The 15 Best Hotels in Paris to Book Right Now - AFAR
"The facade may be classic and the location tony, but once inside Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, you’ll feel an unexpectedly edgy spirit running through this Palace-grade hotel, a designation from the government indicating a service experience exceeding five-star service levels (there are just 31 of them in France). Opened in 1928, the historic spot is now part of the Raffles hotel collection after undergoing a complete renovation in the mid-2000s, overseen by interiors master Phillipe Starck, who filled the spaces with contemporary style, dramatic flair (like oversized lobby sculptures and a stairwell with dozens of chandeliers), and more than 350 pieces of art, many from the hotel’s private collection. Art is a big focus overall: There’s a well-stocked art-library-cum-bookstore (which draws a lot of gift-seeking locals) and an on-site showroom curated by local gallerists (recent shows have spotlighted street artists, from Basquiat to Banksy). There’s also a resident Art Concierge—the first in Paris—who can create tailored itineraries for guests and arrange for special access, studio tours, and VIP experiences, including, with enough notice, an after-hours visit to the Louvre. Notable art and photography also feature prominently in the 85 rooms and 64 suites, accenting Starck-designed furniture, walls of mirrors, marble bathrooms with Clarins products, and quirky touches like acoustic guitars and kids’ amenities from Bonpoint. A mobile recording studio can be set up upon request, making the top suites favorites of musicians (including Celine Dion and Beyoncé), while a downstairs screening room hosts weekly movie nights. Dining options include Japanese fare at Matsuhisa (which also offers sushi-making classes), Michelin-starred Italian at Il Carpaccio, a decadent weekend brunch at La Cuisine (a favorite among Parisians), cigars and spirits at Viñales Lounge, and light bites and nightcaps at Le Bar Long. Work it all off in the longest luxury hotel pool in Paris (it’s just over 75 feet), or book a custom facial or body treatment at the spa, Clarins & myBlend." - Julia Cosgrove, Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin
