When the Plaza Athénée opened its doors on April 20, 1913, Avenue Montaigne was already a promising showcase, just a stone's throw from the Champs-Élysées, in the heart of the Golden Triangle of fashion, luxury and elegance. Designed in an eclectic style, the hotel was built in two phases between 1902 and 1909 by architects Charles Lefèbvre and Louis Duhayon.
The name Plaza Athénée was adopted after a legal imbroglio surrounding the Plaza brand, and echoes a former establishment named Athénée. Over the decades, theluxury hotel withstood the turmoil of war, expanded, modernized and, in 2011, received official Palace status.
The hotel was built at a time of artistic and economic ferment, when Paris was asserting its dominance in fashion, the decorative arts and theluxury hotel business. Architects Lefèbvre and Duhayon designed a classical façade, adorned with loggias, transoms and balustrades. Inside, the first salons feature elegant woodwork, moldings and marble staircases.
When it opened, London Gourmet Prize-winning chef Jacques-Léon Colombier was in charge of the kitchens. The Plaza Athénée survives the First World War open, welcoming artists, musicians and diplomats despite the complicated context. It was here that thespy Mata Hari was arrested in 1917, while staying at the hotel. In the 1920s, the hotel was extended with the construction of a courtyard garden, two lounges and the Relais Plaza, which became an elegant meeting place in 1936.
But the economic crisis of the 1930s hit palaces hard. In 1933, a change of ownership led to modernization, and in 1936, the hotel reopened with renovated lounges. During the Second World War, the establishment was requisitioned by German forces, then American after the Liberation of Paris, passing through periods of occupation before returning to its hotel vocation in 1946.
After the war, the hotel became a haven for the stars and celebrities of the era: Marlène Dietrich was a frequent guest, having an affair with Jean Gabin. Legend has it that, after their break-up, Dietrich bought an apartment opposite the hotel and Gabin ordered a thousand red roses to be placed on the balcony of their former suite, a romantic symbol immortalized in stories about the palace.
Under the management of François Delahaye at the end of the 20ᵉ century, the Plaza Athénée begins a profound transformation. Delahaye appoints Alain Ducasse to oversee the restaurant services, giving birth to a renowned gourmet restaurant. In 2000, Ducasse is awarded 3 Michelin stars for the Plaza Athénée restaurant, confirming the palace's place among gastronomic temples.
In 2001, the Dorchester Group acquired the hotel, and the building underwent a massive renovation from 2007 to 2014, integrating adjoining buildings toexpand the hotel, create suites, a ballroom, new lounges and reception areas. The lobby, gallery and garden courtyard were also restored. In May 2011, the hotel is officially awarded the Palace label, a sign ofhotel excellence.
The Plaza Athénée is distinguished by its eclectic style, blending classical influences with Art Deco touches. The façade is punctuated by red blinds and planters overflowing with red geraniums, the palace's distinctive visual feature. Inside, the second floors are decorated in a classic French style, with Louis XV, Louis XVI and Regency furniture; on the upper floors,Art Deco is used in some of the decor.
The inner garden, a veritable courtyard-garden, offers a haven of tranquillity. Pergolas, rose bushes, chairs and elegant lanterns invite you to stroll. Restored, the Relais Plaza has retained its Art Deco spirit, transformed into a brasserie where great names such as Alain Delon, Yves Saint Laurent, Françoise Sagan and Marcello Mastroianni have dined.
The Plaza Athénée is home to several restaurants: a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, the Relais Plaza, the Cour Jardin, the Galerie for breakfast and tea time, and the Bar du Plaza. In 2008, the hotel opened its own beauty and wellness center.
Celebrity clients include Marlene Dietrich, Michael Jackson, Roger Moore, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Christian Dior, who inaugurated his couture house opposite the Plaza in 1946.
The Plaza Athénée has appeared in films and TV series such as Emily in Paris, Sex and the City and Something's Gotta Give, embodying the archetype of Parisian prestige. The palace is a link between fashion, luxury, gastronomy and the French art of living, and its listing on the Monuments Historiques list guarantees the preservation of its major features.
For over a century, the Plaza Athénée has been part ofParis's history, combining tradition and audacity, discretion and prestige.
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Monday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Thursday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Saturday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sunday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Location
Plaza Athénée Hotel
25 avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris 8
Official website
www.dorchestercollection.com
