We rate Le Bristol Paris as the city’s most romanticized Belle Époque hotel that gracefully meets both 21st century tastes and the highest of luxury standards. While so much of Le Bristol’s appeal lies in its Old World glamour, it also manages to be splendidly au courant. This is a world class hotel in every respect, one of the finest caravanserais ever built.

Le Bristol’s legendary status as a home-away-from-home for royals, fashionistas and literary icons is what truly sets it apart from other luxury hotels. Sitting proudly on the elegant rue St. Honore, one of the world’s most picturesque upscale shopping destinations, Le Bristol has been called “the Parisians true hotel.” No other hotel can claim to be a neighbor of the French President’s residence, the Elysee Palace, and a short stroll from the Louvre, Champs-Elysees and Hermes. Such a prominent position places Le Bristol at the center of the city’s power.

Le Bristol is authentically French and full of history. Now in its 91st year, it was once owned by the nobleman Boni de Castellane. The marquis would feel right at home among the original oak panels, 18th century tapestries, fine vintage paintings and antique furniture that envelope every guest here.

But what makes Le Bristol a rare experience is its freshness and life. Never stuffy or pretentious, it is modern in its technology and flawless in its staffing. Le Bristol Paris is a unique place for exemplary service and refinement.

Recently renovated rooms and suites are decorated in 18th century French-style. Exceptional cuisine is created in the restaurant, Epicure, which overlooks the French gardens. The luxury brasserie, 114 Faubourg, offers an inviting atmosphere. Café Antonia welcomes guests for afternoon tea, or less formal lunch and dinner. Le Bar du Bristol is the new place to be seen in Paris on evenings.

Le Bristol is still the most celebrated hotel in Paris. It has age, tradition, modernity, taste and super-efficient service. A landmark for seekers of the highest quality since 1925, many connoisseurs consider it their own Paris townhouse.
Le Bristol is beyond genteel, well-bred, breathtakingly beautiful and immaculately kept. Philippe Perd, one of the great hoteliers in the world homed his talents at the Hotel du Cap and is the virtuoso general manager in charge here with a gentle, knowing hand. The story of this iconic hotel is a wonderful and lasting one which has been told with passion over nine decades. The Bristol best illustrates the “art de vivre à la française” and gracefully taking hotelkeeping to the very height of refinement and quality.

More than a majestic layout of the noblest materials, marbles and precious paneling, original works of art, fabrics from the finest crafts, and the most refined gastronomy under the guidance of the talented three Michelin star Chef Eric Frechon, Le Bristol is first and foremost a house where people take precedence. The magnificent building, a masterpiece of the Oetker Collection, is rich due to more than 550 devoted and passionate employees: apprentices, chefs, commis, florists, housekeepers all are specialists in their field who put all their hearts and souls into continuing writing the pages of this wonderful Parisian palace.

So many talented employees have such a strong attachment to the Hotel, which has led them to work at Le Bristol Paris for over 10 or even 20 years. Those men and women (from over seventy-four different nationalities), perpetuate and enrich a unique luxury know-how when it comes to service and always perfect the execution of even the simplest of tasks. With devotion, passion and excellence, they contribute with pride to positioning this fabulous hotel into a myth. Le Bristol Paris is located at 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Created in the grand Parisian style, guests immediately feel at home here. Yet a home unlike any other: Le Bristol was the first hotel in France to receive the title of Palace.

Behind the precious fabrics, works of art and splendid Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, you will find a harmonious retreat with a unique atmosphere. Take the magnificent wrought-iron elevator and cross the plush corridors to discover exceptional rooms and suites, whose luxurious size is revealed at first glance. Spacious and chic, rooms display a multitude of refined details, from the entranceway to the bathroom. These heavenly rooms are filled with masses of fresh flowers and decorated with antique prints, Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, Canovas fabrics and so many enjoy views of the hotel’s stunning French gardens.

Le Bristol is home to four Michelin stars. Triple Michelin-starred Chef Eric Frechon begins every day fired with a passion which he eagerly shares with his kitchen and the loyal clientele of Le Bristol Paris. Le Bristol provides the ultimate creative stage for his supreme talent along with a demanding and appreciative audience. At Epicure, Frechon has created a temple of gastronomy that is absolutely French, his signature style is all about terroir, a sense of place, this is after all Paris the gourmet capital of the world. Frechon also delights in matching unusual ingredients to astounding effect – vive la difference. His foie gras, smoked oysters with a duck and green tea bullion is one of those unforgettable dishes people travel to Paris to experience. Beyond the considerable talents of his right hand Franck Leroy and Epicure’s expert sommelier Bernard Neveu, Frechon is also keen to praise restaurant director Frédéric Kaiser: “he has rare savoir faire, he knows the produce, has technical ability and loves to host.” Guests take a seat in Epicure and relax, while Frechon, Kaiser and the team stage a spectacular show. Epicure can be enjoyed every day of the year, with tables laid formally in an exquisite garden setting throughout the summer.

We rendezvoused with friends at Café Antonia, a more relaxed and spontaneous side of Paris life where we enjoyed casual and elegant refreshments day and night. We happily dined by frescoed walls, beneath crystal chandeliers or in the peaceful courtyard garden. The musical atmosphere transforms with the time of day.

To get our minds off calories, we headed to Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie where experts in beauty, relaxation and well being helped us relinquish all the cares of the world. The hands of highly trained experts in this place of perfect peace where everything is for you had us floating in the clouds. Our treatment began with the eucalyptus steam room, to relax and soothe limbs in preparation for therapy and are concluded with a ginger, lemon and honey infusion for a final boost to the immune system, so we left feeling both serene and revitalized. Then we dove into the pool: it overlooks the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and le Sacré-Coeur. Surrounded by glass and awash with light this is a pool of elegant magic. In the evening the sun dips, lights shimmer to life and the swimmer is immersed in the scintillating beauty of the city. In summer months guests can recline on a little balcony fragrant with rosemary, overlooking the majestic Parisian rooftops. The pool evokes the prow of a yacht, with teak decking, and a mural gives a view over blue sea to the pine and olive scattered Côte d’Azur. The fitness centre is located on the first floor.

In the distance one perceives Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, also owned by the Oetker family. Luxury, charm, style, keen attention to detail—these are all hallmarks of Le Bristol. It is more than a hotel, it is a beautifully balanced home for people who are no longer easily impressed. Merveilleux, Le Bristol, the nec plus ultra of all Paris hotels. Five stars? It deserves a dozen! Visit http://www.lebristolparis.com/eng/home.

We are honored to offer for auction a three-night stay for two in a Deluxe double room at Le Bristol , including American breakfasts, a dinner at the one-starred-Michelin brasserie, the 114 Faubourg, and a Caviar Firming Facial in the remarkable Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie. The retail value of this indulgent stay is over $4000. Bids are to be directed to William Tomicki, Editor, ENTREE Travel Newslettter, wtomicki@aol.com, (805) 969-5848.