The Luxe Life of Paris

By Hillary Latos

For over a hundred years, the Plaza Athénée has been synonymous with haute living in Paris among the beau monde—from jetsetters and A-listers to royalty and moguls. After undergoing a massive 200-million Euro renovation, the newly refurbished Plaza Athénée is poised to be the epitome of Parisian luxury on Avenue Montaigne—home to the world's largest concentration of haute couture houses.

The stately exterior is accented by signature red awnings and blossoming red flowers and served as the iconic-yet-romantic backdrop to "Sex and the City" and countless other movies.

Upon entering you can't help but be swept up into the romantic notions of Paris in the spring, with the beautiful floral arrangements, glistening chandeliers, and lavish interiors.

The perfect embodiment of modern French luxury, the renovated rooms have all been designed by Marie-José Pommereau, whose refined and elevated taste has defined the image of the hotel over the last 14 years. Sparing no expenses, Pommereau chose a palette of warm tones, including peony, yellow, and silver, to decorate the rooms in luxurious fabrics such as silk damask and embroideries from top couture houses.

To truly immerse yourself in a Parisian experience, book an Eiffel Tower suite with priceless panoramic views of the majestic Eiffel Tower. Choose from décor inspired by the 19th-century classical Parisian haute couture style of Baron Haussmann, with lustrous pinks accented with pearl grey and silver tones, or the sleek and modern grey-hued Art Deco aesthetic created by Jean-François Lesage.

Dining at the Plaza Athénée is a treat for the gourmand, and includes the two-star Michelin flagship, Alain Ducasse, who turns a meal into a journey in a truly magical setting. The haute cuisine is only matched by the décor, with a dining room designed by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, who have turned fantasy into reality with soft '70s-inspired silver curved banquettes that reflect the twinkling, hanging crystals and impressive chandelier.

Le Relais Plaza is also a favorite haunt among the high-end Avenue Montaigne neighbors who come for the brilliantly-executed Parisian brasserie fare in an upscale art deco atmosphere. As Le Relais Plaza opened in 1936, it still retains the original details that embody the flair of Paris in its glorious heyday, but with a modern update that speaks to the chic crowd which frequent this quintessentially Parisian brasserie.

For more information:
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