A Grand Auction as the Hotel Plaza Athénée Expands

A spa by Dior. A Michelin three-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse. A “palace hotel” distinction, placing it among the 12 best hotels in France. As if the Hotel Plaza Athénée didn’t have enough going for it, the luxury hotel will be closing in October for an expansion project. A century-old landmark on avenue Montaigne in Paris, the Plaza Athénée is a favorite of international jetsetters, and was the glam setting for the season finale of Sex and The City. Over the past few years, the hotel has purchased three buildings adjacent to the hotel, which will be integrated to create six new guest rooms, eight suites, a ballroom and two event spaces. Even the restaurants and bars will get a makeover. The Dorchester Collection’s Plaza Athénée will show off its new look when it reopens in May 2014.

For those looking to own a piece of the palace, a grand auction sale will be held at Artcurial in the Hôtel Marcel Dassault in Paris on October 8. Items up for grabs include Louis XVI style armchairs, tableware from Alain Ducasse, custom décor (like the Art Deco furniture from the brasserie), and original artwork, including Jean-Michel Folon’s spoon and fork sculpture. Inquiring minds want to know: Which bidder will score the signature bar counter designed by Patrick Jouin?