Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris

Once Upon a Time, The Palace of Tomorow

Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris has this “Once upon a time, the palace of tomorrow” tagline, and it emphasizes two key elements. To begin, ‘Once once a time’ recalls the commencement of the Hotel’s story, emphasizing the importance of honoring the past and recognizing the Hotel’s core. Paris’ historic sites include the Haussmannian building, the façade, the lobby, the wood paneling of Le Bar, La Galerie, the “haut de cuisine” restaurant, La Cour Jardin, and Le Relais Plaza. Furthermore, the Hotel’s interaction with its visitors, as well as its relationship with its workers, some of whom have worked at the Hotel for over thirty years, contribute to the Hotel’s identity.

The second element of the Hotel’s tagline, ‘the palace of tomorrow,’ analyzes how to effectively incorporate the historic palace into the modern world without compromising the property’s legacy. The goal was to maintain the Hotel’s warm atmosphere for existing guests while also contemplating a design that would appeal to future generations. The Hotel has commissioned internationally renowned interior designer Bruno Moinard to create the lobby, La Galerie, La Cour Jardin, the Salon Organza, and the new Salon Haute Couture ballroom. Bruno Moinard has emphasized a delicate silver color scheme complimenting the existing characteristics of the Hotel accentuated by light effects, whether natural or electric, in order to create a stunning yet discreet ambience without affecting the Hotel’s idea.

“Today, luxury is found in detail, in the seam, the lining, in what remains unseen, in surprises. Not in extravagance or overtly opulent decor.” – Bruno Moinard

Guests will be immediately enveloped in Haute Couture upon entering the foyer. Floral arrangements are changed weekly to contribute to the pleasant ambience. Furniture in bronze, marble, and brushed oak, as well as wood paneling on the walls, have been developed. The magnificent mosaic floor is complemented with a rug with a crystalline theme that mimics the enormous chandelier. Le Relais Plaza, which opened in 1936, is a chic brasserie that has become one of the capital’s most popular hangouts. The remodeling of Le Relais Plaza in 2014, led by Bruno Moinard, mostly consisted of redesigning a few features of the restaurant. The lampshade, constructed in folds of fibrous plaster, as well as the furniture and the substantially expanded bar area, were all given special care. Chef Jean Imbert will take over as head of the kitchens at the Plaza Athénée in September 2021, and the Relais Plaza will be his first project there.The chef sought to give a cuisine based on principles that are important to him, inspired by his grandmother, including classic dishes as well as many new products from Parisian brasserie cuisine for this project.

Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have taken a daring and innovative approach to Le Bar, immersing visitors in a unique and surreal environment. Le Bar has been built to offer an original environment and is known as one of the best nighttime locations in Paris. The area is designed in a modern manner with a mix of blue and brown tones. The ceiling is disguised behind a fabric wreath artwork that resembles the curtains of a Haute Couture gown, while a giant bar made of translucent resin levitates inside the area. The saddler topstitching on the chairs and couches is inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful antique autos. The glass disk-shaped lamps, like a pearl on a neckless, cast a faint and more modest light in the evenings, providing an intimate environment. Since October 2018, the bar has offered an exclusive assortment of Dom Pérignon white and rosé champagnes, including Vintage, P2, P3 and Magnum, Jeroboam, and Mathusalem. This one-of-a-kind assortment, available nowhere else on the planet, can be enjoyed on-site or added to a great wine collector’s private cellar.