HOTEL FACE-OFF: Paris
The Ritz Paris Le Bristol
THE LOOK
THE storied spot is all about the glitz (from $1,140; RitzParis.com). Even the Sherle Wagner bathroom fixtures are made of gold — swans, to be exact — and the signature towels and bathrobes remain the perfect peach hue (the color founder César Ritz declared best flattered women’s skin tones).
PART of the exclusive Oetker Collection of hotels, each understated room (among the largest in Paris) is designed by Oetker’s 82-year-old matriarch, Maja Oetker, in her signature chintz-chic style. It feels more akin to visiting an elegant aunt’s flat (from $920; LeBristolParis.com).
THE LURE
To put it in terms New Yorkers understand, the Ritz is the Plaza and Le Bristol is the Carlyle. The Ritz reopened last summer after an extensive four-year renovation that cost $200 million. Russian oligarchs and celebs, including George and Amal Clooney (inset), have been flocking there ever since.
Le Bristol is the most discreet high-end hotel in Paris. Since 1925, it has been a favorite for in-the-know Americans: Marilyn Monroe (inset) was a guest and Woody Allen rented out the bulk of the hotel for three months while filming “Midnight in Paris.” The service is warm and Fa-Raon, the hotel’s fluffy white cat, gracefully roams the lobby.
THE NABE
A 15-minute walk from Le Bristol, it’s on the Place Vendôme, steps from the cult jewelry designer JAR’s invite-only shop. Chanel’s flagship is across the street — convenient, as Coco herself lived in the hotel into the mid-’70s. Stay in the suite she personally designed for $20,500 a night.
Le Bristol is in the elegant 1st arrondissement, one of Paris’ most exclusive neighborhoods, filled with embassies and high-end galleries. More tranquilly located than the Ritz, Le Bristol is still within easy walking distance from the Grand Palais and L’Orangerie museums.
MUST DO
Dine at L’Espadon. Founded by the world’s first celebrity chef, Auguste Escoffier, the Ritz’s famed restaurant has brought in new blood: top toque Nicolas Sale. He imbued the menu with enough modern touches (each course involves a single ingredient cooked three ways) that foodies are expecting L’Espadon to nab a third Michelin star next year.
Have a long, late breakfast at Epicure overlooking the hotel’s garden — a formal but unstuffy affair, Vogue deemed it the most “elegant breakfast in town.” Plop an extra croissant onto the Raynaud china and indulge in the hotel’s famed hot chocolate with whipped cream. Afterwards, stroll through the garden, home to a rotation of stunning exhibits.
THE POOL
The Art Deco pool is a hallmark of the hotel. Watch an exercise class from the spa balcony overlooking it (there’s even aqua-cycling) or go for a dip after an afternoon at the yearold Chanel spa, the first of its kind.
Sitting atop the hotel with views of Sacré-Coeur and a sliver of the Eiffel Tower, the pool was designed by the architect of Aristotle Onassis’ yacht. A Côte d’Azur mural will make you swear you're in the Mediterranean.