Elite Traveler July-August 2018

EXPLORE TOP 100 SUITES

IMPERIAL SUITE LE BRISTOL, PARIS

When it was created in 1925, Le Bristol was designed to be Paris’s grandest hotel. Today, it encompasses the original wing with a very traditional feel, newer wing and a beautiful landscaped courtyard. The Imperial Suite, located in the original hotel, epitomizes the splendor of Le Bristol. With Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, crystal chandeliers, fabrics by esteemed artisans Canovas and Veraseta, and design from Taillardat, the warm and traditional decor welcomes you to relax amid the finery. The floral fabrics in the bedrooms are a lovely contrast to the red-and-gold living room. In the large dining room overlooking the garden, organize a dinner by celebrated chef Éric Fréchon. From $28,000 per night. Contact Sonia Papet, head concierge, reservations.lebristolparis@oetkercollection.com, +33 153 434 300, oetkercollection.com

SUITE IMPÉRIALE RITZ PARIS, PARIS A true Parisian legend, The Ritz has captivated locals and tourists for 120 years. With its Belle Époque decor and prestigious location on Place Vendôme, royalty, fashion designers and creatives have flocked to its opulent suites —many are named for its regular guests. Two years after opening following a historic four-year renovation, The Ritz is better than ever. Its 18th-century decor feels light and fresh instead of heavy with history, and fashionable guests have rediscovered their new favorite suites. The three-bedroom Suite Impériale is the hotel’s crowning jewel. With period furniture, antiques, artwork and a bedroom that is a replica of Marie Antoinette’s bedroom in Versailles, it fulfills even the most passionate Francophile’s fantasies. There are unexpected touches too, such as the marvelous wood- paneled bathroomwith pink marble bathtub. From $33,000 per night. Contact Christian Boyens, general manager, reservations@ ritzparis.com, +33 143 163 070, ritzparis.com

LOBANOV PRESIDENTIAL SUITE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LION PALACE, ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Relive the grandeur and opulence of Imperial Russia at Four Seasons Lion Palace, located in a pristinely restored 19th-century royal palace designed by Auguste de Montferrand, the same architect who planned the adjacent St Isaac’s Cathedral. The Lobanov Presidential Suite, named for Prince Lobanov-Rostovsky who built the palace in 1818, sits above the hotel’s lion-guarded entrance and has a stunning terrace with tall columns that dominate the palace’s Russian Empire–style facade. Enjoy views of the Admiralty building and nearby park before retiring to your impressive residence. Inside, the decor is fit for a czar or czarina, with richly upholstered furnishings and crystal chandeliers. The full marble bathroom is truly special, with marble on the walls and a marble soaking tub. From$10,100 per night. Contact Olga Kachalova, head concierge, concierge.stpetersburg@ fourseasons.com, +7 812 339 8014, fourseasons.com

Photos Vincent Leroux, www.axioo.com, Guillaume de Laubier