Plaza Athénée – Once upon a time, The Palace of tomorrow

“The aim behind the expansion of the Plaza Athénée is to continue the adventure that started one hundred years ago”, explains the Hotel’s general manager. With this in mind, the renovations of the Plaza Athénée have strived to maintain the property’s Parisian essence whilst linking it to the world of Haute Couture. The Hotel’s motto ‘Once upon a time, the palace of tomorrow’ highlights two key elements. Firstly, ‘Once upon a time’, recalls the beginning of the Hotel’s story, based first and foremost on respecting its heritage and where the essence of the Hotel lies. The Haussmannian architecture, the facade, the lobby, the wood panelling of Le Bar, La Galerie, the Alain Ducasse at Hotel Plaza Athénée restaurant, La Cour Jardin and Le Relais Plaza all feature on the list of historic places in Paris. Furthermore, the Hotel’s relationship with its guests contributes to the essence of the Hotel as well as its connection with its employees, some of whom have worked at the Hotel for over thirty years. The second part of the Hotel’s motto, ‘the palace of tomorrow’, looks to the future and considers how best to integrate the iconic palace into the modern world without betraying the heritage of the property. The challenge here was to subtly enhance the Hotel’s homely atmosphere for our current guests whilst considering a style that would appeal to the following generations.

2014 marks the beginning of a new era for the Plaza Athénée with a renovation that not only embraces the past 100 years but looks to the future combining the classic with the contemporary. The project was carried out with the help of the following designers and artists; the architect Jean-Jacques Ory, who was responsible for extending the premises; the interior designer Bruno Moinard for the decoration of the communal areas; designers Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku for the Alain Ducasse at Hotel Plaza Athénée restaurant and Le Bar; and finally Marie-José Pommereau for the restoration of the guestrooms and apartments. It is with this combined support that the Plaza Athénée will remain an elegant and timeless destination offering guests an unforgettable experience.

La Cour Jardin
Landscaped by the garden designer and architect Olivier Riols, La Cour Jardin is a perfect setting for guests to enjoy at any season. With its geraniums and Virginia creepers, crape myrtle and red camellias in the summer, it also brings an ice rink to enjoy in the winter. The main change includes the design of new bench seats adorned in a cane fabric and embroidered with the Hotel’s logo.

Le Relais Plaza
Created in 1936, Le Relais Plaza is a chic brasserie that has become one of the capital’s go-to destinations over the years. This Parisian venue, with its cosmopolitan and refined atmosphere, evokes the dandyism of former times, which continues to inspire Werner Küchler, the restaurant manager of this iconic establishment, where chef Philippe Marc heads the kitchen.

The Organza, Création and Collection rooms
The private rooms have been considerably extended: the two previously existing rooms (Salon Organza and Collection rooms) have been joined by a spacious ballroom (Salon Haute Couture), a warm space for “breaks”, along with two adjoining meeting rooms (Création rooms A & B) located on the upper floors of the Hotel.

The Salon Haute Couture
The Salon Haute Couture spans over 150 square metres and 5.75 metres in height, with a total capacity of 200 guests. The aim of this room was to create a timeless space for events and special occasions. With every detail of decoration taken into account, from the glamourous red floor rug to the golden ceiling which holds 7 large chandeliers, the Salon Haute Couture will be Paris’ ultimate event space.

The Alain Ducasse at Hotel Plaza Athénée restaurant
Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have created a space that shakes up all the codes of Fine Dining. The restaurant offers a radical and surprising aesthetic with the exceptional know-how of local craftsmen, who helped create the furnishings in particular. Although guests will be in the same restaurant space, the atmosphere will differ between lunch and dinner. The decor, light, table settings, and seating arrangements all play a role in the restaurant’s transformation by night. Breakfast can also be served here for Hotel guests only.

The idyllic Bar
Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have adopted a bold and creative approach to Le Bar, plunging guests into a distinctive and dreamlike atmosphere.
Known as one of the top evening destinations in Paris, Le Bar has been redesigned to create an innovative setting. Using a contemporary style, the space is decorated with a blend of blue and brown tones. The ceiling is hidden under an installation composed of wreaths of fabric whilst the oversized bar in transparent resin levitates within the space.

Guestrooms and suites designed as private apartments
For the restoration of some of the guestrooms and suites, the Hotel chose Marie-José Pommereau, who has been responsible for decorating the rooms for the last 14 years. The Hotel now has 154 rooms and 54 suites, having created an additional 14 rooms including eight suites and six guestrooms. Marie-José Pommereau chose a range of warm tones for the walls including peony, sun-infused yellow and silver as well as using materials such as damask, embroideries and plain silks from top couture houses to adorn the windows, armchairs and beds.

The Dior Institut, bespoke beauty
Since it was founded in 1946, Dior has maintained a strong relationship with the Hotel Plaza Athénée. Christian Dior was passionate about the Hotel which resulted in the opening of the Dior Institut in 2008. Exuding a modern and elegant atmosphere, Dior Institut is composed of six treatment rooms including one double, and takes on Dior’s Haute Couture spirit on 30 avenue Montaigne to provide guests with a high quality and bespoke service.

25 AVENUE MONTAIGNE – 75008 PARIS – T + 33 (0)1 53 67 66 65 – www.dorchestercollection.com