Le Bristol, A Parisian Icon Turns 100

Le Bristol, A Parisian Icon Turns 100

Le Bristol Paris turns 100 this year and will celebrate its unique heritage as a cornerstone of Parisian luxury. Le Bristol Paris is not just a hotel; it’s a love letter to the city itself.  Each detail, from the sage-green shutters to the iconic striped awnings, tells a story of timeless elegance, woven into the fabric of Paris itself. On Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, time doesn’t merely pass; it lingers, dances, and transforms into unforgettable moments, capturing the heart of all who enter.

To mark this milestone, Le Bristol Paris invites its guests into a year-long celebration. Collectible matchboxes, pens, and letterhead paper showcase the updated design, while the ambiance of the hotel is elevated by a new bespoke fragrance crafted by master candle maker Cire Trudon, that will imbue its rooms and suites throughout the year. In a whimsical nod to its storied past, the hotel introduces a bespoke edition of Cluedo—the first-ever hotel version of the iconic board game. Set in the 1930s, this playful reimagining replaces murder with the disappearance of Socrate, the hotel’s beloved Birman mascot. Guests become detectives, unravelling clues in iconic locations like the Castellane Salon and Epicure’s kitchen, crafting cherished family memories through a light-hearted chase.

A grand gala dinner and traditional garden party is set to enchant guests, with Executive Chef Arnaud Faye’s vibrant cuisine—infused with plant-based elements and citrus notes—taking centre stage. As the festivities extend beyond France, Chef Faye will bring Le Bristol’s culinary artistry to Japan during a gastronomic week at L’Osier in Tokyo, creating unforgettable moments on an international stage.

In honor of its centenary, Le Bristol Paris also unveils the highly anticipated transformations of two of its most iconic suites — a rare and privileged glimpse into the extraordinary craftsmanship and vision that await only the most fortunate of guests. The Signature Honeymoon Suite, perched on the rooftops with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, now boasts a fresco by Dimitri Rybaltchenko inspired by the myth of Eros and Psyche. The Imperial Suite, meanwhile, honors its storied legacy with a redesign in collaboration with renowned artist George Condo, transforming it into a collector’s apartment adorned with custom-made artworks and a harmonious palette of green tones that mirrors the hotel’s private garden.

A mythical residence on one of the world’s most fabulous streets, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré; a timeless beacon of Parisian grandeur, rich with tales of elegance and intrigue.

There are few hotels in the world like Le Bristol. Traveling back to where it all began in 1925, this Grand dame opened a year when Paris pulsed with the energy of the Roaring Twenties flourishing as the epicentre of art, fashion, and expression.

After acquiring the property from Count de Castellane, Hippolyte Jammet reimagined the noble townhouse into a Parisian icon of hospitality. Over the years, luminaries like Charlie Chaplin, Rita Hayworth, and Woody Allen have found inspiration within its walls, making Le Bristol a participant in countless extraordinary tales and filming of iconic scenes such as those in "Midnight in Paris". A pivotal element of Le Bristol’s iconic identity is its moniker as “l’hôtel silencieux” — The Silent Hotel — a tribute to the profound discretion of its staff, who throughout the years, have safeguarded the whispered dreams and sacred secrets of its guests.

Walking through its halls today, one is transported to a bygone era of Parisian glamour, meticulously preserved by the vision of the Oetker family who became the guardians of Le Bristol's legacy in 1978. Their touch has only magnified its allure, transforming Le Bristol into a living gallery of art, history and timeless beauty. Among their first endeavors was the expansion of the hotel’s accommodations by acquiring the neighboring convent and creating the Résidence wing. This addition introduced two magnificent Terrace Suites on its uppermost floors, where breathtaking views of the Jardin Français unfold. This hidden sanctuary, vibrant with seasonal blooms, whispers centuries of Parisian charm and is celebrated as the largest private garden of its kind in Paris - a serene contrast to the city’s vibrant tempo. The family’s devotion to artistry extends far beyond Le Bristol’s walls. Through their cherished connection with The Louvre, they acquired a vintage portrait of Marie Antoinette, now a regal presence in the beloved Café Antonia. Other iconic pieces from the hotel’s collection include works by Picasso, Chagall, and Valdés, evoking the feel of a bygone era.

Luca Allegri, President of Le Bristol Paris, reflects on the hotel’s enduring legacy: "Le Bristol Paris is the art of the intangible, the very essence of quiet luxury. While it is proudly unapologetically French; adorned with exquisite antiques and touches like hand-embroidered curtains, this hotel is imbued with genuine warmth… As artisans of bespoke French hospitality, we’ve cultivated timeless elegance while also keeping an eye to the future as we continue to innovate and will continue to do so for the next 100 years."