24 Dec Paris! Paris! Paris!

Je suis sous le charme! 

Paris is magic!  Anyone who tells you different is confused!

We happened to fall upon it during the winter holidays.  It was the first time we’d been there to witness no leaves on the trees and very little of the quintessential overflow of Parisian diners being beautiful at outdoor cafes.  Not even the bitter cold (for us Californians) could stop us from walking the city day and night, all the while in awe of it’s elegance.  Yes, it was lovely.  But, it was also a bit like guiding the lily… Paris is so incredibly beautiful on it’s own, without festooned garlands down every street and big glittery bows adorning it’s grand palace facades. Nevertheless, the city was alive and gorgeous as ever.

Paris is organized, it’s distinct neighborhoods, it’s grand, it’s manageable, it’s museums, it’s boutiques, it’s cafes (we have new favorites), it’s chic, and it’s just too pretty to describe in words.  The big, luxurious, city can be can be anything you want it to be.  Whether you’re looking to eat, shop, get enlightened or just relax, it’s all there for you to discover.  Paris is comprised of twenty neighborhoods (arrondissements) that each have a particular feel.  It’s important to choose the location of your accommodations appropriately according to how you’d like to enjoy your stay.  There is definitely no shortage on variety of hotel/apartment types in the city.  We’re here to make that decision easier for you (read more about where we stayed below).  Needless to say, we’ve done our homework on the City of Light and we’ve got you covered.

About that… City of Light vs. City of Lights thing… We are on the City of Light team.  Paris was know as the “ville lumière”, which was meant to express Paris’ enlightenment in terms of the arts, culture and learning. Thought the city it lit beautifully, it’s clear that the city was and is still enlightened!

If it’s your first visit, plan on staying at least five nights.  You would kill yourself if you stayed any less.  If you’re returning or haven’t been for a while, be sure to visit the new Fondation Louis Vuitton that Frank Ghery designed and the newly reopened Picasso Museum.  Both amazing!

Oh, and Parisians like us (if you’re cool).  Anyone who tells you different is confused!

Let’s start planning your visit to the City of Light.  Sante!

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LE BRISTOL PARIS

Within walking distance of the Champs Elysées and the Louvre, the impeccable Le Bristol Paris occupies one of the city’s most elegant shopping streets, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel features 188 rooms, including 92 suites, each decorated in luxurious chintz fabrics and rare antique furnishings. Guestrooms are among the largest in Paris! Le Bristol offers an air of seclusion in its peaceful garden setting. Rare for Paris, Le Bristol features a vast interior courtyard garden, the largest of its kind. Equally impressive is the hotel’s swimming pool located on the sixth floor with stunning city views.

Fun fact: On some Saturdays, the elegant Castellane salon hosts fashion high teas, featuring designer cakes (the BEST croissants in town) and the latest collections…

EFYW guests receive the following exclusive benefits:
-Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (up to deluxe Junior suite. Higher categories are on arrival, subject to availability).
-Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests at their Bar or in our main restaurant Epicure.
-$100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay.
-Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.

See Paris and the hotel in our video:  Le Bristol

PLAZA ATHENEE PARIS

Practically synonymous with Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée brims with all the elegance one would expect of a classic hotel situated between the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, at the crossroads of fashion, entertainment and business, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée represents a delicate balance of refinement and luxury.The lobby is a vision in “Plaza red,” terra cotta, gold and bronze — accents you’ll discover in your room as well. Each of the 148 guestrooms and 46 suites offers windows that open to the Eiffel Tower, Avenue Montaigne, La Cour Jardin, the inner courtyard or the rooftops of Paris. See and be seen in one of several acclaimed dining options, including Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée.

Fun fact: As part of Paris’ citywide bicycle program, called Vélib, the hotel provides complimentary bikes with shopping totes for guests’ use.

EFYW guests receive the following exclusive benefits:
-Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests.
-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
-85 EUR Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay.
-Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.

See Paris and the hotel in our video:  Plaza Athenee

Photos and media are all by #edenfyw, therefore, are only for us to use.  Merci!