KATARA Hospitality, the leading hotel owner, developer and, operator in Qatar, announced that its Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris property has been granted the highest hotel ranking in France being awarded the ‘Palace Distinction’ by Atout France, the French Agency for Tourism Development. The ranking is one step higher than five stars, thus positioning the recently redesigned hotel in the league of elite hotels in the French capital alongside just six others.
Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, chief executive officer of Katara Hospitality, said: “The Palace Distinction endorses the hospitality legacy created by this hotel through decades of glorious history, unparalleled service standard provided by an enthusiastic team and a glamorous list of guests who lived its spirit over the years.”
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris reopened in 2010 after a complete transformation under the direction of the designer Philippe Starck.
Omer Acar, general manager of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, said: “The ‘Palace Distinction’ is not just about having bigger rooms, more facilities or a higher standard of service – all of which we have. We call this ‘emotional luxury’ and I believe it is this quality that people now look for in a contemporary luxury hotel.”
The Palace Commission jury highlighted the location of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, just a short stroll from the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. The jury also praised executive chef Laurent André at ‘La Cuisine’ and ‘Il Carpaccio’ – both of which were awarded one Michelin star earlier this year. The judges were also particularly impressed by the hotel’s large number of suites, including some of the most expansive presidential suites in Paris, each one measuring in at an impressive 350 sq m.