Review: Le Bristol Paris

Why book

A landmark Paris hotel, with good reason: from the sumptuously oversized suites to always-on service, this is the type of never-lift-a-finger property that’s hard to leave.

Set the scene

Located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, Le Bristol is grand from first glance. The property occupies the corner of Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and as you approach you’ll likely spot one or two people trying to capture the perfect shot of the uniform iron balconies with subtle floral arrangements, or the famous gilded entrance flanked by smart doormen. Guests are proud to step into this imposing beauty, where splendour and luxury await.

The backstory

There’s a handful of Paris hotels that could be considered classics – timeless examples of Parisian excellence – and Le Bristol certainly falls within this category. Famous guests over the years have included Charlie Chaplin and Rita Hayworth, and it has served as a set for films and TV. But while its reputation may precede it, Le Bristol has managed what many find impossible by keeping its grandeur while embracing modernity, towing the line without ever going too far one way.

Named after Bishop Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol, an eighteenth-century traveller famed for his love of comfort and the high standards he demanded, Le Bristol maintains its original purpose nearly 100 years on. Now part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, it was one of the first hotels in France to be awarded ‘Palace’ status, which by definition means it “...must have exceptional qualities that embody French standards of excellence and contribute to enhancing the image of France throughout the world.”

During World War II, the property served as the home of the American Embassy, and while the clientele is very global, US visitors appear to gravitate towards this timeless hotel. As such, staff speak wonderful English, and are only too happy to share more details on the history of the hotel.

The rooms

There are 190 rooms and suites at Le Bristol, each one unique in decoration and colour (although many gravitate towards the hotel’s pink and blue colour palette). While rooms come in a range of categories, from Superior to Imperial Suite, all are far bigger than your average city hotel rooms, with most having oversized showers and baths in the bathrooms, plus huge beds that offer a deep, restful night’s sleep.

While some rooms offer an Eiffel Tower view, most come with views of the grand avenue below, or the flower-filled courtyard. Decor is traditional and enhanced with original paintings and antique furniture. Some may find the style fussy or chintzy, but what should a hotel be, if not an escape from monotony?

The location

It’s hard to argue with a location that’s a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées. Also within walking distance is the Place de l’Opéra and its surrounding shops. Those who’d rather hop in a taxi or on the Metro will find themselves easily placed to head to the various corners of the city with ease.

Food and drink

Picture the best croissant you’ve ever eaten, and I can almost guarantee it won’t have been as buttery, flaky and crispy as that served at breakfast at Le Bristol. Every day since my stay I’ve thought about the hotel’s pastries and wondered if I savoured them enough, or enjoyed being in that very moment as I should have, now that I can’t get it back. And that’s what a hotel of this calibre can offer that others can’t; moments so memorable they become precious and long-lasting.

It helps, of course, that the setting here is so beautiful. Le Jardin Francais, Le Bristol Paris’s courtyard garden, is a calm escape from the busy Paris streets, where the trickle of water from the fountain and the buzz of bees pollinating nearby soundtracks your lunch. Here, guests quietly discuss their day while picking at fat, garlicky olives, before tucking into beef tartare made only as the French can; with a mustard kick that stays with you. It might seem criminal to order a cheeseburger when there’s perfectly-cooked steak on offer, but once you know that the brioche buns are made (same-day, of course) just a few metres away in the hotel’s kitchen, you realise this isn’t just any cheeseburger.

The hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, legendary Epicure, is what brings most, including non-guests, to the hotel. Here, guests tuck into courses from new head chef Arnaud Faye inspired by France's diverse regions and their culinary traditions. Afterwards, they might head to Bristol After Dark, at Le Bar Du Bristol, for a nightcap where “Studio 54 vibes intermingle with the plush splendour of a Parisian Palace.”

The service

As you walk through the hotel, you’ll be greeted by a chorus of “bonjour!” or “bonsior, madame/monsieur” by the various staff you walk by, and even if your French is barely-passable, you’ll likely have mastered the accent on these welcomes by the time you leave. This interaction with guests is key to the hotel’s service, and as a temporary resident, it adds to the more personalised nature of a stay at Le Bristol. Staff go out of their way to make you feel special, whether that’s via a simple enquiry about your day or fulfilling a special request. It’s clear that guest experience is taken incredibly seriously by everyone that works here.

For families

What might not seem like an ideal place for children – there’s no open outdoor space and the peace and quiet of the shared areas may not be appealing to younger kids – is actually a welcoming escape. Firstly, it should be said that the wonderful staff will go out of their way to make a stay special, so if you need any extra help – if you want to organise a birthday party for your child, for example – they’ll be only too happy to assist with that. Secondly the pool is a wonderful place for children to enjoy.

And then of course there’s the hotel’s most famous resident; Burmese cat, Socrate, who prowls the storied halls of the hotel in his bespoke Goyard collar, demanding fuss when he wishes. He is undoubtedly a huge hit with younger guests, and Socrate’s own living quarters are now decorated with many pictures younger guests have drawn of him over the years.

Eco effort

It’s undoubtedly more difficult for legacy hotels to embrace sustainability and eco practices, but Le Bristol is working towards balancing luxury with longevity at an impressive pace. Take the hotel’s kitchens, for example; there’s a chocolatier, a pasta-making kitchen, a patisserie and even a bakery, where wheat is milled fresh each day. This means ingredients can be measured to perfection, and products don’t need to travel for miles. The hotel also works closely with local farms and suppliers to choose ingredients that can reach them quickly and easily.

Like most larger hotels, Le Bristol is plastic-free. They also offer guests electric bicycles to ride, which is a wonderful perk for those looking to explore Paris quickly.

Accessibility for those with mobility impairments

The hotel has five accessible rooms, plus one cabin in the spa. Wheelchairs and shower chairs are available to guests upon request, and there is an accessible lift in the lobby.

Anything left to mention?

While it’s tempting to languish in your room, there’s plenty to discover within the property’s walls. The nautical-themed indoor pool, created by the same designer that did the Onassis' yacht, is heated in all seasons, but is particularly delightful on a summer’s day, when you can open the terrace and sunbathe outside with a view of the city’s famous zinc roofs. There’s a spa which offers a typical menu, plus L’Épicerie des Ateliers du Bristol: a little deli selling everything from those croissants to chocolates created in the basement factory. The hotel’s boutique is well worth a visit, if only to lust after its range of candles and room sprays created to invoke the scent of the courtyard garden, or branded clothing collection. In fact, I was surprised to find myself seriously considering spending 75 euros on a hotel-branded cap to take home as a memento. But I guess that’s what gives Le Bristol its je ne sais quoi; you want to keep a little part of it with you, even when the fantasy is over.