Paris, the City of Lights, is renowned for its iconic landmarks, and the Hôtel Plaza Athénée stands tall as a testament to elegance and history. Its signature red awnings and vibrant balcony planters bursting with geraniums create a captivating picture of Parisian charm. This opulent hotel has witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls, and its history is interwoven with the lives of legendary figures.
The hotel’s past is rich with romantic intrigue. The actress Marlene Dietrich once resided across the street from the hotel, and her tumultuous love affair with Jean Gabin left a lasting mark on the hotel’s story. After their parting, Gabin, still deeply enamored with Dietrich, booked a room at the hotel and instructed the concierge to adorn his balcony with hundreds of red roses as a grand gesture of affection. While the hotel lacked the necessary long-stemmed roses, they had an abundance of geraniums in the desired hue, providing an unexpected twist to Gabin’s romantic plan.
Fashion’s Playground
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée has long been a magnet for the fashion world, drawing in renowned designers and trendsetters. Its prime location on the famous Avenue Montaigne makes it a haven for the fashion elite. Isabelle Maurin, the hotel’s communications director for over two decades, highlights the hotel’s commitment to personalized service. “Before our guests arrive, we research them in order to be as precise as possible in our amenities,” she says, emphasizing the hotel’s dedication to exceeding expectations. For guests with a penchant for luxury handbags, the hotel might surprise them with a delightful assortment of handbag-shaped cookies or chocolates.
The hotel’s close ties with the city’s top designers extend beyond personalized treats. “The password is ‘Plaza Athénée,'” says Maurin, revealing the secret to bypassing the queue at the Chanel boutique. The hotel’s staff is well-connected with the managers of the city’s designer boutiques, ensuring a seamless experience for its esteemed guests. Fashion Week transforms the hotel into a buzzing hub of excitement, with the bar becoming a coveted spot to mingle with the fashion elite, rivaling the front row of any runway show. The hotel’s signature cocktail, the Rose Royale, a blend of champagne, raspberry puree, and a secret ingredient, adds to the festive atmosphere.
A Legacy of Glamour
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée has hosted a constellation of celebrated figures, each adding their own chapter to the hotel’s story. Yves Saint Laurent, a frequent visitor, would dine at the hotel’s restaurant every Sunday with his beloved dog. But perhaps the most influential figure to grace the hotel’s halls was Christian Dior, the legendary couturier. Dior, inspired by the hotel’s allure and its popularity among American dignitaries like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Kennedys, chose a nearby location on the Avenue Montaigne for his maison. He often photographed his models in front of the hotel, capturing its timeless elegance. The hotel’s chic watering hole provided the inspiration for the house’s iconic Bar suit, a testament to the hotel’s lasting influence on fashion.
A Parisian Oasis of Tranquility
The legacy of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée continues to flourish. This September, the hotel unveils the newly renovated Dior Spa, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. First opened in 2008, the Plaza Athénée location was the first Dior Spa in France, and the revamped space now features a serene palette of muted tones, accented by branded toile pillows and throws. The spa also boasts a boutique featuring the house’s LaCollection Privée perfumes and the exclusive Dior Spa product range, Solutions Professionnelles.
The Dior Spa is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, catering to the diverse needs of its clientele. Whether guests have a packed show schedule, seeking a tailored facial or massage, or are simply combating jet lag, the spa offers a luxurious escape. The Light Suite, a Paris first, helps regulate sleep cycles with lighting that adjusts your circadian rhythms. The Dior Spa is the ultimate destination for achieving inner peace and ensuring that you’re looking your best before heading to Le Bar, ready to embrace the vibrant Parisian nightlife.
