Paris, the City of Lights, is home to countless architectural wonders. Among these, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée stands out with its vibrant red awnings, charming balcony planters, and lush geraniums. This iconic hotel is steeped in history, echoing the romance and glamour of bygone eras.
A Love Story in Geraniums
One famous love story unfolded within the walls of the Plaza Athénée. Jean Gabin, a renowned French actor, was deeply enamored with Marlene Dietrich, a legendary Hollywood actress. After their love affair ended, Dietrich bought an apartment across the street. In a bid to win her back, Gabin booked a room at the hotel and requested hundreds of red roses for his balcony, hoping to catch Dietrich’s attention. The hotel was short on roses, but fortunately, they had plenty of geraniums in the desired shade. This charming anecdote embodies the hotel’s commitment to service and its ability to rise to any occasion.
A Fashionable Haven
The Plaza Athénée, located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, is a favored destination for the world’s most celebrated fashion icons. The hotel’s staff goes above and beyond to cater to its discerning clientele. “Before our guests arrive, we research them in order to be as precise as possible in our amenities,” says Isabelle Maurin, the hotel’s communications director for over two decades. This meticulous approach means that guests with a penchant for luxury bags might find handbag-shaped cookies or chocolates awaiting them upon arrival.
The hotel enjoys a close relationship with the city’s top designers, allowing guests to bypass the queues at Chanel by simply mentioning the “Plaza Athénée” password. Fashion Week transforms the hotel into a vibrant hub of style and excitement. The hotel’s bar becomes a coveted spot, offering a front-row view of the fashion world, and the Rose Royale cocktail, with its secret ingredient, is a signature treat. The Haute Couture Suite (Room 361) offers unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower, making it the perfect setting for a luxurious Parisian escape.
A Legacy of Style
The Plaza Athénée has long been a haven for fashion luminaries. Yves Saint Laurent, the legendary designer, dined each Sunday night at the hotel’s restaurant with his dog. However, few have left as lasting an impression as Christian Dior. The couturier chose his maison on Avenue Montaigne, inspired by the presence of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the Plaza Athénée, which were popular haunts for American notables like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Kennedys. “Mr. Dior often photographed his models in front of the hotel,” explains Maurin. The iconic Bar suit, a timeless piece in the Dior collection, draws its inspiration from the hotel’s chic watering hole, where elegance and style reign supreme.
A Sanctuary of Luxury: The Dior Spa
The Plaza Athénée continues to embrace its fashion legacy with the reopening of the Dior Spa. First launched in 2008, the Plaza Athénée location was the first Dior Spa in France. The newly renovated spa boasts a soothing palette of muted tones and cloud motifs, accentuated by branded toile pillows and throws. A boutique offers the Dior Spa‘s exclusive product range, Solutions Professionnelles, as well as the house’s exquisite LaCollection Privée perfumes.
The Dior Spa is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, catering to the needs of both busy fashionistas and weary travelers. The Light Suite, a Parisian first, helps regulate sleep cycles with light therapy that adjusts circadian rhythms. The spa’s tailored facials and massages offer a truly “couture” experience, ensuring that guests leave feeling refreshed and ready to face the world, whether it’s a packed show schedule or a whirlwind Parisian adventure.
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée stands as a testament to Parisian elegance and a timeless symbol of fashion and luxury. From its charming history to its world-class service, the hotel continues to enchant and inspire its guests, offering a glimpse into the heart of Parisian glamour.
