of June. What you’re paying for is prestige by the champagne bucket-load. This is a hotel built on reputation and pedigree.

Expect period furniture and paintings à la Louis XV, gold swan taps, patterned carpets, Empire-style lamps, chandeliers, canopied beds, and embossed velvet sofas. The hotel also has the world's first Chanel spa and a galleried indoor pool, kept at a tropical 31°C.

20 19. Uber-Cool Cabins And More: YOOMA Urban Lodge (Budget-friendly)

With a façade designed by French conceptual artist Daniel Buren, this riverside hotel is a modern work of art. There are 106 rooms - sporting funky bold shades of red, yellow, blue or green - and the larger rooms sleep four or six guests, with cabin bunk beds or 'pods' with sliding doors. Yooma is also a restaurant and cookery school and the chef cooks with home-grown produce from the rooftop garden.

The hotel’s location is outstanding, with the Eiffel Tower just 1km down the road. Double rooms start at €70.

19 18. Designer Chic Will Cost You At Hôtel De Crillon ($$$)

Enjoying an unrivalled position overlooking Place De La Concorde, this hotel is where Marie Antoinette learned to play the piano. It’s also where, for an eye-watering $38,000 per night, guests can stay in one of two mega-suites designed by the renowned Karl Lagerfeld.

Recently renovated throughout, the 18th-century building has accommodated Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and, more recently, Madonna and Taylor Swift. A wealth of new VIP perks include an in-house barber shop, custom fitted with chairs made from 1960s Aston Martin leather interiors, and a brand-new subterranean pool with gleaming gold tiles.

18 17. An Affordable Slice Of Provincial France In Paris' Hippest District: Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc (Budget-friendly)

Located in the Marais, one of Paris’ hippest districts, this three-star hotel has enjoyed a recent facelift and all 34 of its rooms have been given an elegant makeover with neutral tones and splashes of muted colour.

Most rooms are decently sized and can sleep three or four, which makes it popular with families. There are tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms, a simple but varied breakfast, and free wi-fi. Don’t forget to check out the trendy bars and restaurants on its doorstep. Doubles from around €77.

17 16. On The Front Row Of Fashion: Hôtel Plaza Athénée ($$$)

A grand dame in Paris, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is perfectly positioned for those wanting to explore the city’s haute couture fashion boutiques on the famed Avenue Montaigne. Built in 1913, the lodging has been a home away from home for fashion designers, models, movie stars and other A-listers. Not to mention, the Athénée’s own star turn on the silver screen, having featured in SATC and The Devil Wears Prada.

Guests here stay in luxurious comfort overlooking either the Eiffel Tower or the charming courtyard. Alain Ducasse, world-renowned multiple Michelin-starred chef, oversees all the hotel kitchens, and at night the cocktail bar is the place to be seen. Rooms can set you back more than €1,000 per night.

16 15: Unpretentious, Effortlessly Stylish And Totally Affordable: MOB Hotel (Budget-friendly)

This ground-breaking hotel, near the city's largest flea market in northern Paris, oozes urban flair, with its trendy music bar, organic restaurant and summertime garden. Buddhist temple bells herald your arrival through the front door, films are screened after dark, and at the weekend you can expect DJ sets, concerts, readings and barbecues. There are two rooftop sun terraces with chaises longues between raised vegetable beds.

There are 92 minimal Scandi-style rooms and the most basic doubles start from €98.

15 14: Pay For Paradise All The Year Through At The Four Seasons Hôtel George V ($$$)

Palatial comfort, remarkable flower displays and gastronomy to die for - it’s no wonder the Four Seasons is regularly elected by professionals as the world’s finest hotel.

Ideally located in Paris’ “Golden Triangle,” just steps from the Champs-Elysées, there is plenty of high-end fashion shopping to enjoy on the hotel’s doorstep, so it’s just as well suites all have vast dressing rooms. In fact, the largest Royal and Presidential suites come with lounge, office, dining room and kitchen areas, and all rooms are decorated with classic French furnishings.

One night for two people can cost upward of €1,100

14 13. Good Rates, Great Welcome: Hotel Port Royal (Budget-friendly)

This family-run hotel makes for a simple but comfortable option for travellers who are looking for nothing more than somewhere to lay their heads at night. Rooms are small and the decor isn’t fancy. In fact, some of the rooms only have a sink, with shared toilets and showers are on the landing. It’s pretty retro but it’s clean, well maintained, and the staff will do their best to make you feel at home.

It’s situated in the leafy fifth arrondissement, near the Sorbonne and a short stroll from the Jardin des Plantes. Best of all, rooms start from around €67.

13 12. Cool And Contemporary 5-Star Style at The Mandarin Oriental Paris ($$$)

Situated on Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most fashionable streets in the world, Mandarin Oriental lies in the heart of Paris. The building is an old typical 1930’s Parisian block of flats, only a short walk from the Louvre, which used to house government offices. Now the building boasts glamour, with rooms designed in an Art Deco style, and Asian influences such as cherry wood panelling and fine silks.

With cutting-edge cuisine, deliciously light dishes and tantalising cocktails in sophisticated surroundings, the Mandarin Oriental’s bar and restaurants are among the best in Paris. You can have all this for a little over €1,100 per night

12 11. A Quirky Budget Option - Mama Shelter Paris (Budget-friendly)

Mama Shelter is in an offbeat corner of northeast Paris, in an area once frequented by Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. Still today it enjoys a mix of picturesque houses and alternative bars.

Bedrooms are quirky and the ground floor offers a real social space, with a shared table for pizza and a graffiti-ceilinged restaurant and island bar. The restaurant offers simple and homemade cuisine and during sunny days, the beautiful rooftop is open for you to enjoy, offering a panoramic urban view of the city. Double rooms are around €78.

11 10. A Long-Established Reputation For Luxury - Le Bristol ($$$)

Open since 1925, Le Bristol is a long-established and distinguished hotel in one of the city’s most fashionable streets. Its 188 rooms and suites have undergone extensive refurbishment, and are spacious and bright, decorated in classic eighteenth-century style with a fresh, floral twist.

Epicure, the hotel’s three Michelin star-rated gastronomic restaurant, is absolutely top-notch and opens out onto the magnificent French-style hotel garden. Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie stretches over three floors and is equipped with eight treatment rooms, including two twin rooms, a gym, a hair salon and a children’s play area.

This hotel makes five-star service seem effortless. But rooms do cost around €780 per night.

10 9. A New Breed Of Hostel: Generator Hostel (Budget-friendly)

The word hostel used to be a byword for skanky showers and snoring dorm mates, but Generator are a chain of hostels breaking away from the stereotypes, with their fun, stylish interiors.

At its Paris location, you can expect a fantastic rooftop bar with views towards the Sacré-Coeur, a brasserie, free wi-fi and the cool Canal Saint-Martin district on the doorstep.

If you want to avoid snoring dorm mates altogether, opt for the private rooms which come with twin or quad beds. Dorm beds start at €17.

9 8. Old-World Elegance Comes With A Price Tag At The Shangri La ($$$)

Built in 1896 as the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the grand nephew of Napoleon, this hotel combines a sense of history and grandeur with sophistication. But it doesn’t come cheap at around €1,100 per night.

For your money, you can get breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine, use of the largest indoor pool in Paris, and an old-world elegance that creates a uniquely Parisian experience.

Apart from the modern Penthouse Suite and the Imperial Suite, which have nymphs dancing across the bathroom walls and a butler's kitchen, the 81 bedrooms and suites are calmly classical, recalling the French grand lifestyle.

8 7. Get Your Groove On At The Idol Hotel (Budget-friendly)

This super affordable disco-themed hotel, where the rooms are named after classic tunes such as “Light My Fire” and “Lady Soul,’ is shamelessly kitsch and bold, not to mention fantastically fun.

Individually decorated rooms and suites come with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and Bluetooth sound systems, as well as Nespresso machines and minibars. Plus, the Idol Hotel is only a seven-minute walk from Gare Saint-Lazare train station and an eight-minute walk from Parc Monceau. Best of all, doubles start from €90.

7 6. Enjoy Striking Contemporary Art at The Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme ($$$)

Overlooking the fashionable Rue de la Paix and within walking distance of Place Vendôme and Opéra Garnier, this is the perfect luxury hotel for those looking for a less fussy, classic interior. Conceived by renowned designer Ed Tuttle, the hotel has a sensual, understated elegance that extends throughout – from the lavish hotel suites to the captivating social areas and impressive meeting venues.

Even though it’s located a few minutes away from the Louvre, the Park Hyatt features a lot of contemporary artists’ works on permanent display, so you don’t even need to leave your hotel to discover amazing art. But at €1,150 a night, a museum is definitely a cheaper option.

6 5. Great For A Cost-Conscious Stopover: CitizenM Gare De Lyon (Budget-friendly)

With three different hotels in Paris, the most central being that at the Gare de Lyon, this international brand of design-led, cost-conscious hotels proves that a budget price of around €84 per night doesn’t mean sacrificing service, decor and facilities.

The Gare de Lyon hotel has 338 rooms, with luxury linen on the beds, an in-room power shower and unlimited free movies. The rooms are a bit on the small size but the communal areas offer plenty of space, with neutral decor and plenty of room to sit back and unwind after a busy day’s sightseeing.

5 4. A Royal Atmosphere For A Grand Price - Le Meurice ($$$)

Back in the 19th century, Le Meurice was frequented by aristocrats, writers, sovereigns, and Dali was a regular guest during his lifetime. These days, it’s a favourite spot for politicians and celebs, and it’s easy to see why.

The place maintains a royal atmosphere without feeling stuffy. There are chandeliers and marble galore but the place still maintains a sense of humour - there is also a frosted mirror in the entrance hall where guests can doodle or sign their autograph.

The gourmet restaurant was created by six-star chef Alain Ducasse, and for those really wanting to splash the cash, the Belle Etoile penthouse has its own private lift, butler's pantry and 360° views from its rooftop terrace. Compared to some of the hotels on this list, at just above €700 per night, it seems like a 'reasonable' price tag.

4 4. For The Budget Eco-Traveller: Solar Hotel (Budget-friendly)

The pricing policy of this eco-friendly budget hotel is dedicated to being transparent, with everything included in the room price and no surprises. Doubles start from €89 and the price includes a generous organic breakfast, wifi, phone calls and bicycles to borrow to explore the city.

Rooms are simple with white walls and splashes of colour and some have balconies overlooking the leafy courtyard garden. Among the hotel’s many ecological initiatives, there are solar panels, energy-saving lightbulbs, and waste is sorted for recycling.

3 3. A Peaceful Retreat On The Champs-Elysées: The Paris Marriott Champs-Elysées Hotel ($$$)

Bang on the famous Champs-Elysées, this hotel is a 10 minutes’ walk away from the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais museums. You can choose either a room that overlooks the Champs or a room overlooking the courtyard.

The rooms are simple, with no excessive embellishments, making them homely as opposed to some of the city’s more opulent hotels. The hotel has three restaurants and a lounge bar, the Atrium. You can eat either local meals at the restaurant, or more international cooking at the Marriott Square and the Adjoining Terrace.

With an average price of €450 to €800 per room, it’s probably the best value five-star hotel in the city.

2 2. Retro-Chic Comes Cheap At Hotel Ekta (Budget-friendly)

This converted modern office building features funky 1970s-inspired decor, monochrome rooms with colourful accents, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and tea and coffeemakers.

Friendly, intimate and comfortable, with a wood-decked garden terrace, Hotel Ekta is in a good location, too - just a two-minute walk from the Champs-Elysées, a six-minute walk from Charles de Gaulle Étoile RER A station and 3km from the Eiffel Tower.

There's no restaurant but hot dishes are available from room service in the evening and double rooms start from around €80 a night.