Nuria Candel will be our delightful tour guide as we travel next to Dorchester Collection’s gorgeous Paris hotels: Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. It will be ‘Nuria in Paris’ this week, darlings, and you know she will make the “City of Light” truly come alive with her take on the fabulous cuisine, couture, and culture of this beloved city.
“Paris is always a good idea!” Think of all of the romantic comedies, international thrillers and historical dramas that have been centered around this enduring city! Do YOU love Paris in the Springtime (or every moment of the year)? Fashionable ladies and gents, bring your most creative couture, dress for romance and adventure, and do tell us why “Paris is always a good idea” for YOU!
As usual, Kelly McAlister will be rewarding the planner who goes ’all-in’ on the theme with a fashionable pair of Maui Jims, and Nuria has a special gift for our “First Five” this week.
So bring your flair and your “joie de vivre,” your best Paris tales, and be prepared to engage and have fun! As we like to remind you “come for the learning but stay for the laughs!”
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The charismatic Nuria Candel will be our tour guide this Wednesday, whisking us across the ocean to her two stunning Parisian Dorchester Collection properties.
She’s been with Dorchester Collection for five years. Nuria lives in Atlanta, GA, and is a certified scuba diver, plus one heckuva virtual tour guide.
“Coming into Hôtel Plaza Athénée is rather like entering a beautiful home”
The 1,900 red geraniums adorning the hotel façade were inspired by a love story, creating a fairytale setting for romantic moments. A passionate declaration, like the hotel itself.
Sleep peacefully in beautiful rooms, surrounded by Parisian splendor and their famous art of hospitality.
This is Paris. This is the avenue. This is Dior, Dietrich and diamonds. This is where icons and trends are born and love stories have played out since 1913.
On the famous avenue of couture, where a century of designers and artists have pursued boldness and passion, a legendary hotel awaits your arrival. Here, life is to be seized, enjoyed and celebrated.
This gorgeous drink is the signature cocktail of Le Meurice’s Bar 228, created by the legendary Barman William Oliveri.
Pour the Cointreau and crème de rose into a Champagne flute.
Top off with the Champagne and garnish with orange zest.
The original palace hotel in the heart of historic Paris, Le Meurice with its splendid newly-restored rooms and suites is the very epitome of quiet elegance and is alive with the artist’s soul of wit and magic.
The city waits to be seen. Choose to gaze at the leafy splendour of the Tuileries Garden, the finest monuments of Paris, the lively beauty of traditional streets or typical Parisian courtyards where the tranquil rituals of daily life play out. Enjoy this view of the city, directly from the camera located on this rooftop.
Le Meurice has often been referred to as ‘Hotel des Rois’ (Hotel of Kings), due to its many royal guests. In 1855, HM Queen Victoria stayed here on her official state visit to Paris and in her honor they renovated the entire first floor. How do you like this palatial “salle de Bains”?
Located just steps away from the world-famous Louvre, Le Meurice has always had a great passion for art in its own right. Take a look at some of its many art treasures.
As soon as you enter Le Meurice, the eagle-eyed amongst you will spot the frosted mirror (pictured here). Dali’s playful spirit and his love of cold mineral water was the inspiration for this interactive piece. The mirror has a unique refrigeration system that enables the hotel to create a freshly-frozen canvas each day, on which guests are invited to leave their mark.
Feeling more frumpy than fab? Then get inspired by these things before our call:
An Insider’s Guide to Paris Chic - also known as ‘I’m rocking these $600 sneakers as I sip my latte.’ We’re not too keen on the ‘Don’t wash too much’ section, but hey, whatever works.
Guess the top dogs in Paris - also known as ‘I’m rocking this doggie beret as I sip my Perrier.’
It makes good scents. We’re fascinated by the history of perfume (especially in France), where Louis XIV’s court became known as ‘la cour parfumée’ (the perfumed court) due to the scents which were applied daily not only to the skin but also to clothing, fans and furniture. (Also two quarts of violet cologne were delivered to Napoleon each week. No judgment here.)
Did you hear about the French cheese factory that caught on fire?
All that was left was da brie.
In case things in the U.S. get completely upside down, you could always escape to your chateau in the French countryside.
If movies are your thing, here’s a list of movies that were filmed in part at these two iconic hotels:
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Le Meurice Paris
And finally, we’ve probably been saying these French words incorrectly. Well, polly view Fronsay to you, too.
Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim will be with us on the calls each week as judge and jury to see which planner really goes all-in with the theme. So engage, be creative, and have fun... and you may be the winner!
She’ll be doing some gifting that will surely lift your shelter-in-place spirits!
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Whitney Bradley: (864) 420-5986
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