We discover how the Plaza Athénée is no ordinary hotel… especially when it comes to hosting kids
Those distinctive red awnings. The unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower from your room balcony. And that iconic scene from Sex and the City. It’s no wonder a stay here feels like you’re in a film set. But it isn’t just the adults that are spoilt silly at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée—little Tatlings are given the VIP treatment too.
1. First Impressions
The location? Superb. Built in 1913, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has become an iconic spot on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne—one of Paris most luxurious shopping stretches. It sits alongside its stylish neighbours: Dior (both the boutique and its HQ), Louis Vuitton, Celine and Valentino.
After checking in, we stepped into Le Galerie (where we were served coffee and muffins while waiting for our suite). It’s a long corridor that is classically French, featuring rows of chandeliers, elegant gilded armchairs and melodies from the resident harpist. It constantly draws an incredibly well-dressed Parisian crowd.
The tall windows from Le Galerie look into Cour Jardin, a breath-taking garden courtyard is surrounded by four ivy-covered walls of the hotel. In the summer, guests can enjoy alfresco afternoon tea and pastries, while in winter, the space is transformed into an ice-skating rink flanked by fir trees for the littlest hotel guests—complete with complimentary lessons by an Olympian skater.