Le Royal Monceau — Raffles Paris

Character and identity

Behind a dramatic entrance on a quiet limestone avenue in the 8th, Le Royal Monceau is Philippe Starck's 2010 reimagining of a 1928 palace hotel, and it remains one of the most creatively designed addresses in Paris. The 149 rooms and suites mix Murano chandeliers, mid-century leather, illustrated Philippe Hurel desks and acoustic guitars propped in corners, while disco-ball bathrooms in mirror and steel push the wit further. Dining runs deep with Matsuhisa Paris (Nobu's only French outpost) and Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio, plus Le Bar Long. A 23-metre pool anchors the 1,500 sqm Clarins & myBlend spa, and a 99-seat cinema, art bookshop and gallery round out the picture. Service is discreet, attentive, deliberately unobtrusive.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for here is Starck's design wit and an unusually strong food, art and wellness package under one roof, not a classical Parisian fantasy. Book it if you want creative energy, a proper pool and Nobu downstairs; pick an Artist Room at minimum, and upgrade for the apartment-scale suites. Don't skip the La Cuisine breakfast.