Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, located on Avenue Hoche, moments from the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, closed in 2008 for an entire transformation conducted by the famous French designer Philippe Starck. The hotel reopened its doors in October 2010 as a new generation palace where art and culture are predominant. Since the reopening of Le Royal Monceau, art has become a cornerstone of the hotel’s identity. This is particularly true in the public areas, where special commissions are on permanent exhibition. The hotel has also established an in-house collection of photographs that are exhibited in the rooms and suites. The 149 rooms and suites are designed to feel like staying at a dear friend’s home – an intimate space to which you have been given the keys. Phillipe Starck was inspired by the French adventurer, award-winning author and statesman Andre Malraux who liked to gather objects around him that inspired or moved him. Unique features of the rooms include: an acoustic guitar, pieces of art, books dedicated to art, floor to ceiling mirrored bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes in the style of haute-couture dressing rooms and photography from the hotel’s collection. Dining at Le Royal Monceau eschews traditional codes of haute-couture restaurants and offers a more friendly and spontaneous approach – overseen by Executive Chef Laurent André: La Cuisine –seasonal and contemporary French cuisine; Le Grand Salon at the heart of the hotel is a place to enjoy all day dining; Il Carpaccio serves Italian cuisine inspired from all the regions in Italy; Le Bar Long is a chic and casual meeting places for drinks and renowned pâtissier, Pierre Hermé (the Picasso of pâtisserie) creates exclusive, unique treats and desserts.