The Plaza Athénée & Le Meurice, our new partnership

ArtLuxury Experience is delighted to announce its latest partnership with one of the most prestigious luxury hotel groups, The Dorchester Collection!

The Dorchester Collection currently comprises nine of the finest five-star luxury hotels in the world, including two of the most famous palaces in Paris: Le Meurice and the Plaza Athénée. Embodying the essence of authentic refinement, this Collection provides a unique and enchanting setting for its guests.

The Plaza Athénée

Located in the heart of Paris, on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée is the Haute Couture address not to be missed.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this magnificent palace has welcomed some of the most iconic personalities such as Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Jackson, Elton John and Harrison Ford. It is notably at the Plaza Athénée that the spy Mata-Hari was arrested! This grand hotel, steeped in history, was also the first to welcome the renowned fashion designer Christian Dior, who presented his creations there, indeed an exceptional venue for his fashion shows and the magnificent parade of his models. The Plaza Athénée also became the scene of great love stories, namely between Marlene Dietrich and Jean Gabin, who has earned the hotel its red signature colour and the endless blossoming of splendid scarlet flowers at its windows and in its courtyard.

True emblem of French Art de vivre, this palace never ceases to re-invent itself, entrusting the design and transformation of its suites to audacious artists belonging to artistic movements at the cutting edge of their respective eras. This artistic freedom allows all guests to immerse themselves in their very own style, simply by changing floors!

Thus, the first 6 floors are decorated in a classic style brimming with French charm and pure refinement.

As for the top two floors, they were very recently completely redecorated in a daring and refreshing Art Deco style.

Not to omit of course, the illustrious and distinguished Haute Couture Suite with its exceptional decor dedicated to Haute Couture and its breath-taking view of the Eiffel Tower.

Beyond the exceptional care given to the hospitality and comfort of its guests, the Plaza Athénée is characterised by the passion of its employees to offer on all possible occasions, the best services and experiences to its international and discerning clientele. For 20 years, the hotel has collaborated with the famous French Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse to provide the most refined gastronomy in its restaurants. Today, he is giving Chef Jean Imbert the chance to introduce an innovative approach to haute cuisine that is as creative as it is deliciously authentic.

The hotel also features a Dior Institute, founded in collaboration with the illustrious fashion designer, in order to offer to its guests, the most sophisticated beauty treatments, through its team of qualified therapists and its exceptional amenities.

Le Meurice

Founded in 1835, Le Meurice is the oldest palace in Paris! Its founder, Charles-Augustin Meurice, wanted to properly welcome English tourists, sophisticated travellers well ahead of the rest of the European countries, and therefore very demanding in terms of comfort.  He thus created his eponymous hotel, Le Meurice, a magnificent Parisian house providing its guests with “palace service”: this was the beginning of the creation of large luxury hotels in Paris.

Initially located on rue Saint-Honoré and then quickly moved to rue de Rivoli for expansion purposes, this palace offers one of the most stunning panoramas in Paris, providing guests with a direct view of all of Paris’ iconic monuments, including the Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Musée d’Orsay, the Place Vendôme and the Place de la Concorde.

During renovations, the construction teams discovered a wandering greyhound that had made its home in the hotel; therefore, they naturally decided to adopt it. The dog became the mascot of the hotel staff and was later to become the official emblem of Le Meurice.

Over the years, Le Meurice expanded and hosted the most prominent figures, not only from France, such as Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugenie during the royal visit of their dear friend, Queen Victoria of England, but also other illustrious European guests, notably King Alfonso XIII of Spain. These exceptional visitors soon earned the hotel the nickname “the hotel of kings”.

Another important historical detail is that the hotel was also chosen by the Wehrmacht as the headquarters of its military command during the Occupation, and it was precisely its General-in-Chief Dietrich Von Choltitz who decided to spare Paris from the mad destruction ordered by Hitler.

It is after the Second World War that this Parisian palace reached its culmination by becoming the place of residence of many renowned personalities, including very prestigious artists such as Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol.

Redesigned several times between 2007 and 2016 by Philippe Stark, this sumptuous hotel perfectly combines its original Louis XVI classicism with modernity, embodying the philosophy of a “living work of art”.

Along the years, Le Meurice has evolved into a genuine art gallery, constantly reinventing its decor by displaying pieces of art in its halls and suites that are as fascinating as they are ingenious.

As the ultimate jewel of this palace, the sublime Suite Belle étoile is an emblem of refinement. Located on the top floor and overlooking Paris, this suite offers a 360° view of Parisian life. Like a suspended garden, this unique setting offers a spectacular view and exceptional comfort that will remain forever engraved in the memories of the privileged few who will make it their residence!

In its pursuit to offer the very best service to its guests but also to embody our French history, culture and art de vivre, beyond its mythical bar, Le Meurice entrusts its restaurants to the illustrious multi-Michelin starred chef Alain Ducasse, and its recently opened pâtisserie to pastry Chef Cédric Grolet, still very young but already so renowned. The latter offers you, among other delights, a marvellous teatime in the hotel’s lounges, which has become an unmissable Parisian experience!

To crown its concern for well-being, Le Meurice also has a Valmont boutique, unique in Paris, equipped with an exceptional Spa.

If you wish to make your stay in Paris exceptional, these two palaces are the ideal places to settle down and discover the charms of Paris from the moment you wake up! Their unique locations in the heart of Paris, one on Avenue Montaigne, the emblem of Haute Couture, the other neighbouring the Louvre, the embodiment of our culture, will be the dream location for you to explore Paris!

Don’t hesitate to contact us to organise your unforgettable getaway!