We recently enjoyed a visit from Catherine Hodoul-Baudry, director of sales and marketing at Hôtel Le Bristol (www.lebristolparis.com) in Paris, who told us that the hotel is seeing strong business from the U.S. market, despite the fact that the value of the U.S. dollar is so low against the euro.

“We haven’t seen a real decline in the US market and those who are coming are booking suites,” says Hodoul-Baudry, who recommends the hotel’s Terrace Suites, which “have huge terraces that can hold 12 to 20 people.” Watch for more suites to come; management has bought the building next door so that it can expand its premium offerings. They should be available by the middle of next year. By the way, tell your clients, if they go, to be sure to check out the hotel’s Gastronomic Restaurant, whose chef Eric Frechon has received two Michelin stars and whose cuisine is a favorite of Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of the French Republic, who dines regularly at Le Bristol.

Tip: To help celebrate the newly reopened Anne Semonin Spa, Hôtel Le Bristol Paris has introduced the “Haute Couture Cure” package, which combines beauty, exercise, well-being and dieting. We hear the program was originally created at the request of one wellness-minded guest and that management has now made it available to all.

It works like this: Two weeks prior to their stay, clients complete a questionnaire on expectations and personal goals. Once they’re in Paris, they are provided with a balanced breakfast (think carrot juice, yogurt and cereal); they then enjoy the challenge of a two-hour training session with personal trainer Bruno Fuscien Trasan. After that, it’s spa time, where clients can choose from hot stone massages, anti-cellulite care, herbal detoxifying wraps, firming wraps and aromatherapy and fitness massages. That’s followed by lunch prepared by Chef Frechon. Optional add-on activities include a manicure or pedicure or a makeup session with cosmetics guru Lise Watier.

The “Haute Couture Cure” is available as a three-day package for 3,300 Euros or a five-day packages for 5,550 Euros. Reservations must be made a minimum of three weeks in advance, and can be made by calling 01 53 43 43 25 or by visiting www.lebristolparis.com.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 2:46 pm and is filed under Accommodation, Activities/Attractions, Europe, Food & Restaurants, Niche/Special Needs Travel, Ruthanne Terrero, Spas, Theme Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.