Imagine: a lavish Parisian hotel, dripping in gilded elegance, with sweeping ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and breathtaking balcony views of the Eiffel Tower. This is the Plaza Athénée, a haven of classic romance where dreams are made of macaroons, curly cornices, red-canopy balconies, and silver-clad tables laden with viennoiserie.
A Symphony of Opulence
Step into the hotel’s imposing marble entrance hall, a grand space adorned with signature splashes of bold red. Smartly dressed porters and maids, reminiscent of old-world Paris, welcome you with military precision. The ornate ceiling, adorned with a cascading array of chandeliers, leads you to a spacious gallery, a convivial spot for breakfast, tea, or a glass of Champagne.
The hotel’s main dining room, with its pillared walls, gold leaf ceilings, and vast chandeliers, exudes a high-octane opulence. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, showcasing a photogenic courtyard, framed by the hotel’s iconic red-capped balconies. A diverse clientele, from American and Middle Eastern to European guests, find themselves immersed in luxury, sinking into velvet chairs and sofas scattered throughout the ground floor. Meanwhile, a local crowd flocks to Le Relais Plaza, the hotel’s brasserie-style restaurant, for piano-accompanied soirees, fueled by martinis.
Parisian Romance in Every Detail
Elegantly appointed rooms grace the hotel’s eight floors, each unique in its size and style. While the top two floors offer a more Art Deco aesthetic, with sleek lacquer furniture and unfussy details, the remaining rooms embrace the classic Parisian romance of the Belle Epoque. Traditional sketches of Parisian squares adorn the duck-egg blue walls, while panelling and dimmed lamps evoke a bygone era of Chateaux et Champagne.
Soak in the marble bathrooms’ deep tubs or curl up in a lavish bed with chocolate macaroons, savoring a glass of Champagne à deux. Luxury, it seems, is woven into every fiber of this hotel.
A Culinary Journey Through French Decadence
The Plaza Athénée boasts five restaurants and bars, each offering a distinct culinary experience. Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, is a riot of chandeliered decadence. Pricey menus showcase creative twists on French classics, each dish presented with theatrical flair. The restaurant’s centerpiece, a long Breccia marble table, supporting enormous urns of pink hydrangeas, echoes the regal grandeur of the French Republic.
For a slightly less extravagant yet equally refined experience, le Relais Plaza, with its Art Deco ambiance, offers a lively piano bar. Here, locals and international guests mingle, savoring signature dishes like the gratin of sea bream, a tribute to the chef’s grandmother, and the terrine. The nightclub-style bar, with its pulsating energy on weekends, serves up Mojitos and Martinis along a smooth, ice-like bar, creating a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere.
Whether indulging in breakfast in the grand restaurant or the gallery, surrounded by Instagrammable plates and silver bowls of viennoiserie, fruit, and perfectly-cooked eggs, or enjoying a romantic breakfast in bed—the Plaza Athénée delivers a truly unforgettable Parisian experience.
A Fashionable Legacy
The Plaza Athénée’s connection to fashion runs deep, extending beyond its location in the heart of Paris’ haute couture epicenter, the Triangle d’Or. It was a hotspot for fashion designers, journalists, and models during the fashion shows, and its fashion legacy is evident throughout the hotel. From the necklace-style curtains in the bar to the Dior products and cushions scattered throughout the spa, the hotel’s fashion heritage is woven into its very fabric.
Dior, who showcased his inaugural collection at the hotel in 1847, even named a suit after the Plaza Athénée’s cocktail bar.
A Haven of Pampering
The hotel’s spa, a dramatic, light-filled space adorned with Dior-inspired touches, resembles a subterranean film set, with water features and shiny white floors. Imagine the Parisian shoppers of yore spending long afternoons in this haven of pampering and gossip. Pastel-hued chaise longs and private treatment rooms provide moments of calm and relaxation, where skilled therapists work their magic on shoulder knots and facial imperfections.
A Parisian Escape Awaits
The Triangle d’Or, Paris’ ultimate luxury shopping destination, offers a world of excess and glamour, with the Eiffel Tower towering over the cityscape. Legendary fashion houses like Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Dior line the Avenue Montaigne, while the Petit Palais beckons with its art exhibitions and stylish surrounding restaurants. And for those seeking a taste of Parisian history, the Tuileries gardens, the Louvre, and the Musee D’Orsay are must-see destinations.
The Plaza Athénée, with its exquisite rooms, unparalleled service, and decadent dining, is a luxurious haven for those seeking the ultimate Parisian experience. Rates start from £1,300 per night per couple, including breakfast.
Book your Parisian dream at plazaathenee.com and prepare to be swept away by the magic of the Plaza Athénée.
