Hotel Raphael has embodied the tradition of true French hospitality since it opened in 1925. In fact, it’s still run by the family that built it — passed down through several generations, the Raphael remains one of the rare, privately-owned French luxury hotels in Paris.
Located just a few steps from the majestic Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the discreet boutique hotel has long attracted visiting royalty, statesmen and stars, including Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando. (It also served as the setting for latest Wes Anderson short film Hotel Chevalier.)
Located just a few steps from the majestic Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the discreet boutique hotel has long attracted visiting royalty, statesmen and stars, including Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando. (It also served as the setting for latest Wes Anderson short film Hotel Chevalier.)
Our Inspector's Highlights
- When you step off the avenue Kleber and into the luxury hotel, you just might feel as if you’ve traveled back in time with Art Deco and Belle Epoque splendor throughout.
- The lobby opens to an impressive wood-paneled gallery lined with the owner’s private collection of oil paintings, Chinese vase lamps, fine upholstered sofas and large Persian rugs on black-and-white marble-tiled floors.
- There are several signature suites, including the all-white Arc de Triomphe Suite, popular with honeymooners. It has a vast marble bathroom with tub and shower, and private meals can be served on the large balcony overlooking — what else? — the Arc de Triomphe.
- All suites are fitted with luxurious fabrics by Rubelli and Lelièvre, lush floral arrangements and VIP welcome packs that can be customized for children.
- Beyond the beautiful décor is a Paris hotel that meets the modern traveler’s needs, with several elegant meeting rooms, private salons and a fitness center with steam room and sauna.
Things to Know
- The original wrought-iron elevator with wood-paneled walls and its own bench adds to the historic character of the property.
- The building is completely soundproof so you don’t hear any of that infamous Parisian traffic.
- The fifth floor can be privatized for the State Suite, with three bedrooms, a lounge and four bathrooms, including one with steam room.
The Rooms
- There are 83 rooms, of which 53 are suites, each decorated in quintessential Parisian fashion with authentic antique furnishings including Louis XV- and Louis XVI-style furnishings.
- Each one has a distinct design, some with pale walls and decorative moldings, others with period wallpaper or painted panels from 1925.
- All are comfortably carpeted, with walk-in closets, a separate seating area and built-in mahogany cabinets housing a minibar, safe and television.
- Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TV with on-demand films, 24-hour room service, climate control and turndown services.
The Restaurants
- The Raphael Restaurant serves gourmet French cuisine at lunch and dinner either in the formal dining room, the English Bar or on the stunning rooftop garden terrace in season, considered one of the most romantic restaurant settings in all of Paris.
- Discreetly located at the end of the lobby gallery is the intimate lounge Le 17 with its deep blue walls and gilded molding.
- The sumptuous English Bar, a British-style cocktail bar with deep velour sofas, is where French bad boy rock star Serge Gainsbourg used to hold court in the 1970s.
Getting There
