VIBE

Don’t be misled by the signature “black-tie” cocktails at this swanky hotspot in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée: this is no stuffy pearls-and-heels society scene hangout. There’s a funky ice sculpture-esque glass bar, wild ways to get your drink on (jelly shots, alco-popsicles, or “sushi coladas” anyone?), and even (gasp!) a DJ booth. The trendy concept involves two distinct “looks”: from 6:00pm-11:00pm, it’s a blue-lit “cocktail experience,” where well-connected jetsetters perch on high New York-style bar stools and hobnob over cool drinks; on weekends, from 11:00pm onwards, the space is literally re-colored red for an electro-rock party where young-and-fun types splurge on crazy-expensive bottle service and get their groove on.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Trendy smart; we’d wear the coolest designer duds in our suitcases, like a funky McQueen cocktail dress and eye-catching shoes.

GO HERE WITH

A date; clients or colleagues - for “blue” drinks; friends - for “red” shenanigans

CROWD

A high-profile, international crowd of fashion insiders, media types, and the society set.

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a breath of fresh air after the usual antique-laden (we’re talking furniture and crowd) hotel bars in Paris. We especially dig the creative cocktails–they make a great conversation starter as we mingle with the interesting 20- to 30-something crowd. Note that in addition to its own cocktails, the bar carries drinks from the signature Dorchester Collection menu (we had the same Prickly Pear Margarita at the Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel as we did here–oh so global). The split identity concept wins kudos, too, since it gives us two experiences in one venue–perfect if we can’t be bothered to move on later in the evening but still want to get our dance on.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The “Black Collection” cocktails, like the “Black Mojito,” are a little creepy. We prefer to be able to see what’s in our drink.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re here during Fashion Week, good luck getting in–the model set makes this its de facto clubhouse. Besides its red hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the bar also runs “red” theme nights once a month, and, for a “happy few,” it also organizes invitation-only “red” events at hotspots around the globe. And just another sign that the Le Bar du Plaza Athénée is moving with the times, trendy style, it’s on Facebook.

CLOSEST COMPS

Hotel Costes (Paris)

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