Le Bristol! An emblem among Parisian luxury hotels that I was thrilled to explore during my stay in the French capital this past August. This particular luxury establishment has more than one ace in the hole, including a highly central location, a stunning 18th-century French style, and Michelin-starred restaurants. A dreamy overnight stay is guaranteed!
The Bristol is one of the most prestigious hotels in the capital. Even its location is a marvel: it’s situated a stone’s throw away from the Elysée Palace in the famous Rue Saint-Honoré, well-known for its ready-to-wear fashion boutiques. As I walked through the front doors, I discovered an imposing lobby with a marble floor, crystal chandeliers, and floral arrangements, all in a pure 18th century French style. As I would expect from such an upscale establishment, I was impeccably greeted; the personnel was thoughtful and attentive, so much so that I felt like I was the hotel’s only customer! It’s no mistake that Le Bristol Paris was the first French hotel to receive the distinction of “Palace,” or luxury hotel!
A Subtle Balance between Modern Comfort and Classical Style
Among the 190 rooms and suites, I stayed in a spacious 55 m² Junior Suite, which offered a certain French elegance; period tapestries, antique furniture, and various artworks lent the room a historic charm. The suite featured a perfect balance between modern comforts worthy of a luxury hotel, and chic style à la française. The sizable bathroom had a bathtub with a view over the rooftops of Paris, a must! And for those looking for an even more luxurious experience, I’d recommend one of the 9 signature suites. The most spacious among them, the Imperial Suite, offers two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining room (where guests can taste the starred cuisine of chef Eric Fréchon in a more intimate setting) — an incredibly luxurious Parisian apartment.
The Restaurants: Michelin-Starred, Of Course!
One of the most prestigious restaurants in Paris can be found right inside the Bristol. Seated at a table in Epicure, awarded three Michelin stars, guests can enjoy chef Eric Fréchon’s cuisine. Renowned worldwide, the restaurant boasts both French and foreign clientele. Another restaurant worth a detour is 114 Faubourg, offering chic bistro cuisine in a more informal setting, even if the establishment has garnered its own Michelin star. It’s the perfect night out for lovers of classic brasserie fare. And at any time of day, you can take a seat at the Café Antonia, but don’t miss out on tea time: you’ll be dazzled by chef Julien Alvarez’s delicious pastries, served in a feminine and historic ambiance.
For breakfast, I had several options: room service, Café Antonia, or the dining room at Epicure. Obviously I had to go for the latter! I couldn’t miss out on seeing the room with its classical style, the perfect place to enjoy a delicious American breakfast. I particularly enjoyed the very tasty home-made pastries, all prepared in their own bakery. A fantastic way to start the day!
Le Jardin Français : a Gem!
My favorite place in the Bristol is Le Jardin Français! I should mention that this hotel keeps some of its best assets hidden. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover a splendid 1200 m² French-style garden, truly an oasis in the heart of Paris. I loved this life-giving space where I could enjoy a champagne-based cocktail and tapas created by Mr. Fréchon! As for the Bristol’s bar, it’s without a doubt a legendary spot in the capital, designated the best bar in the world in 2013. It features a showcase-of-curiosities-style ambiance, trendy music provided by a DJ, and a long list of cocktails.
The Spa by La Prairie: Top-Notch!
This luxury establishment wouldn’t be complete without a superb spa. No worries, the spa Le Bristol by La Prairie is the perfect place to be pampered with its menu of never-before-seen treatments, created in collaboration with the famous Swiss brand La Prairie. The 8 treatment rooms, some of which continue onto a private balcony, offer the perfect refuge for relaxing under the expert hands of a therapist. As I was running out of time, I didn’t get the chance to try out the treatments, but I did have time to discover the pool on the 6th floor overlooking all of Paris. It features an original style; the walls are made of solid teak, and paintings throughout the space give guests the impression of being on an enormous sailboat.
The Verdict
The Bristol is one of the most iconic hotels in all of Paris. Its best strengths include its excellent service, as well as the beauty of its rooms and suites. But my favorite by far is the Jardin Française; it’s rather unusual in the heart of the 1st arrondissement in Paris to be able to enjoy a green oasis like this one! And for those looking to spend a few days in Paris without having to search for the best high-flying restaurants, the Bristol also features 114 Faubourg and the Epicure, with one and three Michelin stars respectively.
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Practical Information
Thank you to the Bristol for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!
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About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.