Since opening its doors in 1913, Hotel Plaza Athenee remains one of Paris’ most enduring icons.
PARIS – Beloved by royalty and a haven for celebrities, Dorchester Collection’s Hotel Plaza Athenee celebrates its centenary this year having held residence on the fashionable avenue Montaigne since 1913. The hotel, which received the Palace distinction in 2011, is famed for its historical heritage, location and timeless elegance.
To mark its milestone year, Hotel Plaza Athenee is introducing a variety of offerings. Commemorative concepts, dining surprises, speciality packages and a partnership with the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, highlight the hotel’s celebration.
Commemoration of a century:
- 100 Lime Trees will be planted in the grounds of the Palace of Versailles in early spring
- On 20 April, 100 balloons will be released in the hotel’s Cour Jardin and a special anniversary cake will be available for guests to enjoy
- The hotel’s most loyal guests will receive an exclusive loyalty card, the ‘pass of the century’, which will enable guests to unlimited VIP experiences throughout their stays, for example card holders will receive a guaranteed table in the hotel’s restaurants and an upgraded stay, subject to availability
- Hotel Plaza Athenee will create a time capsule containing references to its history and heritage, filled with items dating back to 1913 – ideas for which can only be submitted by the hotel’s most loyal guests
Dining:
From 1 February, special centenary dishes will be available at the hotel’s restaurants. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee will be offering a hot truffle and guinea fowl pate. At Le Relais Plaza, a calf’s head with spicy tomato sauce and macaire potatoes will be available. For breakfast in the Galerie des Gobelins, guests will be able to choose from poached eggs cardinal or a melba with seasonal fruit created by Christophe Michalak.
On 21, 22 and 23 February the restaurant manager of Le Relais Plaza, Werner Kuchler, will host three Bavarian evenings in commemoration of the hotel’s German founder Emile Armbruster, who was the one to add ‘Athenee’ to the hotel’s original name.
A ‘Baccarat Harcourt’ centenary cocktail at Le Bar du Plaza Athenee is available all year round. Characterised by its red and gold colouring, the cocktail comprises blackberries, strawberries, cranberries and Cognac. Served in a glass designed by Harcourt, the cocktail is topped with a dash of passion fruit and champagne for a zesty and refreshing finish.
‘Rite of Spring’ Package:
To mark the hotel’s shared centenary with the Theatre des Champs-Elysees and the original performance of ‘Rite of Spring’, Hotel Plaza Athenee is launching an exclusive package, which includes:
- One night in a Junior Suite Deluxe or Superior Suite with a VIP welcome
- American breakfast for two
- Two box tickets for one of the six performances of ‘The Rite of Spring’ at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees with a glass of champagne in a private lounge during the interval
- Special dinner for two at Le Relais Plaza at Hotel Plaza Athenee
- Rates from €2,900 for a Junior Suite Deluxe and €3,365 for a Superior Suite
Guests can choose between the following performances:
- On 30 and 31 May, the acclaimed Mariinsky Orchestra and the St Petersburg Ballet will perform the original version of ‘The Rite of Spring’
- On 6 and 7 June, the Tanztheater Wuppertal of Germany will dance with choreography by the late Pina Bausch
- On 25 and 26 July, celebrated English choreographer and contemporary dancer Akram Khan will present his version of ‘The Rite’
1913-2013: Hotel Plaza Athenee’s history
Since opening its doors in 1913, Hotel Plaza Athenee remains one of Paris’ most enduring icons. Originally designed as a place to spend a relaxing evening after a show at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, the hotel has become a haven for famous musicians, composers and performers.
The 1920s marked the beginning of an exciting era for Paris when the ‘city of light’ became the capital of art from the end of World War I to the start of the 1930s. During this time, the hotel hosted celebrated artists from Monet to Matisse, Mondrian, Braque, Duchamp, De Chirico, Miro and Magritte. Located between 21–27 avenue Montaigne, the hotel upheld its status in the midst of a flourishing city with several renovations including the introduction of spacious apartments, the Cour Jardin, and the Regence and Marie-Antoinette Lounges, designed by architect Jules Lebfevre.
In 1936, Hotel Plaza Athenee was purchased by Francois Dupre. That same year, Le Relais Plaza, designed by architect Constant Lefranc, opened its doors to guests and non residents.
Over the years, avenue Montaigne has attracted the finest names in the fashion industry making the avenue the most stylish in Paris. Dior and Hotel Plaza Athenee’s relationship started in 1947, when Christian Dior opened his flagship store on 30 avenue Montaigne to be close to the hotel. It was then that avenue Montaigne became known for its Haute Couture. From Grace Kelly to Gary Cooper, Jackie Kennedy to the Ford family, Hotel Plaza Athenee became a Parisian
landmark.
In 1999, Francois Delahaye became the managing director of the hotel. Soon after, Alain Ducasse joined the hotel’s team to supervise the restaurant for which he was awarded three Michelin stars in 2001.
In 2000, Hotel Plaza Athenee received the ISO 9001 certification. To this day, the hotel upholds its status by regular investment in redecoration and innovation.
In 2001, the hotel became part of Dorchester Collection, which manages some of the world’s foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA: The Dorchester, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Le Meurice, Hotel Principe di Savoia, Hotel Bel-Air, Coworth Park, 45 Park Lane and Le Richemond.
In 2008, reflecting a strong relationship, Dior and Hotel Plaza Athenee joined forces, opening the Dior Institut at Hotel Plaza Athenee. The Dior Institut features five treatment rooms including a double VIP treatment room, a fitness centre, as well as a sauna and hammam.
In 2010, Hotel Plaza Athenee was the first Parisian hotel to be distinguished as a “living heritage company” for its excellence in the area of fine dining. In 2011, the property was one of only five hotels in Paris to be awarded the Palace distinction.
Today, Hotel Plaza Athenee’s 146 spacious rooms and 45 suites convey French taste at its very best. Windows open onto either the avenue Montaigne, lined with magnificent chestnut trees; the peaceful Cour Jardin; the rooftops of Montmartre or even a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
