Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris – A Hotel Of Modern Elegance

Behind a discrete entrance on Avenue Hoche, which spins off the Arc de Triomphe in the fashionable 8th Arrondissement, you'll find the hip and luxurious Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris hotel. Created by one of our favorite designers, Philippe Starck, this modern and innovate Palace hotel is a breath of fresh air compared to the Louis XV feel of many Paris luxury hotels.

Welcome to Le Royal Monceau Raffles Hotel, photo Le Royal Monceau

And we're not the only ones who think so. Le Royal Monceau has been awarded the absolute highest designation a hotel in France can receive — Distinction Palace, a level above 5-stars. It's also received the Travelers' Choice award for both luxury hotels and for all hotels in France. Finally, Le Royal Monceau is rated Superb-Plus ! by us, our highest ranking.

What You Can Expect at Le Royal Monceau

Central Courtyard water feature at Le Royal Monceau, photo by Mark Craft

Creativity and modern elegance. Le Royal Monceau offers more than just bed and board (even luxurious bed and board!) for you'll also find astonishing touches like an gallery, a library, a dedicated smoking lounge, and the exclusive service of the hotel's own Art Concierge. There's a state-of-the-art movie theatre or, if you happen to opt for one of the massive Presidential Suites, a private theatre within your own suite.

Then there's the photography collection, the art bookstore, and the crowning touch — the 16,000 square foot spa by Clarins, which features a 75-foot infinity pool, relaxation & treatment rooms, and dedicated personal fitness coaches. This has to be one of the very top spas in all of France.

A Modern Hotel With An Artistic Sensibility

Mille Lumières: chandeliers above the grand staircase, photo Le Royal Monceau

In 2013, the historic luxury hotel was awarded the official French ministerial Distinction Palace, one step higher than five stars, thereby joining an elite circle of just eight Parisian hotels. This prestigious award isn't just about having bigger rooms, it's about the hotel's design, comfort, service, and its contribution to capturing the French art de vivre.

There's a strong focus on art and culture at Le Royal Monceau Raffles. When Starck redesigned the hotel, his vision was of a place where artists would feel welcome, eschewing the tra-la-la bling of many luxury hotels. In one inspired design detail, he gathered all the existing crystal chandeliers and, instead of auctioning them off, artfully installed them all in one spot above a grand staircase.

The rooms are an eclectic collection of works by different designers. Rather than furnishing them with his own countless creations, Starck chose such things as Murano glass lamps, 1970s Milanese designs, and stone-topped oval tables.

Lavish Rooms, Presidential Suites & Apartments

This could be your room at Le Royal Monceau, photo Le Royal Monceau

There are 149 bedrooms and suites, including three Presidential suites, the size of apartments. Each one of these features three bedrooms, a home cinema, a dining room, a kitchen, and direct access to the in-house florist. As you would expect, even the standard rooms are spacious and airy and include both a bath and a shower, living room with executive desk, handcrafted furniture from Philippe Starck, unique art pieces, and an acoustic guitar. Really, doesn't every hotel room absolutely need a guitar? We think so.

Kids? The Royal Monceau loves 'em and has created a program just for children. Le Petit Royal (as it is called) may well be the best kid's program in Paris. There are creative art classes led by artists and tied into current exhibitions in Paris. Then there are the fun weekend cooking workshops in the hotel's restaurants. Our fave, though is the option that allows girls for follow in the footsteps of a prima ballerina for a day!

A Culinary Exploration of The Dining Options

Matsuhisa Paris at Le Royal Monceau, photo by Mark Craft

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris is justly famous for its culinary offerings — Matsuhisa Paris for Japanese gastronomy, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Il Carpaccio, and La Cuisine for delicious breakfasts and Sunday brunches. All of this culinary action takes place around a stunning central water feature found in the hotel's courtyard.

Matsuhisa Paris

A contemporary vision of Japanese cuisine by legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, featuring many of Nobu's signature dishes.

Il Carpaccio

Michelin-starred Italian restaurant opening onto a charming glass conservatory flooded with natural light. Read our review.

Le Bar Long

An elegant and vibrant space offering a modern take on classic Parisian brasserie dishes, gourmet breakfast, delicious cocktails, and tapas.

Timeless Elegance

The 75-foot infinity pool at the Clarins Spa, photo Le Royal Monceau

Founded in 1928 by hoteliers Pierre Bremond and André Junot, Le Royal Monceau reflected the spirit of 1930s; it was where writers, artists and intellectuals gathered to dine and engage in conversation. Notable guests include Josephine Baker, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lou Reed, Walt Disney, and King Farouk of Egypt. (Not all of those at the same time!)

In 2008 the hotel closed for a massive renovation with Philippe Starck at the helm. It reopened two years later to great and lasting acclaim, attracting a new generation of distinguished guests. Today, the pristine, cutting-edge decoration belies the fact that the work is more than 15 years old.

Luxurious Perks

The red velvet, completely ventilated Smoking Lounge at Le Royal Monceau, photo by Mark Craft

The Art District

A gallery yclept The Art District is the heart of artistic and cultural life at the hotel. The gallery showcases premier exhibitions four times a year, from retrospectives to exclusive commissions for Le Royal Monceau to unveiling new and unseen collections.

A Luxurious Cinematic Escape

Don't miss Katara, the hotel's 99-seat movie theater complete with comfy leather seats designed by Philippe Starck and state-of-the-art projection equipment. You can book the theater for private functions or join the Royal Film Club and attend their monthly screenings. Bring on le popcorn!

A Sophisticated Oasis of Wellness

The Clarins & myBlend Spa is a place of peace and relaxation. The 1,500-square-meter space offers facial and body treatments, seven treatment rooms, a hammam, and sauna, as well as dedicated fitness coaches and a sensational indoor pool. There are four fitness rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, a Thai boxing studio, and rooms dedicated to Pilates and yoga.

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Hotel Paris

• Our Rating — Superb-Plus !
• 37 Avenue Hoche
• 8th Arrondissement
• Hotel Website…