Plaza Athénée hotel review:When it comes to Parisian luxury hotels, only two names dominate the conversation: Ritz Paris and Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
More than ten years ago, when I first searched for Paris hotels by sorting them from the most expensive downwards, this property immediately appeared on the very first page. That’s how iconic it is.
© Photo courtesy of Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
With its unparalleled Eiffel Tower views, interiors that are both opulent and warm, and its legendary partnership with Dior, Plaza Athénée embodies the very essence of Parisian luxury living.
If Ritz is forever linked to Chanel, then Plaza Athénée belongs to Dior. Since opening in 1913, the hotel has been a favorite sanctuary for artists, film stars, and fashion icons alike.
Christian Dior – “The Hotel I Love”
Christian Dior once said:
“I hold shows at Plaza Athénée, and I welcome my clients there.”
That single line tells you everything about the bond between Dior and the hotel. In fact, Dior opened his very first fashion house right on Avenue Montaigne, where the hotel proudly stands today.
Stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor adored the Plaza Athénée. Even today, during Paris Fashion Week, it becomes the “hotel of fashion houses,” hosting top models, designers, and celebrities from around the world.
Recently, during the Paris Olympics, it was even featured in a YouTube video with Korean celebrities enjoying a meal here—showing its ongoing relevance in both culture and media.
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1. Plaza Athénée Location & Accessibility
Address: 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
- Located in the heart of Parisian haute couture on Avenue Montaigne
- Surrounded by Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Balenciaga, and other luxury boutiques
- Just a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées, and a leisurely stroll to the Seine
Metro Access:
- Alma-Marceau (Line 9) – 5 minutes on foot
- Champs-Élysées station – ~12 minutes
- Concorde station – ~23 minutes
Insider tip: Avenue Montaigne isn’t designed for metro convenience—it’s a street of supercars, haute couture, and discreet luxury. Expect to arrive in style.
2. Plaza Athénée Rooms & Suites
- About 190 rooms and suites
- Décor: A mix of classic French Louis XVI style and modern Parisian chic
- Crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and warm-toned furnishings
Signature Suites:
© Photo courtesy of Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
- Royal Suite – 450㎡ of pure grandeur, with gilded décor, art collections, and furnishings fit for royalty. A favorite of European aristocrats and Hollywood stars
3. Plaza Athénée Dining & Bars
Plaza Athénée is often described as a “temple of gastronomy.” Its dining venues are celebrated across Paris:
- Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée – Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert, this main dining room reinterprets French classics for a new era.
- Le Relais Plaza – A brasserie that retains its 1930s Art Deco spirit. A favorite meeting place for Parisians.
- La Galerie – The perfect spot for afternoon tea and exquisite pastries.
- Le Bar – A stylish cocktail bar where the Parisian night comes alive.
4. Plaza Athénée Dior Spa & Wellness
- Dior Spa Plaza Athénée – The one and only Dior-branded hotel spa in the world. Treatments are tailored like haute couture, designed exclusively for each guest.
© Photo courtesy of Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
- Fitness & Ice Room – Equipped with state-of-the-art machines and unique wellness experiences. Here, even your workout feels Parisian.
Plaza Athénée is not simply a hotel—it is:
- A sanctuary of Parisian fashion and art
- A crossroads of gastronomy and culture
- And perhaps the stage for the most breathtaking Eiffel Tower views in the city
Spending a night here means stepping directly into the elegance of Paris, walking the same halls as Dior, film stars, and fashion legends.
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Next in this series: Four Seasons Hotel George V, located just around the corner from Plaza Athénée. Stay tuned