Plaza Athénée Hotel Paris review: Old school decadence in the city of love

Famously opulent, unabashedly ostentatious, more glamorous than glamorous and boasting a theatrical dining experience to please even the fussiest VIP, Plaza Athénée is a crash course in OTT luxury.

And yes, you will recognise its geranium-filled façade from Sex and the City.

The lowdown

Fashion queens (and kings) will be in their element. Standing proud on the prestigiously chic Avenue Montaigne, home to some of the most iconic fashion houses on the planet (Dior, Chanel, YSL, Louis Vuitton to name a few), Plaza Athénée is perfectly situated for those yearning a bank account-busting shopping spree.

Grand Palais, Pont Alexandre III, the exclusive theatres and cabarets of the Golden Triangle district (shout out to Crazy Horse) are just around the corner, and Metro lines Alma-Marceau and Franklin D. Roosevelt are but five minutes away – though don’t expect to see anyone staying at this hotel descend into the annals of Paris’s subway system.

In terms of style, few Parisian hotels rival it. Its red awnings and geraniums are said to have had their origins after a love affair between Marlene Dietrich and French screen legend Jean Gabin.

Throughout, the décor is a charming mix of French classicism meets Art Deco meets the mod cons of generation millennial.

Gold bling is accompanied by the delicate strokes of patterned and supremely polished Italian marble. Chandeliers are a given, especially inside the hotel’s dazzling restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, in which immense draping crystal hangs down over modern silver banquettes.

I will say it now, get your camera out. Elsewhere expect to find plenty of vintage wood pannelling and chic dazzlers which pay homage to the Arrondissement’s illustrious fashion heritage. In a nutshell, the place is very, very pretty.

The staff? Faultless. From check in to check out, no request was too big or too small. Everything was warm, efficient and when it called for, formal and attentive – no surprise considering the hotel’s A-List clientele.

Rooms

Every room is like a mini Versailles here. Intricate curtains weigh in on the kilos, plush carpets are kaleidoscopic with details, chandeliers and mirrors complement one another side-by-side and the beds would, if she still had her head, get the royal seal of approval from the late Marie Antoinette.

The best rooms and suites are kept tucked away at the top, some with blackout curtains (remember the celebs!) and incredible views of Paris. Think uninterrupted panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe and The Seine. You get the picture.

For those who want to go full Carrie Bradshaw (SJP made the place ever more famous in season six of Sex and the City), book one of the balcony rooms you see at the front of the hotel. It’s in one of these suites that you’ll be able to get the money shot view across the Seine to the Eiffel tower.

Whichever room you go for, the beds are immense, the bathrooms (many with uber powerful showers and deep tubs) are huge and are stocked with luxe Guerlain toiletries – the mini bar is also well stocked.

Food and Drink

I am still dreaming of the double fromage omlette I scoffed at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. I have not had one better since.

A glamorous gastronomic experience, healthy eating trends and haute cuisine rule Monsieur Ducasse’s incroyable, but devilishly expensive menu. There is no meat served here. Instead, you will find dishes made from a “fish-vegetables-cereal trilogy” – just nod, eat and smile.

While pricey (you could easily spend 500 euros a head), the food is perfect, the flavours original, and if you dine here at breakfast, the pastries (and as I mentioned, eggs) are exceptional.

A less extravagant affair comes courtesy of Ducasse’s neighbour Le Relais Plaza, the hotel’s historic foodie hub and former favourite of fashion legend YSL. Entrance is via the street or through a corridor adorned with signed photographs from numerous celebrities.

The vibe is eclectic and theatrical and this is something head chef Philippe Marc has incorporated into his menu. Expect a lot of hearty brasserie fare, fish and the odd seasonal French delight. As for the wine options, you’re guaranteed a serious hangover – a good one nonetheless.

Plus...

Go to the spa – it’s the only Dior one in the world. As with all things fashion, it leans on the wrong side of the intimidation spectra and is, dare we say it, a little clinical in appearance, but the facials are unrivalled and the effects of the spa’s signature LED machines and laser treatments worthy of the praying hands emoji.

Things to do

Go shopping, or if you are one of those cultural types hit the Seine for a short cruise down to the Louvre.

What to Instagram

Aside from the façade, restaurant and your room, head for the central courtyard.

Details

Plaza Athénée , 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France. Rooms from £700. Suites and apartments on request.