This Review of Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris is from my recent stay at the hotel while doing Paris hotel site inspections. While I tend to more frequently reserve The Peninsula Paris and Four Seasons Paris for guests, Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris is a good option if you want something a bit quirkier and boutique-like, or are seeking a confirmed upgrade at time of booking, since it's one of a few Virtuoso hotels that does offer a guaranteed one category upgrade (if the category above your room is available at time of booking).
TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Complimentary buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests served in La Cuisine Restaurant
- One 85 EUR Food & Beverage credit once per stay (valid at any of the hotel's F&B outlets or from room service; not combinable; not valid toward room rate; no cash value if not redeemed)
- Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers for all bookings in our Lifestyle Suite and above
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Le Royal Monceau Raffles-Paris Location and Check-In
Le Royal Monceau Raffles-Paris is located at 37 Avenue Hoche near the Arc de Triomphe, although north of the Champs-Elysees, as opposed to The Peninsula Paris and Four Seasons Paris, which are south of the Champs-Elysees. The closest metro is Charles de Gaulle Etoile (RER A and metro lines 1, 2, 6) which makes it straightforward to get to from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, at least if you're traveling lightly. Just take the RER B to Chatelet-les-Halles, transfer to the RER A, and go 2 stops to Charles de Gaulle Etoile, then walk about 7 minutes to the hotel.
I arrived in the morning, so my Junior Suite wasn't ready yet, but the front desk (located to your right after entering) was friendly and helpfully stored my luggage.
There isn't really lobby seating to speak of, since the seating is really part of the La Cuisine restaurant, but a modern style Christmas tree was set up:
Here's the hallway that led to my Junior Suite:
Le Royal Monceau Raffles-Paris Junior Suite
The hotel offers 23 Junior Suites, which range in size from 592-689 square feet and can accommodate 3 guests. My Junior Suite was at one end of the 6th floor, and interesting in its rather long shape.
Furniture is by Philippe Starck, including this asymmetrical desk:
Lampshades have writing (perhaps some even from prior guests?) on them:
I'm perhaps not the biggest fan of Philippe Starck or of having mirrors everywhere, but I did appreciate the enormous bed, which seemed to be even larger than King size.
The living area featured not only the requisite sofa, but even an acoustic guitar–too bad that's not an instrument I play.
Although the toilet chamber and a small sink was in a separate room right off the entrance way, the main part of the bathroom, with dual his and hers sinks, a soaking tub and a rain shower were by the bed, on the other end of the Junior Suite. I didn't care for the design of the sinks, which seemed more form over function, but the shower water pressure was good. If only there was an actual towel rack somewhere–there was really no orderly way of hanging up used towels.
I also appreciate the welcome amenity of fresh fruit and little cakes, even though there was no wine or chocolate, as at The Peninsula Paris.
Here's a brief video of the Junior Suite:
I had been hoping to make some hot water for tea, but unfortunately there wasn't a tea kettle anywhere in the room. I called, and after some delay, a hot water kettle was brought up:
The other thing that was amiss was a rag by the curtain, presumably forgotten by Housekeeping:
Swimming Pool
Swimmers are in luck–Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris is one of a few Paris hotels with a swimming pool. I didn't have time for a swim, but the area was immaculate when I stopped by in the morning, and no one was there.
The pool is accessed via the Spa, which the morning of my visit had some lovely fresh fruit, snacks, and fresh squeezed juices available. I especially enjoyed the berry juice.
The Verdict
I liked but didn't love Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris. The staff was friendly and professional, the Junior Suite spacious, the welcome amenities delicious, and the pool looked inviting. Plus, there are apparently Pierre Herme pastries available for afternoon tea. What's not to like?
Part of it is simply personal preference: I get that many people like Philippe Starck and the quirky design elements of the hotel, but I prefer a different aesthetic more akin to The Peninsula's simple, elegant lines, without scrawl on the lampshades or the awkwardness of an asymmetrical desk. I also will choose function over form every time: I want towel racks, sinks that are curved and drain well, and a hot water tea kettle that's already in the room. Then too I want a bit more attention to detail, meaning no rags left over from housekeeping, unlike the way one was left in my Junior Suite.
If you've stayed recently at Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris, what was your experience?
Recommended Posts
Accor Acquires Fairmont for Its Luxury Hotels
Disclosure: I reserved my stay with my Fairmont Famous Agents points, however the views expressed in this post are my own.
Need Award Booking Help? Our fee is as low as $75 per ticket if you book your hotel through us.
If you enjoyed this, join 200,000+ readers: please follow TravelSort on Twitter or like us on Facebook to be alerted to new posts.
Become a TravelSort Client and Book Your Paris Luxury Hotel with Virtuoso or Preferred Partner Benefits!