Your Survival Guy: Arriving in Style at Le Bristol Hotel, Paris

OK, so you want to go to Paris? Your Survival Guy is back from another three-week research trip, the second this year, and I have plenty to report.

For one, Paris is open for business, big time, as travelers from around the world, (sans China) are moving about the country. As for Paris itself, especially in the service/tourism industry, it’s at maximum capacity based on the sheer demand post-Covid and lack of labor supply. There’s still a hangover from lockdowns and the reluctance of workers—still living off government payouts—to get back to work. Sound familiar?

Now, you didn’t come here to talk about work. You’re here to plan your next trip to Paris. You’re hungry. This is about Paris, after all. But there’s so much that goes into making Paris—Paris. The behind-the-scenes pastry making, up at dawn, or up all night, to make sure your morning croissant is the flakiest, most buttery one you’ll ever have. Those who work are making Paris work. And I wonder, what happens if the Ayn Rands’ who make Paris tick, decide not to tock? It’s a fine line. Stay tuned.

OK, you want to start your trip with the peace of mind and comfort you deserve, and that involves coordinating a private flight through my friend Andrew Flaxman at ExpertJet. He’ll arrange a heavy jet to get you and your family to and from France, whether it’s on a Bombardier Global Express 7500, 6000, Gulfstream IV, V, or VI. Either way, I can tell you, the Ruinart or Veuve is chilled.

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Now then, once you land at Le Bourget and disembark into the Dassault fbo, you’ll wonder: Where are all the people? Don’t worry, you’re not in Charles de Gaulle anymore, as you’re whisked away in your Mercedes to your destination, in this case, Le Bristol Hotel.

At Le Bristol, Leah Marshall, who brings new meaning to the title hotel manager, welcomes you home with a warm smile and an iconic laugh that puts you at ease. Madame is the lead actor in the performance that is Le Bristol—the setting for the movie Midnight in Paris. Le Bristol is the queen of the fleet among the handful of Paris hotels that can truly be called a palace. You can see for yourself by the plaque out front that says Palace.

And finally, one of the nicer parts about staying at Le Bristol, and there’re many, is the breakfast/lunch in Café Antonia upon your arrival, and, later that night, a glass of champagne in Le Bristol After Dark (B.A.D.), followed by a short walk through the lobby (not a taxi) to 114 for dinner. You’re tired. You don’t want to deal with a taxi to dinner on your first night.

Action Line:

And for your plat (entrée)?

“Tell me,” Your server may ask, “Will that be the sole meuniere?”

“Oui Monsieur.”

“Tres bien.”

Welcome to Paris.