SO/ Paris sits right on the Seine, with Paris unfolding in real time outside your window, river light, rooftops and that unmistakable city rhythm. But the address is only the beginning: this is one of the smartest choices in Paris for travellers who want modern luxury with a strong design point of view.
Originally published in 2023. Updated in February 2026.
Paris has no shortage of iconic palace hotels, but not every traveller is looking for gilded moldings and Belle Époque nostalgia. Some want clean lines, bold design, skyline views and a contemporary energy that feels unmistakably now. That’s exactly where SO/ Paris comes in — a Left Bank address that redefines what modern Parisian luxury can look like.
In 2026, it remains one of the city’s most visually striking luxury stays, attracting a fashion-forward crowd and design-savvy travellers who want Paris with a sharper edge.
Is SO/ Paris Worth Booking?
If you’re deciding where to stay in Paris, SO/ Paris makes the strongest case for travellers who prefer contemporary design over classic ornamentation.
Book it if: you value skyline views, modern interiors, and proximity to both the Marais and Saint-Germain without staying in a traditional palace hotel.
Skip it if: you are dreaming of chandeliers, antique furniture and ultra-formal service rituals.
Best room to book: River-facing rooms or corner suites for uninterrupted Seine and Eiffel Tower perspectives.
Atmosphere: Polished but relaxed. Fashion-leaning rather than aristocratic. International rather than old-guard Parisian.
In short, it’s one of the smartest choices for design lovers wondering where to stay in Paris right now.
Here are all the reasons why SO/Paris stands out:
1. Architecture and Design
A monumental building has anchored to the Seine river at 17, boulevard Morland inParis since the mid-1960s. The H-shaped building, located on the former île Louviers, is a modernist emblem that seems to kiss the sky above Paris. Architects Albert Laprade, Pierre-Victoire Fournier, and René Fontaine renovated the building boasting 16 floors perched 50 meters high, with a minimalist look, and clean, smooth lines. The building housed Paris’ administrative and urban planning association for almost 50 years.
In 2016, the Morland Mixité Capitale project, now renamed La Félicité, transformed the building into the new heart of Paris. The talented David Chipperfield, known for many international projects, led the transformation in collaboration with CALQ Architecture for Emerige. The Seine river and the origins of Paris have inspired architecture, interior architecture, and design agency RDAI to create a timelessly stylish décor at the SO/Paris hotel.
2. Entertainment and Dining
This hotel is not just a place to stay, but a destination in its own right, with its panoramic rooftop bars, restaurant, and club that dominate the city’s culinary and nightlife scene. It’s the latest offering from the Paris Society hospitality group, and it’s already making waves.
Bonnie Restaurant is a true standout, with its elegant and futuristic design by Notaire. The Space Age-inspired decor perfectly complements the restaurant’s location on the 15th floor, perched high above Paris’s most stunning monuments. And the view from the terrace is simply breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of the city. But the real showstopper is the mirrored ceiling by Studio Other Spaces, Olafur Eliasson, and Sebastian Behmann, which creates a mesmerizing and surreal effect that will leave you speechless.
The Bonnie Bar is equally impressive, with its library of mirrors, black stone bar, and marbled counter. The midnight blue carpet, reminiscent of the Seine at night, is the perfect complement to the bar’s striking design. The comfortable seating, including long sofas and curly woolen armchairs, is strategically arranged to offer the best views of Paris. Sipping on a cocktail here is an experience not to be missed.
And when the night falls, Bonnie Club takes over. This glassed-in rooftop club is the only one of its kind in the capital, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a hotspot for Parisian nightlife. With the banks of the Seine and the Marais just a stone’s throw away, Bonnie Club offers an unparalleled view of the city at night. Top DJs provide the soundtrack to an unforgettable night under the stars, and when the rest of Paris is waking up, Bonnie Club is still going strong.
3. Interiors: Parisian History Meets Modern Elegance
The hotel’s interior design is a fusion of Parisian history and modern elegance. The peacock’s tail paving on the marble floor and the marbled vein running through the furniture are just a few examples of how traditional elements have been incorporated. The walls of amber mirrors revisit the geometry of Haussmannian facades with a modern twist. The cylinders of the large tulip columns in the lobby symbolize the exceptional flood of 1910, a nod to Paris’ past.
The rooms and suites epitomize Parisian style, with parquet flooring and a subtle view of Paris. The suites range from the Studios with courtyard and garden views to the Atelier Seine, a panoramic corner suite with a view of the Seine. The SO/Paris Panoramic Suite is a true gem, offering a large space, a king bed, and two balconies with a view of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and the monuments of Paris. The bathrooms and dressing rooms are adorned with openwork wood, and the natural and terracotta color palette creates a warm and inviting ambiance.
On the walls hang exquisite paintings of life by the Seine, the bridges and roofs of Paris, and the romantic splendour of Sacré Coeur, the Bastille, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the panoramic Parisian skyline.
4. Art Everywhere
Photographed by Gaelle Le Boulicaut
Styled by Virginie Lucy-Duboscq
Instagram : @gaelleleboulicautpics
Web : www.gaelleleboulicaut.com
Designed as a gallery, SO/ Paris shines a new light on Parisian fashion, art, architecture and avant-garde design: uniforms have been designed by Guillaume Henry. Iconic art features throughout the hotel, from Neïl Beiloufa in the lobby, Thomas Fougeirol in the bedrooms to Alice Guittard and Elsa Sahal in the Spa.
Neil Beloufa’s contemporary artwork, Le Phare de Paris, infuses the hotel with vitality and radiance, illuminating the fragments of our everyday lives. Curated by the Emerige group, the artistic collection encourages guests to explore the pieces as they would in a museum. By scanning each work’s QR code, visitors can delve into the fascinating history behind each artwork, along with information on the artist and their creative vision. The hotel is home to 122 scattered pieces of art, including special commissions by Neil Beloufa and Olafur Eliasson, as well as collections from renowned artists such as Thomas Fougeirol, Elsa Sahal, and Alice Guittard. SO/Paris provides an exquisite immersion into contemporary and experiential art, allowing guests to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.
5. An Exceptional Spa Experience
The Maison CODAGE Spa at the SO/Paris Hotel offers an exceptional spa experience. The spa features a steam room, a sauna, a sensory shower, a gym, and three treatment rooms. The spa is known for its luxurious and personalized treatments that use only natural and organic ingredients. The spa also offers massages, facials, and body treatments.
6. A Fresh Produce Market
The Terroirs d’Avenir fresh produce market at the SO/Paris Hotel offers the freshest produce from Mother Nature. The market is a perfect place to buy local and seasonal fruits and vegetables and artisanal products such as bread, cheese, and charcuterie. On some floors, a vertical farm is a home to
flourishing urban agriculture, too!
7. Thoughtfully Designed Wardrobe:
Guillaume Henry, the Artistic Director of fashion house Patou and a rising fashion star, has brought his fresh and charming touch to the uniforms of SO/ Paris, designed for people who are always on the move. Drawing inspiration from the cinematic universe of Wes Anderson, the Louis de Funès film The Little Bather, and the Kodakettes, Henry has created a uniform that is not only comfortable but also fun. The hotel’s location between the Seine river and the Arsenal basin has influenced the design of the uniforms, with water referenced through oilskins, denims, and striped sailor sweaters. Mesh, a material unheard of in the hospitality world, also makes an appearance on the uniforms, adding a modern and edgy touch. In addition to the water-inspired elements, the uniforms also feature fitted blazers and faille puffball skirts, adding a touch of Parisian chic. Guillaume Henry has even designed the hotel’s emblem, featuring themes of the lighthouse, the Fresnel lens, and the sea’s waves, which can be beautifully reproduced in embroidery.
8. Eco-Friendly Amenities
SO/Paris Hotel is committed to sustainability, and this is reflected in its amenities. The hotel bans the use of plastic materials, and guests will find beautiful eco-responsible bottles from Maison Codage in their rooms. Bathrobes and slippers are provided, and the suites come with steamers, dumbbells, and yoga mats, providing guests with everything they need for a comfortable stay.
and of course…
9. Spectacular Views of Paris
One of the most unique features of the SO/Paris hotel is its spectacular views of the city. The hotel is located on the former île Louviers, a small island in the Seine river that provides unobstructed views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Pantheon. The hotel’s rooms and suites are designed to make the most of these views, with large windows that allow guests to take in the beauty of Paris from the comfort of their rooms. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace that offers 360-degree views of the city, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset over Paris.
In conclusion, the SO/Paris hotel is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and memorable stay in the City of Light. With its stunning design, impressive art collection, and exceptional dining and entertainment options, the hotel offers an unforgettable experience that is both modern and timeless. Its location on the Seine river provides the perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of Paris, while its proximity to some of the city’s most famous attractions ensures that guests are never far from the action.
SO/ Paris vs Classic Paris Palace Hotels
Unlike heritage icons such as Ritz Paris or Plaza Athénée, SO/ Paris trades historical grandeur for architectural clarity. Where palace hotels offer tradition and ceremony, this address delivers perspective — literally and stylistically. It feels less like stepping into history and more like stepping into modern Paris.
SO/ Paris isn’t trying to replicate the city’s past, it’s shaping its present. For travellers who want Paris without predictability, design without excess, and luxury without stiffness, this Left Bank hotel continues to stand confidently in a category of its own.
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TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
