Happy ending or new episode in the Royal Monceau soap opera? Bought by businessman Alexandre Allard, 37 avenue Hoche will finally be managed by the Singaporean chain Raffles. Under the leadership of Philippe Starck, the hotel will be completely redesigned to attract a more upmarket, younger clientele likely to be attracted by the idea of a "charming palace", with swimming pool, spa and large garden.
At the new Royal Monceau, space will be at a premium. With a reduced number of rooms - 152 compared with 236 today - it will offer "the largest suites in the capital" and aims to become "a major Parisian meeting place" with 2,500 m2 of public space. Finally, the first Raffles in Paris will be innovative when it comes to the environment, with the establishment aiming to have "the lowest CO2 footprint in Paris", notably by using low-energy lighting in the rooms, solar panels to heat the swimming pool and a hybrid limousine service.
Work is due to start on 17 January, with reopening planned for September 2008.
