7 Secret Hotel Bars for a Romantic Date

© Hôtel La Fantaisie, Hôtel La Fantaisie, Hôtel des Jardins du Faubourg

More intimate, quieter, and more confidential than the crowded spots where Parisians flock, hotel bars are an ideal alternative that doesn't necessarily come to mind for an elegant drink or a romantic date. While palaces naturally offer the most remarkable hideouts, prohibitive prices sometimes curb spontaneous desires. Without further ado, the Do It Team brainstormed to reveal exclusively their favorite hotel bars in Paris. Please keep it a secret…

The atmosphere: It's like being in a Wes Anderson film. Rounded lines, mix & match prints, pastel colors, and mismatched tiles showcase the signature of the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (La Plage Parisienne, Pink Mamma), which designed La Fantaisie, near Grands Boulevards, with a 60s décor right up to its fabulous rooftop styled like a suspended garden, where you can toast either on the terrace or around the extraordinary bar.

Two cocktails to try: Gin Rose-Mary (gin, floral liqueur, cranberry, and apple juice, €19) or the divine mocktail Jardin d’agrumes (orange blossom water, yuzu juice, grapefruit syrup, soda, ginger, €14).

To nibble: a truffle pizzetta (€14), Espelette pepper tarama with blinis (€11), and their panko shrimp with incredible wasabi yogurt (€12).

Rooftop Le Bar sur le Toit at La Fantaisie Hotel, 24 rue Cadet, Paris 9e. 01 55 07 85 07. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations recommended.
© La Fantaisie by Jérôme Galland and Via Tolila.

The atmosphere: In a chic exotic setting with Japanese references and intense wooden tones, the Hana hotel bar is a concentration of modern elegance, delightfully intimate, and softly lit. Facing the majestic marble counter, either on high chairs or banquettes, every seat promises comfort.

Two cocktails to try: To continue the Japanese journey, opt for the house's signature creations and start with the refreshing Lemon Drop cocktail made with French vodka, Karatanba sake, and yuzu jam (€21). More of a whisky person? Then the Kare is for you: Lehmann blend whisky, maple syrup, smoked rice vinegar with sakura wood, and ginger ale (€22). N.B.: the Ringo with yuzu sencha tea, apple juice, lemon juice, and egg white is delightful (€14).

To nibble: high-end offerings worth coming back for. Impeccable mentaiko tarama with seasonal vegetables (€18). Yuzu squid tempura (€29), Egg sando with puffed rice (€22). And for a sweet touch, dive into the delicious hojicha tiramisu (€16).

Bar at Hôtel Hana, 17 rue du quatre-septembre, Paris 2e. 01 87 89 61 98. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
© Hôtel Hana by Robin Le Febvre and Shirley Garrier.

The atmosphere: intimate and cozy, this long bar proudly offers comfort with plush seating and an arty vibe, thanks to a constellation of paintings adorning the walls. Surprise: it opens to a charming little patio under a glass roof where you can savor the moment curled up on lovely benches.

Two cocktails to try: a gourmet treat with the Melocoton cocktail, a mix of peach juice, lemon juice, passion fruit syrup, vodka, and grenadine syrup that can easily replace dessert (€18). Lighter and very summery is the Blue Lagoon with Citadelle gin, blue tea, lime, lemon, and honey (€18).

To nibble: small Iberian plates reminiscent of the Spanish origins of the Pulitzer group. Ham croquetas (€12), marinated olives (€8), jamón ibérico (€12).

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

The atmosphere: it’s not impossible to cross paths with Parisian V.I.Ps at the Confidential, a favorite hideout for the star friends of Jennifer, the manager of this beautiful hotel in the Saint-Honoré district. A hyper-intimate and cozy pocket bar with a wildly Parisian decor featuring parquet floors, moldings, and ochre velvet sofas.

Two cocktails to try: masterful barmaid Emma crafts absolutely divine custom creations based on your tastes and evening desires. On the menu, there’s also an Italicus Spritz or a Faubourg Mule with rose syrup and ginger beer (€25).

To nibble: served with your cocktails is an assortment of almonds, cashews, and Japanese aperitif mix. For bigger cravings, choose the perfect charcuterie and cheese board lovingly curated by Chef Davide Pecorella (€18), or opt for the Scottish smoked salmon with lime (€30).

The Confidential at Les Jardins du Faubourg, 9 rue d’Aguesseau, Paris 8e. 01 86 54 15 15. Open daily from 3 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
© Les Jardins du Faubourg.

The atmosphere: The date is set at Maison Delano, a true luxury gem near the Elysée Palace. While its majestic terrace invites lingering lunches, its sublime secret bar shouldn't be missed — a promise of a romantic rendezvous in a velvety atmosphere with pink and terracotta tones (great for a glowing look).

Two cocktails to try: the Rosa Komos (Komos tequila, Doladira, raspberry red chili cordial, and rosé champagne topping, €25) or the smooth Coco Hopper (pisco, white cacao, Get 27, and coconut, €25).

To nibble: during restaurant opening hours, you can order anything you like from the menu, and it will be served at the bar! Think Delano sauce cheeseburger (€34), salmon fillet with soba noodles (€36), or pistachio crème brûlée (€16).

Delano Bar at Maison Delano, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8e. 01 83 96 88 88. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
© Maison Delano by Adrien Ozouf.

The atmosphere: In the heart of Hôtel du Louvre, L'Officine Bar evokes an old-school palace ambiance in an enveloping and very elegant setting with colonnades, marble, chandeliers, and carpet. The space is lushly vegetated and topped with a stunning period glass roof adorned with golden touches. Guaranteed wow effect!

Two cocktails to try: the Matcha Royal, for lovers of this trendy drink from the East (€23), or the Tropical Apothecary, whose name alone is a sensory journey (€23).

To nibble: delicate bites that joyfully satisfy. Herb-fresh croque-monsieur fingers (€18). Iberian ham croquettes (€16). Crispy shrimp with Thai sauce (€18). Guacamole with sesame crackers (€12).

L'Officine Bar at Hôtel du Louvre, 1 place André Malraux, Paris 1er. Open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight. 01 44 58 37 89.
© Hôtel du Louvre.

The atmosphere: this fabulous hotel hidden in a quiet street near Grands Boulevards doesn't get enough attention. In the winter garden of L'Échiquier Opéra Paris, admire a sublime golden bar standing in the center of a vast room where everyone can find their place between banquettes, velvet chairs, or large armchairs in elegant blue tones. Perfect for a date: mixology classes with the delightful head bartender (€30).

Two cocktails to try: the delicious Guatemala Garden with Botran 15, Cointreau, house-made thyme syrup, chocolate bitters, ginger ale, and a touch of lemon (€16) or the Bateau Ivre inspired by Arthur Rimbaud's poem, made with absinthe, Hennessy VS cognac, ginger ale, and cane sugar.

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

38 Bar Lounge at Hôtel L'Échiquier Opéra Paris - MGallery Collection, 38 rue de l'Échiquier, Paris 10e. 01 42 46 92 75. Open daily from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. then from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
© Hôtel L'Échiquier Opéra Paris.

Discover also the star shows of the moment or our favorite restaurants in the 9th arrondissement.