Entering Le Bristol through the main revolving door on a cold winter day was like catching a ray of sunshine in the snow. Two uniformed doormen helped us out of our taxi and inside the warm building.
We were welcomed by someone from the reception who informed us our room was ready. That was good news since most hotels will only offer check-in until the mid afternoon. The spacious and inviting lobby was accented with 18
th century tapestries and original rugs. From there we saw the gastronomic restaurant and bar. Further to the right, we climbed aboard a nostalgic elevator to reach our fifth floor junior suite, where we left our luggage before going to lunch at the Hotel’s gourmet restaurant.
Le Bristol, built on a former private home and expanded over the years, was elegant, charming and practical. It offered excellent advantages for leisure and business travelers alike, including a great location in the highly desirable Eighth Arrondisement , understated chic décor, a welcoming ambiance, a large garden, friendly and service oriented staff, a gourmet restaurant (and bar), an affiliated Anne Sémonin beauty center, high speed Internet access, use of a Smart Car for guests, a delightful indoor pool, and a small fitness center. We loved Le Bristol.
Location: On the fashionable rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré near the Elysée Palace and a step away from the famous Champs Elysées and the Place de la Concorde
Owned: Oetker Hotels Group (Dr. August Oetker )
General manager : Pierre Ferchaud
Head Concierge: Carlos Téles , who supervised a team of almost 30
Year opened/renovated: opened in 1924 and renovated in 2004, including the swimming pool
Size: 164 rooms including 73 suites
Handicapped access: according to the hotel management, m ost of the rooms are wheelchair accessible
Languages : French and English
Lobby and common areas: Though built in 1924, Le Bristol was designed as an 18
th century style palace with period furniture. It included a collection of Gobelin and Lille tapestries, old master paintings (many acquired from an auction of reserve works staged by the Louvre Museum before World War Two. An elegant yet inviting building, it was full of light and beautiful accents throughout.
The lobby featured white marble floors and pink marble pillars, Ile -de-France stone, ten Baccarat crystal chandeliers set in stone on the various levels of the lobby, and big flower arrangements. Two large Gobelin tapestries depicting rural scenes were hung in the lounges near the Louis XVI sofas and chairs upholstered with rare fabrics. The Hotel’s 1200 square-meter gardens, designed in 1975, were the largest of any Parisian hotel.
Room: Our 40 square meter (400 square foot) junior suite faced the front of the building and the famous rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré . It was homey, elegant and bright. Our business needs were taken care of with an Internet ready glass covered desk, chair, speakerphone, and lamp in the corner in front of the window.
Hilton Sydney, located right in the heart of the city’s shopping and entertainment districts, boasts stylish bars, the city’s largest health club and fine dining at its famous brasserie. Soak up the harbour views from the Executive Lounge, take care of business in one of 23 meeting rooms, and unwind with a dip in the pool or an indulgent facial at the spa.
Opposite the famous Queen Victoria Building, Hilton Sydney is a short walk from Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium and the Maritime Museum. Visit Sydney attractions like Bondi Beach or enjoy some retail therapy at the nearby Pitt Street Mall. Sip a nightcap at Zeta Bar or finish the night in the opulent Victorian Marble Bar.
