Le Bristol Hotel Review
Located in central Paris on the fabulous rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, Le Bristol Hotel is considered by many to be the benchmark for quality service and luxury in Paris. Movie lovers will recognise this hotel as the backdrop of the Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris. Time honored traditions are strictly adhered to by a team of over 300 dedicated staff members from all around the world, whose loyalty to the hotel is demonstrated by their decades long service.
Whether you’re traveling to Paris for business, romance or to make memories with your family and friends, this hotel will give you the best accommodation Paris has to offer. Le Bristol’s proximity to what is considered the capital of designer shopping in Paris, Avenue Champs Elysees, draws the world’s best known personalities and lends to the sophisticated air of the hotel. Celebrities such as Grace Kelly and Orson Welles have stayed at Le Bristol Paris, enticed by the antique furniture, magnificent tapestries, original works of art and luxurious silk curtains. The tasteful furnishings also include crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets, designer fabrics and Carrara marble throughout the hotel’s bathrooms.
While it may be difficult for you to reconcile the thought of a luxury hotel in Paris with being family friendly, one stay at Hotel Le Bristol with your children will completely change your perspective. This hotel is a true family friendly hotel, where you never have to compromise luxury and excellent amenities when traveling with your kids. You’ll join the faithful group of parents who choose this hotel above any other for their Paris vacations, as well as the adults who have been returning year after year. One of the main reasons for this is the hotel staff, who give a sincerely warm welcome to every guest, whether its your first time or you’re a seasoned patron. You’ll never feel like you’re part of a scripted performance on your arrival at the hotel, instead you’ll feel like a long awaited house guest as soon as you enter. Your children will go into a frenzy when they set eyes on the hotel’s resident Burmese cat, Fa-roan, who forms a part of the welcome party in the warm and inviting lobby. One of the reasons families with children feel so welcome at Le Bristol is the laid back atmosphere of the hotel, which feels like an authentic old school Parisian home. The setting may be formal, but the hotel’s guests aren’t expected to be formal at all times. Kids feel right at home because they’re allowed to be kids.
While the kids are at play in the activity room, parents can indulge in some luxurious treatments at the hotel’s first class three floor spa. The activity room caters to children up to the age of twelve, and is named after the hotel’s children mascot, Hippolyte, a delightful rabbit with a love of gardening. Parents can either join their children in the activity room for a bit of fun, or leave them in the capable hands of a member of staff while they pamper themselves at the spa run by La Prairie Switzerland. Children also benefit from a kid’s menu and are given thoughtful treats on arriving at the hotel. When you book a family package, you won’t be surprised at the reception desk with a notice that there are no more adjoining rooms available, since you’re guaranteed connecting rooms upon booking. Adults and kids alike will thoroughly enjoy a swim in the hotel’s nautical themed indoor pool, located on the sixth floor of the hotel. The pool isn’t large, but its spacious enough for splashing around, and you’ll be treated to magnificent views of Paris, including Montmartre and Sacre Coeur.
Dining at Hotel Le Bristol Paris is a one of a kind experience, with two excellent restaurants to choose from, as well as a large courtyard garden where you can relax and eat as a family. Epicure, the hotel’s three Michelin star restaurant, is run by world famous chef Eric Frechon. People actually travel to Paris just to taste his culinary creations, which are definitely part of why the city is known as the gourmet capital of the world. At Epicure you’ll find a delightful and sometimes surprising combination of ingredients that marry to create some of the most exquisite dishes you’ll ever eat.
When you dine at Epicure you’ll surely understand why Frechon holds the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and why the restaurant has earned three Michelin stars. Adults will find the classic Le Bar du Bristol to be a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a seasonal cocktail or two before dinner, made with custom infusions that give each drink a distinct taste. Guests can also dine at the one Michelin star 114 Faubourg, where indulgent appetizers such as duck pate in a crust with pickled vegetables precede succulent main courses such as rack and saddle of lamb, turmeric flavored carrots and mashed chickpeas. Decadent desserts available at 114 Faubourg include sorbets in exotic flavors such as passion fruit, Guanaja chocolate souffle with Cognac ice cream, as well as soft sauteed apples with cinnamon stick ice cream.
Le Bristol offers some of the most spacious rooms in all of Paris, each measuring approximately 430 square feet. You can choose from the Superior, Deluxe and Prestige rooms, each more spacious and all equally as luxurious and inviting. The hotel also offers guests the option of staying in one of their suites, the largest and most luxurious being the Prestige Elysees suites, 2,700 square feet with up to three bedrooms. If you’re looking to splurge, the Imperial Suite is truly worth every penny. Elegance and comfort exude from every room of this almost 3,500 square foot suite, with its own foyer, sitting area and dining area overlooking the hotel’s beautiful French style garden. Furnished by French firm Taillardat, this suite has a luxurious main bedroom complete with a sitting area, two large dressing rooms and a 270 square foot bathroom complete with separate shower steam bath and tub. An additional spacious bedroom is also part of the Imperial Suite. You’ll feel like royalty staying at any of Le Bristols’ rooms and suites, so be sure to make a booking for your next Paris vacation.
Photo by Dan
