BRISTOL PARIS

The most well-mannered of the Paris grand hotels is the Bristol, named after an English lord and a bishop. It is also by far the most reserved. Rather appropriately, it's where Newland Archer stays in that final, heartbreaking scene in Wharton's Age of Innocence, when he goes to see Madame Olenska and, at the last minute, holds back. There is something about the Bristol that inspires romance and restraint. Like a frosted cake, the Bristol is creamy Art Deco on the outside, and decadent 18th century within. Go in spring, when the window boxes of geraniums are in bloom and the large garden is redolent with the smell of magnolia. The pool is one of the few in Paris, and though small, it is beautiful, enclosed in glass and bathed in Parisian sunlight. A note: Despite its 18th-century antique furniture, Gobelin tapestries, and artwork that once hung in the Louvre, the Bristol is a hotel that many interior designers say they're dying to make over. The penthouse, which has been played host to everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Prince, is unfortunately yellow. Nonetheless, it's a favorite among style leaders and you won't have a chance of getting a room during fashion week. Maybe it's the silent, inscrutable, staff, who insiders swear give the greatest service in the city. Maybe it's those bathrooms—the largest in Paris—and the Hermes robes. Maybe it's the new chef Eric Frechon. Or maybe it's the in-house Anne Semonin spa—her jet-lag facials have a cult following—and star pedicurist Bastien Gonzales. Perfect for Paris fashion week, when you've been on your feet in New York and Milan for the last month. And if you stay at the Bristol, you can get it done in your room. Amenities Include: Indoor Parking Valet Parking Restaurant Safe Deposit Box Sauna Temperature Control TV Laundry/Valet Air Conditioned Barber Shop Porters Conference Facilities Doctor On Call Handicapped Access Pool Business Center Pet Friendly 24 Hour Room Service Fitness Kids Friendly Health Club Mini Bar Free Newspaper,Heated Pool Parking Radio 24 Hour Room Service Safe Telephone Turndown Service Cable TV 220 AC Bar Beauty Salons Business Center Concierge Desk Hairdryer In Room Guest Laundromat Multilingual Pool Indoor Parking Valet Parking Restaurant Safe Deposit Box Sauna.