Get ready to feel like a champion, even if you’re not an athlete! While the world’s best athletes will be competing for glory during the 2024 Paris Olympics, the City of Love is taking its iconic luxury game to a whole new level. For those seeking the ultimate Parisian experience, a few top hotels are proving why they’re the go-to destinations for a taste of the high life.
Here’s a look at two must-stay gems in Paris during the summer Games. Prepare to be enchanted by their elegance, history, and breathtaking views.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Parisian Royalty in the Heart of the City
Paris’ Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, but we’re spilling the beans! This iconic hotel has been a fixture in the world of luxury travel for decades, drawing seasoned travelers who dream of experiencing its unparalleled opulence. It’s no wonder that during Paris Fashion Week, this hotel is booked solid. And this year’s Olympic Games are no different – the allure of this legendary hotel has drawn travelers from around the globe.
Founded in 1913, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has earned its place among Paris’ most storied hotels. The hotel has graced the silver screen in movies like “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Sex and the City,” making it a true icon of cinematic glamour. And in the upcoming season of the popular Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” the hotel will once again be featured, adding to its star-studded legacy.
Step inside, and you’ll immediately understand why this hotel remains at the top of the city’s luxury scene. The hotel’s stunning interiors, adorned with elegant French Regency and Art Deco touches, are a testament to its rich heritage. It’s easy to see why the hotel has become a favorite destination for celebrities and influencers, seeking a luxurious escape in the heart of Paris.
The hotel’s 154 rooms, each a masterpiece of design and comfort, are nestled on Avenue Montaigne, known for its world-renowned luxury boutiques and iconic bright red awnings. For the ultimate indulgence, the hotel’s in-house Dior Institute spa offers a haven of tranquility, perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating.
No luxury hotel would be complete without a culinary experience to match. The Hôtel Plaza Athénée boasts the Michelin-starred Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée restaurant, where Chef Imbert brings modern flair to traditional French cuisine. His imaginative dishes, inspired by 250-year-old recipes, are a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
After a delectable dinner, head over to Le Bar, the hotel’s stylish bar, and unwind with a handcrafted cocktail. Surrounded by elegance, sip, relax, and revel in the magic of the Parisian night.
The hotel’s stunning dining room, featuring a 10,000-crystal chandelier, is just steps away from some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, adorned with the Olympic rings, from the hotel’s prime location beside the Seine.
And if you’re seeking a taste of the Olympic spirit, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has partnered with acclaimed photographer Mathieu Forget, known as Forgetmat. Forget, a true Parisian artist, has captured the essence of athleticism and Parisian charm in his unique series, featuring athletes in dynamic poses within the hotel’s iconic spaces.
Forget’s work is a blend of art and sports, celebrating the French heritage and its architectural beauty. This project, conceived three years ago, highlights the hotel’s commitment to the Olympic Games and its appreciation for the beauty of human movement.
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée has a long history of hosting celebrities and dignitaries. From Sophia Loren in 1956 to Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and LeBron James, the hotel has welcomed a constellation of famous guests. During the Olympics, the hotel was a hotspot for sporting royalty, with Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian enjoying a night of fine dining. And French-Canadian superstar Celine Dion, who performed at the Olympic Opening ceremony, has called the hotel home on numerous occasions. Other celebrities like Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez have also graced the hotel with their presence, adding to its aura of glamour and exclusivity.
A night at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée during the Olympic Games starts at a luxurious $2,900, offering a chance to experience the Parisian lifestyle at its finest. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two as they stroll through the hotel’s opulent lobby.
Le Meurice: Where Parisian Elegance Meets Artistic Legacy
While Olympic athletes may be sleeping on cardboard beds, guests at Le Meurice are guaranteed to experience a world of unparalleled luxury. Located on Rue de Rivoli, with views of the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre, Le Meurice, a Parisian Palace hotel, has been a destination of choice for discerning travelers since its opening in 1835.
To celebrate the Olympic Games, Le Meurice is offering guests bespoke experiences that embody the spirit of Parisian luxury. The hotel’s La Maison Valmont spa is offering a “vitality and serenity” treatment, a rejuvenating body and facial experience that will leave guests feeling refreshed and invigorated throughout the Games.
And if you’re looking for a culinary escape, the hotel’s Restaurant Le Dalí offers a new wellness menu created by chef Clémentine Bouchon. The restaurant is named after Salvador Dalí, the renowned artist who spent a month at the hotel each year for over 30 years.
Le Meurice has also attracted other artistic luminaries, including Pablo Picasso, who hosted his wedding banquet at the hotel. The celebrated painter, who visited the hotel frequently when he was in Paris, left an indelible mark on the hotel’s history.
Le Meurice is also home to the Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant, a culinary haven for food lovers worldwide. The restaurant’s opulent decor, inspired by the grandeur of Versailles, is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to elegance and sophistication.
Alain Ducasse, the renowned chef who oversees all dining at the hotel, has infused the hotel with his expertise and culinary vision. His passion for excellence has inspired pastry chef Cédric Grolet, who was named the world’s best pastry chef at The World’s 50 Best Awards 2018. Grolet’s exquisite creations, showcased at his flagship store in Le Meurice, are a testament to his artistry and the hotel’s unwavering dedication to culinary perfection.
For a truly unforgettable evening, head over to Bar 228, Le Meurice’s stunning cocktail haven. As you sip your favorite cocktail, enjoy the soothing sounds of nightly live jazz, adding a touch of Parisian charm to your evening.
And for those looking for a dose of Olympic action, Le Meurice is ideally situated near a variety of sporting events. From the iconic Champs-Élysées to the grand Palais de Tokyo, the hotel is within easy reach of the Games’ most exciting venues.
Le Meurice, a timeless Parisian treasure, offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and luxury, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable stay during the Olympic Games. Prepare to be enchanted by its elegance, its renowned cuisine, and its proximity to the heart of the Parisian experience.
