The Best Room At... Hôtel Plaza Athénée
There are certain hotels you plan a trip around—and if there are no rooms available you change your dates. The Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of those hotels for me. I have been staying here for almost 20 years (they call me Madame Volandes when I check in). To say a hotel is a home away from home is a cliché but this certainly feels that way for me. I have my favorite rooms and my established routine. I wake up, have coffee in my room, then head out and walk along the Seine. Once I’m done it’s back to that beautiful breakfast room for scrambled eggs and a dip into that famous bread basket. My recent stay came with news of a major new suite. I investigated.
The best room at the property?
I love the Art Deco rooms on the 7th floor (especially 704) and Room 420 is another favorite for its old school charm and view of the famous Plaza Athénée courtyard. But the big news now is on the fifth floor: the Royal Suite is one of the largest suites in Paris and is the crown jewel in the hotel’s recent renovations. There are four bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room, dining room, pantry, and balcony, from which guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, Avenue Montaigne, and the hotel’s La Cour Jardin.
The suite’s moldings, cornices, and Versailles parquet floors pay tribute to the hotel’s rich history and hidden details are incorporated throughout to surprise and delight guests, including a bar concealed in a travel trunk and a crystal counter that reflects the light and views of the suite. The design is by Moinard Betaille.
One of the bathrooms in the suite is equipped with a sauna and a hammam and adorned with Italian marble and mosaic arabesque patterns. Triptych mirrors above the central sink and the vanity reflect the subtle and soft ambient lighting, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée always feels like your secretly grand Parisian address and this room makes it official. It’s the Paris fantasy apartment.
The cost?
Starting at €45,000 a night.
The hotel vibe?
The location of the Plaza Athénée is at the center of Parisian chic (Dior is directly across the street) and the vibe of the hotel and guests reflect that. There is also an air of international glamour about it all. You can sense it the moment you walk through the intimate lobby area into the Galerie bar. The air is scented, there are shopping bags from Avenue Montaigne boutiques tucked under the setees. Everyone having a drink or tea looks to see who has just walked in. But upstairs in the private guestroom areas, the vibe is total Parisian discretion. There is a hushed privacy to the hallways and the décor is plush and warm and classic. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the breakfast room, one of the grandest, and the bread basket, one of the all time best. My first night in Paris I always like to stay in the hotel and have dinner at Le Relais, overseen by Jean Imbert and with the most delicious roast chicken.
The local attraction?
This museum of Dior history is excellent and also happens to be right across the street. I suggest going and then having a coffee and a pastry at one of the restaurants in the Dior store next door.
The Paris vibe?
The Plaza Athénée is equal parts Parisian chic and Parisian discretion. The moment you walk out of the hotel the Eiffel Tower is quite literally at your feet. Remember when Carrie Bradshaw first saw the tower from her hotel suite and screamed in glee? Well, that was from the Plaza Athénée, and we totally get it.
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