Chatting with Justine Le Clec’h & All Things Paris

It’s nearly impossible for me to do Paris justice with words. The city is a place that must be seen—and experienced. With United States passport holders remaining off the EU Travel List (and the joyful state of US politics), the allure of Paris has grown even stronger. As we’ve largely been confined to our own borders, I’ve been thinking about my friends in other countries. One amazing thing about the travel industry is how many people you meet. I’ve had the fortune of making friends all over the world- and their stories are almost always more interesting than my own.

I met Justine Le Clec’h nearly three years ago on an industry trip to London. Justine is the Deputy Director of Sales for the Plaza Athenee & Le Meurice hotels in Paris, members of the prestigious Dorchester Collection of hotels. Plaza Athenee & Le Meurice are unabashedly the most exceptional and glamourous stays in Paris.

I recently caught up with Justine about how Paris is handling COVID, what differentiates her two hotels, and her thoughts on Emily in Paris (partially filmed at the Plaza Athenee)! Check out our chat below, along with some stunning photos of both hotels.

RAGAN: Tell me a little bit about your background, and how you came to join Dorchester Collection.

JUSTINE: After I finished business school, I wanted to work in hospitality. I worked in other palace hotels in Paris, and also as an Event Manager in Paris. I worked with the Director of Sales at Le Meurice who really gave me a chance and encouraged me. It has been an exciting challenge.

RAGAN: Two hotels in one city. What’s the best way to differentiate them?

JUSTINE: It’s very easy to differentiate the two hotels. Le Meurice was the first palace hotel in Paris. It has an 18th century style, mixed with modern touches, as its been through many renovations. Le Meurice is especially great for families, with many connecting room options. The location of Le Meurice is very central, and very easy for first time visitors. Plus, there are wonderful 180-degree views of all of Paris.

The Versailles Suite at Le Meurice, fit for a princess.

JUSTINE: Plaza Athenee is on Avenue Montaigne. It is very glamourous and romantic- known as the “Red Palace.” It is best for shopping addicts, glamorous clients, and honeymooners. Plaza Athenee is home to the only Dior Institute Spa in Europe. It is very special.

The iconic red awnings at Plaza Athenee.

JUSTINE: So you see the vibes and DNA of both hotels are very different. Le Meurice is a very historic Paris experience and Plaza Athenee is a see and be seen experience. But both hotels have fantastic gastronomy.

RAGAN: Tell me your favorite parts of both hotels.

JUSTINE: In the Le Meurice, it is the Belle Etoile suite, the top suite in the hotel. It’s a very secret suite, with privacy. We’ve just done a tremendous renovation and the suite is unique like a Parisian apartment. It has a huge terrace with 360-degree views of Paris. I love being in the Belle Etoile because every time you visit it, you never see the same view. I truly never tired of being in this suite and looking on Paris.

The Belle Etoile suite at Le Meurice, with its vast rooftop terrace, is the pinnacle of privacy & luxury in Paris.

JUSTINE: In Plaza Athenee it’s the inner courtyard. It’s called La Cour Jardin. The garden is like heaven. It’s in the middle of Paris but you don’t hear a thing. In the winter there is ice skating and in the summer is our restaurant. It’s always a great moment inside the courtyard- and so charming. Plaza Athenee has amazing views of the Eiffel Tower but the courtyard is so special.

La Cour Jardin at Plaza Athenee- also known as one of the most “Instagrammable” spots in Paris!

RAGAN: Paris is a city filled with palace hotels. How does Dorchester Collection set itself apart?

JUSTINE: I think there are many amazing options in Paris- but it is personal here. Both of our hotels have an amazing locations and beautiful products, but it is really about the personality of our staff. Our staff has been here 10, 20, 30 years and they are the ones that give the final touch for all of our clients. Everyone is happy to be in Paris, but Dorchester personalization makes the experience even better. We have a Guest Experience team that is solely here to prepare for the stay of our guests. They contact each guest and get to know their occasion, preferences and needs. We do this for every guest and every room type. It’s the DNA of our hotels.

JUSTINE: A great example of this- we had a family coming to Le Meurice and unforuntely the guests did not provide much information about their stay to our team. But when they arrived, we found out that they traveled for the birthday of their daughters and that the daughters selected Le Meurice because of our pastry chef. Le Meurice has world-renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet. Once we found this out, each day Chef Grolet made a special cake for their room- just for them. After their stay with us, they went on to EuroDisney, and we had a cake waiting in their room.

Le Meurice Executive Pastry Chef, Cedric Grolet.

RAGAN: Darren Star created both Sex & the City and Emily in Paris. Both shows have episodes filmed at Plaza Athenee. Coincidence or not?

JUSTINE: Darren Star loves the Plaza Athenee. He has said that he can never imagine filming without Plaza Athenee. He always makes sure that some part of his show takes place at the hotel. It’s funny to see it. He always shows off some part of the property. The collaboration is very natural and easy going for us.

Sarah Jessica Parker, filming at Plaza Athenee for Sex & The City.

RAGAN: Can you tell us any behind-the-scenes details?

JUSTINE: When they film, it is crazy around, but we have such nice memories. In the episode, the actors are wearing our actual uniforms and even our signature pin. In the episode where she goes with Camille to her family’s house, they call it Chateau de Lalisee. Darren named it Lalisse because that’s the name of our Entertainment Director. He doesn’t have to do stuff like that, but he always appreciates us.

RAGAN: What do you think about the show?

JUSTINE: It gives a beautiful picture of Paris. 😊

Filming for Emily in Paris takes place inside one of the suites at Plaza Athenee. Plaza Athenee’s lobby & sophisticated cocktail bar is also spotted in the series.

RAGAN: Speaking of giving a beautiful picture- how is Paris?

JUSTINE: The hotels are very quiet. Europeans were traveling, but the new curfews are prohibiting travel. The new restrictions in place have made it hard for us. Everyone is coping with the virus, but people have vastly different feelings. People are not more nervous about the economy.

RAGAN: So, what are you looking forward to coming up?

JUSTINE: You know, we are very lucky at Dorchester. Because our company was able to maintain our budget,  and we even continued renovating through the lockdown. At Le Meurice, we continued the refurbishment of our rooms and suites, and at Plaza Athenee we’ve renovated the 7th floor. We’re continuing to listen to our clients, we’ve even done some hidden renovations like changing the air conditioning systems. We haven’t announced much of this, we want to wait and share the news once the borders are open.

RAGAN: Okay let’s hear some local secrets- what are your favorite spots?

JUSTINE: If I tell everything it won’t stay local! What I like about Paris is how dynamic it is- there are always new restaurants, new shops- it’s hard to have a favorite because you are always discovering new places. I really like the restaurant Chez Loulou next to Le Meurice. It is a traditional brasserie but I like the view of the Louvre. It’s elegant but not stuffy, and the view from the terrace is wonderful.

RAGAN: Where is one place you would take a first-time visitor?

JUSTINE: It feels cliché but I think the best way to visit Paris is by a cruise on the Seine River at night. I love Paris by night and it is the best way to see everything. I know it’s cliché but I love it. I am always amazed by the beauty of the city. For people who have traveled all over the world and for first-timers, the beauty of the city talks to everyone.

…and as I began this post saying that words could not do Paris justice- Justine found a way. I guess it’s true that Parisians are better with their words!

So what’s your pick? The glamorous Plaza Athenee, or the classic Le Meurice? I have a feeling you can’t go wrong…

Justine & me at Plaza Athenee in 2019- no one rivals their views of the Eiffel Tower!

Though the borders to Europe remain largely closed to US citizens, Plaza Athenee and Le Meurice welcome your bookings for 2021 with flexible cancellation. All clients of Ragan Stone Travel receive priority list for upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast (you are going to want to take advantage of this, believe me) & a hotel credit.