At Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, art, indulgence, and avant-garde luxury converge
It begins with a sensation, not a sight. The pulse of Paris hums beyond Avenue Hoche as I step out of the car, and the revolving doors of Le Royal Monceau Raffles glide open like the first page of an extravagant novel. The lobby—a curated canvas of art, light, and luxury—enfolds me in a welcome that is as much an embrace as it is an arrival. The grandeur of the 1930s Art Deco façade gives way to Philippe Starck’s playful yet opulent vision inside. Here, reflections dance in mirrored corridors, art leans casually against walls rather than hanging, and design is not just an aesthetic but an experience.
The accommodation
My Junior Suite is a masterclass in artistic rebellion and refinement. Plush rugs soften my steps, while contemporary furniture handcrafted to Starck’s exacting vision fills the space with curated eccentricity. A hidden television emerges from behind a mirror, seamlessly integrated yet never distracting from the suite’s charm. Custom-made linens drape over the king-sized bed, and on a side table, an acoustic guitar—a signature touch in every suite—invites me to create my own rhythm within this perfectly orchestrated escape. The selection of books curated by the hotel’s famed Art Concierge adds an intellectual flourish, while the refrigerated private bar, stocked with French delicacies, whispers indulgence at every turn.
The bathroom is a glamorous retreat unto itself. A free-standing bathtub gleams under soft lighting, while Clarins products line the counter like an apothecary of Parisian elegance. The walk-in shower feels more like an installation than a utility—every element deliberately designed, every detail a statement. Some suites even feature the Japanese Toto toilet, an unexpected yet delightful surprise in this temple of refinement.
What sets the Junior Suite apart is how effortlessly it blends comfort with avant-garde luxury. The space is designed to make every moment feel intentional, from the soft glow of mood lighting to the carefully placed artwork that speaks of Paris’s artistic soul. The room is not just a place to rest; it is an experience in itself, an immersive retreat where every detail has been orchestrated to create a lasting impression.
A culinary affair
Dining at Matsuhisa Paris is less of a meal and more of a meticulously orchestrated culinary performance. The energy is palpable—soft conversations, the glint of polished glassware, and the occasional laughter of a table enraptured by Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature blend of Japanese precision and South American verve.
The yellowtail sashimi arrives first, shimmering like liquid gold beneath delicate slices of jalapeño and kissed with yuzu sauce—a perfect harmony of heat, acidity, and umami. Next, the rock shrimp tempura is placed before me, each morsel encased in a crisp golden shell, coated in a spicy sauce that tingles without overpowering. But it is the black cod saikyo yaki that lingers long after the last bite—its miso glaze caramelized to perfection, the buttery flesh melting in a way that only Nobu can master. A crisp glass of sake completes the experience, accentuating the depth and subtlety of each dish.
The restaurant’s ambiance elevates the experience further. Dimly lit, with a sultry glow reflecting off sleek black surfaces, Matsuhisa Paris embodies the fusion of contemporary chic and timeless sophistication. The service is impeccable, with staff effortlessly guiding guests through a menu that blends Japanese tradition with a daring modern twist.
Beyond Matsuhisa, the hotel’s culinary offerings extend to Il Carpaccio, the Michelin-starred Italian haven where fine dining meets heartfelt authenticity. Here, the truffle-laced pasta and slow-braised
meats transport guests to the heart of Italy, while the exquisite pastry selection—crafted by Pierre Hermé—ensures that every meal ends on a note of pure indulgence.
The Spa
In a city synonymous with luxury, the My Blend by Clarins Spa at Le Royal Monceau is a sanctuary of sublime tranquility. Stepping into this mirrored wonderland feels like stepping into a dream—surreal, weightless, and untouched by time. The 23-meter pool glows beneath a soft-lit ceiling, its turquoise expanse inviting me to shed the weight of the world with each lap.
My hour-long treatment begins with a skin analysis, a personal approach that is as clinical as it is indulgent. My therapist selects a blend of Clarins’ finest serums, tailored to refresh, sculpt, and restore. The massage is an intricate dance of firm pressure and featherlight strokes, designed to rejuvenate not just the face but the spirit. As a silk cloth is draped over my eyes, the world narrows to nothing but touch, breath, and sensation. When I finally emerge, my skin glows as if lit from within—a quiet testimony to the power of this palace of wellness.
Beyond traditional treatments, the spa offers immersive wellness experiences, from guided meditation sessions to customized detox programs. The state-of-the-art gym, equipped with the latest fitness technology, ensures that even the most disciplined routines remain uninterrupted. Complimentary juices and herbal teas are thoughtfully placed throughout the spa, reinforcing the ethos of holistic well-being.
Fusing art and wonder
Beyond the grandeur, beyond the indulgence, Le Royal Monceau is a dialogue between art and luxury. The hotel’s dedicated art concierge ensures that every guest is immersed in creativity, offering access to the latest Parisian exhibitions and hidden cultural gems. The concept store, a labyrinth of curated treasures, tempts with rare finds and bespoke pieces that elevate souvenirs into collector’s items.
The hotel’s art program extends to its own gallery, where rotating exhibitions feature contemporary masterpieces and exclusive collaborations. Guests are encouraged to explore, engage, and even take part in bespoke art workshops, ensuring that their stay is infused with cultural depth.
My last evening is spent in the hotel’s private cinema, where champagne flows freely, and Pierre Hermé popcorn adds a decadent touch to the silver screen. It is here that I realize Le Royal Monceau isn’t just a hotel—it’s an ecosystem of indulgence, where every moment is crafted with precision, every detail designed to delight.
Final thoughts
As I step out onto Avenue Hoche, Paris pulses around me once more, the city’s energy folding back into its timeless rhythm. But something has shifted. Le Royal Monceau Raffles has imprinted itself upon me—not just as a place, but as a feeling. A memory draped in art, indulgence, and a touch of whimsy, waiting to be relived with each return.
The hotel does not merely offer luxury but rather reshapes it. It takes the familiar elements of a high-end stay—exceptional service, stunning accommodations, and world-class dining—and injects them with an artistic soul that lingers long after departure. It takes the essence of an opulent stay and elevates it into something deeply personal, where every space tells a story and every moment lingers long after departure. Here, artistry is not an accessory but a foundation, seamlessly woven into the fabric of hospitality. Paris may be a city of light, but within these walls, it glows with a different kind of brilliance—one that is felt, lived, and impossible to forget.