Cliche or not, surviving a pandemic has required every single one of us to learn how to prioritize and adapt in ways we may not have anticipated. As the light at the end of the tunnel brightens, it’s reasonable to expect a surge in travel as adventurers around the world scramble to make up for lost time.

If you are one of these adventurers and have made a renewed commitment to your travel bucket list, don’t forget to add Paris! A typical hot-button destination anyway, the City of Lights simply can’t be missed. Even for fringe nomads and off-the-beaten-track jet-setters, Paris has a special something that makes it a wonderful destination for nearly anyone to explore. Whether you enjoy art, music, and architecture or Pain-au-chocolat, cheese, and wine, Paris is a delicious choice for a post-Covid summer vacation.

Although the outer suburbs are lovely and quaint, a true Parisian experience requires visitors to stay within the ring bounded by Boulevard Périphérique. With that in mind, here are a few points properties that we think you should check out for your next getaway to the French capital.

Marriott

Moxy Paris Bastille

For easy accommodations in a great neighborhood, book in with the Moxy Paris Bastille. Just down the street from the site of the old Bastille, this property is surrounded by trendy cafes and patisseries that are prime locales for dining al fresco.

There are plenty of nearby spots to quench your thirst for nightlife including 38Riv, which is the perfect place to sip a French Gimlet while enjoying an underground jazz session. Then, head back to your simple, cozy room for a quiet night of rest.

A night at this Category 5 property costs between 30,000 and 40,000 Marriott Rewards Points.

moxi paris bastille

Moxy Paris Bastille | Photo Credit from Marriott

Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel

Recently redesigned by the celebrated Didier Gomez, this stylish boutique property is ideal for folks who are visiting Paris for art, fashion, and shopping.

Located on the edge of Jardin des Tuileries, the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel is just a short stroll from Musee du Louvre. Hop across the Seine and board a river cruise, or keep walking along the river and visit the always-impressive Notre Dame. Parse some of your time to enjoy the onsite offerings at this hotel; the onsite restaurants bring delectable French and Israeli flavors to your palette, and the Vendome Spa is a lovely place to treat yourself.

A night at this Category 7 property costs between 50,000 and 70,000 Marriott Rewards Points.

Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel

Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel | Photo Credit from Marriott

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

One of the quickest ways to earn Marriott points is to open a line of credit with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card from Chase. Not only do cardholders have the opportunity to earn more Bonus Points on everyday spending, but they also earn automatic Silver Elite status simply by being cardholders. Cardholders earn 6X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott Properties and 2X points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

 

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

If you want extra benefits without the annual fee, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card from Chase. You’ll still have access to complimentary Silver Elite Status and earn 3X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott properties. You’ll also earn 2X points per $1USD spent on travel purchases and 1X points per $1USD on all other purchases.

If you want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right pick for you.

Hilton

Niepce Paris Hotel

For affordable luxury, the Niepce Paris Hotel is a great place to redeem your points.

Located squarely in the 14th Arr., this airy property is seamlessly integrated into a cozy neighborhood of 19th-century townhouses. Design elements feature gold accents and wide windows, ideal for a relaxing, residential home base for your Parisian adventures. The 14th may be a little out of the way when it comes to some of the most famous hot spots, but rest assured that this neighborhood is easily connected to the rest of the area via Paris Metro.

A night at this hotel is available from 49,000 Hilton Honors Points.

Niepce Paris Hotel

Niepce Paris Hotel | Photo Credit Hilton

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero

For charming, down-to-Earth simplicity in one of Paris’ favorite neighborhoods, book in with the Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero.

The Trocadero neighborhood is located in the 16th Arr. and features Jardins du Trocadero, a beautiful garden that lies just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. Take a sunny walk along the river or hop on a riverboat for a relaxing river cruise, then return to the hotel for a glass of local wine. Enjoy yourself at the rooftop bar, and don’t miss the glittering Eiffel Tower views by night.

A night at this hotel is available from 80,000 HHonors Points.

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero | Photo Credit from Hilton

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton has a long-standing partnership with American Express and offers four different co-branded cards: three personal cards and one business card. Here, we’ll mention the perks of our favorite personal card as well as the business card.

Hilton Honors Business Card

Perfect for business owners on the go, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a card with decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits. While it comes with a $95 annual fee, cardholders earn 12X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases, 6X Bonus Points per $1USD on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on car rentals booked directly through select car rental agencies. You’ll earn 3X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other purchases. Rates & fees.

This card is an excellent way to jump straight to Gold Status; a $95 annual fee is a pretty small price to pay considering that benefit. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond Status depending on how much you’re planning on using the card, which is a definite bonus.

Hilton Honors Aspire

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire® Card is our favorite credit card in the collection, but it does come with a hefty $450 annual fee. Rates & fees.

At first glance, it might not seem worth it to splurge on a high-fee card when the Bonus Points earning potential is only marginally better than the other three cards in the collection. However, when weighing the annual fee against the additional benefits, it might be a good deal if you’re looking to skyrocket your status.

Cardholders earn 14X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases, 7X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, and cars booked directly through select car rental agencies. You’ll earn 3X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other eligible purchases. Note that the value of the accompanying travel benefits surpasses the annual fee, so as long as you’re planning on using the benefits, this card is well worth it.

IHG

voco Paris Montparnasse

A premium IHG brand, voco aims to bring luxury, comfort, and warmth to its visitors wherever they are. Their Paris property, the voco Paris Montparnasse, is no exception.

This property is located in the 14th Arr. and, as other properties located in the 14th, it is easily connected to Paris favorites by Paris Metro. This is the perfect spot for travelers who want a quiet space to rest but also wish for a simple way to connect to the rest of the city. This hotel is especially suited for digital nomads or folks on a working retreat.

A night at this property is available from 58,000 IHG Rewards points.

voco Paris Montparnasse

voco Paris Montparnasse | Photo Credit from IHG

Cards to Help You Earn IHG Points

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card from Chase is the premium card in the IHG collection.

This card comes with an $89 annual fee, but it includes automatic Platinum Elite Member status and up to 25X points per $1USD spent at IHG properties, which include existing reward benefits from your status.

IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card

Of course, the Premier level card doesn’t suit everyone. If you are an IHG Rewards member interested in opening an IHG line of credit but don’t want to bother with any annual fees, then signing up for the IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card could be a better move.

This card does come with the opportunity to bump up to Gold Elite, which is a nice perk for members with Club Member status. Additionally, you can earn up to 15X points per USD spent at IHG properties worldwide when combined with your status.

Hyatt

Le Pavillion de la Reine & Spa

Transport yourself back to the era of Parisian nobility and treat yourself to a stay at this exclusive estate.

A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Le Pavillion de la Reine & Spa truly embodies the vibe of a palatial mansion from its gated entrance to its ivy-covered facade. Its spot along the Place des Vosges guarantees plenty of privacy and quiet for guests but also lends access to nearby galleries, museums, and cafes. This property also includes complimentary bicycle rental for those who would rather explore Paris on two wheels.

A night at this member-only property costs 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Le Pavillion de la Reine & Spa

Le Pavillion de la Reine & Spa | Photo Credit from Hyatt

Hotel L’Hotel

Fans of Oscar Wilde will feel right at home at the L’Hotel, as it was once the home of the famous playwright. Also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this intimate boutique property hosts just 20 rooms.

One of the neat things about these small boutique hotels, with the L’Hotel being no exception, is that they often double as historical relics and museums in their own right. Guests can enjoy displays of Oscar Wilde’s own hand-written notes while on-site, then venture outdoors to explore artistic treasures like the Louvre, located just across the Seine.

A night at this member-only property costs 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hotel L’Hotel

Hotel L’Hotel | Photo Credit from Hyatt

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by – you guessed it – opening up a line of credit.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card holders earn 9X Total Points per $1USD spent at Hyatt properties, 2X Bonus Points on transportation, restaurants, flights purchased directly through the airline, and fitness club memberships, and 1X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

Chase Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Paris, but they aren’t so exciting if you haven’t stocked up on a bunch of points in exactly the right currency. If you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around, there is another option.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that include the opportunity to redeem points on travel. If you’ve been stockpiling credit card rewards instead of brand-specific hotel rewards, a trip to Paris could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to book your hotel. When Chase points are redeemed on travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Portal, they are worth 50% more than other select categories for Chase Sapphire Reserve® card holders. Those with other Ultimate Rewards earning cards with an annual fee get 25% more. That bonus is a great incentive to use them on a trip to Paris! Here is an example of one luxury property in Paris that can be booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Ritz Paris

A household name tantamount to luxury, Ritz properties are destinations themselves. The Ritz Paris is the pinnacle property for refined and storied extravagance, ideal for hosting a prime event or simply enjoying a lavish vacation.

For those who have quite a considerable stash of Ultimate Rewards Points, this could be a flashy way to blow them all at once! Located on Place Vendome, the Ritz Paris is within an easy stroll to the Louvre and other Parisian favorites. But for those who wish to stay at the Ritz, it is advisable to portion a significant amount of time to enjoy the property itself.

A room at the Ritz Paris is available from roughly 90,600 Ultimate Rewards Points per night.

Ritz Paris

Ritz Paris Le Comptoir | Photo Credit from Ritz Paris

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite of the Chase collection is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering unparalleled opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points and benefit from travel perks.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a high annual fee just doesn’t sound like a good time, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. With a $95 annual fee this card is ideal for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t many cityscapes that can beat that of Paris, especially on a warm summer evening. Whether or not your stockpile of points comes with a specific brand identity, there are plenty of options for redemption in the City of Lights.