Well, I did it. Plaza Athenee in April, how fabulous. I have never stayed at a truly luxurious hotel and this time I just want to splurge. I will post my experience when I return.

My sister and b-i-l stayed at the Athenee last year, and loved it. Big, big bucks, so enjoy the experience. Some say it's the best hotel in Paris right now. I'd like to know what you're paying, and are you using a real limo in from CDG? Is the hotel giving you Mercedes service while you're there? Give us some details now, if you will. Thanks, ciao, L

Room rate is just over $400.00. I got upgraded to a Deluxe Room complimentary ( I guess I will find out when I get there what the difference is). Arriving into Paris I will be met by a friend of mine and I am getting a ride to the hotel. As far as use of the hotels car, well I really did not inquire because my friend and I will be spending some time together. She has a car so I really do not have to worry about transportation. Anyway I am looking forward to my stay in their establishment. I can tell you that they have been wonderful to deal with over the phone. Hope this helps.

Can you give us a phonetic pronunciation of Athenee?

It is pronounced 'A-tha-nay'

With each syllable given equal emphasis, that is to say, none with emphasis. Bien entendu, n'est-ce pas? C'est un bon hotel!. Ciao, L

It isn't pronounced that way. There is no "th" sound in French as in English, plus there is an accent aigu over both the first and second "e"s, which makes them have a long a sound, similar to the a in the English word "take". The "th" is pronounced like a single t, not as in the English word "thanks".

Thank you. I was unsure how to pronounce it because I didn't think the French pronounced a th sound -- I thought it would just be pronounced t, i.e., ah-ten-ay. Is this an exception because it's a foreign name (I've always assumed it had something to do with Athens, Greece), or is my general principle not true?

Actually, none of you has provided the complete name of this hotel. For the record it is Plaza Athenee $$$$. That is the spelling in the guidebooks. Evidently the final symbols are important. And, yes, a "t" sound for the "th" ... and is everyone clear on the "a" sound? Ciao, Leone

I believe it's pronouced.....<BR><BR>A-tee-nay (where the a sounds like the same "A" in the word "at".

Eliza..please post when you get back in April, I'm dying to find out what the Plaza Athenee is like. I just stayed at the NYC location and it's just beautiful. I'm sure the Paris location is too. <BR><BR>I will be going to Paris in October and currently have reservations at the Four Seasons. (It's a do-over trip that had to be cancelled due to 9/11 but it's now going to be for my 41st birthday! :^) ) I guess 41 is going to be the "biggie" for me! Anyway I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts. If you post back saying that this hotel is amazing I just might change my reservation since I already had a great experience in NY. I read a post here recently that someone felt awkward in the George V when they weren't really dressed up in public areas. That has me concerned because as much as I love nice places I guess I love the luxury without the attitude. <BR><BR>Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!