The indifferent attitude to our disappointing stay has been rectified: we were invited back to a head-spinning 8th floor suite with sweeping views of Paris. Needless to say the nasty plastic tubes under the sink, claustrophobic shower, and gluey products had vanished. While still underwhelmed by the hotel's semi-renovated decor (and new spa, hammam too small for my Russian Baniya treatment), we were won over this time around by what needed the most improvement- the service- discreet, professional but relaxed and even warm, without being obsequious. From the room service to cleaning to concierge (entry into Le Silencio) to spa to the front desk, overall service was absolutely "palace" worthy. One last note- as with Epicure, 114 Faubourg does not disappoint. Amazing lamb, wonderful staff, interesting decor- but don't sit in the booths, tables too close together when someone tries to squeeze by to sit down.

One of the best things about Le Bristol is whether you are one of their regulars, the unfathomably deep pocketed who might actually spring for the bottle of wine priced at 16,500E on the room service menu, or a member of the 99% going for a splurge, you will be treated well. You will not feel out of place, and that is pretty unusual.

The best reason to treat yourself to Le Bristol is to experience the very high standard of excellence in every direction. When I arrived in my room, there were two lovely rectangular serving pieces on the coffee table, one with beautiful dried apricots, the other, figs. It was the perfect thing for the moment.

It's all like that. The second night I realized the duvet was too heavy and I needed a lighter weight blanket. It was 2 AM. Five minutes after I called the front desk, a perfectly alert and uniformed woman from housekeeping was at my door, speaking in hushed tones, blanket in hand, wishing me a bonne nuit.

My room overlooked the courtyard, decked out in holiday lights, a huge tree. I was on the fifth floor, in a classic room, the smallest, I think, of the offerings, but it didn't feel small or cramped. I could see the sky, open my windows, let in the cold wintry air.

You could check in to Le Bristol and never leave until your departure to the airport, and you wouldn't miss much. You can see the Eiffel Tower from many rooms. Montmartre from the classy swimming pool. You will eat the best food in Paris, you can overdose on spa treatments. Your own bathroom in your room is gorgeous, lots of lighting options, very spacious, calming.

The front desk staff are trained to handle pretty much any request and I wished I could take Sonia home with me. I had two requests, one easy, the other requiring more thought and creativity. Both were handled with such finesse. It is so nice to not have to specify everything, just let them think of it. Everyone in the hotel is on their game 24/7. I would think it would be great to work there, to be part of that kind of effort.

Dinner at L'Epicure is perfect. Just a unique experience. Flawless service, gorgeous unique food, beautiful setting - flowers, the room. The French sense of beauty, ingrained, effortless, or so it seems, is a balm.

If you decide to stay at Le Bristol, enjoy it fully and don't think about the money. This kind of experience does not come cheaply and it shouldn't. So much goes into it. It's worth every penny.