Hôtel Plaza Athénée: A Parisian Icon Reimagined

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a timeless symbol of Parisian luxury, stands as a beacon of elegance and sophistication. Its iconic presence on Avenue Montaigne is so renowned that Christian Dior famously opened his boutique across the street, even naming his celebrated Bar jacket after the hotel’s Le Relais Plaza bar. For over 110 years, this legendary establishment has been synonymous with exquisite taste and impeccable service. Now, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is redefining luxury with recent upgrades that blend old-world charm with modern innovation.

The hotel recently unveiled two floors of meticulously renovated rooms and suites, a project led by acclaimed French duo Moinard Bétaille. These 49 revitalized spaces retain the hotel’s signature 18th-century allure, showcasing silk headboards, intricate damask curtains, shimmering chandeliers, gold-leaf moldings, and restored antique furniture. This masterful combination creates a sense of timeless elegance infused with contemporary comfort.

At the heart of this transformation lies the Royal Suite, a breathtaking 450-square-meter masterpiece. This opulent suite, one of Paris’s largest, boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a grand living room, a dining room, and even a private pantry. The epitome of lavish living, the Royal Suite provides an unparalleled level of sophistication. Guests can unwind on the suite’s private balcony, overlooking the charming internal courtyard, La Cour Jardin, or take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Parisian skyline.

The sixth-floor balcony rooms and suites have also undergone a stunning transformation. These exclusive spaces, with uninterrupted vistas of the Eiffel Tower and the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, are adorned with vibrant red geraniums—a cherished tradition that began when Jean Gabin, in a gesture of love, filled the balcony with red roses for Marlene Dietrich. This romantic touch has been preserved for over 50 years, maintaining the hotel’s enchanting facade.

Beyond its remarkable accommodations, Hôtel Plaza Athénée offers one-of-a-kind public spaces that enhance its allure. Each winter, the hotel transforms into a magical winter wonderland, complete with an ice rink, a cozy chalet, and a large fondue table. The tradition of elegance and joy continues to be passed down through generations, as children who once skated here return with their families, creating lasting memories in one of the world’s most exclusive settings.

The Dior spa is another shining jewel of the hotel. With seven treatment rooms, each called a cabine, designed with soft wood accents and the signature Dior toile de jouy fabric, the spa offers guests a tranquil retreat. From beauty treatments to hair and makeup, as well as a sauna, hammam, and a sleek oak-paneled gym, the spa caters to every luxurious need. A boutique within the spa even sells Dior jewelry, makeup, and a €2,500 air freshener infused with Dior scents, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

While the hotel celebrates its rich history, it also embraces a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Recent renovations have incorporated eco-conscious features, including insulation added to the facade, energy-efficient sensors, and recycling initiatives in guest rooms, ensuring that luxury meets environmental responsibility.

A hotspot during Paris Fashion Week, the hotel’s famed Le Relais Plaza restaurant continues to be a magnet for power lunches and celebrity sightings. Under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert, the restaurant blends traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Imbert, known for working with high-profile stars like Jay Z and Beyoncé, creates iconic dishes such as his la brioche Marie-Antoinette au caviar, paying homage to both French heritage and his own inventive flair.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée remains a beacon of Parisian style and sophistication, where heritage meets modernity. This luxurious experience seamlessly blends the timeless charm of a bygone era with the innovative spirit of today, offering guests an unforgettable journey into the heart of Parisian elegance.

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