Hotel in 8th arrondissement, Paris, France
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Legendary palace hotel on Avenue Montaigne features haute couture elegance, five Michelin-starred restaurants, and Dior spa. Red geranium-draped facade and Eiffel Tower views define Parisian luxury.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée sits at 25 Avenue Montaigne in Paris's 8th arrondissement, at the heart of the Golden Triangle luxury shopping district between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine. The iconic red geranium-draped facade is one of the most photographed sights in Paris, and select rooms and suites command unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower approximately 700 metres to the southwest. The nearest Métro station is Alma-Marceau (line 9), a five-minute walk.
Opened in 1913 and now part of the Dorchester Collection portfolio, the property holds the Palace distinction — France's highest hospitality classification, awarded by the Ministry of Tourism. The interior blends Art Deco craftsmanship with Louis XVI-influenced furnishings: gilded mouldings, hand-woven carpets, and the Galerie des Gobelins lined with 18th-century tapestries.
The hotel comprises 208 rooms and suites across multiple categories, from classic doubles with Eiffel Tower glimpses to the two-level Royal Suite spanning 466 square metres. All accommodations include Italian marble bathrooms, bespoke Frette linens, and rainfall showers; most suites offer separate dressing rooms and dining areas.
Dining is anchored by Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, holder of three Michelin stars and widely regarded as one of France's most formally ambitious restaurants, with a menu driven by fish, cereals, and vegetables at the core. The more relaxed Le Relais Plaza brasserie has operated since 1936 and draws Parisian regulars alongside hotel guests. Bar du Plaza, designed by Patrick Jouin, is a meeting point for fashion week and film industry crowds given the hotel's proximity to the couture houses of Avenue Montaigne.
The Dior Institut occupies the hotel's spa floors and offers exclusive treatments developed in partnership with the Dior maison. A fitness centre completes the wellness offering; there is no outdoor pool.
Service reflects the Dorchester Collection's emphasis on personalised assistance, including private fashion appointments on Avenue Montaigne and exclusive access to cultural events. The multilingual concierge team organises Eiffel Tower private dinners, Seine river cruises, and bespoke shopping experiences. Connecting rooms and babysitting services are available for families on request.
Amenities
- spa
- Michelin dining
- bar
- fitness center
- concierge
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
48.8661, 2.3047 — View on map
Highlights
- Iconic red geranium-draped facade on Avenue Montaigne with Eiffel Tower views from select upper-floor rooms
- Three-Michelin-star Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée — one of France's most acclaimed fine-dining experiences
- Dior Institut spa with exclusive treatments created in collaboration with the Dior maison
- Le Relais Plaza brasserie, a Parisian institution since 1936 frequented by fashion and film industry figures
- Palace hotel classification in the Golden Triangle, steps from the Champs-Élysées couture houses
Tips
- Book upper-floor rooms facing south for unobstructed Eiffel Tower views, especially at night when the tower sparkles on the hour.
- Reservations at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée should be made weeks in advance; the lunch tasting menu offers the full experience at a comparatively lower price.
- During Paris Fashion Week (January, March, September, October) rates rise sharply and availability tightens — plan accordingly.
- Bar du Plaza offers a more accessible entry to the hotel's atmosphere — cocktails are open to non-guests and the bar is a people-watching highlight during fashion events.
- Alma-Marceau Métro (line 9) is a five-minute walk; taxis from Charles de Gaulle Airport typically take 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
FAQ
Is Hôtel Plaza Athénée a Palace hotel?
Yes. Plaza Athénée holds the Palace distinction, awarded by the French Ministry of Tourism to properties meeting the most demanding criteria in service, heritage, and exclusivity. It is one of roughly 30 Palace-classified hotels in France.
Do rooms have Eiffel Tower views?
Select rooms and suites on upper floors facing south or west have Eiffel Tower views. When booking, request a Tower View category specifically — not all rooms in those categories face the tower. The hotel's website displays a room-type floor plan.
What is the Dior Institut spa?
The Dior Institut at Plaza Athénée is a licensed spa operated in partnership with the Dior maison, offering skincare rituals, body treatments, and signature experiences tied to Dior fragrance and beauty lines. It is open to hotel guests and external bookings.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
The hotel accepts families and can arrange connecting rooms, cots, and babysitting. The setting is formal — open-plan children's clubs are not part of the offering, and the atmosphere suits older children more than toddlers.
Accessibility
The hotel entrance on Avenue Montaigne is accessible via a ramped side entrance; staff assist on request. Wheelchair-accessible rooms with wide doorways and roll-in showers are available and must be requested at booking. The concierge team can arrange step-free transport to and from major Paris landmarks.