A day in the life of an editor at Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris

What do Gigi Hadid and I have in common? Apart from a mutual love for Erewhon smoothies and Bradley 
Cooper, we both seem to agree on our Parisian base during fashion weeks. I know this because I walked past her as she was exiting the iconic 20th-century façade of Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris. It’s no surprise, really. The Royal Monceau is one of the most stylish addresses in the city, especially during  Fashion Week, when the line outside is made up of paparazzi and fashion school students, waiting patiently to photograph whoever steps out next. It could be a model off-duty or a creative director straight off the runway. Either way, you know you’re in the right place when the street outside your hotel feels like an extension of the front row.

The hotel, originally opened in 1928, has been reimagined with art, fashion, and contemporary elegance 
in mind. Designed by Philippe Starck, its 149 rooms and suites open into a visual playground of mirrors, 
curated objects, and thoughtful lighting. The atmosphere feels quietly extravagant—never flashy, always effortless. I landed in Paris on Day 3 of the shows. With a few days of fashion madness still ahead of me, I found myself stepping into a lobby already buzzing with energy. There were vintage jackets draped over the backs of velvet chairs, designer sweaters casually thrown over luggage trolleys, and photographers whispering about someone who’d just left through the side door. The elevators were a rotating cast of influencers, stylists, and creative directors, all rushing to their next appointment. Being at the Royal Monceau isn’t just about staying in luxury, it’s about being at the centre of it all. 

LA NOURRITURE

After my flight from Mumbai, the only thing I was thinking about when I landed in the morning was finding the perfect croissant. Jet lag could wait. Emails could wait longer. In Paris, breakfast comes first. Fortunately, the hotel serves one of the flakiest, most buttery croissants I’ve ever tasted. Paired with a strong espresso and a perfect matcha latte, it was the kind of quiet indulgence that resets your body clock 
and signals that you’ve arrived. Raffles Paris also houses three exceptional restaurants: Matsuhisa Paris, where chef Nobu Matsuhisa offers a sublime fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours; Il Carpaccio, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chefs Oliver Piras and Alessandra Del Favero, serving refined North and South Italian-inspired cuisine; and Le Bar Long blends French brasserie chic with a lively atmosphere and artistic cocktails by night. 

LE SÉJOUR

The rooms are everything you’d expect from a hotel that caters to the global fashion set. Clean lines, plush 
textures, oversized mirrors, and art books stacked just so. There’s an inviting calm to the space, despite the chaos outside. The attention to detail is meticulous but unfussy. Even unpacking feels like part of the experience. What stands out most, however, is that on one end of the hotel, you have the iconic Arc de Triomphe and on the other the sprawling Parc Monceau, complete with greens and a garden carousel. 

LE SPA
Raffles Spa & Wellness is a paradise spread across 1,500 sqm. It offers treatments using products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, 111Skin, and Nooance. There’s also a Technogym-equipped fitness centre, a Japanese Watsu pool, a traditional hammam, and even a cold plunge room for those who want a full-body wake-up call. An afternoon spent here makes you feel like you have been reassembled, piece by piece.

LES EXPÉRIENCES

No stay in Paris is complete without paying homage to its food culture, and Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris takes this seriously. The hotel hosts a sushi-making masterclass, where guests are taught the fine art of rolling and slicing by award-winning chef Emanuele Bombardier, as well as a unique experience with chefs Alessandra Del Favero and Oliver Piras cooking for the guests. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who simply loves the romance of a whisk and apron, these sessions are equal parts education and indulgence, and a deep dive into flavour, finesse, and the joy of making something delicious from scratch.

Lead image: The bar at Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris

Photo Credit: Vincent Leroux; Images: Courtesy the brand

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