My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new hotel review on the Mr.M blog. I believe that many of you remember your stay in a city precisely because of the hotel where you had the opportunity to stay. Apart from the unusual hotel experience, some hotels are also remembered for the unusual story associated with the hotel. Hôtel Napoleon Paris belongs to that rare type of hotel that sticks in your memory for both reasons.
Located just a few steps from the Arc de Triomphe, this five-star gem carries almost a century of Parisian history. And I had the opportunity to experience that history from the inside, from my own apartment, with a view of the rooftops of the eighth arrondissement.
In this text, I guide you through everything that makes this hotel special. I write about its origin, about the love story behind the walls, about the famous guests who stayed here and about the atmosphere that still exudes Parisian charm. I also share my personal experience from the Suite Avenue apartment with a connected Superior room. Of course, there is also a short guide to the sights that every visitor to Paris should visit.
WHERE IS THE HOTEL NAPOLEON PARIS LOCATED?
The address of this hotel says it all. Hôtel Napoleon Paris is located at 40 avenue Friedland, in the heart of the eighth arrondissement. It is just a few steps from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. Charles de Gaulle – Étoile metro station is only a minute’s walk away. This gives you quick access to all the important Parisian districts.
The eighth arrondissement is considered a quarter of luxury and elegance. In its vicinity are the world’s most famous fashion houses. Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are a few minutes’ walk away. This makes this hotel an ideal base for shopping, business meetings and sightseeing of the main monuments.
What immediately won me over was the peacefulness of this location. Although it is located in the heart of the bustling eighth arrondissement, the hotel actually seems like a secluded and quiet oasis. The noise of the avenue remains outside, while inside there is a calm, almost familial tone that is rarely found in the center of a big city.
THE HISTORY OF HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A LOVE STORY BEHIND THE WALLS
Many hotels build their image on luxury. Hôtel Napoleon Paris builds it on emotion. Behind the facade hides one of the most beautiful Parisian love stories.
The building was built in 1928. Architect Henri Porteau designed opulent and elegant lines inspired by the Empire style. It was built on the site of Tolstoy’s former family building. Soon after the opening came a change of fate.
During the rise of 1928, a rich and eccentric Russian merchant named Alexander Pavlovitch Kliaguine fell in love with a young student. They met at a literary salon, and love ignited at first sight. As a wedding present, he gave her this very hotel. He wanted to give his bride a place to host Parisian high society.
And that’s how the address with soul was born. A magnificent building that was never just a palace, nor quite a home, but something in between. It is a place that welcomes you, not a place that overshadows you. You feel exactly that difference as soon as you step inside.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: ONE FAMILY, ALMOST A CENTURY
One fact is particularly fascinating. Hôtel Napoleon still belongs to the Kliaguine family, and the new generation, now in the position of general director, still lives in the hotel with its family. This does not end the story of love in the past. It lasts almost a century and is felt in every detail.
That family thread also explains the special attention to the guest. The staff doesn’t seem to be doing the job. It feels like welcoming you into a home where you will be loved as if you were an expected friend or part of the family. During my stay, I felt that difference in tone and attention more than once, especially in the details that set this hotel apart from others.
Over time, the hotel became the center of Russian cultural life in Paris. The artistic taste and business intuition of the Klyagin family contributed to this. Traces of that heritage can be seen in the portraits and photographs throughout the hotel.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON: FAMOUS GUESTS WHO WROTE HISTORY
The guest list sounds like a survey of twentieth-century cultural history. During its history, the hotel has hosted many distinguished personalities, including Prince Felix Yusupov, Ivan Bunin, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, Salvador Dali, Errol Flynn, Orson Welles, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Josephine Baker.
A special place belongs to one actor. The hotel was immortalized thanks to Jean Gabin, one of the most famous French actors, in several of his films from the 1930s. Errol Flynn gave the hotel the nickname “The Place”.
Prince Felix Yusupov deserves additional attention. He was a regular guest of the hotel and a friend of Alexander Kliaguine. One of the apartments is named after him. His signed portrait today adorns the wall in the rooms, which gives the stay additional historical weight.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: ARCHITECTURE AND THE SPIRIT OF THE INTERIOR
Hôtel Napoleon Paris has a unique title. It is the only hotel completely decorated with Napoleonic art and furnished in the style of the Directory. The theme of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte runs through the entire building. You can see it in paintings, vases, portraits and small decorative details.
The facade bears the year of foundation written in golden letters. Above the entrance proudly stands the inscription Hôtel Napoleon 1928. This sight alone announces what awaits you inside. The exterior is Art Deco in style, with golden columns framing the windows.
The hotel has a total of 96 rooms and suites. Among them are 57 elegant and spacious apartments. They are spread over seven floors. Some overlook the flowery courtyard, others the beautiful Friedland Avenue.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: LOBBY, STAIRCASE AND NAPOLEON ART
The story begins already on the ground floor. The lobby combines old luxury and modern comfort. Green velvet sofas and armchairs with a leopard print create a warm and slightly playful atmosphere. Portraits hang on the walls, and porcelain vases with Napoleon motifs stand on the shelves.
The staircase is a separate story. Next to it are framed drawings of soldiers and officers from the Napoleonic era. The marble floor is decorated with a Greek meander, a recognizable ornament of the Empire. Climbing that staircase feels like walking through a small gallery of history.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH HÔTEL NAPOLEON SUITE AVENUE
I stayed in Suite Avenue, connected to the Superior Room. That combination proved to be the right measure of space and comfort. Suite Avenue covers about 44 square meters and accommodates up to four people. It provides enough space for both rest and work.
The main master bedroom makes a strong impression. Above the headboard falls a sumptuous drapery in red and gold, with motifs inspired by the style of the Empire. A dark headboard, a white bedding set and pillows with a small red pattern make the scene festive. On either side of the bed are black round bedside tables with gold trim.
The connected Superior Room brought a different atmosphere. It is dominated by the purple silk drapery over the bed and the walls with soft stripes. The superior rooms have a typically Parisian charm and overlook the flowery courtyard or the pretty avenue Friedland. That duality of space gave me both privacy and freedom of movement.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: THE DETAILS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE ROOM
The suite exudes attention to detail. A box of handmade chocolate balls greeted me on the bedside table. Inside the cover was a delicate drawing of the avenue with the Arc de Triomphe. Such a gesture immediately gives you an insight into the exceptional level of service that awaits you.
The room also has a small library. Books in Russian, French, English and other languages are on the shelves. Beside them, a small figure of a lion stands guard. That collection of books reminds one more time of the literary origin of the whole story about the hotel.
Technical equipment follows a high standard. All rooms and apartments have individual air conditioning, which was completely renovated in 2024. High-speed Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the property, and every room has a mini-bar that is replenished daily with soft drinks. A safe and a robe complete the experience.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A MARBLE BATHROOM MADE FOR SLOW MORNINGS
The bathroom follows the classic aesthetics of the entire hotel. All bathrooms are lined with light marble and invite you to relax. Mine had a deep soaking tub and hand held shower, along with a spacious sink with chrome faucets.
A marble mosaic in the shape of a wind rose attracts attention on the floor of one bathroom. Red, green and beige stones are arranged in a star pattern. Such detail is rarely seen and shows how much they invested in every corner. Cosmetics have a recognizable signature. Nuxe products from the rêve de miel line, based on honey, are on the sink and in the shower. In addition to them, I also found small attentions such as a shower cap. All this makes the morning routine more pleasant.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: SLIPPERS, A ROBE AND THE WORLD LEFT OUTSIDE
Small objects make a big impression. A soft terry dressing gown and slippers embroidered with the signature Hôtel Napoleon Champs-Élysées Paris transformed the room into a sanctuary. As soon as I put them on, the rhythm of the city was left behind.
On the bathroom floor, the slippers sat right in the middle of the marble wind rose. This scene perfectly combines function and aesthetics. It is precisely such moments that remain in the memory longer than any luxurious detail.
The welcome was completed by a personal message. A letter signed by the general manager wished me a pleasant stay in Paris, the city of light. Such a gesture is not obligatory, but it means a lot. It shows that the hotel sees the guest as a person and not as a room number.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A VIEW OF THE EIFFEL TOWER TO REMEMBER
The best moment of the stay came in the evening. Through the window I saw the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. Its golden glow cut through the dark blue sky over the rooftops of Paris. I’ve been waiting impatiently for that sight ever since I arrived.
Once every hour the tower shines. Then a beam of light spread over the city from the top. I watched that show from the comfort of my own room. Few things can match that feeling. Please note that views of the Eiffel Tower and private terraces are available in a limited number of room categories and are subject to availability. That’s why I recommend that you request such a room or apartment with a view when booking.
HOTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: RESTAURANT AND BAR 1807
Gastronomy is an important part of the experience. The heart of the culinary offer is called 1807. Bar and restaurant 1807 serves hearty and refined French cuisine in an intimate and contemporary setting. The space combines two atmospheres, modern with the Art Deco bar and warm with the fireplace. Breakfast leaves a special impression. Freshly baked baguette loaves, croissants and jams tempt you to indulge, and there is also a full selection of hot and cold dishes with an omelette prepared to your liking. The morning begins calmly and unhurriedly in such an environment.
Sunday brunch deserves special attention. Every Sunday, from noon to half past three, a gourmet buffet awaits guests with a glass of champagne upon arrival. Seasonal ingredients, Besserat de Bellefon champagne, foie gras and Petrossian salmon are on offer. It is an opportunity to taste Paris in the right way.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: A SUNNY TERRACE BEHIND THE PLANE TREES
Warm days invite you to the terrace. Bar 1807 has a sunny terrace on Friedland Avenue, open all year round. It is located behind sycamore-lined streets in the Arc de Triomphe district.
The terrace is surrounded by a hedge made of bamboo. This makes it seem intimate and welcoming at the same time. It is an ideal place for a morning coffee or an evening aperitif. The hum of the avenue remains pleasantly distant. An evening in a bar has a special charm. The evening menu offers a selection of wines and champagnes, numerous signature cocktails and delicious recipes to share. It is easy to have a long conversation by the fire in the fireplace.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: SERVICE THAT FEELS PERSONAL
Service is perhaps the hotel’s strongest asset. The staff speak many languages and seem genuinely dedicated. Employees speak French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Romanian. This makes guests from all over the world feel welcome.
WHY IS HOTEL NAPOLEON SO POPULAR?
The popularity of this Hôtel Napoleon rests on several foundations. The first is location. Hôtel Napoleon is the hotel closest to the Arc de Triomphe and the Place Étoile. It thus offers guests peace, yet places them in the very heart of the city.
The second foundation is history. Few hotels can boast a love story and guests like Hemingway and Dali. The third foundation is family ownership. It brings a warmth that large hotel groups find difficult to achieve. The fourth foundation is the harmony of the old and the new. The hotel recently received a fifth star for outstanding luxury. He thereby confirmed that classic elegance and contemporary comfort can go together.
A SHORT GUIDE TO THE SIGHTS OF PARIS
Staying in this hotel makes it easy to see the city. The Triumphal Arch is only a three-minute walk away. From its top there is a magnificent view of the twelve avenues that spread out like a star. It is one of the most photographed sights in the city.
The Champs Elysées starts right next door. That famous avenue offers shops, cafes and a walk that never gets boring. From there you can easily reach Concorde Square and Tuileries Garden. A walk through them takes you straight to the Louvre.
The Eiffel Tower is a short drive away. Besides it, it is worth visiting the Arc de Triomphe, the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the old quarter of Montmartre. Art lovers will find the Orse and Orangerie museums nearby. In just a few days you can visit the main attractions of the city.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
Before arriving at Hôtel Napoleon Paris, there are a few things worth thinking about. Check-in is possible from three in the afternoon, and check-out until noon. The hotel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and concierges are available to order taxis in front of the hotel.
If you want a room with a special view, you should check the room availability in time. Rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower and a terrace are available in a limited number. The hotel does not have its own parking lot. Therefore, it is best to plan your arrival by taxi or transportation with the help of a concierge.
Families have great options. Interconnecting rooms are available on request, and a cot is provided free of charge from the Junior Suite category upwards. This makes the hotel suitable for traveling with children.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: WHERE THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT
There is something special about hotels that carry a soul. Hôtel Napoleon has just that. As you walk through its corridors, you feel the layers of time. Striped wallpaper, brass details and elegant lamps create the warmth of old Paris.
Still, nothing feels dated. The hotel skilfully combines the patina of the past and modern comfort. The air conditioning is new, the internet is fast, and the service is always at your fingertips. That way you get the best of both worlds.
That balance is not unexpected, after all, we are in a city of light, refined refined French fashion and design. It is the result of almost a century of dedication of one family. Each generation has added its own layer, yet has preserved the original spirit. The result is a place that looks completely timeless.
WHO IS HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS FOR?
Hôtel Napoleon Paris is not a hotel for everyone. It is for travelers who value history and peace, especially suitable for those who want the city center without its noise. It also attracts guests who are looking for warmth in luxury, not a cold glow.
Couples will find romance here. The hotel has always been known as a romantic haven thanks to its origins in a love story. Families will appreciate the connecting rooms and spacious suites. Business guests will get peace and a great location.
I especially recommend it to history and art lovers. Every corridor and every salon offers something for the eye and the thought. Staying here is not just a vacation. It is also a small excursion into the past of Paris.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: THE SMALL DETAILS THAT STAY WITH YOU
Big hotels often differ in small things. Hôtel Napoleon understands this well. During my stay I encountered a number of small attentions that made a difference. Each of them sent the same message, that the guest was indeed welcome.
An elegant folder with information was waiting for me on the coffee table in the room. Beside her stood glasses with the hotel’s sign and a bottle of water. Such details seem simple, but pay attention. They show that nothing is left to chance.
Among my favorite sights was the magazine rack. There I found publications dedicated to travel and luxury accommodation. Flipping through those pages with a cup of coffee fit perfectly into the atmosphere. It was a small ritual that completes the experience.
HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS: HERITAGE IN EVERY DETAIL
Hôtel Napoleon Paris is not just a collection of beautiful rooms. He is a living testimony of an era. Russian cultural thread, French elegance and Napoleonic theme come together in a unique whole. Rarely can you feel that mixture so strongly.
The theme of Emperor Napoleon runs through the entire space. Portraits, vases and prints recall the glorious era of French history. And yet, the hotel does not act like a museum. It is a living place where that history is used and respected every day.
This heritage that gives the hotel a special significance, sets it apart from countless similar five-star addresses. When you stay here, you’re not just buying a comfortable night. You become part of a story that lasts almost a century.
WHY I RECOMMEND HÔTEL NAPOLEON PARIS?
Hôtel Napoleon Paris showed me that luxury doesn’t have to stand out. He can be unobtrusive, but extremely noticeable. This hotel will not try to overshadow you. He welcomes you, calms you down and offers every Parisian respite in his own way.
Staying in the Suite Avenue apartment remained in my memory because of the harmony and because of the incredible view that everyone dreams of when they dream of a trip to Paris. The harmony of space, history and attention is rarely found in one place. And when all that is combined with the view of the Eiffel Tower, you get a memory that lasts.
If you are planning a trip to Paris, this hotel deserves your sincere attention. It is not just a place to sleep. He is part of the story of the city of light. And I am happy that I became a part of that story, even if only for a short time!
See you soon, maybe again in Paris. Until then, let this text be your guide to one of the most beautiful hotel experiences in Europe.
With Love from Paris,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Hôtel Napoléon Paris, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.