A junior suite at Le Royal Monceau. Photo / Supplied
A junior suite at Le Royal Monceau. Photo / Supplied
From the giant bed to the giant macaron, Courtney Whitaker enjoys the Royal Monceau treatment.
It's pink, pillowy, perfect. Ripe strawberries are drowning in Chantilly cream and sandwiched between two meringues adorned with rose petals. It's a giant macaron and it's waiting for me. In my suite. At Le Royal Monceau, Paris.
It is Paris Fashion Week and anybody who is somebody is descending on the City of Lights to celebrate all things beautiful. Not that Paris needs any excuse to celebrate beauty.
The large windows of my junior suite offer a scintillating aspect on to Avenue Hoche, a vein that runs all the way down to its main artery, Place Charles de Gaulle: where the Arc de Triomphe stands in that famously treacherous intersection.
The leaves on the trees lining the boulevard below the hotel are turning gold. Autumn is imminent, but you wouldn't guess it — the sun is still shining and bistro terraces are still bursting with locals enjoying long lunches and a spot of people-watching. The city is humming in anticipation of the week ahead, and I couldn't be in a better spot to enjoy it.
A favourite haunt of celebrities, Le Royal Monceau counts the Beckhams and Jennifer Lopez among its guests. Pamela Anderson is also a frequent visitor, as is Celine Dion. So what's the fuss?
In 1928, Le Royal Monceau's 265 rooms opened to the public, and it soon became a stomping ground for artists and intellectuals such as Ernest Hemingway.
Architect Louis Duhayon had carefully designed the sumptuous space, complete with gaming rooms, bars and gardens that would appeal to the main players on the artistic and political scenes.
After World War II, Le Royal Monceau went on to entertain guests such as General Eisenhower and Walt Disney. Ho Chi Minh made the hotel his base for seven weeks and in later years Madonna, Robert DeNiro and Michael Jackson would all check in.
Royal Monceau, Paris. Photo / Courtney Whitaker
Raffles took over Le Royal Monceau in 2008 and the end of 2010 saw the reopening of the hotel, under the expert eye of renowned designer Philippe Starck.
Starck wasted no time in putting his stamp on the building, creating rooms brimming with art, style and fun. Corridors are decked out in stripy — almost hypnotic — wallpaper, while every room and suite boasts unique artworks, Murano blown glass, handcrafted furniture and beautiful fashion and art volumes. There is a bookstore near the hotel's reception, La Librarie des Arts, and even an "art concierge" for art-loving guests.
My suite is the embodiment of French chic and is jawdroppingly eccentric and wonderful all in the same breath. A massive bed with the softest, puffiest white linen is offset by pale pink walls, a beautiful tan leather couch, a desk and a selection of wall art, lamps and mirrored panels.
The walk-in wardrobe has his 'n' hers bathrobes, mirrored shelving, and enough room to store at least 10 pairs of Louboutins.
And my favourite space? The bathroom, which is, of course, lavish, with floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls, a walk-in shower with three showerheads and a deep soaking tub; I can't help but wonder whether Starck would consider remodelling my bathroom at home. The
beautiful bath products are from Clarins Paris, a nod to the hotel's Spa My Blend by Clarins, which boasts a hair salon and a 23m heated indoor pool.
The hotel also has an impressive three restaurants, one of which, Il Carpaccio, has a Michelin star.
In 2013 Le Royal Monceau was awarded "Palace Distinction", a grade higher than five stars, and awarded only to hotels that "have exceptional qualities that embody French standards of excellence".
Currently, there are only 11 hotels in Paris that share this status.
The Champs-Elysees is a hop, skip and a jump for a little retail therapy, although I would happily stay cocooned in the comfort of Le Royal Monceau. Did I mention there is a cinema?
Checking out is such sweet sorrow, but I'll be back — if only to devour a giant macaron again.
But don't worry health nerds — there are dedicated fitness coaches to ensure you don't burst out of your Fashion Week ensembles.
Perhaps next time I'll make it to the gym.
Celine Dion leaves the hotel Royal Monceau in Paris. Photo / Getty Images
Checklist
GETTING THERE Emirates connects to Paris, via their hub in Dubai. Economy return starts from $2039.
The airline's 23rd safety video stars basketball player Steven Adams, comedian Tom Sainsbury, sports broadcaster Andrew Mulligan and several other iconic Kiwis.
