Hôtel Le Bristol Paris

History

Rue du Faubourg St.Honoré`s history begins in 1715 when the French monarchy begins to reestablish itself in Paris. Following the death of King Louis XIV, and during the 18th and 19th Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré saw mansions of the French elite being built on what was once a marshland. The street originally served as a path leading from the gates of St. Honoré to a small village called Roule, so named for the church of St.Phillippe de Roule found there. The word Faubourg means that this area of Paris was once a suburb, and was reintegrated into the city in 1860.

The street is also known for its association with the elite of Parisian design. Starting in the 1880s, Thierry Hermès, founder of the luxury brand Hermès, moved his saddler shop to the Faubourg. In the 1920s, Jeannine Lanvin, founder of the famous Lanvin brand and French luggage maker Lancel and other luxury brands would move to the Faubourg St.Honoré, which has now become known as a mecca for luxury goods.

In 1923, Hippolyte Jammet purchased the property of Julles de Castellane on the Faubourg. Jammet’s mission was to transform this mansion into one of the most luxurious hotels. The name Hôtel Le Bristol, which had been familiar in Place Vendôme from the mid-19th century until World War I, derives originally from the Bishop Frederick Augustus Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol, famous for his high demand for luxury when he travelled on the Continent during the 18th century. Hotel le Bristol opened in 1925.

During the Second World War, beginning in June 1940, Hotel Le Bristol would become the home of the American Embassy and American nationals living in Paris during the War. Hippolyte Jammet succeeded in keeping his hotel and during the war worked to maintain its prestige, carrying out renovation projects as well as maintenance.

Following the opening of Pierre Cardin’s boutique at 118 Rue du Faubourg St.Honoré in 1954, many other luxury brands began to open boutiques. With the opening of boutiques such as Lanvin and Christian Lacroix, the stars and members of the elite began to flock to Rue du Faubourg St.Honoré and the Hotel welcomed clients such as Charlie Chaplin, Rita Hayworth and other elites and celebrities. Starting in the 1960s and onwards from there, Hotel Le Bristol became a mecca for fashion photographers. In 1962, the hotel was ranked number one by the American travel guide Fielding’s, thus cementing its reputation in America as one of the top hotels. In 1968 the hotel was taken over by Hippolyte’s son Pierre, who postponed some restoration work due to riots in May 1968.

During the 1970s, Hotel Le Bristol underwent major expansions and renovations. From 1974 to the present day, Hotel Le Bristol’s restaurant began its Wednesday’s at Le Bristol. On April 4, 1975, Josephine Baker celebrated 50 years in show business with a lavish party thrown at Le Bristol; guests included Sophia Loren, Mick Jagger and Princess Grace of Monaco. In 1978, the hotel was acquired by Rudolf Oetker, founder of the German industrial group Oetker, and an owner of other hotels on the French Rivera. Oetker began extension work in the 1980s, which included expansion of the hotel’s rooms, restoration of the garden (Hotel Le Bristol’s crown jewel) and a 6th floor swimming pool with views of the Parisian skyline.

In 1994, Pierre Ferchaud was appointed the manager of the Hotel. He would later become the managing director. During his time managing the hotel, Ferchaud converted some of the guestrooms into luxury suites. In 2004, the hotel underwent a huge restoration and renovation. 2004 also saw the creation of Hotel Le Bristol’s “fashion high teas”.

In 2005 the Bar of Le Bristol was refurbished. The Hotel also launched a campaign to encourage families to stay at the Hotel.

In 2007 Le Bristol acquired the building next door; this purchase allowed the hotel to become more prominent on the corner of avenue Matignon and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. This also allowed for the hotel to become involved in the art world, with sculptural exhibits shown at the Hotel.

2009: The Matignon Residence, Hotel le Bristol’s Renovation of the next door building – was unveiled with an additional twenty-one rooms and five suites, as well as a new restaurant - 114 Faubourg.

Recently Hotel Le Bristol recruited a new manager, Didier Le Calvez and was fitted with two new honeymoon suites, offering views of Paris. The Restaurant was renovated in a French style, while still serving up the same food. A children’s play area and hair salon have also been added.

Oetker Collection

Hôtel Le Bristol Paris is part of the Oetker Collection, which is owned by German industrialist Rudolf August Oetker. Oetkers fortune is made up of several businesses other than the hotel collection including a grocery chain, a publishing company, insurance groups, and a maritime freight business.

The Oetker Collection a selection of luxury hotels includes nine different five-star hotels in different locations:

Characteristics

Hôtel le Bristol is recognized for its luxurious amenities, service and location. For several years the superior standing of the hotel has attracted famous travellers from around the world, diplomats and celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to George Clooney.

The five-star hotel holds 188 entirely renovated rooms. The luxurious amenities include a La Prairie Spa, a pool viewing the Sacré-Cœur, Paris and a fitness centre. Le Bristol is also recognized for its exquisite dining and offers a variety of dining experiences.

Architecture

The building has a large limestone facade and a glass and wrought-iron elevator designed by a famous Jewish architect The swimming pool resembles the front of a large sailboat, it is notable for being designed by architect Professor Pinnau who is renowned for designing the yachts of the Onassis and Niarchos family. The architecture and decor reflects 18th century history of when the hotel was originally built. Hôtel Le Bristol has recently invested over $30 million in renovations refurbishing amenities and rooms. The signature decor is the toile de Jouy which includes classic patterned furnishings and floral motifs.

Restaurants

The hotel manages four restaurants.

Awards

Hôtel Le Bristol Paris has received the following awards: