In the heart of Paris, the Hôtel Raphaël stands as a bulwark against the standardization of globalized luxury. This palace, run with a velvet glove by Françoise Baverez, a septuagenarian with a strict elegance, embodies a certain form of resistance in the face of the onslaught of foreign conglomerates in the capital.
The proud heiress to three prestigious Parisian hotels—the Raphaël, the Régina, and the Villa Majestic & Spa—Françoise Baverez fiercely defends her heritage. For ten years, she has relentlessly rejected purchase offers, regardless of their origin, with a categorical refusal: "If it's to buy, it's no!"
In a constantly changing Parisian hotel landscape, where five-star luxury hotels change hands and adopt international standards, the Hôtel Raphaël remains a symbol of French tradition and refinement. Just a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe, it stands out as a bastion of French luxury, bearing witness to an era when hospitality was a matter of passion and personal commitment.
The Raphaël Hotel makes an impression on visitors as soon as they enter the palace: there is no traditional reception desk. Guests are immediately greeted by a team of concierges, a personalized approach that sets the establishment apart. Lionel Laurens, head concierge with nearly thirty years of service, describes the hotel as a place where time has stood still. Almost nothing has changed since it opened, except for the necessary addition of air conditioning, computers, and satellite television. The French polish, marouflaged canvases, and curtain fabrics have been faithfully restored, and the carpets laid on underlays have been preserved. The Raphaël is perhaps the only Parisian palace to have kept its antique furniture and trinkets intact, a consistency appreciated by a loyal clientele who love woodwork and master paintings.
Running into Gainsbourg at the English bar, Audrey Hepburn on the rooftop
Over the years, the Hôtel Raphaël has welcomed a constellation of Hollywood stars, becoming the palace of the stars. Robert De Niro was a regular guest, as was Audrey Hepburn, who particularly enjoyed the terrace for its views over the rooftops of Paris. The hotel's guest book bears the names of legendary figures such as Walt Disney, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Errol Flynn, Burt Lancaster, Cary Grant, and Steve McQueen, testifying to its importance in the history of cinema.
Serge Gainsbourg, another iconic figure, left his mark on the hotel. A regular guest in the same apartment overlooking the Eiffel Tower, he left indelible memories, both at the English bar and among the staff. Suite 404-405, occupied by Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman, then by their daughter Isabella Rossellini with David Lynch, is another page in the history of the Raphael.
Between modernity and tradition
The Baverez family, who have run these hotels for generations, embody a rare form of family-run, independent management in the luxury hotel sector. Françoise Baverez has passed the torch to her daughter, Véronique Valcke, who continues the tradition of excellence with a modern twist. Particular praise goes to the rooftop, one of the best in the City of Light, whose renovation has been a great success.
The Hôtel Raphaël is more than just a hotel; it is a Parisian institution, a witness to history, and a symbol of resistance in the face of the globalization of luxury. In a world where authenticity is becoming rare, the Hôtel Raphaël preserves the spirit of French luxury, making its resistance a mark of distinction.