ALL THE LUXURIES AT PLAZA ATHENEE, PARIS

Since I started traveling the world about 10 years ago, there was this ONE hotel I always longed to visit – none other than the most iconic, historical, exquisite, elegant and all-time classic hotel of the world: the luxurious Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. A hotel which also happens to have the most idyllic view to the Eiffel Tower.
 

Situated at the heart of Paris, on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, right next to the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower, the hotel has much more to offer than its ideal location.
 

The legendary hotel opened its doors in 1913 and during a remarkable century of operation, its luxurious suites hosted none other than the elite: from international celebrities and politicians to high-class royalties. Featuring 154 rooms and 54 suites, Plaza Athénée never ceases to amaze with its stylish surroundings where the French décor and the luxurious Italian marbles decorating the hotel's bathrooms create an elegant amalgam along with the unique antiques and the bespoke sheets and fabrics, all part of the classy interior design.

One-of-a-kind rooms and dreamy suites consist a heaven of a hotel!

One of the oldest restaurants in the city, the legendary Le Relais, offered such an amazing dining experience that it even convinced Christian Dior, who used to lunch at the restaurant, to move its famous boutique to Avenue Montaigne - right across the street from his favorite restaurant - so he would not have to miss a meal. Le Relais has hosted a plethora of other noted personalities like TV and movie stars, actors, musicians, politicians as well as royal families and distinguished families from all over the world. It is an amazing Art Deco Brasserie, welcoming both hotel guests and visitors – featuting its own private entrance for that purpose. 
 

Holding three Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse carefully designed the menu of the Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. There, Alain Ducasse tells a personal story, inspired by nature and the fish-vegetables-cereals trilogy, creating a meat-free Menu that respects the Planet, ultimately delivering a creative interpretation of Haute Cuisine that seduces the senses in Alain Ducasse's unique way.

The hotel features five restaurants along with the famous Le Bar on the ground floor where Thierry Hernandez works its mixologist magic. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere!

 

My chocolate affair began at the lobby where I had a traditional hot chocolate from the famous Alain Ducasse. It was a bucket list experience since it has received quite a lot of positive feedback and there I was at last: at the Plaza Athénée Hallway. My cup of chocolate was quite strong which was odd since I specifically asked the well-trained waiter for a light one. Even though it was a tad bitter too, its texture and scent were excellent; it was one of the most amazing cups of chocolate I've ever had in a hotel's Lobby/Hallway.
 

Within seconds you will realise and acknowledge the level of luxury and uniqueness that characterizes the hallway. Not to mention the infallible, remarkable, exemplary level of customer service provided – customer service at its very best.
 

That alone is reason enough to visit the hotel – should you appreciate luxury and excellent service and have an eye for detail.

 

What a better way to end this post than this DREAM suite?!
 

My original plan to begin with, was to visit the Eiffel Suite – you know, the suite where Carrie Bradshaw lived when she moved to Paris following Alexander Petrovsky (if you are a Sex & the City lady fan, you'll know...). Since the airing of the episode the suite is constantly fully booked and I ended up visiting the Prestige Suite – which is actually even better.
 

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know how immensely excited I felt when I saw the hotel's signature main window.
 

There aren't many hotels in Paris offering that kind of amazing view towards the city. The line between reality and fantasy is blurry when looking outside the window: is it a window frame or an avant-garde masterpiece of the Eiffel Tower? Hard to tell. Offering a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and Avenue Montaigne, the Prestige Suite surely deserves each and every award.
 

With its atmosphere oozing old-time Parisian romance, the Suite is a fine example of luxury: velvet sofas, fine gold detailing and excellent quality marbles. All the luxuries!