Haute couture is about style, innovation, beauty, creativity, and personality. Hotel Athenee in Paris is inextricably linked to the world of fashion. Moreover, it has expressed those same qualities since it opened its doors in 1913. Now part of the Dorchester Collection of Deluxe Hotels, the palatial 154 room and 54 suites Athenee remains a statement hotel in the fashionable heart of Paris.

Location

This magnificent beauty is situated on the Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement, where the most celebrated Parisian couturiers chose to open chic fashion boutiques to the world. Besides, it has commanding views of the Eiffel Tower at one end of the street. And at the other, the Champs-Elysees sites perfectly. 

The Athenee welcomes fashion lovers and all its guests inside from an imposing glorious façade festooned with its signature scarlet red geraniums.

Haute Couture

Walking down the tree-lined Avenue Montaigne may feel like a model’s walk along a runway at a fashion show. Stunning clothes from the haute couture collections of designers like Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Versace, and Celine line this quintessentially Parisian Avenue. 

Moreover, the hotel has long celebrated its place in this high fashion hub, with references in its décor and special events in Paris Fashion Week.

Rooms 

Classic, Superior, Deluxe, and Deluxe View. Plaza Athenee aims to make guests feel at home and enjoy a time of rest and serenity for mind, body, and spirit. Besides, every room has a design of classic Parisian elegance. Each also showcases styles using the finest and most sumptuous fabrics and quality furnishings. 

The different grades refer to the size and additional refinements, but all rooms are about comfort and charm. Ensuite luxurious bathrooms showcase opulent marble features and sophisticated lighting. Moreover, some rooms have Avenue views, and most have classic décor, while upper floors are in art deco style.

Suites

The Plaza has been awarded palace status, a grade above 5-stars, and the beautiful lavish suites reflect this rank. There are 4 junior suites featuring silk fabrics, fine artworks, and elegant furnishings. 

There are also 5 stunning larger suites from Superior to Deluxe with stunning, graceful Parisian décor and plush furnishings. The ultra-chic apartment-sized signature suites are individually designed and furnished to levels of sublime luxury. 

They feature stunning views of the Avenue and Eiffel Tower, flower-filled balconies, and magnificent bathrooms with a Jacuzzi and steam room. The Signature, Eiffel, Prestige, and Royal are with gorgeous fabrics and antique furniture pieces. Besides, there are fine artwork and deeply comfortable seating and bedding.

Haute Cuisine 

The palace offers guests several choices of restaurants and bars. However, master chef Alain Ducasse created one of the most innovative restaurants in Paris. Earning three Michelin stars for exceptional cuisine, he embraces the current beliefs in respecting our planet by using natural products and encouraging sustainable agriculture and fishing.

His menus reflect a healthy living philosophy with dishes based on a trinity of fish, vegetables, and cereals, sourced from quality local seasonal produce. Moreover, the starry decor of the restaurant is equally stunning and innovative. Plus, the design is by Jouin-Manku and worthy of triple-Michelin stars.

All-Day Dining

La Galerie provides light meals and delicious teas in a chic and soothing atmosphere. Also, two al fresco restaurants provide opportunities to dine in the attractive courtyard or beautiful terrace. Additionally, Le Relais is one of the institutions of the Athenee, a chic gallery of attractive seating, excellent brasserie-style menus, and soft music. 

Le Bar is set to the tune of the en-trend fashion of the Avenue with original cocktails, Dom Perignon champagne, and superior colorful modern décor. In-room dining is also always available for guests. Moreover, breakfasts are traditional with a bonus of fresh bread and delicious pastries each day from the hotel’s own bakery.

When the weather is nice, the La Cour Jardin in the hotel's courtyard invites you to have a coffee.

Patisseries

The Plaza has a history of fine pastry chefs, and breakfast or tea at this hotel includes scrumptious pastry delights. More than this, Alain Ducasse’s menus benefit from award-winning pastry chef Jessica Prealpato’s creations. These include refined desserts in keeping with the philosophy of the restaurant.

Celebrity Events at the Plaza 

For decades, the Athenee palace has been known for its parties' splendor and wedding receptions, attracting Hollywood stars and global celebrities. Besides, the gorgeous décor of the ballroom, Le Salon Haute Couture, holds over a hundred guests and is ideal for wedding parties and celebrations. 

The hotel promises gourmet meals and top-notch service. It also has 5 suites for private functions with the same standards of luxury provided.

Health and Fitness

The Dior Institut is the Hotel’s luxury spa inspired by Christian Dior. Treatments are for men and women with an accent on rejuvenation techniques and the most up-to-date products. Besides, specialized massages aim to relax, restore, and firm and reharmonize mind and body. 

Facial treatments include dermabrasion and anti-aging techniques. A modern fitness center is also available, with award-winning hairstylist and beauty technicians ready to spruce up guests after the activity.

Other Services

Using a phrase from the fashion world, the hotel claims to provide ‘tailor-made’ to suit every guest's needs. Moreover, the resort welcomes children and special needs catered for. Concierge service is first class, and staff are friendly and helpful and professional, and courteous. 

Takeaway 

The Plaza Athenee is one of the most beautiful palace hotels in the world. It retains a reputation for warmth and a high standard of care, a place where guests feel at home. It is costly, but, as with the luxurious pieces in haute couture collections, it is surely worth it.