The Crown Jewels of Paris
Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée Will Take Your Breath Away
By Jessica Varone | Photos courtesy Dorchester Collection
Paris, the eternal City of Lights, is home to a myriad of luxury accommodations, yet none shine as brightly as the original Palace Hotels Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice. These iconic members of the Dorchester Collection, akin to their celebrity-frequented siblings, the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel Air, embody the zenith of Parisian luxury.
HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE:
CHIC ELEGANCE BY THE EIFFEL TOWER
On the ultra-chic Avenue Montaigne, Hôtel Plaza Athénée epitomizes timeless luxury. Since its opening in 1913, it has been a favorite haunt of the fashion elite and stars, earning spots in films and TV shows like Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada, and Emily In Paris.
HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE PRESTIGE SUITE BALCONY | Francis Amiand
From the moment you arrive, you know you’re somewhere special. All 208 rooms bear the hotel’s signature Haute Couture philosophy. Its famed Eiffel Suites, particularly numbers 361 and 878, are the pinnacle of opulent living, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and exquisite décor ranging from modern Art Deco to classic Parisian elegance done in damask and silk. The signature amber fragrance, a bespoke Dior creation, drifts through every nook of the Plaza Athénée, reaching as far as Le Bar, where one can settle in for champagne cocktails. This scent, exclusively crafted for the hotel, celebrates its long-standing affiliation with the esteemed luxury brand.
HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE HAUTE COUTURE SUITE | Mark Read
The hotel boasts six dining venues, including the Michelin-starred Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which welcomes guests with a massive grand Royal Table in the dining room. La Cour Jardin, the garden courtyard at the hotel, is one of Paris's hidden gems, offering an idyllic setting for tea or a romantic dinner in the summer and magically transforming into a ski chalet during winter.
BREAKFAST ROOM | Tina Hiller
For relaxation and pampering, the renovated Dior spa transports guests to a new realm of tranquility, especially with its innovative Dior Light Suite that combines luxury with wellness to enhance the guest experience. Yet, the best part by far is returning to the hotel after a day of sightseeing and relaxing in the sumptuous room.
EXPLORING AROUND: The hotel is located in Central 8th arrondissement right on Avenue Montaigne, the epicenter of luxury shopping in Paris. Walkable to many of the best sights, shops, and dining: Palais de Tokyo, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Paris Museum of Modern Art, Le Bayadère, Origines, L'Orangerie, Le Gabriel.
LE MEURICE:
A ROYAL WELCOME
Le Meurice, known as the “Versailles of today,” has been enveloping guests in regal luxury since its opening in 1835. From the moment they step inside, the atmosphere brims with opulence and historical grandeur, reminiscent of a royal residence. Elegantly attired doormen greet guests by name, guiding them into a world where luxury infuses every detail, and service is seamlessly delivered with a gracious "Bien sûr, tout de suite" (Of course, right away).
LE MEURICE ALAIN DUCASSE | Imad Salle
Upon entering their Louis XVI-style rooms, guests are greeted with the exquisite pastries of award-winning pastry chef Cédric Grolet. Renowned for his lifelike fruit sculptures — chocolate shells brimming with creamy ganache — these culinary marvels offer a sweet welcome. The rooms boast beds so large they could sleep four in plush comfort, adorned in creamy taupe oatmeal and silky white, with the finest French Garnier-Thiebaut linens and cloud-soft pillows, ensuring an unparalleled sleeping experience.
LE MEURICE BELLE ETOILE SUITE TERRACE | Courtesy Dorchester Collection
The hotel commands stunning views of the glamorous Rue de Castiglione, stretching to the prestigious Place Vendome and tranquil courtyards, with some vistas capturing the lush Tuileries Gardens. The suites, with names like The Parisienne, Pompadour, and The Versailles, are the epitome of luxury, each one a unique showcase of opulence, with features like mini chandeliers, generous spaces, and bathrooms as vast as living rooms. The crowning jewel is the 6,674 sq. ft. Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite with Terrace, offering a private elevator and a terrace with sweeping 360-degree views of Paris.
LE MEURICE DELUXE ROOM | Mark Read
Situated on the celebrated Rue de Rivoli, the hotel melds historical elegance with artistic flair, heavily influenced by Salvador Dalí, who considered Le Meurice his second home. Philippe Starck's contemporary redesign enhances the surrealistic charm, while Restaurant Le Dalí and the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse promise an exceptional dining experience. The hotel's interiors, a perfect mix of classic and modern, display an ever-changing collection of fine art and antiques, making Le Meurice a place you might never want to leave.
EXPLORING AROUND: Located in the 1st arrondissement, guests have access to shops like Astier de Villatte, Galignani, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, la Bourse de Commerce, dining at Mimosa by Jean-Francois Piège, a short walk to the iconic Louvre Museum, Seine River cruise, serene Tuileries Garden, and Opéra Garnier. What’s not to like?