Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

All the glitter of Paris in one avenue

Paris certainly does not come up short when it comes to luxury. More than specific neighborhoods, the true connoisseur is drawn to certain avenues or boulevards which in and off themselves possess the essence of the capital’s “art de vivre”. Of course, one immediately thinks of the Champs Elysees, the rue Saint-Honoré and the Boulevard Saint-Germain. However, just a few steps from the Champs-Elysees Theatre and the Eiffel Tower, there is an avenue which embodies like no other the splendor of luxury, the Avenue Montaigne, one of the major arteries which form the border of the very chic “golden triangle”. As an important area for Paris fashions, the avenue has become a privileged spot for luxury shopping since the end of World War II when Christian Dior set up shop there, bringing in his wake other renowned creators like Chanel, Gucci, Vuitton, Armani, Prada, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Ferragamo and a host of others. And surrounded by all these boutiques, there is a hundred year old hotel which defies time with the elegance and refinement that have made it so popular with visitors from all over the world.

Stars for the hotel, the restaurant and the list of guests

Opened in 1911, the Plaza Athénée stands out thanks to its façade covered with window boxes of red geraniums. Red is the principal color of this hotel which symbolizes the ingredients of French luxury: elegance, refinement and sophistication. The entrance hall immediately enchants the visitor and transports him into a world of pleasure and delight, with majestic marble columns and magnificent chandeliers.

Upon entering the hotel, one has the feeling of being cut off from the world, of penetrating a privileged, special space, an intelligently decorated universe of eight floors. The first six floors are in Louis XVI and Regency style, and the two top floors, corresponding to the suites, are in art deco. The suites, which are the hotel’s greatest claim to fame, are very popular with international guests. These include the 450 square meter suite Royale, the Eiffel Terrasse suite with its magnificent view and the three Eiffel suites.

The other great advantage of the Plaza Athénée is the level of its gastronomy. It’s here that the internationally renowned French Chef, Alain Ducasse, who has earned 14 stars in the prestigious Michelin Guide, offers variations of his masterful cuisine. He directs all five restaurants: the Relais Pizza, La Cour Jardin, the Galerie des Gobelins and the Terrasse Montaigne. The hotel is also equipped with a Dior Institute Spa. As part of the Parisian palace elite, the Plaza Athénée is a top of the scale establishment which has attracted a long list of celebrities including, among many others, Mata Hari, Josephine Baker, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Penelope Cruz.

The Avenue Montaigne has come a long way since 1770 when it was called “Widow’s Alley”, and where ladies would sell their charms. At that time, it was a badly lit and ill-frequented street.