The former hunting lodge turned Palace of Versailles now symbolizes the opulence of French royalty, serving as a reminder of the inequalities that fueled the French Revolution, and ultimately led to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette losing their heads.
Château de Versailles is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions every year, but beyond a mere day trip to the Palace, consider staying in the French commune a little longer.
Is it worth staying the night in Versailles?
Situated 15 mi southwest of central Paris, the leafy commune of Versailles is near enough for a day trip. By booking a hotel in Versailles, you get to fully indulge in the stately splendor of this historic location, home to the legendary landscaped formal gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and the curious Queen’s Hamlet. Ultimately, you can savor these stellar sights for longer when you book a Versailles hotel.
Image Credit: Felicia Cisco. Image Location: Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, Versailles, France.
Best places to stay in Versailles, France
We’ve cherry picked these elegant hotel options in Versailles, France (yes, including the actual Palace) so you can relax in regal style.
Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle
Within the gilded heart of Château de Versailles lies Le Grand Contrôle, the only hotel at the Palace.
After a night surrounded by the trappings of five-star opulence – including four-poster beds, shimmering chandeliers, and richly patterned wallpaper – rise to a breakfast designed by legendary French chef, Alain Ducasse (his dinner menu is inspired by the banquets of the royal court).
A huge perk is the complimentary daily Palace tour where you explore a different part of the Château. If all that grandeur tires you, hit the spa for a few gentle laps or throw a Downward Dog in a private yoga class. Finally, refuel on an afternoon tea that doffs its cap to Marie Antoinette.
Image Credit and Location: Hilton Hotels, Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace.
Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace
Nodding to Louis XIV’s pleasure palace in name and style – the Grand Trianon on the grounds of Versailles was built in 1687 for Louis XIV and his family as a break from the restrictions of court life – the location of this hotel is hard to beat.
With glitzy chandeliers and gleaming white marble adorning common areas, rooms mix modern clean lines with period fireplaces, with some rooms even offering views of the Château itself.
Stay here and you’ll indulge in suitably regal multi-course Michelin-starred dining at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, with added views of the park. Alternatively, retreat to the prestigious Guerlain Spa for some pampering.
Hôtel d'Angleterre Versailles
If the lavishness of Versailles has you seeking a more modern place to stay, this hotel makes for an ideal contemporary option.
Light-filled rooms with whitewashed walls are juxtaposed with bold accent walls, and occasionally, period-style radiators painted in a zesty lime green. Power up for a day of stately sightseeing with a continental breakfast, featuring a selection of buttery croissants.
Views unveil either the pretty garden or the quiet charm of Rue de Fontenay, while Versailles-Château–Rive Gauche station is located just a five-minute walk away.
Image Credit and Location: Le Louis Versailles Château Hotel - MGallery, Versailles, France.
Le Louis Versailles Château Hotel - MGallery
A short five-minute stroll from the Palace of Versailles, this hotel merges a 19th-century façade with a sleekly modern interior.
Design nods to the nearby palace include a modernist chandelier, shades of emerald and gold, along with parquet floors and trompe-l’œil ceilings. Then there’s L’Alcôve restaurant, which serves Mediterranean classics, and everything else from ceviche to French beef and ratatouille.
Oh, and Versailles-Château–Rive Gauche station is only a quick three-minute walk away.
Image Credit and Location: Hotel Le Versailles, Versailles, France.
Hotel Le Versailles
Set down a quiet side street in the charming center of Versailles, this peachy hotel is close to major attractions, including the opulent wooden and gold Royal Stables, now home to the Versailles Academy of Equestrian Arts.
The glamorous hotel rooms are decked in jewel-like shades and richly patterned wallpapers, some showing images of the Palace, so you can sightsee in style as you get some shut-eye.
How to get from Paris to Versailles by train
Your journey from Paris to Versailles via train is a breeze thanks to the Métro and regional train travel options, like the RER network. Get on the RER C line at Paris-Austerlitz station towards Versailles-Château–Rive Gauche station, where you’ll get off. From there it’s just a short walk to the Palace of Versailles. Download the Trainline app and start your journey to Versailles. Discover other easy day trips from Paris by train.
Header Image Credit and Location: Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, Versailles, France.