From a pop-up ice rink to cosy Alpine chalets, Hôtel Plaza Athéné transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the festive season.
There is nowhere quite like Paris at Christmas. As the festive season approaches, the city’s historic squares and promenades are lit up with twinkling lights, framing high-end boutiques that bustle with shoppers and colourful Christmas markets that ooze the scent of mulled wine as the Eiffel Tower glistens in the night sky. Paris is dubbed the City of Lights for a reason, and this time of year gives it an extra excuse to shine.
To escape the crowds, luxury travellers in the know check into Hôtel Plaza Athénée. One of the French capital’s most iconic addresses, the Dorchester Collection hotel becomes even more special during December when it’s transformed into an elegant winter wonderland.
The hotel’s iconic, hidden courtyard La Cour Jardin is magnificently repurposed for the season. At its heart is a private ice rink flanked by well-dressed Christmas trees and pop-up Alpine-style chalets serving indulgent menus of cheese-based dishes and Champagne crafted by chef Jean Imbert.
At La Galerie, which is famous for its afternoon teas, chefs relaunch the menu with a festive twist—diners can enjoy an array of sweet treats including the venue’s famous rich hot chocolate and yule log. For those visiting for Christmas itself, the day becomes an affair to remember with extravagant festive brunches, lunches and dinners served at the hotel’s other restaurants, including the lavish Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée and Art Deco restaurant Le Relais Plaza.
No expense or detail is spared in the hotel’s quest to create a magical setting— from the glinting lights that flow down the historic facade to the adornments that fill the grand lobby, and hallways that guide guests to opulent suites furnished with modern Art Deco furniture and art that wouldn’t look out of place in the Palace of Versailles. Book a Signature Suite with a balcony for some of the city’s best views of the Eiffel Tower, which this year will merge its Christmas display with the Olympic rings that have found a semi-permanent home on the landmark.
The hotel is conveniently located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, home to international fashion brands and art galleries, making it prime gift-shopping territory. It’s also home to a stylish Dior Spa offering signature treatments including LED light therapy at the first-of-its-kind Dior Light Suite.
At Hôtel Plaza Athénée, the fun doesn’t end on Christmas Day—festivities are set to continue into the New Year. Revered Michelin-star restaurant Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée will present an extravagant six-course New Year’s Eve dinner celebration, while the winter wonderland and ice rink will continue welcoming guests into January.
All things considered, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is set to be one of the most in-demand addresses in Paris for the entire festive season, so book while you can.
