By Corina Tan
Le Bristol Paris, Entrance
If you find yourself on a Parisian journey soon, the Oetker Collection would like to invite you to one of their Masterpiece Hotels – Le Bristol Paris. Located in what could be one of the most prestigious addresses at 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Le Bristol exudes the charm and elegance of the Parisian lifestyle from the moment you step out of your limousine and onto the steps of its grand entrance. Greeted by charming doormen, and ushered into the luxurious lobby, an experience to remember awaits as you prepare to become part of a place and time when the Roaring Twenties were in full swing.
Le Bristol has a notable history, beginning with how Faubourg Saint-Honoré itself became a prime landmark all those years ago. In 1725 when the court left Versailles following the death of Louis XIV, they established themselves in Paris, where large and luxurious mansions were built on what had previously been green meadowland. In the 19th century, Elysée Palace became the official residence of the Presidents of France, and that prompted the appearance of the first luxury shops in the area. When the saddler Hermès and the dressmaker Jeanne Lanvin opened their boutiques, the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré’s reputation was made.
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In 1923, Hippolyte Jammet purchased a piece of property from Jules de Castellane, that he would soon transform into a luxurious hotel called Le Bristol, named after the 4th Earl of Bristol who was then known as a traveller famed for his love of comfort and high standards. When the hotel opened in 1925, it was the heyday of Josephine Baker, Sydney Bechet and the Charleston. It was during this carefree era of prosperity that Paris attracted all the big names of culture and fashion; Rochas, Balenciaga, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Picasso, Mondrian and Dali. By 1954, the first Pierre Cardin boutique opened at 118 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré which were then followed by Christian Lacroix, Louboutin and many others. With its proximity to haute couture, Le Bristol became home to famous icons such as Konrad Adenauer, Kim Novak, Rita Hayworth and Charlie Chaplin.
Rudolf Oetker, founder of German industrial group Oetker, came to acquire Le Bristol in 1978 and enlarged its site to add sixty new rooms, suites and a charming interior garden. A unique swimming pool designed by the same architect of Aristotle Onassis’s yacht, Professor Pinau, fashioned it to resemble the prow of a sailing boat and gave it magnificent views over Paris from the sixth floor. The hotel once again acquired an adjoining building in 2007, that enabled it to create the now famous ‘Fashion High Teas’ which showcases various sculptures and works of art. Expansion continued into 2009, 2011 and 2013 with 114 Faubourg – a most sort after restaurant in Paris, the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, Epicure – a three Michelin star restaurant, Bar du Bristol – elected the best bar in the world, while resplendent improvements continued with lavish and impeccably discreet refurbishments in 2018.
(Related article: Hotel La Palma, An Italian Masterpiece On The Isle Of Capri)
Today, Le Bristol Paris stands tall as a monument that represents everything that Paris is known and loved for – its history, culture, fashion and romance. Boasting 190 completely renovated rooms and suites in an exceptional setting, and running a Winter Offer which includes a guaranteed upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, breakfast and 10% off their best available rate, prices start at 990€. To book your stay, call +1 855 212 1976 or email reservations.lebristolparis@oetkercollection.com
All images courtesy of Le Bristol Paris.
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