A Deep Dive into the Iconic Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris

When you picture a luxury holiday to Paris, chances are it includes views of the Eiffel Tower, leisurely strolls down Avenue Montaigne, and sipping champagne in a grand salon. At the centre of that dream sits one of the city's most celebrated addresses: Hotel Plaza Athénée. From its signature red awnings to its deep ties with haute couture, the hotel is more than just a place to stay — it’s an icon of Parisian elegance.

Plaza Athénée has welcomed royalty, designers, film stars, and travellers who expect nothing less than perfection. But what truly sets this landmark apart? In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the hotel not just a beautiful place to visit but the perfect base for an unforgettable luxury escape in the City of Light.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a celebration, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Plaza Athénée invites you to experience Paris through a lens of refined beauty and personalised service. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits inside.

A Legendary Address in the Heart of Paris

The moment you arrive at Hotel Plaza Athénée, you know you’re somewhere exceptional. Located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, it stands at the crossroads of Parisian fashion, art, and culture. For anyone booking a luxury holiday to Paris, this is more than just a hotel—it’s part of the experience.

From the polished façade lined with red geraniums to the uniformed doormen who greet you with quiet confidence, the entrance alone sets the tone. Step inside, and you're surrounded by marble floors, antique mirrors, and the soft murmur of impeccable service. This is where Christian Dior launched his first collection and where generations of guests have found both glamour and privacy.

Just minutes from the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées, Plaza Athénée places you at the very centre of the city's golden triangle. It’s not only an address—it’s a statement.

It’s easy to see why so many guests return again and again.

Getting to Paris from the UK

Planning your luxury holiday to Paris starts with how you choose to arrive. From the UK, you have more options than ever to reach the French capital comfortably and in style.

The Eurostar is often the first choice for luxury travellers. Departing from London St Pancras, it whisks you straight to Gare du Nord in just over two hours. You’ll arrive in the heart of Paris without needing to navigate airports or transfer zones. Upgrade to Business Premier for spacious seating, fine dining onboard, and fast-track access through customs.

Prefer to fly? Direct flights operate from most UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. For an elevated experience, we can arrange business class travel, private airport lounges, and luxury transfers upon arrival.

If you’d like a more leisurely start, we can even build a bespoke itinerary that includes a stopover in the countryside or a pre-night in London before your Parisian adventure begins.

Whichever way you travel, Awake & Wander ensures your journey is as smooth as your destination is spectacular.

The Rooms and Suites: Where Elegance Meets Comfort

Every room at Hotel Plaza Athénée is a masterclass in Parisian design. Whether you choose a classic room or a spacious suite, you’ll find silk-lined walls, custom furnishings, and large windows that flood the space with light. For those seeking a truly refined luxury holiday to Paris, the accommodation alone justifies the journey.

The décor follows two distinct styles: Regency for timeless opulence and Art Deco for a more contemporary edge. Both are executed with care and sophistication. Even the smallest details—like Baccarat crystal lamps and hand-embroidered linens—feel intentional.

The Eiffel Suites are particularly coveted. With direct views of the Iron Lady herself, they offer the perfect mix of grandeur and intimacy. Wake up to sunrise over Paris, enjoy breakfast on your private balcony, and feel part of the city’s skyline. It's a setting you'll never forget.

Rooms also feature advanced soundproofing, marble bathrooms, and touchscreen room controls, ensuring that luxury here doesn’t just look good—it feels effortless.

We can help you secure one of these exclusive suites with special touches arranged just for you.

Ask us about our offers at Plaza Athénée. We have access to exclusive promotions, upgrades, and bespoke extras you won’t find anywhere else.

Dining at Plaza Athénée: A Celebration of French Cuisine

For many guests, dining at Plaza Athénée is one of the most memorable parts of their luxury holiday to Paris. With multiple restaurants under one roof, each offering a unique perspective on French gastronomy, the hotel transforms every meal into an event.

At the heart of the culinary experience is Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, where the celebrated French chef reimagines traditional recipes with flair and precision. Expect intricate flavours, elegant plating, and a strong sense of place. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of Parisian identity through food.

Breakfasts are served under shimmering chandeliers in La Galerie, a refined space with plush seating and live harp music. For something more casual, the Le Relais Plaza brasserie offers classics like steak tartare and sole meunière in an Art Deco setting loved by locals and celebrities alike.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, afternoon tea at the courtyard is a must. It’s the perfect break after a morning of shopping on Avenue Montaigne.

Want to experience the culinary magic yourself?

Ask us about dining-inclusive offers at Plaza Athénée. We often have exclusive gourmet packages and table reservations available for our clients.

Who Stays at Plaza Athénée?

Part of the magic of a luxury holiday to Paris is brushing shoulders with the city's most fascinating visitors—and Hotel Plaza Athénée has hosted many. From global fashion icons to royals and world leaders, the guest list reads like a chapter of European high society.

Fashion designers have long favoured the hotel for its proximity to Dior and the elegance it brings to Fashion Week. Celebrities filming in Paris often take residence in the more discreet Eiffel Suites, where they can enjoy privacy and views in equal measure.

But it’s not only public figures who check in. Plaza Athénée welcomes honeymooners, milestone celebrators, art lovers, and families seeking a high-end retreat. It’s the kind of place where your neighbour at breakfast might be a movie star—or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life.

There’s no dress code here, but there’s a distinct sense of grace. People arrive relaxed, knowing they’ll be treated like someone who matters.

If you want to experience the Paris of icons past and present, Plaza Athénée is the door that opens into that world.

Moments of Indulgence: Spa, Courtyard and Haute Couture

A luxury holiday to Paris is about more than sightseeing—it's about savouring the details. At Hotel Plaza Athénée, indulgence is woven into every moment of your stay. Whether you’re relaxing in the spa or strolling through the central courtyard, you’re constantly reminded that this hotel exists to delight you.

The Dior Spa Plaza Athénée is a destination in itself. With six treatment rooms and a bespoke menu developed in partnership with the House of Dior, it offers a sensory escape rooted in elegance. Facials, massages, and body rituals are all personalised to your needs, and the therapists here are among the best in Paris.

Step outside into the serene courtyard garden, and you’ll find a peaceful oasis beneath trailing ivy and flickering lanterns. It’s a quiet refuge from the energy of the city, perfect for a coffee or cocktail.

Plaza Athénée is also intrinsically linked to haute couture. Christian Dior's legacy is everywhere—from the location to the clientele. Staying here means staying in the heart of fashion history.

If you're ready to unwind and immerse yourself in the finer side of Paris, this is where it happens.

We have exclusive spa packages and luxury stays available. Let us help you design a holiday that includes everything from couture appointments to spa indulgence.

Exploring the Avenue Montaigne Neighbourhood

Your luxury holiday to Paris isn’t just about what’s inside the hotel—it’s about what’s just outside. Step from the marble lobby of Plaza Athénée and you’re instantly surrounded by one of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Avenue Montaigne is famed for its haute couture houses, including Chanel, Givenchy, and of course, Dior. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth a stroll just to admire the windows and architecture. For those who are, we can arrange private appointments or personal shoppers. For more inspiration on luxury experiences in the city, the official Paris tourist office also offers a curated guide to Parisian luxury.

Just a few steps further is the Seine, where you can board a private river cruise or simply sit and watch the world go by. Cross the bridge and you’re in the 7th arrondissement, home to the Eiffel Tower and the Musée Rodin.

Hungry for more? The hotel’s concierge can unlock hidden dining spots and exhibition access you’d never find in a guidebook.

This part of Paris blends luxury with intimacy. You’re close to the icons, yet far enough to breathe—and that’s part of what makes staying at Plaza Athénée so exceptional.

Why Choose a Luxury Holiday to Paris with Awake & Wander

Planning a luxury holiday to Paris should feel just as enjoyable as the trip itself. At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we’re here to make sure it does. From the moment you reach out to us, everything is built around your preferences, your pace, and your passions. After all, every journey begins with you.

We don’t just book hotels—we build experiences. Whether you want a private viewing at the Louvre, a table at a hard-to-book restaurant, or a driver waiting to greet you at Gare du Nord, we make it happen. Our connections across Paris mean you’re never relying on guesswork. You're stepping into a trip where every detail is already taken care of.

We’ve personally vetted the hotels, met the concierges, and walked the city’s elegant avenues. That means we can give you real recommendations, not generic suggestions. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or your tenth, we’ll create a tailor-made holiday that fits you perfectly.

When you book through Awake & Wander, you get more than just convenience—you get peace of mind, access, and something even rarer: genuinely personal service.

Our Take:

“Plaza Athénée isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel seen, pampered, and surrounded by timeless beauty. When we plan your luxury holiday to Paris, we don’t just look at rooms and flights—we think about how every moment can feel special.”

The Protections You Receive When Booking with Us

When you book your luxury holiday to Paris through Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you’re not just choosing expertise—you’re choosing peace of mind. As proud members of Protected Trust Services (PTS) and holders of an ATOL license, your holiday is covered from the moment you confirm your booking.

All of our tailor-made holidays include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. This means that even if a hotel, airline, or supplier were to go out of business, your money and your holiday are fully protected. You won’t be left out of pocket or stranded without support.

In addition, your booking is held in a secure trust account until your holiday is complete. This gives you complete financial protection, no matter the size or scale of your trip.

With Awake & Wander, you're always covered.

Tailor-Made Offers and Exclusive Rates

No two travellers are the same—so why settle for a one-size-fits-all itinerary? When you plan your luxury holiday to Paris with Awake & Wander, we tailor every detail around you. From room preferences and private excursions to transfer upgrades and dining reservations, everything is curated to match your travel style.

We also work closely with our trusted suppliers and tour operators to access exclusive promotions and preferred rates. That means you could enjoy perks like early check-in, complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, or spa credits—often at no extra cost.

These are offers not typically found online or through large booking platforms. They’re negotiated through personal relationships, built over years in the industry. And we pass those benefits straight on to you.

Whether you're travelling for a romantic break, a milestone birthday, or just to reconnect with the beauty of Paris, we’ll make sure your package includes those little extras that elevate the whole experience.

Curious what’s currently available? Just ask—we’ll share the latest offers available for your chosen dates and preferences.

Celebrating Special Occasions at Plaza Athénée

There’s no better setting for life’s most memorable moments than Paris—and no better address than Plaza Athénée. If you’re planning a luxury holiday to Paris to mark a birthday, anniversary, engagement, or even a proposal, this iconic hotel elevates every detail to a celebration.

Imagine arriving to a chilled bottle of champagne in your suite, flowers on the table, and Eiffel Tower views beyond the window. The concierge team can arrange private dining experiences, bespoke cakes, and even musicians to make the moment perfect.

For proposals or milestone anniversaries, we can book a private terrace dinner or a scenic rooftop photo shoot. If it’s a birthday surprise, let us arrange a day of indulgence—starting with a Dior Spa treatment, followed by a Seine cruise and ending with a Michelin-starred dinner.

Travelling with friends or family? Plaza Athénée also offers interconnecting suites and full-floor buyouts for larger groups seeking privacy with style.

Let us know what you're celebrating—we’ll make it feel as unforgettable as Paris itself.

And remember, we’re often able to add exclusive extras to these bookings. Just ask us what’s available for your celebration dates.

Plan Your Luxury Holiday to Paris

Paris is a city of endless inspiration, and Hotel Plaza Athénée captures its essence like no other. If you're dreaming of that perfect luxury holiday to Paris, let us help you turn it into reality. Whether you're envisioning champagne breakfasts with Eiffel Tower views, strolls through the Left Bank, or world-class dining without the queues—we’ll bring your ideal itinerary to life.

With Awake & Wander, you can now build and book your bespoke holiday directly on our website. But if you'd rather leave the planning to us, we’re just a message or phone call away. Our personal travel service means you always have a real expert in your corner, ready to make magic happen.

We listen. We create. We deliver.

Call us on 01495 400011 or use our holiday enquiry form to start planning your next unforgettable journey. With ATOL protection, financial security through Protected Trust Services, and our insider knowledge of Paris, you’ll be in the best hands from start to finish.

After all, at Awake & Wander, every journey begins with you.

Frequently Asked Questions