There are a few places in Paris that fashion lovers will likely make a pilgrimage to, and Avenue Montaigne probably sits on top of that list. After all, this tree-lined street just off busy Champs-Élysées is home to well-loved fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Celine, and more. Stroll down this quiet boulevard and you’ll be hard-pressed to miss the iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée, situated right next to Harry Winston and Valentino.

With its iconic red awning and geranium-adorned facade, this storied hotel makes a lasting first impression. Inside, the opulence continues, with polished marble floors and glinting chandeliers warmly welcoming you. It’s easy to see why this is a favourite with royals (Grace Kelly), celebrities (Elizabeth Taylor) and the fashion crowd alike.
Having appeared in shows like Sex and The City, Devil Wears Prada and most recently, Emily in Paris (it’s the hotel where Brooklyn Clark stays), the connection between Hôtel Plaza Athénée and style runs deeps. But aside from modern pop culture, it’s said that Christian Dior was so inspired by the hotel that when he opened his boutique on Avenue Montaigne, he went on to create collections called ‘Plaza’ and ‘Athénée’. Till this day, the relationship between Dior and the hotel remains strong, with the presence of the Dior spa located within the building.
Some of the most hotly requested rooms have got to be the ones facing Avenue Montaigne, thanks to its unrestricted view of the Eiffel Tower (which by the way, looks absolutely magical when lit up at night). But even if you don’t score one of those rooms, the ones that face the ivy-lined courtyard are charming too.
Most of the rooms feature a signature Louis XVI-inspired look, but the hotel recently worked with architects Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille to create more modern Art Deco-style rooms on the seventh floor. Amongst the changes made include a lightening up of the wood and colour palette, marble-drenched bathrooms and the use of transparent glass that feels more softer, cosier and intimate.
If you’re ready to splash out, the duplex suite (room #750) is a one-bedroom suite equipped with living and dining areas, a sauna and mini gym area, and the best part? A beautiful, unobstructed 180-degree view of Paris and its sights (think: Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, etc).
Earlier this year, the hotel announced that 39-year-old chef Jean Imbert would now oversee the culinary direction of the hotel and its restaurants. This prestigious role was formerly occupied by Alain Ducasse, who had worked with the hotel for 21 years and whose iconic three michelin-starred restaurant with his namesake was an iconic dining destination.
Under Imbert’s new direction, Le Relais, which serves up Parisian-style brasserie fare, opened its doors on 9 September this year with a refreshed Art Deco interior and a menu serving up dishes like Crayfish Mayonnaise & Thermidor and Gratin of Sea Bream 1962.
If you’re in need of a tipple, there are few places more stylish in the city than the flamboyant Le Bar. With its electric blue scheme and glass bar counter (that looks like melting ice), this is the place to see and be seen.
Note: Renovations are still underway for the main restaurant and the concept has not been revealed yet as of press time.
For all its swankiness, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a great place for little ones too. You can easily book a connecting room if you’re travelling with family, and parents will be glad to know that strollers are available to use if you need them. If you book their Family Time package, extra treats for Junior include a gift on arrival, welcome cookies, specially prepared breakfasts, and more.
Plus, if you’re travelling to Paris in the winter (usually in December), look out for the ice skating rink at the courtyard just for hotel guests.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée is located at 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75 008 Paris, France. Visit dorchestercollection.com to find out more.