In 1852, the Emperor Napoléon III commissioned Georges Haussmann to transform Paris, a quiet medieval city, into a modern and bustling capital which would enjoy world-wide recognition. During this period, many unique hotels were built which have today become symbols of traditional French style. In 1911, at 25 Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée opened at the same time as the nearby Theatre des Champs Elysées: the hotel soon became the gathering place for the most prominent composers and performers of the day. By 1936, the hotel had achieved international fame. The Galerie des Gobelins and the restaurant, its salons and apartments hosted many great personalities of this period including Joséphine Baker, Rudolph Valentino and Maurice Chevalier. When Christian Dior opened on Avenue Montaigne in close proximity to the Plaza Athénée, a new era began. Avenue Montaigne quickly turned into the avenue of ‘haute couture’, and the Plaza Athénée became Paris’ focus for fashion and the arts. In the past, the Plaza Athénée has hosted such famous guests as Grace Kelly, Gary Cooper, Jackie Kennedy and the Ford family. The Plaza Athénée has now become a landmark. Since the beginning of year 2000, the complete refurbishment of the Plaza Athénée has combined its traditional classical style with the most modern technology, further enhancing its already legendary reputation as one of the great hotels of the world. Recently renovated and scented with the unique fragrance of amber, the hotel's 146 spacious rooms and 45 suites are a showcase of French taste at its very best. Refinement and comfort • Décor: Louis XVI and Regency style (6 floors) and Art Deco style (2 floors) • Connecting rooms and suites • Smoking or non-smoking floors and rooms • Air conditioning adjustable by remote control • Mini-bar with the possibility of 80 different references • Daily newspaper • Housekeeping service twice a day (including the night set up) • Courtesy of room-service round the clock High technology and a large choice of services • Flat screen television in all rooms and plasma screens in all suites • Broadcast System: offering 120 TV channels in 18 different languages, 200 films on request, a music library of 5000 titles, 20 international radio channels and several video games • DVD player • High speed Internet access • Telephone with 2 lines, including one direct-line with mailbox • Large safe • Fax in all the suites More well-being • A special pillow-menu with a choice of: wheat, de-stressing, beautifying, horse hair, osteopathic or synthetic pillows • Hypo-allergenic linens • In the bathrooms: marble floors and surfaces throughout, separate bath and shower, two sinks, bathrobes and slippers embroidered with the Plaza Athénée logo • Berluti Service: bespoke grooming for the well-being of your shoes, including a Berluti kit