The Plaza Athénée: A Parisian Icon
Nestled in the heart of Paris, on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée is a beacon of luxury and refinement. This iconic hotel, beloved by Brazilians – who make up a remarkable 15% of its clientele – has always exuded a captivating Parisian charm. The hotel’s elegant La Galerie, a haven for leisurely coffee breaks and delectable treats like the exquisite The Croque-Plaza (a Parisian twist on the classic Croque Monsieur with chicken and black truffles), echoes with the sounds of Portuguese chatter.
This year, the Plaza Athénée underwent a transformative renovation, imbuing its interiors with the allure of its world-renowned neighbors on Avenue Montaigne. The renovation, a strategic move to distinguish itself from competitors, breathed new life into the hotel’s heritage. Founded in 1913, the Plaza Athénée’s original Parisian decor had once served as inspiration for its rivals.
Embracing Haute Couture
The renovation resulted in a captivating metamorphosis. The hotel fully embraced the world of haute couture, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with modern marvels. This transformation didn’t diminish its classic allure but instead enhanced it, offering guests a luxurious sanctuary where the past and present harmonize.
Imagine stepping into your room and turning on a sleek Bang & Olufsen television, revealing a universe of international channels, including your favorite Brazilian soap operas, and a vast library of music. Gone are the days of mundane bedside radios. The Plaza Athénée has embraced the modern world, offering an unparalleled experience in luxury and comfort.
A Grand Expansion
The hotel’s expansion, fueled by the acquisition of neighboring buildings, added 14 opulent accommodations – eight suites and six apartments. Interior designer Marie-José Pommereau, responsible for the hotel’s exquisite interiors for the past 14 years, masterfully curated these new spaces. Rich silks grace windows, armchairs, and beds, drawing inspiration from the luxurious Parisian couture ateliers. Bathrooms gleam with Calacata marble, its white and grey hues adding a touch of sophistication.
The six new apartments boast breathtaking views of Avenue Montaigne and can be seamlessly merged into single, sprawling residences. Among the suite options, the Eiffel Suites stand out. These Art Deco masterpieces, adorned with ebony and mahogany furniture, offer panoramic views of the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Suite: A Parisian Paradise
The Eiffel 750 suite is a true gem. Spanning two floors, it features a private rooftop terrace with 360-degree vistas of Paris – an unforgettable experience. Ascending a charming external staircase to the private rooftop, with the Eiffel Tower as a breathtaking backdrop, is a moment etched in memory.
This suite, located on the seventh floor, embraces a more contemporary and masculine aesthetic compared to its counterparts. Pastel hues dominate the space, exemplified by the plush beige velvet sofas embroidered with bronze thread. The suite also boasts private fitness facilities and a sauna, ensuring a luxurious and rejuvenating stay.
The Eiffel 888 suite enchants with its lilac and grey tones. Velvet sofas, intricately embroidered with silver thread, invite you to relax in style. Light, airy linen and silk curtains, reminiscent of a theatrical performance, frame the stunning Eiffel Tower view.
The Eiffel 361 suite places the Dame de Fer (as the Eiffel Tower is affectionately known in French) center stage. The window overlooking this iconic landmark is framed in silver, transforming it into a living masterpiece.
The Plaza Athénée: A Haven for Fashion and Food
The spirit of haute couture has always permeated the Plaza Athénée. In 1947, Christian Dior established his famed maison next door, capitalizing on the hotel’s sophisticated clientele. Dior himself was a frequent guest at the hotel, both as a visitor and a patron of its beauty services.
Six years ago, the Plaza Athénée unveiled the Instituto Dior, a luxurious beauty center, honoring the legendary designer’s legacy. The space within the hotel features six treatment rooms. As with haute couture, personalized experiences are paramount, and rejuvenating treatments are tailored to each client’s unique needs. Monsieur Dior’s presence is felt throughout the hotel, from the subtle touch of his signature grey color adorning chairs in the hotel bar to more prominent displays.
The spirit of fashion extends to the renowned Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée restaurant, a culinary gem awarded three Michelin stars. The dining experience is transformed between lunch and dinner, thanks to the ingenious design of Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. As the sun sets, the ambiance shifts seamlessly, with lighting, table arrangements, and seating arrangements adapting to the changing light.
In the evening, the restaurant’s back wall reveals a treasure trove of culinary objects that narrate the evolution of tableware. Many of these treasures belong to Chef Ducasse’s personal collection. Polished wooden tables, juxtaposed with sleek stainless steel and leather sculptures, create a harmonious contrast with the majestic Swarovski crystal chandelier. The shimmering crystals reflect off the silvery seashell-shaped sofas, adding a touch of ethereal elegance.
Ducasse’s Culinary Vision
Ducasse’s menu emphasizes fresh fish, vegetables, and grains, promoting a healthy and sustainable approach to dining. Seafood, including squid and sardines, is sourced responsibly from small-scale fishing boats. Vegetables and grains are cultivated by small family farms. Bernard Poujol, a supplier based in the French commune of Saint-Gilles, has implemented an innovative solution to protect his rice crops. Ducks, instead of harmful pesticides, are deployed to control insects, ensuring a natural and eco-friendly approach to farming.
Ducasse crafts unexpected culinary pairings, like the sweet embrace of melon with lobster and the harmonious blend of marinated tomatoes and sesame tofu. My own delightful lunch at Ducasse (see my menu from October 31, 2014, in the photo) left me utterly enchanted. I began with green lentils from the Puy region, paired with caviar and a delicate jelly, followed by chicken with Khorasan wheat and truffle.
The chefs welcomed me with open arms, explaining the restaurant’s philosophy and guiding me through the kitchen. Inside, I discovered a hidden dining room, dubbed the “aquarium,” reserved exclusively for Chef Ducasse and his guests. Behind closed doors, diners enjoy a private and peaceful culinary experience, shielded from the bustling kitchen.
The Essence of Ducasse’s Cuisine
Fish paintings adorn the walls, completing the elegant décor. A 26-year-old Rio de Janeiro native, living in Paris for five years and having honed his skills in other Michelin-starred restaurants, shared an insightful observation about Ducasse’s culinary approach: “He is a chef who cooks by cooking.” This simple statement encapsulates Ducasse’s philosophy: despite his renowned status, his kitchen focuses on authentic flavors, eschewing fads and unnecessary embellishments. At Ducasse, you experience true culinary artistry – a feast for the senses.
For wine enthusiasts, the restaurant offers an exclusive selection of Bordeaux from Table Cabane, providing access to vintage vintages from one of France’s finest vineyards, many of which are no longer available on the market.
A Legacy of Luxury
The Plaza Athénée has always been synonymous with luxury, and the recent renovation has solidified its position as one of the world’s most coveted super-luxury hotels. Standing at the reception desk, uttering the simple phrase “Check-out, please,” becomes a bittersweet moment. The Plaza Athénée is a place that captivates and inspires, leaving guests yearning for a return to its Parisian embrace.
