7 Secret Hotel Bars for a Romantic Date

© Hôtel Hyatt Paris, Hôtel La Fantaisie by Via Tolila, and Hôtel Delano Paris.

More intimate, quieter, and more discreet than the crowded spots frequented by Parisians, hotel bars are an ideal alternative for an elegant drink or a romantic date. While palaces obviously offer the most remarkable havens, their prohibitive prices can sometimes deter spontaneous desires. Without further ado, the Do It Team has brainstormed to exclusively reveal its favorite hotel bars in Paris. Please keep it a secret…

Atmosphere: It feels like a Wes Anderson film. Rounded lines, a mix & match of prints, pastel colors, and mismatched tiles mark the signature of the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (La Plage Parisienne, Pink Mamma), which has designed a 60's-inspired decor for La Fantaisie, near Grands Boulevards, extending to its stunning rooftop reminiscent of a hanging garden where you can toast either on the terrace or around the extraordinary bar.

Two cocktails to try: The Bergamot (Tequila, bergamot syrup, ginger beer, cucumber, basil, €20) or the divine mocktail Orange Blossom (orange blossom water, yuzu juice, grapefruit syrup, soda, ginger, €14).

To nibble on: A pizzetta fior di latte with n’duja (€14), smoked eggplant dip with pomegranate and homemade pita bread, or Kalamata olive labneh (€9) as well as fried chicken with spicy yogurt sauce (€11). 

Rooftop Le Bar sur le Toit at La Fantaisie Hotel, 24 rue Cadet, Paris 9th. 01 55 07 85 07. Open daily from 5 pm to 2 am. Reservations recommended. © La Fantaisie by Jérôme Galland and Via Tolila.

Atmosphere: In a chic exotic decor tinged with Japanese references and intensely wooden, the bar at Hotel Hana is a concentrate of modern elegance, superbly discreet and softly lit. Facing the majestic marble counter, on high chairs or in the room on the benches, all seats offer the same comfort.

Two cocktails to try: To continue the journey to Japan, opt for the house signature creations and start with the invigorating Lemon Drop cocktail made with French vodka, Karatanba sake, and yuzu jam (€21). Prefer whisky? Then the Horse’s Neck is for you: Lehmann blend whisky, maple syrup, smoked rice vinegar with sakura wood, and ginger ale (€24). N.B.: the Karantamba Ringo sake with yuzu sencha tea, apple juice, lemon, and egg white is to die for (€14).

To nibble on: High-end offerings that make you want to come back. Impeccable tarama with mentaiko and seasonal vegetables (€15). Camembert tempura with yuzu jam (€18). Egg sando with puffed rice (€22). And for a sweet touch, two spoons diving into the delicious hojicha tiramisu (€17).

Bar at Hotel Hana, 17 rue du Quatre-Septembre, Paris 2nd. 01 87 89 61 98. Open daily from 5 pm to 1 am. © Hotel Hana by Robin Le Febvre and Shirley Garrier.

Atmosphere: Intimate and cozy, this long bar fully embraces its comfort with cushioned seating and its arty spirit with a constellation of paintings adorning the walls. Surprise: it opens outside onto a lovely small patio topped with a glass roof where you can savor the moment nestled on pretty benches.

Two cocktails to try: For high indulgence, try the El Bonbon cocktail, a mix of quinquina, Bailey's, and Nutella that can easily replace dessert (€16). Lighter and very summery, the Blue Lagoon with Citadelle gin, blue tea, lime, lemon, and honey (€16).

To nibble on: Small Iberian dishes reminiscent of the Spanish origins of the Pulitzer group. Pan con tomate (€6), ham croquettes (€10), homemade gazpacho (€12), charcuterie board (€22).

Bar Le Patio at Hotel Pulitzer, 23 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9th. Open from 12 pm to 11:30 pm. 01 53 34 98 10. © Hotel Pulitzer Paris.

Atmosphere: It's not impossible that you'll bump into Parisian VIPs at The Confidential, a favorite haunt of Jennifer's star friends, the director of this lovely hotel in the Saint-Honoré district. A cozy, ultra-intimate pocket bar with a wildly Parisian decor featuring parquet, moldings, and ochre velvet sofas.

Two cocktails to try: In charge, the barmaid Emma offers absolutely divine bespoke creations based on your tastes and evening desires. Also on the menu: an Italicus Spritz or a Faubourg Mule with rose syrup and ginger beer (€25).

To nibble on: Your cocktails come with a selection of almonds, cashews, and a Japanese snack mix. For a bigger appetite, opt for the perfect charcuterie and Italian cheese board chosen with love by Chef Davide Pecorella (€18), or the Scottish smoked salmon with lime (€30).

The Confidential at Jardins du Faubourg, 9 rue d’Aguesseau, Paris 8th. 01 86 54 15 15. Open daily from 5 pm to 11 pm. © Les Jardins du Faubourg.

Atmosphere: The appointment is set at Maison Delano Hotel, a true luxury jewel just steps from the Élysée Palace. While its majestic terrace invites long lunches, it would be a shame to miss its sublime secret bar, promising a romantic date that goes well in an all-velvet atmosphere in shades of pink and terracotta (thanks for the healthy glow effect).

Two cocktails to try: The Rosa Komos (Komos tequila, Doladira, raspberry cordial with red pepper, and champagne rosé topping, €25) or the silky Coco Hopper (pisco, white cocoa, Get 27, and coconut, €25).

To nibble on: During the restaurant’s opening hours, you can order whatever you fancy from the menu, and they’ll bring the dishes to the bar! This includes grilled prawn skewers (€22), a smoked cheddar cheeseburger (€32), a sea bass fillet with seasonal vegetables (€38), or roasted pineapple with salted caramel (€16).

Delano Bar at Maison Delano Hotel, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8th. 01 83 96 88 88. Open daily from 5 pm to 2 am. © Maison Delano by Adrien Ozouf.

Atmosphere: At the heart of Hotel du Louvre, Bar L’Officine boasts an old-fashioned palace spirit in an enveloping and very elegant decor with colonnades, marble, chandeliers, and carpet. The whole place is intensely vegetated and topped with a superb period glass roof adorned with golden touches. Wow effect guaranteed!

Two cocktails to try: For lovers of herbal flavors, the refreshing cocktail La Panacée (mezcal, tomato and red pepper juice, ginger, Worcester, celery bitter, Tabasco, clarified milk, €23). Need to recover from an emotion? Go for the poetic Les lunes d’Hippocrate: rum infused with croissants, butter liqueur, vermouth, verjuice, maple syrup (€23).

To nibble on: Fine snacks that joyfully satisfy the appetite. Finger croque-monsieur with fresh herbs (€18). Iberian ham croquettes (€15). Crispy shrimp with Thai sauce (€18). Guacamole with sesame crackers (€12).

Bar L’Officine at Hotel du Louvre, 1 Place André Malraux, Paris 1st. Open daily from 12 pm to midnight. 01 44 58 37 89. © Hotel du Louvre.

Atmosphere: We don’t talk enough about this great hotel hidden in a quiet street near Grands Boulevards. In the winter garden of L’Échiquier Opéra Paris, admire a stunning golden bar reigning in the center of a vast room where everyone will find their place among benches, velvet chairs, or large armchairs in elegant blue tones. Ultimate good idea for a date: mixology classes with the adorable head bartender (30 €).

Two cocktails to try: The Amour Masqué with vodka or rum, passion fruit puree, Apérol, hibiscus infusion, and strawberry syrup or the Charleston with Tanqueray Ten gin, Limoncello, fresh mint, green apple syrup, lime juice, and champagne (€16).

To nibble on: A chicken club sandwich and Parisian-style fries (€22), fish & chips (€24), or a real Caesar salad with crunchy chicken, anchovies, parmesan, and croutons (€23).

38 Bar Lounge at L’Échiquier Opéra Paris - MGallery Collection, 38 rue de l'Échiquier, Paris 10th. 01 42 46 92 75. Open daily from 4 pm to midnight. © Hotel L'Échiquier Opéra Paris.

Discover also our favorite addresses around the Olympic sites and the new hotels to book during the Olympics.