Finding a place to stay in Paris is usually a nightmare of choosing between a cramped, overpriced box or a "luxury" hotel that feels like a cold museum. Then there is Chouchou Hotel Paris. It’s tucked away in the 9th Arrondissement, right near the Palais Garnier, and honestly, it’s one of the few places that manages to be cool without being exhausting. You know those hotels that try way too hard to be "boutique"? This isn't that. It’s basically a massive social club that happens to have beds.
The name itself is a giveaway. "Chouchou" is what the French call their favorite, their "pet," or a teacher's pet. It’s an affectionate term. And that’s the vibe the developers at Elegancia were going for when they opened this spot in early 2021. They didn't want another stiff lobby with a bored concierge. They wanted a market. They wanted a stage. They wanted a place where you could get a decent galette and then sleep upstairs.
The Guinguette Vibe is Real
Most hotel lobbies are transit zones. You check in, you leave. At Chouchou Hotel Paris, the ground floor is a "Bar-Guinguette." For the uninitiated, a guinguette is a traditional French drinking establishment, historically located in the suburbs, where people went to dance and drink cheap wine. Chouchou brings that energy right into the center of the city under a massive glass roof. It’s loud. It’s bright.
There are two main food stalls. One handles the land (think charcuterie and cheese), and the other handles the sea (oysters from Brittany). You don't get a formal, stuffy menu here. You grab a table, order a drink, and eat what’s fresh. It’s the kind of place where locals actually hang out, which is the ultimate litmus test for any Parisian hotel. If you see Parisians drinking there on a Tuesday night, the hotel is doing something right.
The stage is the heart of the room. They do live music, DJ sets, and even stand-up comedy. It’s bizarre to see a hotel prioritize a comedy club over a traditional reception desk, but it works. The check-in desk is practically hidden at the entrance, almost like an afterthought, because the party is the point.
🔗 Read more: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rooms
People see "4-star hotel in the 9th" and expect a sprawling suite. Let's be real: this is Paris. The rooms at Chouchou Hotel Paris are cozy. That’s the polite way of saying they are small. But they are incredibly smart. Architect Michael Malapert handled the design, and he leaned heavily into the "French apartment" aesthetic—molding on the ceilings, velvet fabrics, and those classic Parisian checkered patterns.
There are 63 rooms in total. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple who doesn't mind being in each other's pockets, the "Chouchou" or "Petit Chouchou" rooms are fine. But the real gems are the suites. They are named after French icons. You’ve got the Edith Piaf suite, the Boris Vian suite, and the Serge Gainsbourg suite. These aren't just generic rooms with a poster on the wall. They are themed with curated books, records, and decor that actually reflects those artists.
- The Junior Suites often feature a more open layout.
- Bathrooms are surprisingly modern with high-end fixtures.
- The views? You’re in the 9th, so you’re looking at classic Haussmann facades.
One thing that surprises people is the lack of a traditional "quiet" floor. Since the bar is so central to the experience, the lower floors can get a bit of the "hum" from downstairs. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on the higher floors. The soundproofing is actually decent, but sound in old Parisian buildings has a way of traveling through the bones of the structure.
The Baths: A Secret Sanctuary
Below the chaos of the bar and the market, there is something totally unexpected. Most hotels have a "gym" that consists of a broken treadmill and a yoga mat. Chouchou skipped the gym and went for "Les Bains." These are three private pools that you can rent by the hour.
💡 You might also like: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
Each one has its own vibe. One is very 70s disco, one is more zen, and they all have their own sound systems. You can literally order a bottle of champagne to your private bath. It’s the ultimate "treat yourself" move after walking 20,000 steps through the Louvre or Rue des Martyrs. It feels clandestine. Like you’ve found a secret part of the city that nobody else knows about. It’s a bit pricey, sure, but in a city where space is the ultimate luxury, having a private pool for an hour is a flex.
Exploring the 9th From Your Doorstep
Location is everything. If you stay at Chouchou Hotel Paris, you are basically a five-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. But don't spend all your time in the department stores. The 9th Arrondissement is arguably the coolest neighborhood in Paris right now because it bridges the gap between the touristy Opera district and the gritty, hip vibe of South Pigalle (SoPi).
You should walk north. Head toward Rue des Martyrs. It’s one of the best food streets in the world. You’ll find artisan boulangeries, specialized cheese shops, and tiny coffee roasters. If you want a break from the hotel’s guinguette, head to Rose Bakery or try the pastries at Sébastien Gaudard.
Why the 9th is Better Than the 1st or 8th
The 1st and 8th Arrondissements are beautiful, but they feel like a movie set. The 9th feels like a neighborhood. You’ll see people taking their kids to school, locals fighting over the best baguette, and real life happening. Chouchou fits perfectly into this because it doesn't feel like a tourist bubble. It feels like a gateway to the actual city.
📖 Related: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
Is It Actually Worth the Price?
Rates at Chouchou Hotel Paris fluctuate wildly. During Fashion Week or major trade shows, prices can skyrocket. On a random Tuesday in November, you might find a steal. Is it worth it?
If you want a traditional, quiet, "Yes, Monsieur" type of hotel experience, honestly, probably not. You might find the music downstairs annoying or the check-in process too casual. But if you want to feel like you’re actually in Paris—the modern, vibrant, slightly messy, and very stylish Paris—then yes, it’s worth every cent. It’s a social experiment that succeeded. It’s a hotel that cares more about the atmosphere than the thread count, even though the thread count is actually pretty high.
The breakfast is another point of contention for some. It’s not a massive international buffet with soggy hash browns. It’s a French breakfast. Good coffee, incredible croissants, fresh juice, and local yogurt. It’s simple, but it’s high quality. If you’re looking for a full English breakfast, you’re in the wrong country anyway.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, there are a few things you should do to make the most of it. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Book the Baths Early: They fill up fast, especially on weekends. Email the hotel the moment you confirm your room to snag a slot in the "Bains."
- Request a High Floor: Unless you plan on being the last person at the bar, the 4th or 5th floor is your best bet for a quiet night's sleep.
- Use the Market for Lunch: Paris is expensive. The food stalls in the Chouchou market are surprisingly well-priced for the quality. Grab some oysters and a glass of Muscadet for a quick lunch instead of a formal sit-down meal.
- Explore the "Passages": You are very close to the Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy. These are 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcades. They are magical, full of old stamp collectors, toy shops, and tiny bistros.
- Check the Events Calendar: See who is playing on the stage. If there’s a specific DJ or band you like, plan your evening around it. The bar gets packed, so as a guest, you have the "home-field" advantage of already being there.
Ultimately, Chouchou Hotel Paris represents the new wave of Parisian hospitality. It’s less about being "perfect" and more about being "alive." It’s a place that encourages you to stay downstairs and talk to people, rather than hiding in your room with the "Do Not Disturb" sign on. In a city that can sometimes feel cold to outsiders, Chouchou is a very warm, very loud welcome.