“Luxury, for me, is having time.” – Exclusive Interview with François Delahaye |
Chief Operating Officer of Dorchester Collection & General Manager of Hôtel Plaza Athénée |
Dorchester Collection & Hôtel Plaza Athénée Insights
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Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
The quote attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC) comes to mind as I begin this exclusive interview with François Delahaye.
We arrived at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée on an early summer afternoon in Paris, France, and were personally greeted by him. Yes, the “big boss” who runs the iconic hôtel-palace famous for its red geraniums and façade overlooking the Eiffel Tower finds time in his busy schedule to give interviews.
Time, Time, Time
And that’s not all: he talks with celebrities, lunches with princes, dines with presidents, has coffee with government representatives, gives input on new menus choices, reviews seasonal activations, attends events across the globe, and makes strategic decisions for Dorchester Collection hotels and the Plaza Athénée itself.
“To work in the luxury hospitality segment, you need passion. I believe you must be passionate and, at the same time, be attentive,” he explains as we choose from the seasonal lunch menu at La Cour Jardin, the restaurant that operates only during the warmer months in the hotel’s inner courtyard.
Nearly 20 Years
Just about to celebrate 20 years in 2026 as Chief Operating Officer of Dorchester Collection, Delahaye knows the “Plaza” like no one else. He has been the hotel’s General Manager since 1999, overseeing countless renovations and changes while keeping an eye on the future. We spoke with him several times before and after the pandemic and the Olympics, and asked how the hotel is doing today.
How is Plaza Athénée Today?
“I can say we’re better than ever. Occupancy is high, loyal guests return, and new ones arrive. Change is inevitable and part of daily life in hospitality. Guests are increasingly demanding. But I believe that, beyond the high-standard services we offer, our greatest difference is caring for people. All people. This means we take great care of our employees, and they take great care of our guests.”
Care and attention are truly practiced here. “Another highlight is our Dior Spa,” he says enthusiastically. This space is an oasis of beauty and tranquility in the heart of the "Triangle d’Or", the Parisian area between Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and Avenue des Champs-Élysées and it has also attracted locals seeking well-being. Open to non-guests, the Dior Spa goes beyond the traditional concept of beauty associated with the iconic brand.
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Gastronomy and wellness
In addition to treatment rooms, there’s a space to relax, disconnect from the outside world, or simply prepare for a memorable food and wine experience at the hotel’s bars and restaurants: Jean Imbert no Plaza Athénée (Michelin-starred), Le Relais Plaza , La Galerie, Le Bar, La Terrace Montaigne e La Cour Jardin, the last two operating only during certain months of the year.
The Challenge of finding, recognizing, and retaining talent
We’ve stayed here and returned countless times for interviews, lunches, dinners, and events. On every occasion, service remains impeccable. “Plaza knows how to find, recognize, and retain talent,” Delahaye says with pride. At the next table, maître d’hôtel Juliette Fayaud flambés lobsters from Brittany as we choose from dozens of drink options.
Retirement Plans?
When discussing the challenges of managing an icon, we ask if he’s considering retirement. Delahaye smiles while taking an urgent call. He hangs up and says: “Not in my plans. There’s still so much to do.” Opened in 1913, the centennial hotel keeps one foot in history and the other in the future. With a sparkle in his eyes, the director tells us about recent renovations.
Investments: balancing modernity, sustainability, and tradition
“Investments of over €80 million (about half a billion Brazilian reais) brought fresh air and more modernity to the accommodations,” he says. Modernization included sustainable practices such as energy-saving systems, use of recyclable materials, improved thermal insulation, and automation. “We must adapt to today’s world and think about the future.”
Celebrities and global personalities
Celebrities and world leaders continue to frequent the hotel. In Taylor Swift’s recently released 12th album The Life of a Showgirl, the singer mentions the hotel in a song paying tribute to actress Elizabeth Taylor: "That view of Portofino was on my mind when you called me at the Plaza Athénée."
Who is Plaza’s top market today?
Delahaye answers without hesitation: “The United States remains our number one market,” he says, adding, “followed by the United Kingdom, Latin America, including of course Brazil and Mexico, and Middle Eastern countries.”
When choosing Plaza Athénée among so many luxury options in Paris, these guests seek something unique. Yes, there’s something different here beyond history, architecture, art, impeccable service, accommodations, location, gastronomy, attentive staff, product quality, and décor. There’s a magic in this place that transcends the simple concept of luxury.
New Luxury
And speaking of luxury, we ended the interview by asking Delahaye: what does “new luxury” mean to him?
“Luxury today is a very individual concept. It remains linked to rarity and exclusivity, but what is luxury for some is not luxury for others. This individualization is the foundation for personalizing our service,” he says as he prepares for his next appointment. Then, categorically, he adds:
“Luxury, for me, is having time.”
Thank you, Monsieur Delahaye, for the time invested in welcoming us and sharing an exclusive conversation over a memorable summer lunch in Paris.
Journalists visited Hôtel Plaza Athénée at the invitation of Dorchester Collection, represented in Brazil by Sahão Marketing & Consulting.
They traveled with Air France, Allianz Travel insurance, and Airalo international eSIM.
Report and editing: Paulo Panayotis / Adriana Reis
Photo credits: © OQVPM
September 2025