Indulge in Timeless Elegance and Gourmet Splendor in the Heart of Paris’s Fashion District at Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris
Perched in the opulent realm of Paris’s Avenue Montaigne, Hotel Plaza Athénée stands as a testament to lavishness and luxury. Known for its iconic red carnation-adorned balconies offering stunning views of the city, this hotel is a an icon and a haven for guests seeking glossy glamor and innovative gourmet cuisine presented with theatrical flair.
Frequented by the stars, it gained fame as a backdrop in the popular TV show ‘Sex and the City’, making it a coveted destination for luxury travellers. Hotel Plaza Athénée often has some of the most expensive luxury cars in Paris lined up outside, as in-house guests fly in their vehicles to have them parked outside should the need arise for a late night spin around Parisian streets.
This is the ultimate in French luxury. as Hotel Plaza Athénée is a Palace hotel, a title only given to the very best and most prestigious of properties by Atout France, which is only given to five star hotels offering the highest level of customer service to their clients and customers. The hotel is constantly being upgraded, refurnished and changed to ensure everything about it is fresh.
The lauded French chef Jean Imbert is creating culinary wonders throughout the restaurants and room service at Hotel Plaza Athénée, and a ten metre marble table as recently installed within the main dining room to encourage guests to sit at the communal table and meet each other, in line with this popular global trend.
During a stay in summer 2023, I met a number of guests who were just lovely, and we ended up having drinks together one night in the hotel – such is the magic of the setting within Hotel Plaza Athénée.
A long lunch in the courtyard in summer is one of Paris’ greatest dining experiences.
Hotel Plaza Athénée has its own fragrance, a heady mix of luxurious and addictive amber and florals, and even the housekeeping is next level, as often I have stayed solo and the housekeepers have helped me by unpacking my bags, with floral arrangements I have been sent, putting them into vases and helped me in and out of my clothing before and after events.
The whole experience in this hotel is simply extraordinary and it gets better every time I stay as the staff not only remember who you are, but remember what you like and need during a stay whether it is summer or winter. Put simply, this is a Parisian hotel you do not need to leave – everything you could dream of is here.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Location: 10/10
Nestled in the heart of Paris’s ‘Golden Triangle’ district, Hotel Plaza Athénée boasts a location ideal for aficionados of high-end fashion and culture. The jogging paths nearby are also jaw droppingly beautiful.
Situated near the prestigious designer stores of Avenue Montaigne, including Dior, YSL and Chanel, the hotel is also a brief stroll from the splendors of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.
Its central location provides easy access to the city’s landmarks, including the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, through nearby metro stations Alma-Marceau and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Style and Character: 10/10
The hotel’s façade, adorned with vibrant red awnings and geraniums, hints at a historical romance, setting the stage for its lavish interior.
A blend of 17th-century Versailles grandeur and Art Deco design, accentuated by modern finishes, creates an environment of dazzling elegance.
The lobby’s polished white marble floors and contemporary floral arrangements add a modern touch to the classic décor and are updated regularly and changed with the seasons.
The restaurants and bar continue this theme, with modern artistic elements, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious, upscale, unique and inviting.
Service and Facilities: 9/10
Service at Hotel Plaza Athénée is characterised by warmth and efficiency, ensuring guests feel pampered and well-cared for, and at home.
The Dior spa which recently re-opened in 2023 offers a range of exclusive high-end treatments in a setting that combines absolute luxury with a contemporary art gallery ambiance.
The fitness suite has also recently been upgraded, and the hotel’s extraordinary concierge service cater to guests’ every need, further enhancing the luxurious experience.
Rooms: 9.5/10
The hotel’s rooms and suites exude grandeur, with Versailles-style décor, plush furnishings, and modern Art Deco influences. This is French Haute Couture at its best.
Grand suites offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, while all rooms ensure comfort with lavish beds, luxurious, heavy weighted fabrics, effective soundproofing, open windows for fresh air.
Bathrooms are super spacious and light, perfect for taking time out to get makeup right. They are clad in rich and stately white marble, featuring powerful showers and deep bath tubs.
I have stayed in multiple suites and all have plenty of room for two, with large working desks, plush, comfortable couches, huge king beds, and sumptuous, rich French furnishings.
Food and Beverage: 9/10
The Michelin starred Jean Imbert au Hotel Plaza Athénée offers a gastronomic experience focused on Parisian food, transforming simple ingredients into elaborate haute cuisine. Breakfast at Hotel Plaza Athénée is only opened for guests and is one of the best in the world due to the setting, the service and the food – this is a meal to be savoured and taken slowly.
From the pastry basket to the hot chocolates, and specials like egg white souffle omlette, this is astonishing.
Le Relais Plaza, a historic French Brasserie style restaurant, serves classic French dishes with a flair for theatrical service, again under the guidance of Jean Imbert.
The bar is regularly overflowing with guests and energu and has a selection of finely crafted cocktails as well as Dom Perignon champagnes.
La Galerie usually hosts a hub of well dressed and well heeled Parisians indulging in hot chocolate, breakfast, lunch or a very instagrammable afternoon tea.
La Terrasse Montaigne is the outside terrace of the hotel which has heaters in winter to ensure guests can enjoy dining outside watching the very well dressed and interesting passers by.
In essence, Hotel Plaza Athénée is more than just a hotel; it is an icon of Parisian luxury, blending historical opulence with contemporary style.
In winter, La Cour Jardin is the inner courtyard which is uniquely transformed into a stunning winter wonderland of festive dining experiences complete with a mini ice skating rink.
Wellness: 9.5/10
The Dior Spa Plaza Athénée Paris offers a sanctuary like no other. To read about it in more detail, click here.
The focus is on relaxation, luxury and re-activating youthfulness. Through this holistic experience, the very best results and long lasting effects is achieved.
From its prime location and impeccable service to its exquisite dining options and sumptuous rooms, Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris hotel promises timeless elegance an unforgettable experience for those seeking the epitome of luxury in Paris.
Renae says:
Who should Stay Here: Well heeled travellers looking for absolute French luxury, style and taste will adore Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris.
Who shouldn’t Stay Here: Anyone who does not enjoy being pampered.
Location: In one of Paris’ most elegant and fashionable streets in one of the best and most stylish areas of Paris.
Best Culinary Delight: Breakfast – one of the best in the world due to the extraordinary room, 10 metre marble centrepiece table, excellent service and decadent pastries, hot chocolates and delicious menu choices.
The Highlight: The Hotel Plaza Athénée suites, which are so lavish, warm and indulgent, you don’t have to leave.
The lowlight: I am sad every time I leave Hotel Plaza Athénée.
To hear from one of Europe’s greatest luxury hoteliers, Francois Delahaye, Director Of Operations at Dorchester Collections, click below:
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