Hôtel Plaza Athénée to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée, on Paris’ boutique-lined Avenue Montaigne near the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, has planned special observances throughout 2013 to mark its 100th anniversary. Come spring, 100 trees purchased by the hotel will be planted on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

The hotel’s opening in April 1913 was reported by the Paris newspaper Excelsior:  “...the magnificent hotel is known to be a microcosm of everything that most pleases our elite visitors — an incomparable location, apartments decorated in a tastefully delicate style and the most modern amenities.” There will be cake in the courtyard on April 20, and throughout the year, the hotel’s restaurants each will feature a dish created for the occasion.

Guests in the newly styled Alain Ducasse can order a hot truffle and guinea fowl pâté. Le Relais Plaza will have calf’s head with spicy tomato sauce and macaire potatoes. For breakfast, there will be poached eggs cardinal. And in La Galerie des Gobelins, guests will be able to savor a Melba with seasonal fruit.

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée offers 146 rooms and 45 suites, decorated in Louis XVI, Regency and art deco styles, set amid renowned fashion designer shops. Deluxe Room, from $1,100; Junior Suite, from $1,350.