Maison Athenee

The Scene

Set in the Opera district, there is no better place for this remarkable hotel to call home. It's mere minutes from the Opera Garnier and the remarkable Place Vendome. Nearby Galeries Lafayette, a legendary department store, and other famous galeries and passages (shopping arcades covered by glass roofs) provide a quintessentially Parisian shopping experience.

The Concept

In Maison Athenee, Jacques Garcia brings the opulence of an Italian opera house into today with modern finesse. Upon entering, the opulent design simultaneously wows but also invites you to slow down. Each space feels just as grand as an opera--in fact, all rooms are inspired by specific operas--without losing a distinct sense of luxurious intimacy that's difficult to truly find. The Athenee's Red Bar mixes up signature cocktails and old favorites to enjoy in cozy nooks and sitting areas. Slip away to the smoking lounge, Garcia's homage to times since past where you can savor top-quality Cuban cigars as well as rare spirits. Among cigar aficionado groups, Maison Athenee's smoking lounge is known as a refined meeting place; the atmosphere created with low light, dark wood, and rich red fabrics mixing with the aroma of cigars long since burned creates an intimate getaway.

The Look

If the rooms seem theatrical, it's because they are--Garcia made the bed center stage in each of the 20 rooms using dramatic window treatments and tapestries. Greco-roman touches are apparent throughout the hotel, paying homage to the empires of yore while enveloping you in quiet sophistication. An inviting black and white or a seductive red palette sets the scene but the ambience is always refined and exquisite. All wood pieces in the rooms were designed by Garcia's workshop, adding a warm bespoke touch that seamlessly fits in with the overall design. Hermes bath products are featured in the elegant bathrooms that have either a soak tub or rainfall shower. For a romantic touch, two rooms feature shaded terraces that staff are more than happy to grant access to upon request.

In Short

Garcia's designs create an opulent haven with a touch of romance for discerning guests in pursuit of refined luxury. In a city full of palatial architecture and grandeur, Maison Athenee is "the greatest small palace".