Appearances in Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada put this ultra-luxe hotel on the radar of the world’s mainstream.

But, its connection to the world of fashion, and haute living run much deeper than that. Christian Dior named his collections after the hotel and launched his first fashion show within its opulent interiors. Marlene Dietrich and French actor Jean Gabin lived out their much-publicized Romance here, and Le Relais Plaza was the venue of choice for American troops after some R&R during the war. Nowadays, the Hôtel Plaza Athenée is still the hotel of choice for the city’s fashionistas and local elite. You can spot them dining at the excellent Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant, or sauntering past in the Dior Institut Spa ( the first of its kind in a hotel.) A prime location on Avenue Montaigne puts many of the cities leading fashion boutiques within walking distance ( yes, that includes the Christian Dior flagship) and touches like a harpist providing mood music in the halls, and those signature red awnings, give it a unique feel. For some of the best views over Paris a hotel room can provide, the Plaza’s Signature Eiffel Suite is second to none.