Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris on Crafting a Living Canvas of Luxury and Creativity

There are a few addresses in the world where luxury feels as expressive and emotionally resonant as it does at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. Conceived by Philippe Starck as a “mental space” that feels alive even in silence, this iconic Parisian Palace continues to redefine what it means to experience art, intimacy, and imagination. In this exclusive conversation with Robb Report India, the Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris reflects on how the property continues to evolve as a living canvas where culture and comfort exist in perfect harmony.

RR: Philippe Starck described Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris’s redesign as creating a “mental space” that feels alive and welcoming even when empty. How do you continue to nurture that invisible sense of presence through the hotel’s art, light, and design details today?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: We treat Starck’s “mental space” as a living ecosystem rather than a static design. Light moves gently across mirrored surfaces, soft lamps create warmth, and no detail is ever overly polished. A guitar resting beside a stack of art books, a slightly tilted lamp, or a rug left slightly off-centre are all gestures of life. These subtle imperfections make the space feel authentic, lived-in, and deeply personal, as though one were stepping into the home of an artist rather than a traditional hotel.

RR: Your Art Concierge offers guests bespoke cultural itineraries, from private gallery tours to insider art fair access. How has this role evolved over the years, and what does it reveal about how travellers now experience luxury and culture?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: When we launched the Art Concierge, it was the first role of its kind in the world of hospitality. Initially, the goal was access. Today, it is about belonging. Guests now seek connection, meaning, and understanding. They want to know why an artist’s work resonates, how a studio visit reflects the pulse of Paris, and where to collect with intention. Our itineraries blend galleries, ateliers, fairs, and collectors’ homes with unexpected moments such as private curator conversations or pre-opening previews. This evolution reflects how luxury has shifted from exclusivity to authenticity, from transactional privilege to experiences rich in emotion and substance.

RR: How do you decide which artists or works belong within Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, and how do you balance experimentation with maintaining timeless Parisian elegance?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: Philippe Starck’s original selection of over 300 artworks remains untouched, a collection that feels endlessly alive. Each stay reveals something new, from a hidden object to a forgotten story in plain sight. To keep the artistic dialogue evolving, we collaborate with curators during events such as Art Paris, Paris Photo, Art Basel, and Maison & Objet, while also offering emerging artists a platform within our walls. Our process is guided by three pillars: the relationship we build, the authenticity of the artist’s DNA, and the aesthetic harmony with the hotel’s design. When these align, our Parisian identity shines effortlessly, balancing heritage and contemporary creativity.

RR: Philippe Starck designed the rooms to feel like lived-in artist apartments. How does this intimate aesthetic influence the guest experience, and are you exploring new ways to evolve it with modern technology or local creative voices?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: Each room feels like a creative retreat, filled with objects that invite curiosity — books to open, guitars to play, and artwork that stirs conversation. The Ray Charles Suite remains a beloved example, still housing the musician’s piano. This intimacy makes guests feel at home, as if they were artists in residence. Technology has been woven in with discretion, from mirror-integrated televisions to ambient lighting scenes, ensuring comfort without compromising the warmth of the experience. Our goal is to keep human texture at the heart of luxury, evolving with innovation yet preserving the soul that defines Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris.

RR: Through Sunday Art Brunches, Painting in the Parc, and creative workshops for children, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris brings art to every generation. How do you ensure these experiences resonate with both young creators and seasoned collectors?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: Each experience serves a distinct purpose. The Sunday Art Brunch allows parents to savour a lavish meal while their children engage in creative workshops inspired by exhibitions around Paris. It turns family time into a shared, enriching ritual. Painting in the Parc invites families to rediscover the poetic calm of Avenue Hoche and Parc Monceau through open-air art sessions led by Beaux-Arts professors, paired with gourmet picnic baskets from our chefs. We also curate intimate Jazz Soirées in the Ray Charles Suite, offering live music and rooftop views that feel both nostalgic and personal. These experiences are designed to keep the dialogue between art, family, and culture beautifully alive.

RR: With its in-house gallery, private cinema, and library of art, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris feels like a living museum. How do you see the relationship between art and hospitality evolving in the next decade?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris: We believe hospitality will soon merge even more deeply with art in immersive and participatory ways. Guests might soon stay within installations designed by artists or take part in digital art residencies and virtual collections. The rise of AI, NFTs, and augmented reality will expand how art is created and experienced, but our focus will always remain on purpose and emotion. Art connects communities, inspires dialogue, and fosters well-being. For us, the future lies not only in beauty but in meaning, creating spaces that engage, educate, and inspire guests on a profoundly human level.

At Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, art is not an accessory to luxury but its very essence. Every corridor, every reflection, and every encounter is part of a living composition where emotion, design, and imagination converge. It is a place where Parisian sophistication meets creative spirit, where every guest becomes part of a story still being written.