Interview with the Art Concierge of Le Royal Monceau Raffles, Paris

  • March 15, 2011
Interview with the Art Concierge of Le Royal Monceau Raffles, Paris
Why should travelers visit your destination and your hotel right now? What is new and exciting?

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris opened its doors last October after a two year refurbishment where art and culture are predominant. There are different services that have been created especially for residents and visitors, like Le Cinéma des Lumières a 100-seat private screening room, La Librairie des Arts - the bookstore of the hotel, and an exhibition gallery called Art District. Le Royal Monceau also has a photograph collection displayed in the guest rooms and special art works can be seen in the public areas of the hotel. There's always something happening at the hotel!

What unique experiences and special access can you provide to your guests outside the hotel to make their visit most memorable?

My role is to be the link between the art and cultural world and the guests of the hotel. My team and I are working on special packages for guests and our objective is to provide a very unique and exclusive service. For example, I can organize a private visit of an exhibition that is taking place in Le Centre Georges Pompidou. At the time being there is a fantastic exhibition of Francois Morellet "Reinstallation" that will last until July 4th.

What are the most worthwhile artistic sights and activities at your destination?

Right now in Paris, one can discover Francois Morellet's work in 3 different locations: at Le Louvre, Le Centre Georges Pompidou and at the Kamel Mennour's gallery.

What are the top restaurants?

La cuisine, the French restaurant of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris of course! The concierges of the hotel are able to provide you with some terrific names of restaurants in Paris, depending on your desires.

Have new technologies affected how guests can interact with you?

I am really fortunate because the service of Art Concierge is totally new and therefore the guests of the hotel are very interested in meeting the person in charge of this service. I am totally aware that new technologies belong in today's world and habits this is the reason why we have decided to create a blog, called: www.artforbreakfast.com where everyone can see the art and cultural activities of the hotel, some recommendations from the Art Concierge and also some interviews from artists specially done for the Royal Monceau's blog.

What are some idiosyncrasies about your destination that visitors should know? Do you have any Do's and Don'ts for travelers?

I am a fan of street art. So I recommend to travelers who come to Paris to go and have a look at the street art spots of the City of Lights. There is one that I particularly like in the 11th district of Paris, which is called "Le mur". Every two weeks a new poster, 4 meters by 8 meters, is done by an artist. This is at the corner of the rue Saint Maur and rue Oberkampf.

What are some of the best art requests you have fulfilled?

Guiding guests through the Basquiat exhibition that took place at the Modern Art Museum of Paris and Orozco in the Centre Georges Pompidou.

What are some in-room surprises you can provide?

As we collaborate very closely with galleries, we can propose to our clients a private viewing of certain pieces in their guest room or suite!

Hotel Profile: Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris

Photo of: Domoina de Brantes by Cyril Bedel/LaSociétéAnonyme.