Romantic hotels in Paris for a couples getaway

Is there any idea more romantic than being whisked away for a weekend of decadence at the Ritz Paris? The city’s most iconic hotel has wooed guests ever since César Ritz opened its wrought iron, gilded gold doors back in 1898, and it’s no wonder that the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Maria Callas, Charlie Chaplin, and Wallace Simpson were all regular characters in the hotel’s legendary stories; Coco Chanel even famously moved in. Paris’s greatest grande dame has it all – good looks, elegance, charisma, and an understated old school glamour that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Every room, even the most petite, is simply gorgeous, dressed head-to-toe in 18th century-style finery with rich fabrics, period furnishings, and fresh flowers specifically chosen to match the decor. Marble bathrooms still have the wonderfully over-the-top gold swan taps designed by Ritz himself, and if you not you’re not already glowing from the flush of love, then wrap yourself up in one of the plush peach-hued towels and robes, chosen by Ritz.

Indulge in a day at the Ritz Club & Spa, where a grand double staircase leads down to a magnificent pool crowned with a fresco ceiling of blue skies and white clouds, or try afternoon tea by the fire at Salon Proust, one of the writer’s favourite spots for penning his characters. Elegant soirées begin with champagne at the classic Bar Vendôme, martinis at Bar Hemingway, or with one of Romain de Courcy’s surprising cocktail creations at the Ritz Bar, and end with a romantic dinner at Espadon, the one Michelin-starred restaurant originally opened by culinary maestro Auguste Escoffier. And as tempting as it might be to order breakfast in bed, petit-déjeuner in the palatial Salon Marie Louise, which was inspired by Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors, is truly fit for a king or queen (of hearts).

Price: Rooms from around £1,820 per night.