From Elizabeth Taylor to Julia Child, Carrie Bradshaw to Emily in Paris, many real and fictional stars have made pilgrimages to the hotel.
The hotel is specially beautiful in the rainfall . Its carmine sunblind and luxuriant greenery dad against the grayParisiansky , the weather creating a quixotic glory in an already romantic city . I walk into the third house and it ’s like I ’m in another creation — one filled with fabulous quartz glass chandeliers , fresh lily , and the most divine aroma I ’ve ever smelled , lush and comforting with a sweet spiciness . This is the signature scent of the iconicHôtel Plaza Athénée , trace by Communications Director Isabelle Maurin as predominantly “ amber , flaccid and warm . ”
My first sentiment is that it feels like a place where Miss Piggy would stay , and while to my noesis the iconic pig has n’t checked in there , many of her evenly glamorous famous person friends have . Located in the ticker of couture row , Plaza Athénée was designed by Charles Lefebvre , a French composer . The hotel open in step with Théâtre des Champs - Élysées in 1913 and became a watering fix of kind for theatregoer and musicians . Walls of the hotel feature photographs of visitors past and present — people like Liza Minelli , Yves St. Laurent , and Penelope Cruz . Celebrities such as Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor have also called this Parisian castle menage .
On - screen , beloved character have also made the pilgrim’s journey to the Plaza Athénée . “ Over the preceding 110 year , many photographic film and serial have been burgeon forth at the hotel , includingSex and the City , The Devil Wears Prada , andEmily in Paris , ” says Maurin . You might even tell apart the hotel as the site of the romantic resolution between Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson ’s fictional character inSomething ’s receive ta Give .
Photo by Eric Laignel, courtesy of Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
The hotel made its most recentpop civilization appearancein Max’sJulia , which follows the life of Julia Child . In episode three of time of year two , “ Pressed Duck , ” Julia ( Sarah Lanaschire ) and Paul ( David Hyde Pierce ) take a weekend dangerous undertaking to Paris to impose the sprightliness they once share in the city before going back to their responsibilities in Cambridge , Massachusetts . They stay at the Plaza Athénée , where production of the show was allowed to frivol away in the hotel during even business hours . Scenes showcase that luxuriant lobby , as well as a retinue overlooking the Eiffel Tower . In person , walk into the cortege is an awe - inspiring experience , the blank space filled with chandeliers , a Brobdingnagian walk - in closet , and a can complete with luxurious products . And , of course , you may step out onto the balcony to see a stunningly clear sight of thecity ’s most celebrated landmark .
Food , of class , is a huge part ofJulia — and similarly , a huge part of inflict the Plaza Athénée . The Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée , designed to fete France ’s culinary history in a modern agency , is a particular terminus for intellectual nourishment lovers . “ The eatery opened its door on January 5 , 2022 , ” says Maurin . “ Only nine weeks after its opening , it received its first Michelin star . ” The menu is thoughtfully designed : “ Each dish is revolutionize by an iconic recipe make from French culinary heritage . The historical elements have remained unaltered to allow client to let their imagination wander and be swept up in the experience , ” says Maurin .
The blank space itself is part of the restaurant ’s appealingness , all gold molding and arresting marble with a recollective table stretching across the room . It feels like a space you could imagine Sofia Coppola filming a dreamy , languorous pastry - eating fit congeal to electronic dad . To the side of the restaurant , a stunning garden court turns into a festive chicken feed skating rink during the colder calendar month .
Photo by Francis Amiand, courtesy of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
accord to Maurin , “ Christian Dior loved spending time in the hotel and in the eating house , specially the Relais Plaza . He draw breathing in from our graceful guests to produce aspect he named Dress Bar , Plaza , and Athénée . ” This quislingism is still plainly visible today , from the Dior memorabilia — admit manner exposure and some of Dior ’s sketch for his collections — displayed throughout the hotel to a state of matter - of - the - art spa with all Dior merchandise .
While the Plaza Athénée does n’t offer a formal tour , anyone can occur and see the hotel ’s public space at their leisure . And that ’s not the only way to live the princely atmosphere without actually bide there . Until I can save up enough pennies to pass a glamourous night at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée , I complete my too - inadequate visit with the next best thing : I buy theirsignature candle .
Photo by Francis Amiand, courtesy of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
Photo by Mark Read, courtesy of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
Photo by Tina Hillier, courtesy of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection
