Paris in the Spring >The Magnificent Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Following the extensive renovations and the great unveil during the Autumn of 2014, I made it to the Plaza Athénée for afternoon tea and a private tour of the new Suites overlooking the Tour Eiffel in the Spring last year 2015. As I moved to Paris recently (April 2016), I’ve begun to to re-visit favourite haunts in the city and remind you all of some of the most magnificent places in Paris. The design of this place, still takes my breath away. 

Above, the Alain Ducasse restaurant

Arrive at 25 Avenue Montaigne and you won’t fail to miss this impressive facade, First opening in April 1913, it remains amongst the most iconic hotels in the world. Following its 2 year and estimated 200 million euro renovation, the attention to detail and impossibly chic detailing that’s been implemented is astounding.

During the renovation, the main building was rejuvenated, and three adjacent buildings were incorporated into the hotel, including the one housing the famed Harry Winston Jewellers on the Ground Floor. 

Jean-Jacques Ory was responsible for the extension of the hotel, and one of my favourite interior designers Bruno Moinard refreshed the lobby, La Galerie, the Interior Garden, the Salon Organza and the newly added ballroom, Salon Haute Couture.

Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku refurbished Le Bar and the Alain Ducasse at Hotel Plaza Athénée restaurant. The now 154 refurbished rooms and 54 Suites are the work of interior designer Marie-José Pommereau. Thanks to new building space added to the hotel, eight additional suites and six apartments could be created in 2013-14, including the Tower Eiffel Suites.

Afternoon Tea

Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have adopted a bold and creative approach to Le Bar. The ceiling is hidden under an installation composed of wreaths of fabric whilst the oversized bar in transparent resin levitates within the space. As time passes, the contrast between the floor, the walls and ceiling fades away in an ingenious play of light.

As a personal touch to this extraordinary place, Patrick Jouin also designed three glasses and a serving carafe. Created using Murano blown glass, these drinking glasses add the perfect finishing touch to this distinctive bar, managed by Thierry Hernandez. With an interactive bar code menu and spirit free bar (the drinks you see below in the bar are either part mixed cocktails, and all other drinks are prepared behind a screen) this rather futuristic bar sets quite an unusual set amongst such a traditional interior space.

Below, the restaurant by day

Rooms & Suites

Sit in the bath and through the glass wall between the bathroom and bedroom you can have your own magical view of the magical Tower Eiffel.

Visit the hotel website here for further information.

LWSY