The Dorchester Collection properties in Paris have both opened their doors, ready to start a new chapter, with safety and health as the number one priority. Through-out history the buildings that house these iconic hotels have survived world-wars and acted as hospitals, and now they join the fight to protect all guests and staff against COVID 19, while maintaining the same high- level guest experience and opulent atmoshpere as before the pandemic.
Portrait of Francois Delahaye taken by Through The Glass Paris.
A new chapter...
The two Dorchester Collection properties in Paris have opened their doors, ready to start a new chapter, with safety and health as the number one priority. Through-out history the buildings that house these iconic hotels have survived world-wars and acted as hospitals, and now they join the fight to protect all guests and their teams against COVID 19, while maintaining the same high- level guest experience and opulent atmosphere as before the pandemic.
Dorchester Group COO, Francois Delahaye tells us ”We are very proud of this re-opening, switching on the lights Tuesday morning, and seeing the first guest in the lobby, was a great source of motivation to keep going on with this new challenge. Our teams are very motivated and happy to be back.
After months of preparation (and some light restoration) both hotel’s return fully dedicated in activating new measures. Arriving at Plaza Athénée I could see guests enjoying lunch with live music at the Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée restaurant and children (masked) ran around the reception area, there was a happy feeling in the air.
I noticed Madame Bloch, the hotel’s Directrice closely monitoring guest-activity, even sanitising door handles herself. Guests are required to be masked at all times when commuting around the hotel and even though known for having VIP and celebrity guests, there are no exceptions to the rules. I noticed that staff members, who typically take a more passive tone with guests, were quick to act if a guest removed their or forgot to apply their mask.
Weclcome back Hotel Plaza Athénée & Le Meurice!
Hotel Plaza Athénée
In 1911, hotelier Jules Cadillat funded the building of at 25 Avenue Montaigne and construction began, at this time the avenue was surrounded by several elegant mansions and sophisticated cabaret clubs. In 2001, Hotel Plaza Athénée joined the Dorchester Collection family and quickly became known as one of the most luxurious and fashionable hotels in the world, standing proudly on the city’s famous avenue of couture. For decades, this area has inspired artists and has given designers an elegant showcase for their exceptional craftsmanship. Christian Dior and Hotel Plaza Athénée have a long history together this is accented throughout the hotel.
To make a reservation: Plaza Athénée
Le Meurice
Over the years, Le Meurice has often been referred to as ‘Hotel des Rois’ (Hotel of Kings), due to the hotel’s many royal guests. In 1855, HM Queen Victoria stayed at the hotel on her official state visit to Paris, and in 1889, Le Meurice became the first hotel in Paris to have a telephone. The owner Henri-Joseph Scheurich was fascinated by technology and believed this would attract high-profile guests. It certainly did and continued to do so in 1997 when Le Meurice became a member of the Dorchester Collection.
To make a reservation: Le Meurice
