Hotels to Stay in Before You Die

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris

It seems as if good hotels were invented just for the sake of Paris. The French capital lays claim to some of the most glamorous palace hotels in the world — the George V, the Ritz, and the Crillon,
among others —with an easy élan that few other cities can
emulate. But often these Old World properties can veer toward the
fusty, which is why the Plaza Athénée finds its way onto
this must-stay list. Renovations a few years back reinvented the
stalwart as the freshest property in the city, while still preserving
its terrific sense of place and style. Trust us: You never forget that
you are in Paris. We love the hip glass bar designed by Patrick Jouin,
the unofficial office for fashion week insiders; the over-the-top Alain
Ducasse outpost, with its gorgeous "exploded" crystal chandeliers; and
the secret garden of La Cour Jardin, which is perfect for a quiet drink
or tea on sunny spring days. Add in the great location on the Avenue
Montaigne, close to some of the city's best shopping and the Champs
Elysées, and the large rooms divided into classic and Deco decor
(all come with sumptuous marble bathrooms). If possible, book a suite
with a view of the Eiffel Tower — these include 868 (which also
has a view from the bathroom), 878, and 888. Even the most jaded
travelers are made a little giddy by that backdrop when they open the
drapes in the morning.