SOURCE: Raffles Hotels & Resorts Dramatic Transformation for Raffles Paris Creates a New Artistic Destination for Global Travellers SINGAPORE–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) –  Raffles Paris – Le Royal Monceau ( www.raffles.com/paris ) has opened its doors following a two year transformation by renowned French designer Philippe Starck.  Located in close proximity to the couture boutiques and luxury specialty stores of Champs Elysees and the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the hotel welcomed historic luminaries such as Walt Disney, Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway. With luxurious new interiors, an artistic and exuberant mood, Raffles Paris is set to once again be the favoured meeting point for artists, intellectuals and a new generation of travellers.  Art takes centrestage at Raffles Paris – Le Royal Monceau and guests can look forward to exhibitions, a contemporary bookstore with television screens beaming live feeds from auctions and an Art Concierge, a first among hotels in Paris.  Throughout the hotel, original works of art specially commissioned for Raffles Paris – Le Royal Monceau are displayed to enrich the ambience. The ceiling of contemporary French restaurant La Cuisine features an evocation of a Parisian garden “Jardin de Paris” by French artist Stephané Calais, while an oversized sculpture of a teapot by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos holds court in the garden.