Traditional Elegance Meets Contemporary Chic at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
By Quentin Smith
Towering majestically over Avenue Montagine in the heart of the 8th arrondissement of Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has a rich history rooted in the worlds of art and design. Following successive design and fashion weeks, Paris has once again reinforced its long-standing distinction as the ultimate destination for global aesthetes. Many of whom have once again turned their discerning eye towards Hôtel Plaza Athénée, the perennially elegant Parisian hotel that has recently re-emerged as a bastion of contemporary French design.
Designed in 1913 by esteemed architect Charles Lefebvre, Hôtel Plaza Athénée was created in the distinctive Parisian Haussmann style of architecture. With a classic cut-stone façade decorated with fanciful wrought-iron balconies shaded by bright red awnings, and shielded by the signature hanging red geranium vines, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most recognizable buildings in Paris. Its traditional façade however is the face of a richly layered interior that represents a new era of French design innovation. Hôtel Plaza Athénée has unveiled an exciting collection of newly revamped rooms and suites designed by the venerable Parisian design duo Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. The redesigned spaces bring an art world-inspired contemporary chic to the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a legendary palace hotel with long-standing traditions and a quintessentially French brand of elegance.
Like the city of Paris itself, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is unique and eclectic. This is reflected throughout the hotel’s design. Up to the sixth floor the rooms and suites are decidedly classic Parisian in grandeur and style. On the seventh floor however, the mood transitions into something more intimately sleek and modern, inspired by the dreamy glamour of the Art Deco style. Restored and reimagined by Paris-born designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, the new design of the seventh floor rooms and suites reflect the best of both old and new French design. Given its rich and established history, an homage to the past would have been understandable, if not expected. Instead however, Moinard and Bétaille have taken great care to respect the aesthetic traditions that have made Hôtel Plaza Athénée so beloved for generations. “When we started on the project, we would go there every day to really understand the property.” says Bruno Moinard of the duo’s design process. “It soon became clear what a unique place it is with a strong identity. By appreciating what made it special, we decided our mission would be to change everything without appearing to change anything.”
The seventh floor suites have retained many traditional distinctions including the signature red awnings and geranium laced balconies. The interiors however are a world unto themselves with angular shapes, soft fabrics, accents of stone and leather, and of course, touches of the hotel’s signature Plaza red. Subtle design details, plenty of space, and an abundance of natural daylight creates movement and an element of whimsy in the spaces through the use of pleated linen screens, mirrors, and asymmetrical patterns.
While most luxury hotel suites manage to check all of the boxes, the seventh floor suites at Hôtel Plaza Athénée have a distinct feeling of being a home away from home. Moinard and Bétaille took an personal approach to the redesign of the property with each space created with a specific intention in mind. “We were given the Art Deco theme and chose to create a renewed and audacious vision of this era.” says the duo of the inspiration behind their design. “Many of these rooms and suites are located right under the roof so the size and shape of these spaces distinguishes them from the classic, high-ceilinged lower floors. The skylights and small balconies offer the spirit of a sophisticated Parisian pied à terre, with stylish custom-made furniture creating a wonderfully homely feel.” The classic Hausmann façade flows seamlessly into the redesigned interior spaces, where Moinard and Bétaille have balanced progress and preservation by referencing elements of the hotel’s storied history with modern design influences. The result is a collection of spaces that embrace Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s rich past, while setting the tone for its future.
While it might be tempting to luxuriate in the comforts of your suite for the duration of your stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, this is a hotel that is meant to be explored. A main draw for both guests and locals alike is La Galerie, a chic and expertly designed space located at the heart of the hotel. Here you can expect to find a fashionable crowd throughout the day enjoying small bites, afternoon tea, or evening cocktails, under the gentle sounds of harps and soft conversation. Also recently renovated by Bruno Moinard, the designer has created a link between this sophisticated space and the elegant courtyard beyond the window. Part of the appeal of La Galerie is the blend of light and ornament which brings an element of life to the grand space and creates the sensation of sunshine playing across the elegant furniture and mosaic floor.
Just down the hall is Le Relais Plaza, Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s legendary Art Deco restaurant, and masterfully executed take on the classic Parisian brasserie in a space that represents Paris style at its most refined. All of which is served up with a dose of modern grandeur inspired by the first-class dining hall of the SS Normandie, one of the greatest ocean liners of its day. Since its grand opening on December 30, 1936, Le Relais Plaza has been a haven for generations of fashion designers, models, politicians, socialites, actors, and world-famous musicians (who often can’t resist a turn at the grand piano). Today, it remains the ultimate Avenue Montaigne address and an iconic landmark for architecture and design enthusiasts. Another fact of note is that Le Relais Plaza is one of the city’s last remaining Art Deco dining rooms, and the spirit of the era lives on through its design. Upon entering one can’t help but admire Diane Chasseresse’s original frescoes on sculpted walls that give way to an elegant ceiling; which during the day, is illuminated by natural sunlight from zodiac stained glass and by night by a spectacular Lalique chandelier. If that doesn't catch your attention, the signature cocktails, spirited conversation, and beautifully plated dishes created by culinary superstar, Chef Jean Imbert certainly will. Voted Chef of the Year 2019 by GQ and one of the 50 Most Influential French People by Vanity Fair, Imbert’s accolades only hint at the excellence of the menu he has created for Le Plaza Relais. A passion for simple yet authentic French cuisine is reflected in signature dishes such as Foie Gras Terrine & Porto Jelly, Grilled Sweetbread & Chanterelle Mushrooms with Amber-Yellow Wine, and the not-to-be-missed (and highly Instagramable) Relais Lobster Salad.
With a reference to the past and an eye towards the future that is reflected in reimagined spaces and guest experiences, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée offers the world a new idea of Parisian chic. All while simultaneously retaining its distinction as a landmark of traditional French elegance designed for the look and feel of luxury travel in a new era.
25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 53 67 66 65
