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Hôtel de Sers: The Paris hotel that feels like your own private mansion

Inside Hôtel de Sers, a beautifully restored Paris mansion steps from the Champs-Élysées

Hôtel de Sers
Hôtel de Sers

Tucked onto a quiet street in the 8th arrondissement, just moments from the Champs-Élysées and the luxury boutiques of Avenue Montaigne, Hôtel de Sers somehow manages to feel both central and incredibly cozy.

Step outside and you’re surrounded by Paris at its most glamorous. Designer storefronts, cute cafes, perfectly dressed Parisians walking tiny dogs. But walk back through the hotel’s front doors and everything instantly slows down. It feels calm, intimate, and even a bit residential.

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Which makes sense. Because it actually was a residence.

Wait… this used to be a mansion?

If Hôtel de Sers feels like a private Parisian home, that’s because it once was one.

The building originally belonged to Henri-Léopold Charles, Marquis de Sers, and the property still carries plenty of its Haussmannian grandeur. During the recent renovation, many of the historic details were carefully preserved.

You still enter through the original carriage entrance. A grand marble staircase with delicate wrought iron curls upward through the building. The original salon de réception remains intact with ornate moldings and soaring ceilings.

A renovation that makes the rooms even better

The hotel recently underwent a major renovation that quietly upgraded nearly everything without losing its character.

More than half the rooms now feature private terraces, many with Eiffel Tower views. Yes, the Eiffel Tower. One suite even offers a view from the bathroom, which might be the most Parisian thing imaginable.

Three new Signature Suites sit on the top floor and feel more like elegant apartments than hotel rooms.

The Eiffel Suite lives up to its name with uninterrupted tower views and warm tones of wood and ivory. The Panoramic Suite feels airy and dramatic thanks to a glass roof above the living room and huge windows overlooking the rooftops of Paris. And the Marquis’ Apartment resembles a sophisticated Parisian family home, with light oak floors, soft tapestries, and subtle gold accents throughout.

We stayed in an Executive Suite, which was still beautiful. Think French balconies overlooking the courtyard, lots of natural light, and just enough space to open a bottle of champagne and pretend you live there.

The quiet courtyard you didn’t expect

One of the hotel’s biggest surprises (and one of my favorite features) sits right in the middle of the property.

A peaceful interior courtyard filled with citrus trees and teak furniture offers a rare outdoor retreat in one of Paris’ busiest neighborhoods. Considering you’re steps from Avenue Montaigne, finding a calm garden space like this feels like discovering a secret.

The little touches that make it feel personal

Big luxury hotels can be incredible, but they can also feel a little anonymous.

That’s where Hôtel de Sers shines.

When we arrived, the general manager greeted us at the door. Staff throughout the stay were genuinely friendly without feeling overly formal. It immediately made the hotel feel more personal.

The property also recently introduced a wellness area in partnership with French wellness brand Calma Paris. Guests can book massages, relax in the traditional hammam or sauna, or visit the fitness studio.

Breakfast in the morning is simple and relaxed. A small buffet of pastries and fruit sits alongside eggs made to order (which I am still dreaming about, by the way). 

Paris right outside your door

Location-wise, it’s hard to beat.

The Champs-Élysées is only a few steps away, and the Eiffel Tower is about a 15 minute walk. You can easily spend the day wandering between landmarks before retreating back to the quiet comfort of the hotel.

I love a grand hotel. The Ritz. A Hilton. All great.

But there’s something special about a smaller place like Hôtel de Sers. It feels lived in. Relaxed. Almost like you’ve borrowed someone’s very beautiful Parisian mansion for the weekend.

And after this stay, I think that might be the best way to experience the city.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio
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