Review: Chouchou Hôtel

Why book? This cheery, recently opened four-star hotel near the Opera is both a fun hangout spot—complete with live events—and a comfortable place in which to relax (don’t miss the private hot tubs).

Set the scene In the heart of the Opera district, just blocks from the Palais Garnier and other historic performance arts venues, as well as the iconic Galeries Lafayette department store, Chouchou aims to be both a gathering spot for locals and a place of respite for travelers. You’ll find the former hanging out in the food hall-style restaurant and the breezy bar and around the stage, which showcases a rotating roster of live music and other events. On the visitor front, the crowd favors Paris lovers-both business and leisure—who don’t want to break the bank, but who also value a sense of place and want to be close to action.

The backstory Named for a French term of endearment, Chouchou opened in fall 2020—a launch that was delayed just a few months due to the pandemic. It was a tricky time to introduce a hotel so geared towards socializing, but as conditions improved, the place quickly started buzzing. The hotel is part of the Elegancia group of well-priced boutique properties, which also includes favorites like Hotel Crayon Rouge and OFF Paris Seine.

The rooms The 63 rooms are divided into five categories, from single to suite, and vary in size and shape, but all have a thoughtful design full of eye-catching details, from parquet floors and lush textiles to bold splashes of color. Views are either of the courtyard or street (a few even look out at the Opera), and some categories come with balconies. Across-the-board amenities include bluetooth speakers, mini-fridges (they come empty, though—no mini-bars), free WiFi, great lighting and full-size Prescription Lab products; guests also rave about the comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms and power showers. Of particular note are the higher category options: The two Junior Suites are named for songs by Edith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg, respectively, and come with things like vintage phonographs and freestanding bathtubs. The one suite—named L’Arrache-Coeur after a noted 1950s novel—is lined with books and has a separate turntable-equipped living room.

Food and drink An artisan-sourced cold breakfast spread is included in the rates (non-hotel guests can partake for 19 Euros); you can also enjoy it in your room or in the lobby. For lunch and dinner (on most days), head to the Food Market, where you can grab fresh seafood, including oysters, from the seafood stand, or head to La Grande Bouffe counter for meat and cheese plates, sausage cakes, accessible wines and other treats. Meanwhile, the colorful, casual Bar Guignette—set under a glass roof and rows of fairy lights—is the place for handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment; the latter might include an up-and-coming band, DJ sets or major soccer matches shown on the big screen.

The spa There’s no full spa, but instead three individual bathing “cabins”, each with a lounging area, rain shower, sound system and hot tub big enough for two. Hotel and outside guests can book a cabin for 90-minute blocks of private downtime; drinks can be ordered for an extra charge.

The neighborhood/area : You’ve got your choice of fun in the 9th arrondissement, from cultural hubs like the Opera and a selection of smaller museums to notable shopping and the restaurants of South Pigalle. With a base here, you’re also close to the luxury stores of the 8th, the Montmartre area (including Sacre-Coeur), and even—if you head south towards the river—the Louvre.

The service : The warm, we’re-all-friends vibe from the youngish staff plays well with guests, who feel very well accommodated and attended to, especially for a four-star hotel with limited services. If you’ve got any issues, just speak up—they’re eager to make things right.