Hotel Plaza Athenee

Located amid the cafés and boutiques of trendy Avenue Montaigne, this eight-story hotel has been a Paris landmark ever since it opened in 1911. Deep-red awnings and window flowerpots adorn its classic stone exterior, while burnished woods, crystal chandeliers, and gold-trimmed fixtures add an air of extravagant opulence to its lobby and public spaces. A chic lounge, bistro-style café, and Michelin 3-star restaurant under the guidance of Alain Ducasse make it a popular choice for the most discriminating travelers.

The hotel features 188 guestrooms and suites with courtyard, garden, or street views. Most are decorated with Regency and Louis XVI antiques and reproductions; those on the top two floors have been remodeled with a more modern, Art Deco decor. All provide interactive TVs, mini-stereos, and high-speed Internet access (surcharge). In-room massages and “pillow menus” with multiple options only enhance the indulgent surroundings.