Hôtel Plaza Athénée

In short… Located amidst the luxury fashion houses and designer shops of Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Plaza Athénée’s historic ties to Dior and haute couture live on in its design and fashionable clientele.

The vibe… The hotel is instantly recognizable by its signature red awnings, geranium-filled window boxes, and terrace crowded with those lucky enough to snag one of the coveted tables overlooking the tree-lined street. Passing through an elegant lobby with marble columns and elaborate floral arrangements, guests enter the all-day restaurant, La Galerie, which is essentially a long, grand corridor with seating on either side and a wall of windows looking onto the courtyard. As it connects to other parts of the hotel, it provides a fun, see-and-be-seen vibe echoed by the terrace out front. Not surprisingly, it’s a favorite with fashion editors and execs, so booking a room during any Paris fashion week is likely impossible.

The backstory… Though originally opened in 1913, the hotel’s association with fashion began when Christian Dior opened his original couture house just across the street in 1946. A frequent patron of the hotel, Dior was even inspired to create the “Bar Suit,” part of his New Look collection, by the Art Deco bar – and its fashionable clientele – at Le Relais Plaza.

The rooms… My suite was quintessentially Parisian, with heavy silk curtains, thick wall-to-wall carpet, French doors and a crystal chandelier above the bed. The minibar was hidden in a chic, black lacquered cabinet with gold trim, and a Dior yoga mat was inside the closet.

There are also two floors with Art Deco-style rooms, and several suites with balconies or patios and views of the Eiffel Tower.

The food and drink…. In addition to La Galerie and the terrace, the hotel offers dining in the courtyard during warmer months, and in its two restaurants, Le Relais Plaza, and the Michelin-starred Jean Imbert. Originally opened in 1936, Le Relais’ dining room is a true Art Deco gem, with the original curved bar and Lalique chandeliers. The food is elevated, French comfort food, with dinner offerings like a niçoise tart, beef filet in brioche, and a whole roasted chicken with potatoes. I didn’t eat at Jean Imbert, but the space is stunning and has an incredible communal, marble table that is over 30 feet long.

The wellness… This is the flagship Dior spa and it doesn’t disappoint. Set on the lower ground floor, the space underwent a renovation in 2023, and the polished, cream walls look as if they’re glowing from within. The pampering started with a pink “glow shot” (a mix of rose water, collagen, and cherry blossom extract) served in a crystal glass. My massage therapist was incredible and even gave me an extra ten minutes because “she could tell I needed it.” Afterwards, I lounged in the Grand Salon de Relaxation, listening to the sounds of the marble fountain and covered with a heavy, cotton Dior blanket.