"Paris is always a good idea," said Sabrina brought to life by the late Hollywood actress Audrey Hepbrun in the eponymous classic Sabrina. Yesterday saw what would have been the 85th birthday of the Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn. Known for her elegance as well as her acting, Hepburn remains a timeless style icon. It is no surprise that Paris, one of the world’s most stylish cities and a favourite some of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars, was one of Hepburn’s favourite destinations, with the family-owned Hotel Raphaël her address while in town.
She originally chose the hotel for its proximity to the upcoming designer, Givenchy, whose store was located on Avenue George V, and who designed the resplendent robes she wore in Sabrina. Rumour has it that the actress had her suite at Raphaël specially decorated to pacify her homesickness whilst shooting overseas.
Located two blocks from the Arc de Triomphe and a two-minute walk from the Champs-Elysees, this opulent hotel was built in 1925 and still maintains an allure that has made it a perpetual VIP magnet. The 83-room palace is filled with Renaissance-style artworks and artifacts from the family’s collections, along with old world splendour in the form of Oriental rugs, wood paneling, hand-painted tiles, and trompe l’oeil walls.
The hotel has a private rooftop garden terrace and restaurant with views of the Paris skyline, including the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. You can just imagine not only Audrey Hepburn but other famous guests of the hotel including Marlon Brando, Ava Gardner and Serge Gainsbourg taking in the stunning views of the Paris skyline.
All the rooms, which have been refurbished throughout, strike an elegant balance between modern amenities and authentic architecture. They are adorned with wood paneling, moldings and decorative paint from 1925, pieces of Louis XV- and Louis XVI-style furniture and sophisticated furnishing fabrics and curtains by ‘Rubelli et Lelièvre’. The bathrooms boast bright glass doors and unique, hand-painted tiles. If you really want to indulge, book one of the suites located on the 5th and 6th floor where you can enjoy a magnificent and romantic view on the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, or both!
For a lavish experience, book the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe Suite or on a smaller budget, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views of Arc de Triomphe from the terrace of The Duplex, an outstanding suite and comprises a suite linked to an office area by a magnificent bronze staircase.
Whichever suite you opt for, with its opulent décor, proximity to Parisien landmarks and its Hollywood history, Hotel Raphael is a must-have experience. If it’s good enough for Audrey…
