The hype
Guests are obsessed with the concierge and the 'sanctuary' vibe of the garden, but many feel the room interiors are starting to look a bit dated for the price point.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
$1,400-2,200/ night
Book this if You want a hyper-central 'Palace' status hotel that feels like a zen sanctuary rather than a stuffy museum.
Why People Love It
- The massive inner courtyard garden (Camélia) is one of the best outdoor dining spots in Paris
- Thierry Marx's culinary legacy still influences the excellent breakfast and room service
- The indoor pool is a legitimate 14-meter lap pool, not just a plunge bath
Quick Take: It's undeniably expensive and the 2-star flagship restaurant is in transition, but the garden courtyard is a rare, quiet miracle in the middle of the 1st Arrondissement.
Reviewed by @renaesworldofficial: I checked into the Mandarin Oriental for a winter escape and was blown away. The moody, artistic vibes are so different from typical French hotels. Having a quiet swim in that gorgeous indoor pool after walking around Paris all day was the ultimate luxury. Truly unforgettable.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the garden; don't expect the same 'old world' opulence as the Ritz or Crillon, this is modern Asian-influenced luxury.
- You travel with a dog (Archie the mascot and the pet menu are legendary)
- You hate 'stuffy' French service and prefer the discreet, efficient Asian hospitality style
- You need a serious hotel gym and pool, not just a converted closet
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Impeccable twice-daily service. Turndown includes water and thoughtful touches.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless marble and glass. No grout issues reported.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some reviews note minor wear on furniture in older rooms.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count Porthault linens, very plush robes.
- Odors & scents: Signature MO scent (fresh, floral, Asian-inspired) throughout the lobby; rooms smell neutral and clean.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise on Rue Saint-Honoré (lower street-facing rooms)
- Hallway noise in some wings due to layout
Before you book
Good to know
- The flagship restaurant Sur Mesure is closed; dining is focused on Camélia and Bar 8.
- Breakfast is à la carte and excellent, but pricey (~€68) if not included in your rate.
- The hotel has an official 'Palace' distinction, a tier above 5 stars in France.
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the 14m heated pool (a rarity in central Paris)
- Chic casual wear—the vibe is 'fashion week off-duty' not 'black tie gala'
- Earplugs if you must book a street-facing room (just in case)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Mandarin Terrace Room (for the private outdoor space)
- Courtyard-facing Deluxe Rooms (for silence and garden views)
- The Parisian Apartment (if money is no object, huge private terrace)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor street-facing rooms (noise risk)
- Entry-level rooms if you require a fully enclosed, opaque bathroom
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room facing the inner courtyard garden for maximum quiet. Please ensure I am assigned a room with a fully private/enclosed bathroom if possible, avoiding the open-plan glass layouts.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool warm?
Yes, it's a heated 14-meter indoor lap pool, kept at a comfortable tropical temperature.
Is it pet friendly?
Extremely. They have a mascot named Archie, a special pet menu, and no pet fee for dogs up to 10kg.
How much is breakfast?
Expect to pay around €68 per person for the full American/Asian breakfast if it's not included in your room rate.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual. It's fashionable but not stuffy. You'll see sneakers, but they're Balenciaga, not gym shoes.
Can I walk to the Louvre?
Yes, it's less than a 10-minute walk. The Tuileries Garden is even closer.
Is Sur Mesure open?
No, the 2-Michelin star restaurant Sur Mesure is currently closed following Chef Thierry Marx's departure.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Cake Shop' by the entrance sells incredible pastries that are cheaper than ordering dessert in the restaurant.
- ✨
Book a spa treatment to guarantee late checkout—sometimes they are more flexible if you're in the spa.
- ✨
The courtyard garden is heated in winter, so you can still have a drink 'outside' in January.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'open plan' bathrooms in some rooms can be awkward—glass walls mean you can see the silhouette of someone showering.
💡The breakfast is à la carte only (no buffet), which some love for quality but others hate for speed.
💡You can hear the metro rumble faintly in the absolute lowest basement levels (spa), but not in the rooms.
💡Room service is excellent but comes with a steep tray charge.
💡The elevators can be a bit confusing/slow depending on which wing you are in.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mandarin Oriental, Paris is located and what's nearby.