Chouchou Hotel: Where to Stay in the Opera District

Planning a trip to Paris now that the City of Light is welcoming vaccinated international travelers? You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to new hotels to check into. One of our favorites is in the Opera district, not too far from the grands magasins. A four-star hotel, Chouchou takes its name from the French term of endearment and the vibe here is welcoming, playful, and friendly.

There are 63 bedrooms, including three luxurious top-floor suites named for musical icons like Edith Piaf, styled like a classic Parisian apartment with mouldings, herringbone parquet flooring, and checked tiling in the bathroom. Decor is chic, with much attention given to the lighting. Some of the rooms interconnect, for families or groups traveling together.

The ground floor restaurant area has been styled as a guingette with market-style food available from two separate stands: La Mer à Boire offers oysters and seafood platters, while La Grande Bouffe has crepes, charcuterie and cheese plates meant to be shared. Fresh ingredients are sourced directly from artisanal producers. Locals appreciate the packed program of soirees like DJ nights, live band performances on the stage, and football matches broadcast on the big screen.

The bartenders are happy to mix the drink of your choice or you can choose from one of the signatures such as La Fleur du Mal, made with Absinthe, lemon juice, cucumber and sugar syrup; La Nouvelle Mode, a concoction of P&M vintage whisky, ginger beer and orange bitters; and Le Vague à l’âme, a blend of Cognac Martell VSOP, Benedictine and mint.

Want to throw your own party? There’s a backstage area with three rooms that can be privatized (accommodating 40 people seated).

And if you’re desperately in need of some r&r, Chouchou offers three private jacuzzis in the basement for couples to soak and destress while sipping some bubbly or one of those amazing cocktails. (Must be reserved in advance.)

DETAILS:

11 Rue du Helder, 9th arrondissement
Tel: +33 1-87-44-54-79
Rates start around 130 euros.
https://en.chouchouhotel.com/